What's Going On Wednesday: August 10, 2016

It's a busy week at the ACA as we prepare for August Board Meeting tomorrow while managing the many other exciting events and tasks happening in and around our state office. Our sails are beginning to catch wind of the busy Fall season ahead, and we are looking forward to all the activity headed our way. As for this week, enjoy reading about what's going on around the ACA. 

Quick Note to the Board:

We look forward to seeing our Board members TOMORROW in Auburn. We are excited to welcome a large crowd of 105 county leaders representing 41 counties. We've been working hard to get our staff, membership and financial reports in, and we'll look forward to meeting with our Board members tomorrow. Here's some quick reminders:

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Place: Room 255 of the Veterinary Education Center at Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine (1220 Wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36849)
• Side Note: Following lunch, we will go to the Lambert-Powell Meats Laboratory for breakout groups. One session will be conducted by Dr. Soren Rodning where you can get BQA Certified as well as hear the latest on the Veterinary Feed Additive Initiative. **Reminder** Bring a jacket if you plan on attending the carcass fabrication breakout group.

Alabama's Best Steak Has Rave Results

We are thrilled with the results thus far of the Alabama's Best Steak contest. During the nominations portion of the contest held in July, we received over 2,000 nominations representing more than 150 Alabama restaurants. After collecting those votes, the "Elite 8" restaurants were named and are now competing to become a finalist in the "Fiery 4" round. 

The "Elite 8" Restaurants are:

North Region

• George's Steak Pit- Sheffield, AL
• Rock House Eatery- Guntersville, AL

Central Region

• Bull Pen Steakhouse- Oakman, AL
• Nick's in the Sticks- Tuscaloosa, AL

South Region

• Elmer's Restaurant- Notasulga, AL
• Diamond Jim's & Mrs. Donna's Steakhouse- Livingston, AL

Gulf Region

• Big Mike's Steakhouse- Thomasville, AL
• Conestoga Steakhouse- Dothan, AL

Since Monday, the "Elite 8" portion of the contest has brought in over 5,000 votes and has exposed some delicious ribeye steaks to over 160,000 people in Alabama. Not only that, but its acquired media attention from all corners of the state. Times-Daily article

WTVY Dothan article

Be sure to participate in this round of the contest by visiting our Facebook page and "liking" the picture of your favorite steakhouse's ribeye and support your local "Elite 8" restaurant by visiting and trying out their steak! 

ACA Welcomes Alex Thompson

We are proud to welcome our newest staffer on the state staff team,Alex Thompson, as our new receptionist and The MOOseum coordinator. Alex is from Citronelle where she was an Azalea Trail Maid, and she is soon to complete her B.S. degree from Auburn University Montgomery. She is excited about meeting all of the folks who call and visit the Cattlemen’s Building. 

Jessica Kennedy will spend a week training Alex then move upstairs to her new role as Membership Coordinator.

Ag Board Meeting Held Tuesday

ACA's Dr. Billy Powell represented Alabama cattlemen at the Department of Agriculture's Board Meeting on Tuesday where Board members were given an update of the Department’s recent activities. 

In November, the ACA will present to the Board a copy of the State Checkoff financials, State Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan and the Annual Report. The Board oversees all commodity checkoff programs in the state. 

While at the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Powell spoke with State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier about animal I.D. and any potential cattle disease problems. He also discussed proposed national legislation before Congress that will provide more oversight for Packers and Stockyard over online and video cattle auctions.

Speaking of Legislation...

With Gov. Robert Bentley calling a special session of the Legislature beginning Monday Aug. 15, the Ag Coalition met Tuesday and will meet again Monday at the Cattlemen’s Building to monitor the process. Usually Special Sessions are limited to special legislation that was in the Governor’s call, but careful monitoring is still very important. That’s why we are here to represent and protect your interests.

Aside from the upcoming Special Session, state general elections are sometime away, and politics are already heating up for the constitutional offices. On Friday, Dr. Powell will meet with a person interested in running for Commissioner of Agriculture as we appreciate anyone who has the desire to do so and share our concerns.

