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.
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
