What’s Going On Wednesday: May 31, 2017

Just like that, the month of May is over as quickly as the rest of this year has gone. The year 2017 is on the move, and we’re anxious to get going on a busy summer of activities, staff change-overs and beef promotion. June is sure to bring a lot of that, so keep reading to find out how we’re sending off May and welcoming the big month of June!


Membership Report

Final Statements went out in the mail and all remittances will come back to the state office.

GATOR

The deadline for recruiting is June 30th,and remember, the recruiter and the person recruited both get entered in the John Deere Gator drawing! Speaking of John Deere Gator, WE HAVE RAFFLE TICKETS!! Contact us if you’d like a book to sell or purchase for your chance to win the Gator! The deadline to have money and raffle tickets turned is before or at the summer board meeting. There will be a prize for the person who sells the most raffle tickets.  They come in books of 10 and Jessica can mail them out today! Email Jessica

 

 

AJCA Round-Up Registration Opens TOMORROW

With June comes the opening up of the AJCA Round-Up online fiestalogo5registration! If your child interested in beef cattle, has a knack for cooking, an eye for graphic design, a competitive streak in volleyball or a love of speaking in public, you should consider signing them up for the 11th annual AJCA Round-Up. This year’s event comes with a “South of the Border” FIESTA theme and is sure to be a muy beuno time!

 

AJCA membership is required for entry into the Round-Up. Here’s all you need to know about this year’s event:

 

 

Montgomery Wellness Forum at ACA

The Montgomery Wellness Forum is meeting at the Cattlemen’s Building today to discuss healthy workplace habits.  This group consists of representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Alabama Diabetes Association, American Red Cross, and several different Montgomery companies.  This group gives us a chance to showcase our building and remind these groups that healthy beef recipes and research info is available at any time to help them reach their goals in wellness.

 

 

Beef for Father’s Day

Beef_FathersDayAlso happening today, we’ll be taking our annual trip over to the Capitol with our friends from Alabama CattleWomen’s Association to have the Beef for Father’s Day Proclamation Signing. Beef is a man’s best friend, and it’s #KingOfTheGrill this summertime. Fire up the grill and give your dad the gift of delicious beef this Father’s Day!

 

 

Culinary Fight Club- Blended Burger Battle Results

Last week, the beef checkoff funded the Culinary Fight Club competition18671095_1045354822267187_2135292039675498377_n featuring hamburgers at Central Restaurant in downtown Montgomery. This event showcased three outstanding chefs from the restaurants Corks & Cleavers, Sundown and Hamburger King in the Montgomery area. The winning chef, Hunter Harrison of Hamburger King, created a unique blended burger with Mexican chorizo and mushrooms, topped with candied bacon and a Creole aioli. By winning the competition, Chef Harrison will now compete in the World Food Championships this fall in Gulf Shores. We look forward to sponsoring a similar contest this summer featuring steak.

 

 

Bama’s Best Beef Week #2

18740495_1048031685332834_3162288122833280066_nBama’s Best Beef is underway and looking delicious! Following the Week #1 Photo Challenge whose winner was Old Town Stock House of Gunterville’s Asian dish, “Tteok Galbi,” the Week #2 Photo Challenge has kicked off, and the competition is fierce between our All-American and Other category finalists!

 

Barbecue Stop of Clay, AL “Brisket & Mac” is described as “juicy, tender, 18700252_1048031655332837_8223852171937169611_nslow-smoked brisket over homemade, melt-in-your-mouth, mac & cheese.” Bertolone’s Italian Cafe of Clanton, AL “Cannelloni” is described as “fresh pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef, spinach and Italian cheeses topped with bolognese and bescamela sauces.”

 

These two are dueling it out on Facebook this week. At this point, it’s a close race with Bertolone’s taking the lead in the contest with 191 “reactions” vs Barbecue Stop’s 155 “reactions.” If they’re from your area, be sure to spread the word to VOTE on the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Facebook page. Help us promote Alabama’s delicious and unique beef dishes!

 

July- Alabama Cattleman

Before we talk about the excellent advertising opportunities in the July magazine, we’d like to note that the June issue will be available online Monday, June 5. Be on the lookout for an email with a link and password this coming Monday!

 

49668274 - dollar sign vector iconNow, July. If you want the best advertising deal in town, call us today! July’s magazine reaches a circulation of over 20,000 people…that’s double our normal circulation…but advertising rates are the same! That’s twice the bang for your advertising buck, and we don’t want you to miss out. Give Nicky Bechard a call today at (334) 265-1867 or shoot her an email to learn more. Deadline is JUNE 15!!