Ag and Forestry Economic Impact Study

Also happening this week, Dr. Powell will meet with Extension Director Dr. Gary Lemme to discuss the status of updated Ag and Forestry Economic Impact Study. It's looking like cattle will remain in third place behind timber and poultry.

Thanks for reading our weekly blog update. See you here next Wednesday at noon! 

What's Going On Wednesday: August 3, 2016

August is here! We're a month shy of the busy fall season and all the beef promotion events that come along with it, but until then the kickoff of calving season will keep us all busy. We didn't publish a blog last week since the blog author spent time at a conference in St. Louis, but we are back in action this week. Kick back, relax and enjoy this read.

Wrapping Up Round-Up

The 10th annual AJCA Round-Up was a success! We were proud to host over 160 junior cattleman in Montgomery for our premier youth livestock development event. Our summer intern Madison Tew closed up shop after a review with Dr. Powell, and she's excited to head back for her senior year at Mississippi State University. Great job, Madison! 

Training FACS and Agriscience Teachers

ACA Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley did a one-hour training program with Family and Consumer Science teachers yesterday at the annual career tech summer conference to go over the beef lesson plan we have available to them. That afternoon she explained the BQA program to Agriscience teachers at the same conference and gave out awards to teachers who certified students in the 2015-2016 school year. The teacher that certified the most students (131) was Dr. John Wilson of East Limestone HS. John also serves on the board of the Limestone County Cattlemen’s Association and is a former participant in the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership program. Way to go John!

ADEM Meeting of Industry Users

ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell represented cattle producers at ADEM's industry users meeting where they updated the group on air and water usage as well as the EPA's regulatory activities. 

Ag Media Summit

ACA Director of Social Media and Communication Kayla Greer and the Alabama Cattleman magazine Production Coordinator Nicky Bechard spent time in St. Louis last week at the Ag Media Summit. While there, the duo learned about social media marketing, magazine layout software, photography and more to better their skill sets for the ACA. They were there with 640 other ag communicators nationally and got the opportunity to attend the American Agricultural Editors Association annual meeting. 

Ethics Seminar

Dr. Powell also attended a meeting this week where attorney's updated the group on changes in Alabama ethic laws that relate to work as lobbyists and elected officials following the situation with Mike Hubbard. This is important as Dr. Powell serves as the lobbyist for the ACA. 

Cattle Rustling Reports

The ACA is working with the Alabama Rural Crime Investigators following calls from a Dekalb County cattleman who reported his cattle had been shot. As a member of the ACA, he is eligible for the Cattle Theft Reward Program which protects against cattle rustling. 

The New BamaBeef.org

The new website is only days away from its launch date, and final edits and additions are being made. The staff is pleased with how it's looking and think it will be a much more modernized, user-friendly version of our current site. Stay tuned and get ready to explore it next week!

Producer's Feeder Calf Sale

The ACA will be represented tonight at the Producer's Feeder Calf in Autaugaville as over 2,500 calves will be sold. This is long-running sale that's been held in early August for many, many years, and the ACA is proud to be attending again this year. 

GOP Meeting

The ACA proudly housed an Alabama GOP meeting yesterday as

the party considered nominations for the new House Speaker. Media flocked to the building to monitor meeting activity but instead spent time hosting a “steak out” in The MOOseum. Once the meeting adjourned, GOP representatives entertained interviews with the Cattlemen’s building as the backdrop.

Dr. Powell enjoyed visiting with the GOP's House speaker nominee and Mac McCutcheon about his longtime neighbor and past ACA President Bob Howard. McCutcheon was raised on a cattle farm himself.

August Board Meeting: August 11

Don't forget to save the date. We'll see you there! 

What's Going On Wednesday: July 20, 2016

It's an exciting week at the ACA as we are gearing up to welcome all of our AJCA Round-Up participants to town! It's going to be a hot one, but that won't stop these juniors and their elite show cattle. Come on our to the Round-Up to show your support of the future of Alabama' beef cattle industry. We'll be at Garett Coliseum's livestock barns and Tigue Arena all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

But for those of you who can't make it, here's a way to catch up with what's going on around the ACA this week. 

*Note: There will not be a Bama Beef Blog published next Wednesday, July 27 and the blog author will be at a conference learning how to write better!*

AJCA Round-Up Kicks Off Tomorrow!

