What's Going On Wednesday: August 26, 2015

There's no such thing as a slow week at the Cattlemen's office. Even if daily business is at a minimum, there's always ongoing projects for the staff to commit its attention. This week is one of those weeks, except that the staff is gearing up for the August Board of Directors meeting. Besides that, preparations are being made for upcoming events and projects such as YCLP Session II, October Beef Month, SLE Rodeo and Junior Beef Expo, ACA Convention, The MOOseum renovations and so on and so forth. 

Like we said, there's always work to do for our cattlemen. Although it's not much in the way of announcements, here's #WhatsGoingOn around the office this week.

August Board of Directors Meeting

On Thursday, August 27 the ACA staff and officers will welcome 100 Board of Directors and guests from 41 counties in the building for our August Board meeting. At the meeting, the Board will hear from staff members on updates and ongoing projects, and the officers will give their quarterly reports as well as lead discussions on new business. 

While at the meeting, the John Deere Gator drawing for member recruitment will take place, and Top Hand Club awards will be presented to deserving counties. The Board will also be treated to lunch catered by Red's Little Schoolhouse of Grady, Alabama. 

We are excited to welcome the Board to our state association's headquarters so that they can learn ways to better the ACA. 

Following the Board meeting, Dr. Powell will be joining ag industry leaders and Congressman Bradley Byrne for a dinner in Monroeville to discuss issues impacting cattlemen and farmers in the second district. 

Junior Beef Expo Meeting

Next Monday, August 31 the ACA will host the 20 people that serve on the Alabama Youth Livestock Show Association to plan the 2016 Junior Beef Expo which will be held March 18-20, 2016.

Stay tuned for information on registering steers and heifers for the show.

October Beef Month

Can you believe October is just around the corner? August has slipped right out from under us, and September is likely to do the same! This means that before we know it, October Beef Month will be upon us! Stay tuned for event and campaign announcements as well as what you can do to participate and promote during the month!

Save the Dates

2016 NCBA Convention- Jan. 27-29 in San Diego, California

2016 ACA Convention- Feb. 26-27 in Birmingham, AL

2016 SLE Rodeo- March 17-19 in Montgomery, AL

What's Going On Wednesday

July is a busy month at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, and we want to make sure our members stay in-the-know about #WhatsGoingOn around our office. Check out what we are up to this week.

Alabama's Best Steak Has Great Kickoff

In only one week, the Alabama's Best Steak contest has generated 1400 nominations that accounts for 104 Alabama restaurants! Big numbers for a beefy contest! This contest usually causes a rise in beef sales across the state. Check out what ACA Director of Consumer Marketing Erin Beasley has to say about it here! 

 Be sure to visit www.AlabamasBestSteak.com to nominate your favorite Alabama steakhouse that serves up a rockin' ribeye!

AJCA Round-Up

The 2015 Round-Up is two weeks away, and our staff is constantly working on the ins and outs of making it happen! We are excited to Catch a Wave at this year's show with  more than 150 participants, 200 head of cattle and 14 different contests!

ACA Intern Madison Tew is ordering some great awards, prizes and gear, and you're not going to want to miss out on getting at chance at what she's bought up. 

If you have any questions email Madison or call (334) 265-1867. We will see you July 23-26 at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, AL.

Magazine Advertising

The August issue of the Alabama Cattleman will feature the

Simmental breed and Nicky Bechard is taking ad reservations until July 17th.

Also, October is the Bull Buying issue, and Nicky has already started taking reservations for that issue.

Call or email her today to reserve your spot in the magazine! 

Legislative Front

We know many of you may be concerned with the recent WTO ruling that stated the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) legislation is against trade rules and Canada and Mexico could retaliate, but the Cattlemen’s Association has your back. We worked with our Congressional delegation in the House where legislation has passed repealing COOL. Now we are asking Senator Shelby to also vote to repeal the legislation that has largely negative affects on our industry. If you have questions or concerns about the legislation, give us a call. We encourage all who are against COOL to call our senators in DC and ask them to vote to repeal this legislation.

Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program

The second class of YCLP is set. Twenty-one emerging leaders across the state will be joining together on July 23 at the ACA office under the leadership of ACA staff and Dr. Don Mulvaney, ACA regional vice president and Auburn University faculty member, to learn about the association’s program of work, the checkoff program and to discuss industry hot topics. Following the discussion, the group will visit the Alabama Senate Chamber where Dr. Powell will lead a discussion on how a bill becomes a law and what to expect in the upcoming General Session.

What's Going on Wednesday: June 17, 2015

After several busy weeks in the ACA office with officer meetings, FFA Convention, Beef 101 and the construction of the year's largest magazine, this week is allowing the ACA staff to catch its breath just a little. 

Just because it's slower doesn't mean that there's nothing happening around the office...that's never the case! Keep reading to see #What'sGoingOn around the ACA headquarters in downtown Montgomery this week.

 Grillin' Up Steak on TV

ACA Director of Consumer Marketing Erin Beasley spent her Wednesday morning in front of the camera and behind the grill as she filmed a summertime grilling segment for the local television program "Time of Your Life," co-hosted by Virginia Whitfield and Jack Galassini. The program airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 on WSFA and multiple times weekly on the Frazer Network. Check it out to see Erin in action promoting our industry's favorite product and to get some great recipes.

AJCA Round-Up Online Registration Available

Don't forget, AJCA Round-Up will be July 23-26, 2015 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. Online registration is now available to AJCA members who have paid this year's dues. Entry deadline is July 1!

Contests for the Round-Up include:

• Photography
• Poster
• Record Book
• Essay
• Ad Design
• Public Speaking
• Cattle Judging
• Career Development
• Showmanship
• Sales Talk
• Skill-A-Thon
• Team Grooming
• Build-a-Better-Burger
• Volleyball

For questions regarding the Round-Up, contact ACA Intern Madison Tew by calling (334) 265-1867.

Alabama's Best Steak Competition Cooking Up

When Erin isn't filming grilling segments, she's working behind-the-scenes on the 2015 Alabama's Best Steak competition. Last year, votes poured in and Conestoga Steakhouse in Dothan, Alabama was named home to Alabama's best steak. 

The nomination portion of the contest will begin soon, so keep an eye out for updates voting opportunities!