What's Going On Wednesday: November 18, 2015

Meetings, Meetings and More Meetings

The theme this week is meetings! These are important as we close out the 2015 year and work toward a successful 2016. See #WhatsGoingOn around the ACA office this week with your state officers and staff! We're staying busy working for Alabama's beef industry and its cattlemen. 

Executive Committee and November Board Meetings

The top priorities on the list of meetings this week are the Executive Committee meeting this evening at the ACA and the November Board meeting tomorrow. At these meetings, our state Executive Committee and Board members will receive staff updates about events and upcoming projects. The most important task for these meetings, however, is the presentation of the proposed 2016 Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan and 2016 budget for approval. 

Stay tuned for pictures and updates from these meetings on the ACA Facebook page. 

Beef Girl in Birmingham

Monday night ACA staffer Erin Beasley gave a presentation on beef quality and new cuts in foodservice to the Birmingham chapter of the American Culinary Federation. The group consisted of students all the way to executive chefs, and they asked a lot of questions about hot topics related to cattle and beef.

Calling All State Ag Communicators

On Tuesday, ACA staffer Kayla Greer joined ag communicators from across the state for a meeting hosted at the Alabama Farmers Federation. At this meeting, the group received an update on happenings with the Simply Southern television show, a partnership between the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Farmers Cooperative. They were informed about the newest mobile education apps and iBooks generated by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and shared their favorite e-newsletters that keep them in the know about what's going on in American and Alabama agriculture daily. The group then enjoyed lunch and fellowship where marketing and promotion ideas were swapped. 

Food Forum with Troy University

Past ACA President Jimmy Holliman, Will Gilmer (Alabama dairyman) and ACA's Erin Beasley participated on a virtual panel for the 3rd year in a row with the Food and Nutrition online class at Troy University. Students are given a wide array of movies and research articles to explore during the class and then formulate a question for industry professionals to help them better understand the issues. Many of the questions we encountered were related to antibiotic and hormone use in beef/dairy and safety of the product. Each year Dr. Teresa Johnson, class professor, says the online food forum is rated the favorite part of the class by students in their end of the semester review.

YCLP Abroad

This weekend, the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Class II will head northwest as they go on an overnight trip for farm tours and leadership training. The group will be convene in Aliceville in Pickens County, and it will visit Dee River Ranch and Vista Farms Cattle Company. The class will lodge the night Saturday at Cameron Quail Lodge where leadership training and discussions will take place. Some of the topics they'll discuss include leadership projects, qualities of leadership and hot topics in today's beef industry. Beef, fellowship and leadership training will be enjoyed by all.

Outside the ACA

It's no secret that ACA's Executive VP Dr. Billy Powell stays busy. Not only does he stay busy with ACA meetings, events and generating content for the Alabama Cattleman magazine, but he stays busy in other ag-related outlets in the state. This vast foundation of involvement allows him to better serve the ACA's members across many realms involving state agriculture. See below for a list of meetings he's been to just this week!

• He participated the Ag Center Board/Garrett Coliseum Redevelopment Board meeting. The Board continues to look at ways to fund work to improve and update the facilities at Garrett Coliseum. 
• Dr. Powell attended the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority Board meeting and discussed potential ag loans and future role for this authority.
• He was active on a conference call in reference to the NCBA CEO Search Committee, which is seeking an outstanding individual to lead NCBA.
• He's reviewing a compilation of all the current statutes relating to livestock dealers, brands, and the charter board in prepare for a members with Ag Department attorney to suggest revisions of some of the laws in preparation of the 2016 Legislative Session.
• As he serves as the Alabama FFA Foundation Secretary/Treasurer, he also was busy compiling  2014-2015  Alabama FFA Foundation information for the Foundation's CPA to look over. 

That's what's going on this week!

What's Going On Wednesday: November 4, 2015

Well that's a wrap for the 2015 October Beef Month, and it was successful to say the least! Just because Beef Month is over doesn't mean that your ACA staff is kicking up its boots and taking a breather. It just means it's time to start digging into plans for 2016! ACA Convention, SLE Rodeo, Cowboy Cookoff and Junior and Senior High School Cookoffs are just around the corner! That doesn't include events defined in the 2016 Alabama Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan, which is becoming full of beefy ways to spread the word about our favorite protein! 

Take a second to check out #WhatsGoingOn around the ACA this week!

2016 Marketing Plan

After last week's marketing plan task force meeting, your ACA staffers are glued to the computer screens this week recording all the notes taken and applying them to the marketing plan template! After all the blanks are filled in, budgeting will begin and then the Executive Committee will discuss what we've got! Our marketing plan is the driving force behind all of our beef promotion, education and research in the state, so that's why we pay careful mind to its construction!