It's no secret that the Round-Up is our main focus right now. This premier youth livestock development event kicks of tomorrow and will go through the hot weekend until Sunday. 

Over 140 youth and cattle will be joining us in Montgomery to participate in a market heifer, breeding heifer, steer or showmanship shows, as well as essay, public speaking, poster, ad design, career development, volleyball, record book keeping, livestock judging, team grooming, build a better burger and more. There's something for everybody at the Round-Up and all are encouraged to attend a support the future of Alabama's beef cattle industry. AJCA members can still sign up for contest's next week at the show. 

As we prepare for the weekend ahead, Madison and her AJCA Directors are hard a work with last-minute details. They're working on getting things set up for when all the juniors and cattle come to town. They're even working on getting plenty of fans and water bottles in place to keep cool. 

Don't forget your dollars when you head out to the show. We've got a Yeti cooler drawing happening that you don't want to miss out on! 

Alabama's Best Steak Kickoff

On Monday, the Alabama's Best Steak contest kicked off and has started with a bang. At only three days into the contest, we've raked in over 300 nominations and more than 230 Facebook likes! The nominations round will continue on through July 31 and will be follwed by the Elite 8 poll challenge. 

Past year's winners are hot in pursuit of a second victory, so submit your vote today! Click Here to Vote.

Staff Positions

Interviews are happening now for The MOOseum coordinator, and we are now taking resumes for the Director of Industry Relations and Youth Activities position. See below for more information:

Director of Industry Relations and Youth Activities

Responsibilities: This position involves working with the state’s beef cattle industry, representing the Association at producer meetings, cattle sales, county cattlemen chapter meetings, and agribusinesses events. The position will be the lead staffer for coordinating the Association’s junior cattlemen programs. The individual reports to the Executive Vice President and is responsible for the following but not limited to:

• Work with the Executive VP in attending and serving as a spokesperson for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association at county and statewide cattle events
• Maintain a positive working relationship with Auburn University faculty, Alabama Cooperative Extension System youth 4-H staff and Alabama FFA staff to enhance state livestock events for 4-H, FFA and AJCA members
• Be the sounding board with cattle producers to help identify needs and then work to develop and publicize programs conducted by Alabama Cooperative Extension System staff that meets these needs.
• Increase private treaty collections by properly communicating the value of the state checkoff and ways to submit funds when selling cattle directly off the farm
• Work with county chapters in increasing AJCA membership and developing and coordinating activities for the members
• Attend cattle sales throughout the state, represent the Alabama Cattleman; sell advertising and promote membership (both individual and associate)
• Identify and recruit young producers (20-40 years of age) to participate in the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership program
• Develop ways to increase sales of the “Cowboy” vanity tag and consequently increasing the number of college scholarships awarded annually.
• Maintain a working relationship with stockyards in Alabama, enhancing communication about the beef checkoff program
• Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Thorough knowledge of the beef cattle industry
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Animal Science or related field
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and complete basic office work
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic, self-starter
• Team Player
• Success in coordinating and carrying out projects in a timely manner
• Sales experience preferred

Send resumes to Martha Davis

Nicky and Kayla Take Flight

Magazine and social media staffers Kayla Greer and Nicky Bechard are heading to the "Gateway to the West" Sunday-Wednesday to attend the Ag Media Summit. At this conference the duo take classes on ways to enhance magazine production, photography, article writing and social media. They'll be going with some of the other top ag communicators in the state. 

Beef Girl + Alabama Grocer's Association

ACA Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley will be attending the Alabama Grocer’s Association annual convention on Tuesday, July 26 to interact with independent grocers and attend an educational session on new meat laws going into effect this year for retailers. On Wednesday, she will be attending a meeting at Buckhead Beef in Atlanta to give a cattle market update and discuss foodservice checkoff programs with Sysco operators from five Southeastern states.

August Board Meeting

Board members don't forget to mark your calendars for the August 11 Board Meeting to be held at the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. It's going to be a great meeting including the unveiling of the new website (hopefully!), membership prizes and the John Deere Gator drawing. Don't miss it!