 

 

The MOOseum

School’s out and The MOOseum is in…inside, that is! Beat the MOOseum COLOR logosummertime heat and rain by bringing your kiddos, daycare or church groups to explore Alabama’s beef cattle industry. Tours are lining up left and right, and the laughter of children is filling our first floor already at the early kick off of summer vacation. The best part is that they’ll be learning without even knowing it! We are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come see us!

 

 

 

Here’s a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post!  Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Have a great week!

What’s Going On Wednesday: May 24, 2017

Happy Wednesday!

The rain is subsiding just in time to dry things off for a busy, beefy holiday weekend! You may not know it, but Memorial Day Weekend is one of the beefiest holidays of the year. Not only is it the kickoff of summer grilling season, but Sunday, May 28 is National Hamburger Day! May is also recognized as National Beef Month, National Burger Month and National BBQ Month. That in itself calls for a delicious celebration!! We hope your family has a happy and blessed long weekend. The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association would like to tip its hat to America’s fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. As it has been said, “If you ate today, thank a farmer. If you ate in peace, thank a soldier.” There’s some powerful words for an important day of memorializing America’s finest. 

Before the long weekend arrives, though, we have to finish up the work week! Take a break from all the business around you to catch up on all that’s happening with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association this week. 


 

Membership UPdate- Final notices

The membership renewal final notice will go out THIS Friday!  All membership remittances will come back to the state office, so be sure to send in all membership before Friday so paid members do not receive a renewal notice in the mail.  County leaders: check with the state office to utilize any county credits and expedite the process if available. Call Jessica Kennedy at (334) 265-1867.

 

We still have plenty of raffle tickets available for each of you to sell for the John Deere Gator drawing.  There will be a prize for the person who sells the most raffle tickets.  They come in books of 10 and Jessica can mail them out today! Email Jessica

 

AJCA Round-Up Planning Underway

fiestalogo5ACA Intern Logan Strock gathered AJCA directors in the Cattlemen’s Building yesterday under the charge of AJCA President Cameron Catrett to make some very important steps in the finalization of AJCA Round-Up planning. The 11th annual Round-Up will be held July 20-23 at the Garrett Coliseum, and it’s bringing a “South of the Border” flare to Montgomery to help celebrate 11 years of Round-Up fun!

 

During yesterday’s meeting, directors finalized the show rules and schedule, discussed modifications to the contests and contest rules and planned prizes to be awarded for the contests. Logan would like it noted that there have been a few rule modifications to this year’s AJCA Round Up, so it is important to read the Round Up rules carefully.

 

Rules and a schedule will be posted online shortly while registration will open June 1 at 8:30 a.m. at www.bamabeef.org/roundup.

 

 

Bama’s Best Beef

Asian- Tteok Galbi- Old Town Stock House Bama’s Best Beef is underway and looking delicious! The Week #1 Photo Challenge has kicked off and the competition is fierce between our Asian and Hispanic category finalists!

 

Old Town Stock House of Gunterville’s “Tteok Galbi” is described as “Korean marinated beef served on house steam buns.” Tuco’s Tex Mex Ca18664316_1042070602595609_2795382560241313393_nntina in Auburn’s “Tex Mex Lasagna” is described as a “three-layer tortilla lasagna of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and red chili sauce, topped with our delicious Monterey and cheddar blend cheese and finished with pico de gallo and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.”

 

These two are dueling it out on Facebook this week. At this point, Old Town Stock House is taking the lead in the contest with 189 “reactions” vs Tuco Tex Mex Cantina’s 118 “reactions.” If they’re from your area, be sure to spread the word to VOTE on the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Facebook page. Help us promote Alabama’s delicious and unique beef dishes!

 

Culinary Fight Club Alabama “Blended Burger Battle”

Burger BattleThe Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is excited to sponsor the Culinary Fight Club Alabama “Blended Burger Battle” happening Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. at Central in downtown Montgomery. We’re sponsoring the beef as area chefs go head-to-head to craft the best burger in show. Our own Erin Beasley will be serving as a guest judge while staff attends to support the beef-centric event.

 

It’s sure to be a delicious time! The winner of this contest will move forward to compete on Alabama’s team in the World Food Championship’s Burger category in Orange Beach this November. The event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased here.

 

 

Headed East- Langley Farm Visit

Last but certainly not least, two ACA staffers are spending the day in Lafayette (Chambers County) with Vice President Chris Langley and family. Dr. Billy Powell and Erin Beasley headed east today to visit Langley Farms and explore its operations as well as spend time with Chris to discuss his new role as vice presdient of the association.

 

We are grateful to the Langley Family for hosting us today and will enjoy getting out of the office to visit a wonderful family and a beautiful farm. If you want to learn more about Chris and his family, click here.