November Board Meeting

The next two weeks will be spent preparing for Executive Committee meeting November 18 and November Board meeting the following day. The Board meeting is where budgets for the General Fund, State and National Checkoffs and Foundation will be presented for approval along with 2016 Checkoff Marketing Plan. Be on the lookout for Facebook updates and pictures from the meeting. 

Upcoming County Meetings

Pike County Cattlemen's Association met
November 2 at Cattlemen's Park in Troy.

There's lots of county meetings going on this month! Keep reading to make sure you won't miss yours!

County meetings are important because that's where you can get state updates and get involved on the local level!

• Butler County: Saturday, November 7th 
• Barbour County: Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm, Texasville Community House, 2429 County Road 53, Texasville, Alabama. Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 11, 2015, by calling Merri Robinson at (334) 775-3284.
• Sumter County: Thursday, November 19th at 6pm, Livingston Civic Center
• Randolph County: Thursday, November 19th 
• Lauderdale County: Thursday, Nov. 19th at Crosspoint Church of Christ 
• Conecuh County: Sat., November 21st at 6pm, Repton School

October Beef Month- Sysco Promotion

 During October Beef Month, Sysco Gulf Coast ran a “Sell the Sizzle” beef promotion with their sales team. Each salesmen was charged with selling the most beef he/she could during the month. The ACA provided cash prizes to the top sellers. This year’s promotion produced an increase of over 95,000 lbs. of beef compared to September. 

In a climate of high beef prices, this is very positive and a great use of checkoff dollars to keep beef demand high. Hats off to the sales team!

Environmental Stewardship Award

ACA staffer Curt Berry met on Tuesday with Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Alabama Dept. of Ag and Industries and Alabama Soil and Water Conservation district representatives to discuss a future annual state contest for a beef cattle environmental stewardship award. The winner from the state contest will be entered into the national contest put on by NCBA. Look for that in the future!

SLE Rodeo Plans in Full Swing

Who's getting ready for the 2016 SLE Rodeo?! We are, and that's why staffers met this week to discuss details for this year's rodeo! There's lots to look forward to, so save the dates for March 17-19. We will see you at the rodeo! 

Be on the lookout for updates and announcements on the SLE Rodeo Facebook page and at www.SLERodeo.com. 

Statewide Bull Sales

CK Cattle in Hope Hull recently hosted
it's annual headquarters sale.

Your ACA state officers and staff have traveled here, there and everywhere across the state visiting bull sales this fall! They've all been top notch with quality bulls, great crowds and solid prices. If you've got questions about upcoming bull sales, call Curt Berry at 334-265-1867 or check out the latest Alabama Cattleman magazine for sale ads and information. 

Alabama Agribusiness Council

ACA Executive VP Dr. Billy Powell is attending the Alabama Agribusiness Council Board meeting today, November 4. He's doing what he can to stay atop the state's agribusiness climate to better serve the ACA members on the legislative and leadership front. 

Save the Date

ACA Convention will be here before you know it! Mark your calendar for February 26-27, 2016 at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham for the 2016 ACA Convention and Trade Show! Some great Cattlemen's Colleges and discussions are in the works! You don't want to miss the Convention this upcoming year!

What's Going On Wednesday: September 30, 2015

Your ACA staff is preparing for one busy month kicking off TOMORROW. That's right- October Beef Month is rolling back into town, and we are excited for all the beefy happenings that comes with it. Stay tuned for weekly updates on what's happening this #OctBeefMonth and check out today's #WhatsHappeningWednesday for an update on this week's business at the Cattlemen's building.

Beef Month Kickoff

You heard it from us! October Beef Month kicks off tomorrow! Call us today if your county is interested in participating in Cowboys in the Classroom, an elementary school program where our Cattlemen visit classes to teach students about the farm. Also, call us if your county needs promotional items for county fairs. We are here to help, and can't wait for all the beefy events to take place during this exciting time of year!

If you need a press release for events happening in your county contact Erin or Kayla. They want to hear about it!

Breakin' Bread Food Festival

The ACA group at the Breakin' Beef
Food Festival in Birmingham.

Jim and Kay Akin, several Auburn University Collegiate Cattlemen and CattleWomen, Erin, Selina and Curt promoted beef at the Breakin' Bread Food Festival this past Sunday at the Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Ala. The group served beef sundaes, handed out October Beef Month promotional items and sponsored the Iron Chef Competition at the event. 

Jim Akin poses with Chef Joe Resha
and his Culinard apprentices.

Chef Joe Resha from JoJo’s on Broadway in Birmingham won the Iron Chef Competition. He survived two heats of competition to stake his claim as winner.