Alabama Cattleman Magazine

The August magazine is well into production. Staff have been working to submit content, images and advertising. Be watching for your copy in the mail in early August!

Alabama FFA Foundation

ACA Executive VP Dr. Billy Powell met Wednesday with Alabama Farmer's Federation's Paul Pinyan about the new FFA mentoring program, managed by the Alabama FFA Foundation. This program will match past FFA advisors with new agriscience teachers in an effort to strengthen the agricultural heritage of the curriculum. It's no secret today that there's a shortage of ag teachers in the state, so non-agriscience teachers are now teaching agriculture in high schools. This mentoring program will help bridge the gap and be a fountain of advice for new teachers from tried-and-true professionals. 

Fun Facts

• Member number as of Wednesday, July 20- 11,130
• The ACA Facebook page has reached 9,000 likes! Now, let's make it 10,000.

What's Going On Wednesday: July 13, 2016

It's a busy week for each staff member as we're all busy at our desks working on the many projects the ACA has coming up soon. Whether it's Round-Up, beef promotion, the new website or the magazine, we're all busy with one porject...or five! Stay tuned for all the exciting events and upgrades headed toward the ACA soon, and sit back for a minute to enjoy learning about what's going on around the ACA this week. 

AJCA Round-Up

It's almost time! One week from tomorrow will bring the excitement of the 10th annual AJCA Round-Up. Over 140 youth and cattle will be joining in Montgomery next week for the beef cattle industry's premier youth development program. 

Not only will these youngsters be participating in a market heifer, breeding heifer, steer or showmanship show, but they'll also have the opportunity to show their many talents in essay, public speaking, poster, ad design, career development, volleyball, record book keeping, livestock judging, team grooming, build a better burger and more. There's something for everybody at the Round-Up and all are encouraged to attend a support the future of Alabama's beef cattle industry. AJCA members can still sign up for contest's next week at the show. 

Can't attend but still want to show your support? Be a sponsor by contacting AJCA Round-Up Coordinator Madison Tew today. Here's the different sponsorship levels can get you:

• Event Sponsor - $5000+ 
• Opportunity to sponsor a meal (contact Madison for details) and address the group 
• Full-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Platinum Sponsor - $1000 - $4999 
• Opportunity to sponsor a meal (contact Madison for details) and address the group 
• Full-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Award Sponsor - $500 - $999 
• Full-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Contest / Show Sponsor - $250 - $499 
• Half-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• AJCA Roundup Patron - $100 - $249 
• Names will be listed on a banner titled AJCA Roundup Patrons 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Friend of the AJCA Roundup –up to $99 
• Names will be listed on a banner titled Friends of the AJCA Roundup 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program

Mail sponsorships to:

Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association

201 S. Bainbridge St

Montgomery, AL 36104

Staff Announcements

It's been an exciting week at the ACA as it was announced that The MOOseum Coordinator Jessica Kennedy will be taking over as Membership Secretary, effective immediately! Call her for your membership needs today! 

ACA leadership is interviewing for a replacement for the important downstairs position this week. Also, the position announcement for the Director of Industry Relations and Youth Programs has been finalized and will be released on July 22nd.

 

Membership/Notes for Board Members

Board Members, check your mailboxes soon as we will be sending out a memo to the ACA Board of Directors with a formal announcement of the August 11 Board meeting to be held in Auburn. Save the date- we can't wait to see you there!

We are also working on plans for a series of six training sessions for ACA County Chapter officers which will be held throughout the state in late August-early September. These training sessions will be very important resources to county officers as we will go in-depth about how to submit membership, so your members stay current. Stay tuned! 

Calling All Advertisers

ATTENTION SIMMENTAL BREEDERS: We are still trying to get enough ads in to our office to feature the Simmental breed in August Alabama Cattleman magazine. The deadline to advertise has been extended until MONDAY, JULY 18 so contact Nicky Bechard today by calling (334) 265-1867.

NCBA Summer Meeting

It's a busy week as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association summer meeting takes place in Denver this week.  Donna Jo Curtis, Jimmy Holliman and Max Bozeman are in Denver representing Alabama cattle producers in both the policy and checkoff discussions. on their respective boards. So far the trio has aided in the reviewing the committee agendas and read dozens of proposed resolutions ranging from futures trading and stockyards to private property rights and animal health. 

