The Alabama Cattlemen's Association website houses 58 pages of content, all linked to our association! While we won't dig into all 58 pages, join hosts Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer as they discuss some of the highlights, hidden gems and important resources housed on www.BamaBeef.org. 

In June, Bullock County Cattleman and YCLP Council Chairman Daniel Adams took to a 10-day trip across the country to explore the American beef industry. As the Alabama representative on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Young Cattlemen's Conference, Daniel experienced the beef industry from pasture to plate along with 67 other young producers from across the nation. Listen in as host Kayla Greer rehashes his journey throughout the conference and how his experience compares to Alabama's Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program (YCLP). And be sure to listen to the end for a extra treat!  

The volunteer officers of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association are vital to the success and leadership of our trade organization. On this episode, we'll introduce you to ACA Vice President Wyatt Sasser, who hails from the southern part of the state in Covington County. Tune in to learn about Wyatt's ag and construction background, his family, and his perspective as an ACA officer.

What do rental cars, hotels and steak restaurants all have in common? A great discount, IF you are a member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association! This week, Erin and Josie are chatting about the ins and outs of ACA membership, including the story behind the coveted red coats, how the membership year works, when the important deadlines are, and the great recruitment prizes available to both the counties and individual cattlemen. You will also learn more about the importance of membership in this organization and find out which Alabama county associations have already gone over the top!

Kick off summer grilling season with an introduction to Alabama Beef Checkoff Program Influencer Kathy Adams Phillips of Kathy's Southern Kitchen. Listen as Josie visits with Kathy to discuss the long-held relationship between the Adams Family and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, the importance of utilizing external voices for beef education and ways producers can help extend the reach of beef messaging to more Alabama consumers. 

This week, Erin welcomes Alabama Farmers Federation Director of State Legislative Programs Russ Durrance to discuss the recently completed legislative session in Montgomery. Tag along as they talk all about the offensive and defensive steps taken by both organizations to support Alabama’s agriculture industry through policy, and the information you need to know regarding several key bills affecting producers.

The volunteer officers of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association are vital to the success and leadership of our trade organization. On this episode, we'll introduce you to 2024 ACA President Dr. Terry Slaten from Cullman County. Tune in to learn about Dr. Slaten's background, his family and his perspective as an ACA officer.

Join Josie and Erin as they discuss the upcoming annual Regional Membership Meetings! Learn about the history behind these summer get-togethers, what to expect when attending these meetings, and where you can go for more information. 

Join hosts Erin Beasley and Reid McGuire as they discuss an annual springtime favorite around the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association - the scholarship banquet. Hear more about the history of the Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation and discover how the program has grown to today's record point of awarding over $110,000 to students pursuing a wide variety of careers.

The purpose of the Beef Checkoff Council is to serve as a division of the association to approve all activities, marketing plans and budgets related to the Alabama Beef Checkoff program, and it is chaired by Hale County Cattleman Brenda Glover. Tune in to meet Brenda and hear all about her unique perspective on the importance of Alabama's Beef Checkoff Program. And you guessed it, Brenda is the wife of ACA President-Elect Keith Glover, who we met on last week's episode of Cattle Connect!

The volunteer officers of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association are vital to the success and leadership of our trade organization. On this episode, we would like to introduce you to ACA President-Elect Keith Glover who hails from the prairie land of Hale County. Tune in to learn about Keith's ag background, his family and his perspective as an ACA officer. 

April showers bring... spring field days? Listen in as Reid McGuire talks all things Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association during this time of year. In this episode, we will look back at the youth programs already held in 2024, discuss the role of the AJCA and cover all the details attendees need to know for the two upcoming Spring Junior Cattlemen's Field Days. 

Are you interested in getting your junior cattlemen involved in livestock judging...but maybe have a few questions? Look no further! Host Reid McGuire welcomes AU Livestock Judging Coach Jesse Henson to the studio to take a deeper look into competitive livestock judging, the variety of skills it instills in its competitors, and its practical applications to everyday management decisions on the farm. 

In addition to a busy legislative session, State Convention, and the SLE Rodeo, another program area that fires up at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in the springtime is one that is managed by Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones. Listen in as Josie discusses our many influencer partnerships across the state and highlights their springtime events. 

