What's Going On Wednesday: May 25, 2016

May is quickly slipping away, and we are excited for what summertime brings with it. We've had a successful spring season at the ACA with many fun events, promotions, meetings and new faces in the office, but it's time to light up the grill and take in the Alabama heat for an exciting few months ahead.

Before we get into June, though, we've got to wrap up May! These past couple of weeks have been a great time for your state staff to play catch up and do a little housekeeping after several busy months. This week is no exception, but we're still here promoting beef, recruiting members and keeping our eye on the state cattle industry. Keep reading to find out what's going on around the ACA this week.

Membership

The membership number of the day is 10,758 members of the ACA, but we've got a deal that non-renews just can't pass up. Renew now through June 1 and be sure to include your email address in the contact information. We will host a drawing for our newest renewal memberships on June 8th for a $500 beef certificate. Yes, if you renew for only $50 today, you could get $500 back! That's a deal! 

If you aren't sure if you've renewed or not, you'll know soon. Membership Coordinator Sara Goen is working on getting statements out to those who have not yet renewed.

Don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment and Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new member's name will go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

Make Way for Madison

It comes as no surprise to us that the 10th annual AJCA Round-Up is in great hands with summer intern and Round-Up organizer Madison Tew. After only a week in the office, she's really hit the ground running and making way to a great Round-Up. 

AJCA Directors meet in the ACA
Board Room about the upcoming
10th annual Round-Up.

This week alone, she's already met with State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier and Garrett Coliseum staff to discuss registration and identification rules as well as the layout and venue expectations for this year's show. If that's not enough, she also met with a few of the AJCA Directors Tuesday afternoon to review Round-Up rules, discuss ideas for awards and got some information from them to use on social media throughout this summer. Madison will put the final touches on the rules and start ordering awards today. 

The theme of this year's Round-Up is "It's A Winning Tradition" in honor of the show's tenth anniversary year. Join us July 21-24 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery to support the future of Alabama's livestock industry. If you're interested in getting involved, sponsoring the event or have any questions, contact Madison Tew by email or by calling (334) 265-1867. 

More information on the show will be available June 1 at BamaBeef.org. 

Beef for Father's Day

Today, the Alabama CattleWomen's Association leadership team will be joining the ACA staff at the Capitol for a "Beef for Father's Day" Proclamation signing. Gov. Robert Bentley will sign off that beef is the official meat of this upcoming Father's Day and will be presented with a platter of ribeye steaks. 

Memorial Day Ahead

Before we start celebrating Father's Day, though, we've got an important holiday coming up this weekend! The ACA office will be closed Monday, May 30 in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday. We would like to extend our thoughts and gratitude to all who mourn the loss of a loved one on foreign soil protecting American's rights.  

On the lighter side of the upcoming weekend, it's a great time for beef producers because Memorial Day weekend is the [unofficial] kickoff to summertime grilling and is the hamburger grilling holiday of the year. What will you have on the grill this weekend?
If you need some help with recipes, we've got one here you've got to try! Spicy Cheeseburger Sliders (We suggest closing them in on a delicous King's Hawaiian Roll! That's our secret to make this recipe over-the-top delicious!) 

Bama's Best Beef Final Four Announced

The two finalists for the Bama's Best Beef spring promotion have been announced! Congratulations to West End Grill of Hunstville and Deano's Grill of Jacksonville! These two are now battling it out in a Facebook photo LIKE challenge for the title of Bama's Best Beef, and right now, West End Grill's "Tot Roast" is taking the lead. 

These restaurants aren't the only ones seeing benefits from this promotion. The Alabama Cattlemen's Facebook page has gained over 300 new likes and are reaching over 100,000 people weekly at a very low advertising cost!  This is great news and encouraging to see all the positive comments about our favorite protein, beef! 

Check out the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Facebook page to participate in the contest. Find the first post on our page and LIKE the picture that looks and sounds the tastiest to you! The winner will be determined Friday evening and will later be presented with a plaque, yearlong bragging rights and an on-site media conference!

Best of luck! Check out these mouthwatering finalists: 

West End Grill's "Tot Roast"
2016 Bama's Best Beef Finalist

Deano's Grill's "Deano Burger"
2016 Bama's Best Beef Finalist

Social Media Alert!

Every December, Dr. Billy Powell meets with ACA staff for a year-end review and to set goals for the year ahead. ACA's Director of Social Media and Communications Kayla Greer set a goal last December to get the Facebook page followership to at least 8,000 "likes" by Dec. 2016. 

Well, it's an exciting day at the ACA because that goal has been reached seven months ahead of schedule! This is great news as we have the ability to tell our cattlemen's beef stories and promote beef products to over 8,000 people daily! Thanks to all who have interacted on the Facebook page- keep up the good work! Now, on to 9,000...

