What’s Going On Wednesday: May 29, 2019

And just like that, May is heading to our rear view mirror, and it’s evident in those rising temperatures and that unforgiving humidity. Hello, summertime! Welcome to the season of hay baling, preparing feeder calves for market, managing forages and pesky weeds, fighting flies, endless mowing and the infinite job of keeping water troughs full. Each season comes with its challenges, but the cattleman breed is tough, full of grit and can take the heat. THANK YOU for your work. 

Speaking of work, your state ACA staff is always busy representing you and keeping association and checkoff programs on a roll. Keep reading to find out what’s happening at the ACA this week. 


 

 

hb 518 passes

Screenshot 2019-05-29 10.56.23ICYMI: House Bill 518— the association’s meat labeling bill— received final passage last Thursday morning, May 23. Special thank you’s are in store for Sen. David Sessions (R-Grand Bay) and Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens) for the support and sponsorship of this bill. The bill ensures that the definition of “meat” only applies to products sourced from livestock on farms and ranches and harvested through processing. It also clarifies that laboratory-grown products cannot be labeled as meat. “This is proactive legislation to ensure clarity in food labeling. Around the country, there are more and more companies trying to market lab-grown products as meat, which is misleading since they aren’t derived from actual livestock production,” Sessions said. “The passage of this bill is a win-win for the consumers who love to buy beef, and the cattlemen who work hard to produce a high-quality product,” ACA Executive VP Erin Beasley concluded.

 

House Bill 518 now goes to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for her consideration.

Ag in the Classroom Summit

You won’t find ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell in Montgomery this week, nope! Ali is is helping with Alabama Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Summit in Florence, AL where over 90 ag teachers are in attendance to learn more about incorporating ag-related activities to the classroom and participating in farm tours across the northwest corner of Alabama. The workshops and tours are meant to enhance the learning environment in Alabama Ag classrooms and provide resources- including beef cattle swag- to teachers.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

ACA logo- meme size copyThe membership count of the day is 8,187 members and counting! HELP US GET TO 10,000+!! If you are a county president or secretary who did not receive your 2019-2020 leadership handbook at the May Board Meeting, please email Jessica to have your copy mailed today. It’s packed with officer and staff information and resources you need in your county such as an Regional Extension Agent map, a by-laws template, ACA merchandise and postcard service information and much more. Contact Jessica Kennedy today to get your copy sent the in mail!

 

 

Visiting Opp Stockyards

Screenshot 2019-05-29 10.55.38On Tuesday, ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds headed south to visit Opp Stockyards. She is working with the goal of introducing herself to all of the yards in the state in an effort to build mutually beneficial relationships at each yard. Morgan delivered Opp their “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” sign and got to speak to the crowd. Be on the lookout for Morgan at your local yard, and be sure to say hi if you see her!

 

 

AJCA Board Meeting

This Friday, staffers, led by Morgan Pounds, will welcome the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Board of Director’s for a quick Board of Directors meeting. At the meeting, Morgan will have the opportunity to introduce herself and meet the juniors that serve in leadership roles. The board will prepare for the 2019 Round-Up and other upcoming AJCA events.

 

 

AJCA Round-Up and 4-H State Judging Contest

Speaking of Round-Up and other upcoming AJCA Events, we’ve got the AJCA_RoundUp_LogoOnly_19(2)scoop! Registration for the 2019 “Christmas in July” AJCA Round-Up is now live at BamaBeef.org/RoundUp. We’ve got contest entry, animal entry and novice entry…so enter the site prepared with allllll the info you’ll need to successfully complete including AJCA membership number, EID tag numbers, premise I.D.’s, etc. You don’t want to miss this holly jolly youth development event riding in on its sleigh July 18-21 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery!

 

Before the Round-Up, though, staffer Morgan Pounds is looking forward to attending the 2019 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Tuesday, June 18 at the Auburn University Beef Teaching Unit. Registration for the event closes THIS FRIDAY. To learn more and register, you can follow the links below.

  • Information Packet:  Click here
  • Entry for the Contest is at 4-H Online available at:  Click Here

 

 

Consumer E-Blast Hits Inboxes

Screen Shot 2019-05-29 at 10.58.41 AMA summer grilling consumer e-newsletter shipped out to over 10,000 inboxes on Friday just in time for the Memorial Day holiday, which also happens to be the kickoff of summer grilling season! This digital newsletter featured recipe collections, a doneness chart, rub and marinade inspiration, tips for delicious side dishes to serve alongside beef and a quick grilling guide. It also featured information on grilling provided by Registered Dietitian Elesha Ergle, whose summer grilling information can be found by clicking here. If you’d like a copy of the newsletter to share, email ACA Director of Social Media & Communications Kayla Greer.


 

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

What’s Going On Wednesday: May 22, 2019

Who turned up the heat? Summertime didn’t dawdle this year as we head into a week of upper 90s and even the 1-0-0 for some of us in the southern part of the state. Don’t forget to stay cool, hydrated and use that sunscreen and hat! While you work in the hayfield, we’re in Montgomery holding down the fort. We’re coming off a BUSY week, but this freight train keeps on rollin’. Read more to find out what’s happening at the ACA this week.