The 2024 Alabama Legislative Session is 15 days into conducting the business of the state. Listen in as hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley, ACA's team of lobbyists, discuss the movement of the gaming package, the CHOOSE Act and several livestock-related pieces of legislation. Then saddle up because the SLE Rodeo is in town. We'll see you there! 

The 67th Annual SLE Rodeo is bucking back into town March 15-17, and joining host Kayla Greer in studio on this episode is SLE Executive Director Sarah Hunter to talk about all the ins-and-outs of the nearly two-week-long event! Not only that, but Sarah and Kayla chat about the unique mission that drives the SLE and its membership to do more each year. Don't miss out on all the details, and don't forget to purchase tickets online at www.SLERodeo.com,

The 81st Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show hosted a robust group of speakers including today's guests, Secretary of State Wes Allen, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. Tune in as host Kayla Greer recaps their convention discussions and gets valuable insight from both the state and national countrysides. 

Tune in as hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley explore one of the ACA's most unique facets as an organization, The MOOseum! They'll talk about the history of the children's educational venue hosted on the Cattlemen's Building ground floor, walk you through the many rooms to explore, and explain its unique mission to teach all about Alabama's expansive beef cattle industry. 

The 2024 Alabama Legislative Session has kicked off, which means the busiest 105 days in downtown Montgomery are upon us. Listen in as hosts and ACA lobbyists Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley discuss priority bills for the association and the impact they could have on the beef cattle industry or Cattlemen's members. 

The 81st Annual Alabama Cattlemen's Association Convention & Trade Show is headed to Huntsville Feb. 23-24, 2024. Listen in as hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley discuss what's new at the 2024 event, highlight keynote speakers, unpack registration options, and unveil some of the items that will be featured in the 2024 Alabama BEEF PAC Auction. Learn more and register today at https://cvent.me/AL12n8?locale=en.

The Alabama Cattlemen's Association was establish on January 4, 1944, in Demopolis, Alabama, but the fun didn't stop there! Join hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley as they discuss the history of our organization, chat about who we are today, and to give a much-deserved ode to our past. 

Join hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley for the inaugural episode of Cattle Connect, brought to you by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. On this episode, Kayla and Erin will explore how this podcast came to life, what you can expect to hear during the 2024 season, and— most importantly, why this platform of communication is important to staying connected with Alabama's beef cattle producers. So whether you're checking cows in the truck, riding along in the tractor, or maybe you're sipping your morning coffee, tune in and enjoy the first-ever Cattle Connect Podcast! 

Bull sale season is on the horizon! Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) Director Michelle Elmore joined ACA's Reid McGuire in the Cattle Connect studio to discuss ways to make sense of sale catalogs and to share points to consider when making a decision on a herd bull for your operation. Tune in to learn more, and explore upcoming sales and educational opportunities online at BamaBeef.org/Events.

It's time to head back to school and there are so many things to prepare. Shopping carts in stores across Alabama are filled with school supplies, families are visiting schools to meet the new teachers, and educators are adding the final touches to their lesson plans. But success in the classroom relies on far more than great crayons and new shoes. Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Agriculture Development Specialist Beth Spratt joins Josie Jones today to discuss the importance of nutritious school meals for student success. Learn about how the Alabama Farm to School Program works to increase consumption of whole, local products in cafeterias across the state and educate students about food production.

The time of year has come when calves are weaned and truckloads are formed to market. It's board sale season in Alabama, and joining host Reid McGuire in the Cattle Connect studio is Ken Kelley, a farm and agribusiness regional Extension agent who hails from the southwest corner of the state. Tune in as Reid and Ken talk about what a board sale is, tips to increase profitability on your next calf crop, and managing risks with Livestock Risk Protection (LRP).

The Producer Profitability Initiative has been the featured event held in conjunction with the 2024 Regional Cattlemen's Cookouts. This grassroots movement put into motion by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) was created by cattle ranchers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. Through listening sessions, cattlemen of all ages, management styles, and operations sizes— and supporters of the livestock industry— share ideas, concerns and opinions to continue working together toward a sustainable livestock industry and a secure domestic food supply. LMA Region Executive Officer Craig Taylor joins ACA's Kayla Greer in studio to share more about the initiative and the role of the LMA.