Get Moving Alabama

Today, we are kicking off the #GetMovingAL challenge with the Alabama Obesity Task Force and the Alabama Department of Education FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). Family and Consumer Science classes are tasked with submitting a video of how

they are getting involved with the 30-day protein challenge, funded by the National Beef Checkoff, as a way to "Get Moving!"  Stay tuned on our Facebook page for video submissions made by classes across the state!

#BeefUpYourTailgate

Speaking of Facebook, it wouldn't be fall without football. It wouldn't be football with tailgating. We want to see your tailgates! Our first-ever #BeefUpYourTailgate contest kicks off tomorrow and invites football fans and tailgate activists across the state of Alabama to post a picture on our Facebook page featuring your tailgate set up, football fans and of course, your favorite tailgate food- BEEF! 

On November 1, a winner will be selected and will receive a $250 prize package. The package comes with a Weber Smoky Joe Premium grill, a grilling utensil set, $100 beef gift card, 2 ACA 24-oz. Tervis Tumblers and a Ready.Set.Sizzle. apron for grilling! 

Contest rules and guidelines will be up on the Facebook tomorrow! Get grillin' and get postin'! #BeefUpYourTailgate

BEEF 101

Thursday, October 1 not only hosts the first day of #OctBeefMonth, but it brings another BEEF 101 course at the Lambert-Powell Meats Lab in Auburn. Erin, Curt and local cattlemen will be educating 35 students and teachers from Robertsdale High School Family and Consumer Science program about the beef industry and product. 

Chambers County Meeting

Curt will be visiting the Chambers County Cattlemen's Association meeting Thursday evening. Be prepared to meet with him and ask him your questions. If you're interested in having ACA state staff at your county meeting, give us a call at (334) 265-1867. 

Ag Round-Up

The Auburn University Ag Round-Up is taking place as part of their Homecoming tradition this Saturday, October 3 at the ALFA Pavilion from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Commodities from around the state will be there with food, and AU ag clubs will provide games and entertainment. Stop by and see us at the Beef tent! 

What's Going On Wednesday

Weekly activities, meetings and events around the Alabama Cattlemen's Association are never the same. While the ACA officers pop in from out of town and staffers travel to speak to different groups to promote and educate about beef, AJCA officers are busy planning the next big event and the MOOseum is always buzzing with the sound of young folks learning about the Alabama cattle production and the beef industry. The ACA staff and officers stay busy working for an industry we all love promoting, educating about and bettering.

Here's an update about #What'sGoingOn around the Alabama Cattlemen's Association this week!

2015 AJCA Round-Up

"Catch and Wave" at the 9th Annual AJCA Round-Up on July 23-26 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. Round-Up is open to all Alabama Juniors ages 9-21 who have paid their 2015 AJCA dues. Membership forms and a schedule of events are available here. If interested contestants have already paid their 2015 dues, Round-Up entry forms can be found here. The deadline for entry is July 1, 2015.

New Faces: Summer Intern

Madison Tew of Ozark, Ala. will be joining the ACA staff this summer as an intern. Madison recently moved back home after attending Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas for the past two years and competing on the school's Livestock Judging Team. She will be attending Mississippi State University this fall as an agricultural communications major but not before she spends the summer in Montgomery at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. 

Her responsibilities will center around this year's AJCA Round-Up. Madison, a former competitor of the Round-Up, has seven years of experience with the show and will be an invaluable asset to the AJCA officer team and the ACA staff as they join to plan and promote this year's show. 

Welcome, Madison! We look forward to having you around this summer!

Social Media Takeover

With the shifting of time and technology comes the need to update ways of reaching an audience. Snail mail is becoming a thing of the past, and email and social media blasts are taking its place. Better yet, just post it on social media! 

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association recognize the need to stay on top of the newest and best ways to keep in touch with our producers and consumers and has taken the necessary steps in order to do just that. Alabama Cattlemen's has welcomed a new staffer whose job focuses on enhancing and maintaining the ACA and the SLE's presence on social media platforms.

The Facebook (Alabama Cattlemen's Association) is actively posting daily themed posts targeted on educating consumers, keeping members updated on what we are doing with their state and national checkoff dollars and informing producers on upcoming events or legislation. The Twitter (@ALCattlemen) follows suit on educating and promoting the beef industry, while also serving as a vehicle to market this blog. An Instagram is in our future to reach out to our millennial audiences, and we are predicting some social media contests with beefed up prizes in the future. Also in our future is a major overhaul of the ACA website. 

To keep up with the upcoming 2016 SLE Rodeo dates, check out it's Facebook  and Twitter accounts as well as its website. 

Exciting things are happening for the ACA and its online presence. Follow us on our pages to keep up with our exciting changes!