 

YCLP Class VI Kicks Off

…And session one for the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Class VI is a wrap. Last week was an exciting time in the association, not only because of the Screen Shot 2019-05-22 at 11.47.02 AM
Board meeting, but because we kicked off the SIXTH class of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). This program, funded by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff, is designed to develop young cattlemen ages 20-40 into future leaders for Alabama’s beef cattle industry. The 25 students of this class were introduced to the Board and explored the legislative world then headed to Frank Ellis Charolais for a farm tour followed by a social cook-out at Kick Back Ranch & Events Center in Ramer. The following morning started with leadership training led by Dr. Don Mulvaney followed by a trip to McLane-Garrett Cattle Company and a tour of the Cargill Feed Mill here in Montgomery. We’re excited for a big year with this impressive class of young leaders!

 

Members of Class VI are:

Eric Beck, Mobile County
Christopher Bell, Monroe
Taylor Brown, Chambers
Bradley Cox, Fayette
Amanda Engle, Franklin
Levi Gideons, Lee
Brian Gilliam, Shelby
Clay Jones, Bibb
Peter Kupfer, Mobile
Jessica Langford, Autauga
Amanda Lovelady, Talladega
Whit Lovelady, Talladega
Scott McElfrish, Fayette
William Monk, Dallas
Kendra Moravec, Mobile
Paul Moravec, Mobile
Darcey Richburg, Chilton
Paige Teague, Clay
Tray Thompson, Dale
Travis Tucker, Blount
Justin Waites, Clay
Kory Watt, Sumter
Logan Whatley, Montgomery
Aubree White, Limestone
Daniel White, Cullman

 

 

Stopping By Youth Events

60555285_2164515510332014_3048839318828220416_nNew to the staff at ACA, Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds wants to engage with youth at field days across the state. On Saturday, Morgan visited Blountsville, AL for the Alabama Santa Gertrudis Association Field Day & Show. Hats off to the Alabama Santa Gertrudis Association and Quail Valley Farms for hosting an excellent event. Morgan engaged in conversations with cattlemen throughout the day and enjoyed welcoming juniors to the field day and speaking to the audience about 2019 Round-Up.

 

On June 1 Morgan will head to Crenshaw County for the Belt Buckle Classic Summer Edition. This inaugural summer show have over 150 registrants and awards 15 buckles to the top 5 heifers, steers and showmanship competitors. We’re looking forward to a GREAT event!

 

 

Veteran Farmers Conference

This past Saturday, ACA staffer Ali Cantrell hosted a booth at the Veteran 60344967_1595027497299914_7058951898287570944_nFarmers Conference at Wallace State Community College. ACA provided a gold-level sponsorship for the event as well as resource materials to the attendees of the conference. Cullman County cattlemen provided a delicious lunch! Ali had the honor to talk with farmers who have served our country and are now stewards of the land as well. We tip our hat to those with a servant’s heart, especially as we head into Memorial Day weekend!

 

 

Legislative Update: The Countdown is On!

The legislature is continuing to run fast-paced as they tackle another three-day week with talks of four-days next week as they race to the finish of the session. As it stands today, they have eight days left to complete the session. Last night, the general fund budget passed out of the Senate and is headed to conference committee. The Education Trust Fund budget is in House committee this morning. Last night, the lottery bill was first up on the House calendar and died during the vote for the Budget Isolation Resolution (BIR). We will see where that goes from here. The labeling bill for the association (HB518) will be in committee today in the Senate. Once passed through committee, the remaining obstacle will be passage on the Senate floor.

 

 

Memorial Day Weekend

As we head into a weekend of memorializing those who gave their lives for our many freedoms, we pause to remember their sacrifice. We know this is not just a three-day weekend, a trip to the beach or a time for parties…but a time intended to honor the sacrifice so many have made protecting our homeland. Thank you to our military!

 

Screen Shot 2019-05-22 at 11.55.16 AMIf you are spending a weekend with family by the pool, don’t forget to break out those burgers and fire up the grill. Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick-off to summer grilling season! Celebrate with a juicy burger, a sizzlin’ steak or fall-off-the-bone beef ribs.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

ACA logo- meme size copyThe membership count of the day is 8,154 members and counting! HELP US GET TO 10,000+!! County secretaries, be sure to be submitting that information to the i4a membership software or here to our state office! Hopefully by now, you’ve input all the renewals that flooded your mailboxes from the renewal statements. Don’t forget, that Over the Top deadline of June 15 is drawing near quickly. CONGRATS are in store for Elmore and Montgomery counties who have already gone Over the Top. Great work!

 


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

Fire Up the Grill

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

 

It’s May, and summer is on its way!  What better way to get your summer going than with some beef on the grill? While some take on grilling as an art form, others feel less comfortable with firing up the coals or lighting the grill.  If you’re a novice on the grill, not to worry…start simple, find some recipes and read up on your grill’s instructions.  If you’re looking for some great grilling tips, here are some from the pros at Weber.com to get you started. 