Today's average consumer is very aware of their food choices. Common headlines include GMOs, sustainability, local products, pesticides, and the list goes on. This overwhelming interest gives those involved in agriculture the opportunity to develop a local customer base and grow strong relationships with the consumers in their communities, and beef producers are no exception. Join Josie as she visits with Kathleen Evans from CK Cattle as they discuss the Hope Hull operation's booming beef business - developed during the Covid-19 outbreaks in 2020 - and the things other producers need to know before jumping into direct sales to consumers. 

Join Josie and Reid as they visit with 2023-2024 Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association President Alyvia Watson! Hear the Mobile County native discuss her agriculture background, future plans and favorite parts of being involved in the AJCA. 

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association 18th Annual Round-Up is coming to town July 18-21! Reid and Josie are here to give you all the details about each contest and the role they play in developing career-based skills among our junior cattlemen. Tune in to find out all the details to attend and hear how our producers are encouraged to get involved in this fantastic summer event. 

"The goal is not to get a bred heifer. It's to get a three-year-old pair." Listen in as host Reid McGuire talks with Animal Sciences & Forages Extension Specialist Kent Stanford about retaining and raising the right heifers for your herd. 

In honor of National Farm Safety Week, host Josie Jones sits down with Jackson Chance, RN, PM, to discuss farm-related accidents and safety. Currently an assistant fire chief, EMS director, and flight nurse covering rural Alabama communities, Jackson has participated first-hand in many of the facets of Alabama’s emergency medical response and care systems during his 10 years of experience. Listen in to learn what Alabama producers need to consider regarding agriculture occupational hazards as well as a few easy proactive steps they can take to be prepared to care for those they love most during a crisis.

2024 marks 60 years since the very first October Beef Month in Alabama. To discuss the past six decades of beef promotion across the state, host Josie Jones is joined by previous Alabama Cattlemen’s Association employee Ed Whatley. Ed worked as both the ACA Field Representative and the Director of Retail and Foodservice Promotion during his many years at the association, and played a key role in getting beef “on the map” in Alabama. Listen to hear some of his favorite stories from his time in the industry and to learn more about how Alabama Beef Checkoff programming has both adapted and stayed true to its roots through the years. 

Regardless of your preferred breed, industry segment, or stance on grass-fed vs. grain-fed, we can all agree on one thing- beef production is important. Join host Josie Jones as she discusses the Three P's of Beef Production with Mason Hills Farm owner Joseph Mason. 

A new addition to Beef Month in recent years is a contest titled "Cattlemen of Beef Month." This friendly competition between county Cattlemen's Associations awards points based on beef promotional efforts hosted during October Beef Month, and it ends with one county earning the crown! In October 2023, the Elmore County Cattlemen's Association went above and beyond to design unique ways to promote beef and the western lifestyle across their home turf. Josie Jones sits down in studio with Chet and Carol Matthews, two of the masterminds behind the promotional efforts, to reflect on how Elmore County's cattlemen activated in order to earn the title "2023 Cattlemen of Beef Month."

This year, we are proud to celebrate 60 years of October Beef Month in Alabama! In honor of this milestone, we looked back over the past decade of Bama’s Best Beef, Bama’s Best Burger and Alabama’s Best Steak contest winners and finalists to design a roadmap we've titled "60 Savory Stops." Listen in as co-hosts Kayla Greer and Josie Jones talk about how this campaign came to life, and join in the celebration by visiting www.BamaBeef.org/60.

Give the gift of membership this holiday season! Whether it’s a friend, family member, neighbor— or someone who’s just plain hard to shop for— we’ve got just what you need! Our 2024 Christmas From Cowboys membership drive offers a one-year membership with all the benefits of being a member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, wrapped up in a western-themed Christmas card. ACA President Dr. Terry Slaten joins Kayla Greer in studio to talk about the program, the inspiration behind it and all about our member benefits. Tune in and visit BamaBeef.org/Christmas to gift a membership this holiday season. 

