Five Reasons to Attend the Cattlemen's Convention

With Convention just around the corner, we know the decision to commit to attending anything these days is a tough one. That's why we thought you should hear from the horse's mouth the reasons why you should attend the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Birmingham on Feb. 26-27. While there are many, many good reasons, we will stick with the top five.

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Reason #1
The Speakers

This year's lineup of guest speakers is top-of-the-line. Some of the industry's best representatives will be talking about the topics that are sure to turn your ear. They'll be discussing everything from smartphones to cattle markets and consumer expectations to beef exports. Just in case that's not enough to peak you interest, here's the run down:

The Word From D.C.- Hear from Senator Richard Shelby at Saturday's Legislative Luncheon. Senator Shelby is a longtime friend of Alabama beef cattle producers and has worked tirelessly to curb overreaching regulations that negatively impact farming and small businesses. You don't want to miss his discussion  on U.S. Senate actions during the last year of the Obama Administration. 

Sustainable Beef Production and Beef Exports- That's right, we did it. We packed both of those major industry hot topics into the same event for this year's General Session on Saturday morning. NCBA's Director of Global Sustainability Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson will be addressing the sustainability of beef and the importance of maintaining consumer confidence of beef production. Following Dr. Stackhouse-Lawson, Dan Halstrom from the United States Meat Export Federation will be discussing the topic, what lies ahead for beef exports? Halstrom brings knowledge and experience from over 27 years in the meat industry and the responsibility of overseeing programs and activities from 18 regions worldwide. 


Smartphone 101- Join Verizon Wireless representatives at Zoetis Cattlemen's College #1 as they walk you through the basics of using your phone. We understand that smartphones are a necessary evil these days, even on the farm, and that's why we want to offer a helping hand on its basic operations. After Verizon's chat, hear from Extension's Dr. Kim Mullenix and ACA's Kayla Greer about ways to learn more stay involved with your state's industry with that device. 

Consumer Expectations and Cattlemen Responsibilities- Get BQA certified with NCBA's Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White and Auburn University's Dr. Soren Rodning during the Zoetis Cattlemen's College #2. Learn about the importance of the beef quality assurance program, your role as a cattleman and get more information on next year's newest FDA regulation, the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). 

Cutting Demo- Watch as ACA's Erin Beasley gives you a lesson on cutting beef during Zoetis Cattlemen's College #3. She'll give live instruction on beef cutting basics, teach you more about our favorite protein and even let you try it in a tasty appetizer. Don't miss out!

The Cattle Markets- You don't want to miss nationally-recognized Extension Ag Economist Dr. Derrell Peel's talk as he discusses the current cattle markets at the Zoetis Cattlemen's College #4. He's also going to give you insight on trends he sees coming and will be answering the big question of "what caused the wreck last fall?" 

Reason #2
A Sold Out Trade Show

We are excited to host a sold-out trade show this year with over 60 vendors featuring farm equipment, feed, seed, fertilizer and other agribusinesses from across the state and nation. This is a great opportunity for you to shop around, network with and learn abouthte businesses, products and services available to you right here in our great home state of Alabama. Here's a list of trade show vendors:

• ABS Global
• Alabama CattleWomen's Association
• Alabama BCIA
• Alabama Farmers Cooperative
• Alabama Ag Credit/Alabama Farm Credit
• Alabama Beef Systems Extension
• Alabama Simmental Association
• American Angus Association
• Auburn University College of Agriculture
• Burns Farms Herefords
• Cain Cattle Company
• Datamars, Inc.
• Deep South Livestock
• Dow Agroscience
• Farming Without the Bank
• First South Farm Credit
• Graham Livestock
• Hy Plains Feed Yard
• Merck Animal Health
• Merial 
• Mix 30 Agridyne
• New Holland North America
• Oregon Forage Seed Commissions
• Positive Feed
• Ridley Block Operation
• Smokey Mountain Cattle
• SonUp Real Estate
• Southern Silage Supply
• Southern State Cooperative
• Southest Select Sires
• Sweet Pro Feeds
• Tennessee River Music & Lookout Mountain Genetics
• Three Trees Ranch
• Treasure Chest/ABZ Engraving
• Tri-Green
• USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services
• Zoetis Animal Health
• The Wax Company
• Performance Feeds
• VitaFerm Sure Champ
• Timberland Cattle
• AgriLabs
• Priefert
• Fuller Supply 
• Alabama Farmers Federation
• BamaWise
• Drummonds Farms
• Alabama Hereford Association
• American Hereford Association
• Bekaert Corporation
• Tennessee Livestock Producers
• Alabama Senepol Association
• Alabama Cattlemen's Association
• Southeastern Livestock Exposition
• Bayer Range and Pasture
• Salacoa Valley Farms
• Alabama Department of Agriculture
• Elanco Animal Health