 

MBA & YCLP Summertime Digital Tool Kit

NCBA_MBA_Logo-01MBA State Coordinator and ACA Director of Social Media & Communications Kayla Greer has been working to create a “digital took kit” for graduates of both the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program and the Masters of Beef Advocacy program to use during the summertime. The tool kit features graphics, captions, images and ideas about how to effectively post about all that goes on around the beef cattle industry during the summer months.

 

Recipients will be given beef imagery, tips on how to post about summer farm work such as baling and forage management and ideas on how to put a “face to the beef” by promoting beef as a cattle producer. If you’re an active or alumni YCLP or a graduate of the MBA program, be on the lookout for those to appear in your inbox today! Call Kayla at (334) 265-1867 with questions.

 

Until then, be sure to celebrate National Burger Day this Sunday, May 28 with a delicious Burger Bar!


 

Here’s a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post!  Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Have a great week!

What’s Going On Wednesday: May 17, 2017

We took last week off form the blog because we had just spent the day before with all of our Board members providing updates and reports from the state office. We’re back at it today with more news and updates about all that’s happening at the ACA! Keep reading to learn more…


 

Membership Update

Board Members: Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy emailed an updated recruiting list out yesterday, so be sure to check those out and encourage your county members to continue recruiting and make it into our “Top Hand Club” with all those new and fun prizes! Just as a reminder, the deadline for recruiting new members is June 30th.

 

At the State Board meeting last week it was decided to close out the 2017 membership on May 25th. The state will then invoice all 2016 members who have not renewed, and renewal monies will come directly to the state. Be sure to send in all membership and payment no later than May 20th so that those members who have paid do not receive an invoice.

 

 

Bama’s Best Beef

We had some delicious-sounding, unique dishes nominated for this year’s 2nd annual Bama’s Best Beef contest! The nominations round closed Saturday, May 13 at midnight and this week has been spent narrowing down the top dish in each category and reaching out to those restaurants to accept the nomination and get us a picture of the beefy dish!

 

This year our contest features a dish in four ethnic categories: Asian, Hispanic, All-American and Other. Here’s the timeline for the rest of the contest:

May 22-27: Photo Challenge (Asian vs Hispanic)
May 29- June 3: Photo Challenge (All-American vs Other)
June 5-10: Final Round Photo Challenge (Week 1 Winner vs Week 2 Winner)

 

Be on the lookout next Monday for our Asian and Hispanic category finalists and be sure to VOTE by liking the picture that sounds the most delicious!

 

Welcome, Logan!

LS2We’ve got a new face in the office as Logan Strock has started his summer internship with the ACA this week! Logan is from White City in Autauga County and is a student at Mississippi State pursuing his degree in agriscience education. He’s with us this summer to help plan the 11th annual, Fiesta-themed AJCA Round-Up held at the Garrett Coliseum July 20-23. He’s already off to a great start as he’s lining up contest judges and preparing to host Junior directors for a planning meeting next Tuesday!

 

If you have any questions or would like to sponsor the event this year, you can contact Logan at intern@bamabeef.org or by calling him at (334) 265-1867.

 

YCLP Class IV

YCLP Class IV held its first meeting May 8-9 at the ACA headquarters inyoung-cattlemen-logo_websized
downtown Montgomery. During the first day of the two-day meeting, the group tackled leadership styles, gained knowledge about the legislative process and enjoyed fellowship with classmates at a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game. The second day hosted further leadership training and the opportunity to participate in the ACA Spring Board of Directors Meeting which culminated in a trip to the State House to learn about the ongoing legislative session. You can meet our newest class by visiting www.bamabeef.org/yclp.

 

Following last week’s first meeting of the year, ACA Director of Social Media & Communications Kayla Greer sent press releases and a head shot to each student’s hometown newspaper to increase exposure of the new class and the program as a whole!

 

Transition Time

ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell has been working with ACA Assistant Executive Vice President Erin Beasley as they prepare to make the transition of roles effective July 1 upon Dr. Powell’s retirement. Dr. Powell has been introducing Erin to banking officials, legislative members, and covering all the basis of her new role.

 

This afternoon, they will meet with Clint Davis who has just retired from a long career as a livestock theft investigator with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and in the Rural Crime Unit with ALEA. The meeting will be a review of livestock laws in Alabama where Clint will explain these laws, the measures to which they are enforced and any changes he thinks need to be made.

 

Summer Grilling Video

Fire up the grills and get ready to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a perfectly-portioned Porterhouse for two! This is the first of four educational recipe videos produced by staff at the ACA. This video is now live on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

 

Here’s a Few Handy Links You May Enjoy:

 

 

Thanks for reading this week’s post!  Until we post again next week , we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Have a great week!