A Busy June Outlook

We have a busy June calendar ahead. Just to keep you informed about where you can find ACA leadership and staff, here's a list:

• June 8-9: State FFA Convention 
• The FFA Wall of Honor Luncheon will be hosted in the Cattlemen’s Building and Dr. Billy Powell, treasurer of Alabama FFA Foundation, is working to prepare financials for upcoming Board meeting. 
• The ACA is sponsoring the Ag County Agents statewide meeting in Guntersville.
• ACA is a sponsoring and Dr. Powell will be speaking at the Southern Ag Commissioners Conference in Point Clear. 
• Lastly, a final agenda for a joint meeting of the Alabama Cattlemen’s’ Foundations and ACA Executive Committee is being completed. This meeting will be held at Central Alabama Sysco in Calera. 

What's Going On Wednesday- May 18, 2016

It's not too often that it slows down enough at the state office for our staff team to catch its breath, but this week is one of those weeks. This week, we are able to do a little housekeeping and preparation for events to come. 

Just because events and meetings have slowed down for the moment doesn't mean we have little work to do. We're staying busy playing catch up and look ahead. Keep reading to find out what's going on at the ACA this week, learn about upcoming events and to read about a few outstanding members. 

Madison Back on Staff

The ACA would like to extend a special "welcome back" to Madison Tew of Ozark as she started this week to spend the summer working as an intern again. As we all know, Madison spent last summer with us as well and planned an excellent 2015 AJCA Round-Up weekend. Now an agricultural communications student at Mississippi State University, Madison is back at the ACA earning her official internship credits as well as taking on the 2016 Round-Up. We are so glad to have her back! 

She hit the ground running! Her main objective this week, other than find her footing and gathering information from last year's Round-Up, is designing a schedule flyer incorporating this year's theme (It's A Winning Tradition) and getting it mailed out to past sponsors and AJCA members. County chapters should expect those in the mail shortly and are encouraged to sponsor this excellent leadership development event. 

Membership 

The membership number of the day is 10,740 members of the ACA, but we've got a deal that non-renews just can't pass up. Renew now through June 1 and be sure to include your email address in the contact information. We will host a drawing for our newest renewal memberships on June 8th for a $500 beef certificate. Yes, if you renew for only $50 today, you could get $500 back! That's a deal! 

Don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment and Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new member's name will go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

Bama's Best Beef Final Four Announced

Our spring beef promotion that kicked off April 4 that highlights Alabama's unique beef dishes has narrowed down a final four. Now we are going head-to-head in week two with FIRE Steakhouse in Atmore's Filet Mignon Flatbread and Deano's Grill in Jacksonville's Deano Burger. The winner of this week's photo LIKE challenge will seal their spot in the final round and go head-to-head with week one's winner, West End Grill's Tot Roast! 

Check out the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Facebook page to participate in the contest! Find the first post on our page and LIKE the picture that looks and sounds the tastiest to you! 

Here's the Final Four:

• Tot Roast- West End Grill, Huntsville
• Filet Mignon Flatbread- FIRE Steakhouse, Atmore
• Roast Beef Sandwich- Claunch Cafe, Tuscumbia
• Deano Burger- Deano's Grill, Jacksonville 

Taking the Beef to Fayette Middle School 

This Friday, the Beef Checkoff and the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association will be providing Fayette Middle School Family and Consumer Science program with a hamburger cookout to reward them for winning the “Exercise + Protein = Success” competition at the end of 2015. FMS teacher, Natalyn Burkhalter, organized the event with her students who did the 30-day protein challenge and a color run at their school. This school had outstanding results with the students who completed the project and learned how to incorporate beef into a healthy lifestyle. We are very excited to cookout with students/faculty this Friday.

Advertise in the July Alabama Cattleman Magazine

The July issue of the Alabama Cattleman offers you the opportunity to maximize your advertising dollars and target your audience with this special magazine issue.

Since 1958, cattle producers have used this informative publication to help keep them abreast of industry happenings and learn about managing their business. Our readers are one of the largest purchasers of equipment, fencing materials, bulls, replacement heifers, semen, animal health supplies, chemicals, guns, ATV’s, boots, farmland and so much more. 

The July issue will be a special one, as it will be mailed to over 17,000 cattle producers and industry-related individuals across the state including the 12,000 members of the ACA. This special issue will include numerous educational feature articles and will be used as a reference for months to come. Please contact Nicky  to reserve your space in the July issue by June 10th!   

Outstanding Cattlemen

We would like to take just a moment to recognize two outstanding cattlemen members on their recent national achievements. 

• Clay County Cattlemen's member and past SLE President Dr. George Smith was recently awarded the John H. Clark M.D. Leadership Award by the Federation of State Medical Boards. This prestigious award is given each year to qualified individuals for outstanding contributions to medical regulation. "The Lineville native served the state for years as head of Alabama’s medical licensing and regulatory agency. He’s even served as a role model for two generations of doctors in his family." Read the full article here.
• Montgomery County cattleman and past SLE President Dr. Woody Bartlett was recently honored by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) with the 2016 Zoetis-AQHA Best Remuda Award. The Best Remuda Award recognizes the Pike Road-native's ranch for its oustanding efforts in raising American Quarter Horses, an important tool of the trade. Read the full article here.