Beef 101

On Friday, Director of Checkoff Porgams Erin Beasley will be pleased to host Wood Fruitticher salesmen and women in their first-ever Beef 101. Forty-five salesman and district managers will be joining us in Auburn to learn all about beef from pasture to plate. 

Aspire

Today, ACA Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley will be in Columbiana with 45 teenagers at Aspire, a rural youth development program. She will be teaching them about ACA, the AJCA, scholarships and playing a little game of Beef Jeopardy!  

The New BamaBeef.org

ACA's Director of Social Media and Communications Kayla Greer is glued to the computer screen these days as the launch date of the new ACA website (www.bamabeef.org) is getting close. Kayla is at about 70 percent completion on building the website's informational pages and approved the website design this week! Spoiler alert- it looks great! 

Big things are coming to the ACA on the digital front, and we are excited to show you on August 11. 

Garrett Coliseum

ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell met with Ag Commissioner John McMillan and Garrett Coliseum staff to discuss ways to improve use of the facilities by various livestock groups. the duo is also getting prices on constructing a shed to cover the dirt so it will be dry for horse shows and the rodeo.

Gear Up for Alabama's Best Steak

It's that time again already. The Alabama's Best Steak contest kicks off this coming Monday and will culminate with one lucky winner to be announced a the kickoff of October Beef Month! You'll notice some changes to this year's competition as it will be driven by the power of Facebook, so stay tuned and get ready to submit your nominations! 

Fall Armyworms in Alabama

Dry, hot weather creates the perfect environment for fall

armyworms, and they have already struck several Alabama counties, including Mobile and Lowndes and now Hale. Keep watch with this map from Alabama Extension Specialist Dr. Kathy Flanders and be proactive in surveying your pasture land. If armyworms are a problem in your area, contact your local county Extension office.

The MOOseum

The Mooseum stays busy in the summertime with children who are out of school and looking to stay cool. We've even got teachers already calling to book their school year tours as summer break begins to wind down. 
Our children's educational center is the perfect place to for children to come learn and play! 

Speaking of The MOOseum, your state staff has promised you a renovation and is working daily on those upgrades. We hope to have production started on that by end of summer. 

Upcoming Events

• Aug. 3 at 7p.m.- Producers Feeder Calf Sale
• Autaugaville, AL
• Will Howard Smith Agricultural Center
• 2,550 head of feeder calves to be sold
• Aug. 4-5: Deep South Stocker Conference
• Carrollton, GA 
• (Learn More)
• Aug. 13- Beef Cattle Conference
• Auburn, AL 
• (Learn More)

What's Going On Wednesday: July 6, 2016

Happy July! We hope you had a fun and safe Fourth of July holiday weekend and are staying cool in this thick, Alabama heat. 

July means business here at the ACA, and your state staff is busy jumping on the newest projects in preparation for the end of summer and start of fall. Some of those projects include the AJCA Round-Up, Beef 101's, website launch and August Board Meeting preparations. Take a break for just a minute to catch up with what's going on around the ACA this week. 

Membership

The membership number of the day is 11,092.  We are busy preparing for the August Board Meeting by acquiring prizes for the Top Hand Club and Over the Top awards. We had 16 counties go Over the Top and 27 individuals who recruited five or more new members to make it into the Top Hand Club.

Board Members: Be sure to save the date for the upcoming Board Meeting to be held August 11 in Auburn. Keep watch in your inbox for more information during the next month. 

AJCA Round-Up

Registration for the 10th annual AJCA Round-Up is now closed, and we will have 140 Junior Cattlemen joining us in Montgomery July 21-24 for the state's premier youth livestock development competition. Not only will these youngsters be participating in a market heifer, breeding heifer, steer or showmanship show, but they'll also have the opportunity to show their many talents in essay, public speaking, poster, ad design, career development, volleyball, record book keeping, livestock judging, team grooming, build a better burger and more. There's something for everybody at the Round-Up and all are encouraged to attend a support the future of Alabama's beef cattle industry.