Did you know you could qualify for up to a 75% rebate on herd health practices like corrals, feed bunks with heavy use pads and squeeze chutes? Thanks to Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee’s Conservation Incentive Program (CIP), you can! ASWCC Assistant Executive Director Ashley Henderson joins host Kayla Greer in the Cattle Connect studio to dive into those programs. Find your local office and apply for CIP practices today by visiting AlabamaSoilAndWater.gov. 

Dr. Kimberly Mullenix recently assumed the role as the Head of the Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University behind the successful tenure of Dr. Wayne Greene. A former Beef Cattle Extension Specialist, Dr. Mullenix joins host Erin Beasley in studio to introduce herself and to share her vision for the department moving forward. 

Advertising beef to Alabama's consumers requires knowledge of market trends and buying power, and thanks to a recent trip out to Denver, ACA Director of Consumer Outreach Josie Jones is up for the challenge. Tune in to learn more about the many mechanics behind encouraging consumers to choose beef. #BeefItsWhatsForDinner

Sweet Grown Alabama has become a recognizable brand for Alabama agriculture. In this episode, host Josie Jones sits down with Sweet Grown Alabama Assistant Director Aisling Walding to learn about the launch of this program, the purpose it serves and how producers can take advantage of the resources it has to offer. 

The 2025 ACA Convention & Trade Show will be in Birmingham February 21-22. Co-hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley chat about what you can expect at the 82nd annual event, including what's new! Learn more and register today at www.BamaBeef.org/Events. 

In celebration of the ACA's 81st birthday, hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley take to the history book to chat about some of the association's milestone moments and their little-known details!   

 

As we prepare to send off 2024, tune in as hosts Kayla Greer, Erin Beasley, Josie Jones and Reid McGuire sit down for a month-by-month review of programs, key moments and successes for the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Be sure to tune into Season 2 of the Cattle Connect podcast, kicking off January 3, 2025. Happy New Year! 

From the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program to BEEF 101 and digital advertising to BQA in classrooms, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program covers a lot of ground. This week's segment, the Beef Checkoff team highlights some 2024 wins and what to look forward to in 2025! BONUS FOOTAGE: Listen to the end for a little banter about the staff's favorite beef cuts for the holidays!

From Millennials to Gen X'ers and Gen Z'ers to Boomers, cross-generational leadership and management can create questions...for both leaders and followers! Host Erin Beasley sits down with Auburn University Professor of Practice in Agricultural Communication and Leadership Dr. Adam Cletzer to unpack generational differences, tips for leadership development and even a few resource recommendations for those who are trying to effectively lead in their civic groups and on the farm. 

“There will always be a need for land because it’s under everything.”

Host Erin Beasley sits down with longtime land broker and host of The Land Show, Jonathan Goode, to chat about considerations and preparations to have on hand when it comes time to buy or sell your land. 

Tune in as host Kayla Greer sits down in studio with Shelby Easterling, president of the Alabama CattleWomen's Association (ACWA). Kayla and Shelby chat about the ACWA's mission, highlight a few of Shelby's goals as president and— in true Cattle Connect fashion— shed a little light on the history of the organization. Learn more or join the ACWA at www.AlabamaCattleWomen.com. 

What began as feedback from membership meetings held in 2024 evolved into five educational opportunities at the 82nd Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show. From estate planning to life-saving tips in an emergency, and calf health to diversifying your farm's financials, the 2025 convention will feature a variety of educational sessions you don't want to miss. Learn more and register today at BamaBeef.org/Events. 

Health insurance is one of those things "you'd rather have and not need, than to need it and not have it." But unfortunately, affordable health coverage is a tough commodity to come by for many of Alabama's farmers and small business owners. That is why our friends at the Alabama Farmers Federation are working toward legislation that will allow them to offer affordable health plans to the hardworking men, women and children who produce our nation's food, fuel and fiber. Learn more at www.AHealthyOption.org. 

Supporting Alabama's youth in agriculture— that's the goal of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE), and your ticket to the show contributes to that mission. SLE President Linwood McClain joins host Kayla Greer in studio to reflect on the SLE's history, its unique mission and share details about this year's event. Learn more at www.SLERodeo.com.