Upcoming Events

• Pickens County Cattlemen's Association is pleased to be hosting it's 4th annual trail ride at J Bar Ranch in Gordo on Saturday, May 21. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a $20 fee per rider. The ride will start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided. You must RSVP by TODAY to the Pickens County Extension Office. (205) 367-8148 
• Let us know about your upcoming events, and we will share them in this section for all to see.  Email Kayla

The MOOseum

Schools are letting out. Temperatures are rising. Children are getting bored at home. 

We know how it goes, but we also know that The MOOseum is ready and waiting for your family to learn and play. Learn about beef cattle, sit on saddles, play in Cowboy Slim's kitchen and dress up like a rough-and-tumble cowboy for the afternoon. 

Book a tour for groups or just walk on in for individual families. We are located at 201 S. Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104. Got questions? Call 265-1867 or email Jessica. 

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What's Going On Wednesday: March 23, 2016

Forgive us for not getting a post out last week. In the midst of all the craziness from the SLE Rodeo, tasks had to be prioritized. On the bright side, things are finally slowing down around the ACA office, and we're back to tell you all about what's going on and what's ahead for the ACA. Keep reading to stay in touch with your state office staff. There's lots to look forward to around here!

SLE Rodeo Rides Away

We are saying "so long" to the 59th annual SLE Rodeo and packing away all that comes with it. This year's rodeo featured the best bucking stock and cowboys we've ever seen. You'd have to go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas to see better competition. Not only that, but an arena record was broken in barrel racing.

We had incredible attendance and feedback from outside events that happened around the rodeo. Folks loved having the Cinch Junior and Senior High School Rodeo in the Garrett Coliseum arena, and a huge highlight this year was the inaugural 4-H, FFA and Collegiate Livestock Judging Competition where over 200 students judged beef cattle, hogs, sheep and goats at Garrett Coliseum. Five SEC teams also were there to practice their judging on their way to Houston Rodeo. It was a fantastic event with a great turnout. The NBHA barrel racing, team roping and Junior Beef Expo events also had a great turnout with impressive competition.

Alabama Ag Credit

The Cowboy Cookoff was a success with about 300 people showing up to help judge the People's Choice category. Congrats to Alabama Ag Credit for winning 1st place in People's Choice and Judge's Panel and to team "Grill Me Tender" for taking second on the Judge's Panel. 

Membership

We are within 1500 members of our 12000 member goal, folks! Get out and get recruiting; not only will it help the state association, but it could win you some awesome prizes. We have had 16 counties go "Over the Top," and they all received 20 SLE Rodeo tickets, courtesy of the SLE. Just in case you need some incentive to get out and recruit, check out these prizes:

• 5 new members – ACA cap and knife
• 15 new members – ACA shirt
• 25 new members – ACA vest
• 35 new members – ACA Red/Black jacket
• 50 new members - $250

Top Hand Club sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit

Also, don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment, Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new members names go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.

A Checkoff Preview

Your checkoff dollars will be used to educate a wide variety of influencers next month. April will feature four BEEF 101 programs at Auburn University, a dinner and discussion meeting with Montgomery Dietetic Association and a farm tour at CK Cattle Company in Hope Hull for culinary students and chefs. Get ready for some great updates from these worthwhile events.

A new contest, Bama’s Best Beef, will kick off on Monday, April 4th. This online contest will be completely consumer driven to find the most unique and delicious beef dish served at an Alabama restaurant. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the promotion kick-off!

Alabama Legislature

The Ag Coalition continues to monitor the activity of the Alabama Legislative Session. The session is about at its halfway point and will take next week off for Spring Break. Particular interest has been taken in monitoring the General Fund and Education budgets, and to date, they are moving along without any revenue increases that would negatively affect Alabama agriculture. 

Speaking of government, Dr. Billy Powell, ACA President Bill Lipscomb and President-Elect Richard Meadows are finalizing their plans for their trip to Washington D.C. While there, the trio will join with 30 other state cattlemen's associations to attend the Spring Legislative Conference. This trip will provide our state cattlemen's representatives with the opportunity to go on office visits with Alabama's congressional delegation!

Welcome Back, Madison

Madison Tew worked tirelessly to make
the 9th annual AJCA Round-Up a
success!

We are excited to announce that the young and talented Madison Tew of Dale County will be returning to her desk at the ACA office again as the summer intern. Madison' main task will, of course, be to plan the AJCA Round-Up held July 22-23 at Garrett Coliseum's livestock barns. 

Madison will be joining us on an official internship required as part of her agricultural communications curriculum at Mississippi State University. She was the taskmaster of last year's show and did an outstanding job, so we are excited to have her on the team for the 10th annual AJCA Round-Up!

YCLP Class III

County Presidents should be on the lookout for applications for the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program- Class III. Those will be coming your way shortly as the class's first meeting will be May 11 in Montgomery. Be thinking about your nominations. 

Good Friday

After an eventful two months, the ACA staff will be enjoying some rest at home in honor of Good Friday, March 25. The office will be closed all day, but we will return bright and early on Monday morning.