Reason #3
PAC Auction Items

Still need convincing? Well, good thing we've got a list of PAC auction items worth your time! Friday night's auction will not only bring out the bidders, but it will bring out the auctioneer. No, we really mean it...THE auctioneer. Alabama-native and LMA World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Brandon Neely will bring his chant to the evening's events as he auctions off this list of items:

• Winchester Centennial '66 .30-.30 Rifle donated by Alabama Ag Credit, value $1000
• Custom, hand-tooled, hand-carved ACA roping saddle made by Running "P" Saddlery in Muscle Shoals, valued at $1,200
• Two-Night Stay, Spa Trip and "Do-It-All Package" for two to the 2017 Cattlemen's Convention at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, valued at $600
• Your cattle featured on the front cover of the Alabama Cattleman magazine with accompanying photo shoot in September of October 2016, value $3000
• Guitar autographed by ALABAMA Lead Singer Randy Owen, donated by Randy Owen and TRM Farms
• $500 certificate for use at the 44th Debter Hereford Bull Sale held Oct. 22, 2016
• Gold and Bronze Seed Pearl Necklace and Earrings from Harold's Fine Jewelry in Montgomery, valued at $400
• Archaeology at Old St. Stephens - Participate in a "dig" in the old Globe Hotel directed by Dr. George Shorter, RPA, Archaeologist and a two-night stay with a country breakfast for two at the Ox Yoke Camp in Leroy and a guided tour of Alabama's first Capitol, Old St. Stephens donated by Powell Farm, valued at $500
• Guided half-day quail hunt for three at the Bear Creek Hunting Preserve in Autaugaville donated by Bill Lipscomb and the Autauga Farming Company, valid in March or fall 2016, value $700
• One-night stay at Hardee County Home in Turnbull and four tickets to see the play "To Kill a Mockingbird" in the original courthouse in Monroeville, compliments of Dr. and Mrs. Phil Hardee
• $500 certificate to use at the 11th annual Gibbs Farm sale on Nov. 12, 2016, donated by Gibbs Farm in Ranburn
• 6 and 12 volt battery solar powered Electric Fence Charger donated by John Curtis of the Limestone Farmers Cooperative, $300 value

Reason #4
Fun and Entertainment

No one wants to spend the entire weekend networking and learning, right? That's why we mixed some fun and entertainment into the Convention's agenda. The Rotational Grazing event on Friday night will feature the musical talents of Tim Tyler the Piano Man, a photo booth, games and the PAC auction you just read about. Then to close out the weekend, following the Saturday night Awards Banquet the Sweet Young'Uns will provide musical entertainment. The Alabama-native band is celebrating its 50th year in the music industry and would love for you to stay around and enjoy the music and dancing. 

It's sure to be a boot-scootin', boogyin' time with some of the best folks in the state!

Reason #5
Of Course, Food! (But only if you pre-register today!)

It wouldn't be a Cattlemen's Convention without beef, now would it? Ladies, this means an entire weekend of not having to cook while still having a happy, full family! Steak is sure to be the centerpiece for the meals, and that's something you simply can't miss out on, especially all you cowboys who are reading this! 

That's a win-win. Funny how beef is always a win-win...