Can't attend but still want to show your support? Be a sponsor by contacting AJCA Round-Up Coordinator Madison Tew today. Here's the different sponsorship levels can get you:

• Event Sponsor - $5000+ 
• Opportunity to sponsor a meal (contact Madison for details) and address the group 
• Full-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Platinum Sponsor - $1000 - $4999 
• Opportunity to sponsor a meal (contact Madison for details) and address the group 
• Full-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Award Sponsor - $500 - $999 
• Full-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Contest / Show Sponsor - $250 - $499 
• Half-sized banner with logo placed ringside 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• AJCA Roundup Patron - $100 - $249 
• Names will be listed on a banner titled AJCA Roundup Patrons 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program 
• Name listed in the Alabama Cattleman magazine
• Friend of the AJCA Roundup –up to $99 
• Names will be listed on a banner titled Friends of the AJCA Roundup 
• Name announced throughout show and listed in show program

Beef 101 Friday

Friday will be a big day at Auburn's Lambert-Powell Meat Lab as a large group takes over for Beef 101. ACA's Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley will be leading a group of 20 Agriscience and FACS teachers, eight Extension staffers and the YCLP Class III in a pasture-to-plate lesson. Stay tuned for pictures on the ACA Facebook page. 

The New BamaBeef.org

ACA's Director of Social Media and Communications Kayla Greer is glued to the computer screen these days as the launch date of the new ACA website (www.bamabeef.org) is getting close. Kayla is at about 50 percent completion on building the website's informational pages and was excited to send off final edits on the website's design this week. 

Big things are coming to the ACA on the digital front, and we are excited to show you on August 11. 

Meeting with ALEA

ACA's Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell met with Jay Whitehead and Scott Lee, supervisor for the Ag and Rural Crime Unit with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for an update on livestock and farm equipment thefts and to listen to their concerns on several outdated laws impeding livestock investigations. Two areas in the Code of Alabama that need updating are fencing laws and regulations regarding stray livestock. The ACA will work with the Ag Coalition on these two issues.

Gear Up for Alabama's Best Steak

It's that time again already. The Alabama's Best Steak contest kicks off July 18 and will culminate with one lucky winner to be announced a the kickoff of October Beef Month! You'll notice some changes to this year's competition as it will be driven by the power of Facebook, so stay tuned and get ready to submit your nominations! 

Vacant Staff Update

Job descriptions for the two vacant staff positions are being updated, and interviews for those positions will begin as soon as possible. Stay tuned for some new faces in the ACA office. 

Working with Universities 

Dr. Powell has held several meetings and phone calls with our partners at Auburn and with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to discuss plans for several beef cattle programs coming up this Fall. Speaking of colleges, the accounting team and scholarship coordinator are sending various colleges and universities Alabama Cattlemen Foundation checks for the "Tagged for Greatness" and family scholarships as students are preparing for college this fall.

The MOOseum

The Mooseum stays busy in the summertime with children who are out of school and looking to stay cool. Our children's educational center is the perfect place to for children to come learn and play when it's 100 degrees outside! Just this week, we've got five tour groups scheduled to attend and countless walk-ins have already stopped by for fun and photo ops. 

Speaking of The MOOseum, your state staff has promised you a renovation and is working daily on those upgrades. We hope to have production started on that by end of summer. 

Fall Armyworms in Alabama

Dry, hot weather creates the perfect environment for fall

armyworms, and they have already struck a couple of Alabama counties, including Mobile and Lowndes. Keep watch with this map from Alabama Extension Specialist Dr. Kathy Flanders and be proactive in surveying your pasture land. If armyworms are a problem in your area, contact your local county Extension office.

Looking Ahead...

Next week Donna Jo Curtis, Jimmy Holliman and Max Bozeman will represent ACA at the Mid-Year Cattle Industry Meeting in Denver. Donna Jo is completing her third year on the NCBA Executive Committee representing the Federation. Max is finishing his third year representing ACA on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. and Jimmy Holliman is incoming chair of the NCBA Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee.

Upcoming Cattle Conferences

• Aug. 4-5: Deep South Stocker Conference
• Carrollton, GA 
• (Learn More)
• Aug. 13- Beef Cattle Conference
• Auburn, AL 
• (Learn More)