 

What’s Going On Wednesday: May 3, 2017

May is here, and it’s brought along with it one delicious month ahead!

Summer Grilling Season. National Beef Month. National Burger Month. National BBQ Month. It’s a mouthwatering month to say the least, but that’s not all that’s happening around the ACA! We’re still keeping a sharp eye on politics, hosting meetings, planning upcoming events and promoting our favorite protein, beef, all while cattle producers across the state are managing the farm and getting prepared for baling season.

Take just a few minutes to learn about what’s happening in Downtown Montgomery this week.


MEMBERSHIP REMINDERS

PREIFERT SQUEEZE CHUTE WINNERS_webACA Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy wanted to make sure you all got the reminder that the year-end “Over the Top” deadline is the May 9th Board Meeting.  Counties who have gone “Over the Top” and have at least 100 members will be included in the drawing for the Priefert Chute. We have 20 counties who are within an arm’s length of going “Over the Top,” and your chance at a $5,000 Priefert squeeze chute should be encouragement enough! If that’s not enough, county presidents who go “Over the Top” will receive an award at the 2018 ACA Convention and TWO free banquet tickets.

 

 

Make sure to send in all membership before the Spring Board Meeting that our reports are as current as possible.  Following the Board Meeting, the state office will be mailing out the FINAL dues notices.  Those renewals will be routed to the state office.

 

 

Bama’s Best Beef Contest Kickoff

BBB- Facebook CoverIt’s an exciting week for social media! The 2nd annual Bama’s Best Beef contest has kicked off in search of Alabama’s most unique beef dish! The contest starts out with a nomination round which will be open until midnight on May 13. Following a week of deliberation to select a finalist in the Asian, Hispanic, All-American and Other categories, the final four dishes will go head-to-head in Facebook Photo Challenges with the hopes of being crowned “Bama’s Best Beef.”

 

 

We are proud to host the second annual contest after the contest proved its potential in 2016. Last year’s contest boasted a 327,571-person reach and 7,956 reactions, comments and shares. “Zack’s Tot Roast” from West End Grill in Huntsville took home the crown , and we are excited to try out another delicious beef dish from our home state. The Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association has even joined in on the fun to help co-sponsor the prizes and feature the winning dish/restaurant in their magazine!

 

 

It’s great exposure for Alabama restaurants and BEEF! Be sure to submit your nomination today at www.bamabeef.org/bestbeef

 

 

A Visit With the Governor

Monday afternoon took us to Goat Hill as ACA leaders Dr. Billy Powell and 18301148_1025974424205227_4534470258872427133_nErin Beasley enjoyed a nice visit with longtime friend of the Cattlemen’s Association, Gov. Kay Ivey. During the meeting, the trio discussed issues relating to the beef cattle industry and rural Alabama.

 

 

Welcome, Dr. Goodrich

www.brittneygoodrich.weebly.com/
Photo Credit: Brittany K. Goodrich

On Tuesday, ACA Assistant Executive VP Erin Beasley met with the new Extension Ag Economist, Dr. Brittney Goodrich, who will begin her position in August at Auburn.  Several industry stakeholders were invited to listen to her current research and provide input on key areas that she needs to concentrate on when she begins work.  This position, previously held by Dr. Walt Prevatt, has been vital to cattle producers and we will work with Dr. Goodrich to ensure she is aware of our cattlemen needs as she goes forward with research and outreach.

 

 

YCLP Class IV

The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class IV will officially young-cattlemen-logo_websizedkick off next Monday and Tuesday for the year.  Twenty-five outstanding cattlemen between 21-40 years of age will commit to this program over the next year to learn more about the association, develop leadership skills and increase their overall knowledge of the cattle industry.  Moving forward, this program will continue to show its worth by seeing graduates move into leadership roles at the county and state level.

 

 

AJCA ROUND-UP DATES AND INTERN

Screenshot 2017-04-26 11.43.05For those who may have missed the news last week, the ACA is excited to have Logan Strock in our office this summer as he has accepted an internship where he will lead the effort in putting on the 11th annual AJCA Round-Up. Logan is a current AJCA director and a student at Mississippi State University where he is studying agricultural education.

 

 

The dates for this year’s Fiesta-themed event are July 20-23 at fiestalogo5Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum. Stay tuned as rules and registration information will be made available late May. We can’t wait to see you there!

 

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Beef!

Speaking of Fiesta, we can’t leave you without un poco de inspiracion para el Cinco de Mayo…in other words, a little inspiration for Cinco de Mayo! this Friday is Mexican Independence Day, and we’re celebrating with beef! Here’s some delicious inspiration…