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If you're sold now on attending this year's Convention and Trade Show, and you want to indulge in Reason #5, call us today by noon at (334) 265-1867 to pre-register for your meals! It's important to note that registration for attendance will be available the day of , but IF YOU WANT TO EAT YOU MUST CALL  TODAY (FRIDAY) BY NOON AND PRE-REGISTER BY PHONE. ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED AND PRE-REGISTRATION BY PHONE CLOSES AT  NOON ON FRIDAY.

We can't wait to see you at the 73rd annual ACA Convention and Trade Show. It's sure to be a great time of food, fun and fellowship! Learn more at BamaBeef.org or by calling (334) 265-1867

BIG NEWS: 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Support Lean Beef in a Healthy Diet

The newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reaffirm the role of lean beef in a healthy diet.

The guidelines mirror the 2010 edition on the USDA’s recommendations for lean beef, which includes lean beef as part of a healthy dietary pattern. In the past the Committee has contradicted itself on numerous occasions, excluding evidence from its review library and making recommendations without sufficient scientific evidence to support them. However, we appreciate that the final guidelines and recommendations by the Secretaries are based on the latest nutrition evidence. 

“Lean beef is a nutrient-dense protein available to consumers and the new dietary guidelines reaffirm the current research showing the positive effects of beef in a healthy diet,” ACA Director of Consumer Marketing Erin Beasley said. “We are pleased that consumers can continue to feel confident that choosing beef for their family will provide vitamins and minerals without sacrificing flavor in their meals. ”

First released in 1980, the Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat a healthy diet and focus on foods and beverages that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight, promote health and prevent disease. These guidelines are now reviewed, updated and published every five years. During the reviewing period, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association worked to ensure the appearance of lean beef on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The inclusion of lean beef will have a positive impact on our industry because the guidelines serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy affecting the design for school lunches and shapes the recommendations found on USDA’s MyPlate.

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, Dr. Richard Thorpe, physician and Texas cattle producer, said consumers can feel confident about putting lean beef on their plate knowing the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans choose lean meat. Thirty-eight cuts of beef now meet government guidelines for lean, including some of America’s favorite cuts like sirloin steak and 95 percent lean ground beef.

“Over the last decade or so, a significant amount of research shows that many people can lose and maintain a healthy weight, support a healthy metabolism and age more vibrantly when they consume more high-quality protein, within calorie goals,” said Thorpe. “As a physician, I see an opportunity to improve the health of Americans in all age categories by choosing nutrient-rich protein foods, like lean beef, more often and by pairing them with more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.”

Tasty Tuesday: Layered Beef Salad On-The-Go

The New Year is a time for resolutions. Those resolutions often revolve around improving your health and fitness, kicking bad habits or mending/strengthening relationships. Well our challenge to you is to embrace all three of those categories with one grocery item- lean beef! It can help improve your health, power your fitness, kick unhealthy eating habits with great taste and bring families around the dinner table. That sounds like a recipe for a flavorful life, and that's what lean beef can offer you this New Year! 

Don't leave those resolutions behind when you head back to school or work! Take them with you with this week's #TastyTuesday recipe for Layered Beef Salad On-The-Go! It's healthy, delicious and mobile! New Year. New You. Lean Beef.

Get all the information from Beef It's What's For Dinner.

Layered Beef Salad On-The-Go

Total Recipe Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

• 3 ounces cooked lean beef (such as Top Sirloin Steak, Strip Steak, Tenderloin Steak or Flank Steak), cut into slices
• 3 cups mixed salad greens or chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup assorted vegetables (such as shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, grape tomatoes, sliced radish, sugar snap peas)
• 1/4 cup cooked small pasta, rinsed drained chickpeas or Great Northern beans

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup Greek or plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons orange juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Combine dressing ingredients in bottom of medium container or small bowl with lid.
2. Layer salad greens, vegetables, pasta or beans and beef on top of dressing. Close lid securely or cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Before serving, shake covered container to coat salad well.