 

 

Best of Both Worlds

Love Pizza AND grilling? You can have the best of both worlds with these recipes for grilled pizzas that don’t leave your kitchen overheated. Say hello to this recipe for Grilled Cheeseburger Pizza that will be a hit with all the kids.  If you’re looking for a pizza with more of a BBQ flare, try this BBQ Beef Pizza on the grill. If your diet restrictions require gluten-free pizza crusts for your beefy creations, try this recipe for Gluten Free Pizza Dough for Grilling.

 

 

For the Love…of Burgers!

Most burger lovers have their requirements for the best cheeseburger to meet their tastes.  Many grillmasters have their own methods, and you may be hesitant to try cooking them on your own.  To make you feel more comfortable, here are some great grilling tips just for burgers. If you want some delicious recipe options for all kinds of burgers, go to Beef It’s What’s For Dinner to find the perfect match for your tastes.

 

 

Everybody’s Fave

Steak…the one word that gets everyone dreaming of those grates of greatness.  From ribeyes to sirloins and Delmonico’s to filet mignon, steak is the love language for all beef lovers. If you’re confused about the nutrition of steak, or think that because you have high cholesterol you shouldn’t eat steak, think again!  Did you know that most of the intramuscular fat (marbling) in beef is actually monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—the same “good” fats that are found in olive oil, nuts and avocados. These fats melt into the steak giving it more flavor and juiciness. Ribeyes contain the highest saturated fat content of the steak family, but still only having 4 grams per serving. If your taste buds do prefer a leaner steak, go for a filet or a sirloin. Keep this grilling chart handy for times and temperatures that meet all your beef grilling preferences.

 

 

Be sure to visit Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner for more information on grilling, beef safety, recipes and beef from pasture to plate; or from your Alexa or Google Home devices, ask Chuck any of your beefy questions.

 

Happy summertime and happy grilling!

What’s Going On Wednesday: May 8, 2019

The weather is heating up. Grills are heating up. The legislature is heating up. Hay cutting is heating up. Field days are heating up. Yep, all this heating up is a sure sign that summer is near! There’s all kinds of work to be done, and we’re busy doing it. Keep reading to learn what’s going on at the ACA this week, and as we’ll be meeting next week for our Spring Board of Directors meeting, we’ll talk again on the blog on Wednesday, May 22.


Bama’s Best Beef Contest Gets Competitive

websitehomepage_bbbeef_voting-01(2)It’s the final week of the 2019 Bama’s Best Beef contest, hosted on the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Facebook page. We’re on the hunt for a delicious, well-loved dish served up at an Alabama restaurant or food truck, and our finalists have come down to the Beef Brisket at Smokin’ on the Boulevard in Florence and the Bourbonzola Brisket Burger at Roadside ‘Que in Fort Payne. Let us tell you, folks, it’s a nail-biter of a contest. Right now, only 10 votes separate these finalists from their fight for the title. Polling ends Thursday morning, and we’ll have a statewide announcement out by the afternoon. If you haven’t already, get on over to the Facebook page and submit your vote by clicking the photo of the dish that looks the tastiest to you! We’re excited to find out the results of this checkoff-funded contest that increases awareness of local restaurants and gets Alabamians excited for BEEF on social media!

 

 

Talkin’ Meat Labeling in the House

HB518, a meat labeling bill for the association, will be debated on the HouseScreen Shot 2019-03-27 at 2.04.55 PM floor this afternoon. If it passes, it will be sent upstairs to the Senate next week for committee action. The bill outlines that cell-cultured products cannot be labeled as meat in Alabama. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Danny Crawford and co-sponsored by Reps. Joe Lovvorn, Will Dismukes, Ralph Howard, Reid Ingram, Rodney Sullivan and Wes Kitchens. Stay tuned!

 

 

Proud to Host Congressman Mike Rogers

59429346_1585381204931210_6356665745425825792_oThis week we hosted Congressman Mike Rogers for a brunch at the Cattlemen’s building. This event draws several associations in Montgomery to attend as he provides an snapshot of the current events in Washington, D.C. ACA President Chris Langley was able to attend and visit with the Congressman.

 

 

County Field Days

59581198_2365852936968122_7100641140080115712_nIt’s a busy season…and one perfect for county field day events before the weather gets too steamy! This past weekend, staffer Kayla Greer enjoyed gathering with the Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association for a farm tour of CK Cattle and Frank Turner & Sons farms. The group of 20+ enjoyed a day of learning about local farms’ beef cattle and forage programs! Meanwhile, ACA President Chris Langley visited the St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association who also hosted an excellent field day with over 70 in attendance. Kayla Greer is also looking forward to spending this coming Saturday in Lee County for the chapter’s annual field day with an added bonus…a steak cook-off!!

Excellent job to all the counties who are putting on local events for its members and beyond. We’re proud of your work. If you’ve got one coming up, be sure to let us know about it by emailing Jessica Kennedy.

 

 

Spring Board of Directors Meeting

Board members, don’t forget next week’s Board meeting! We’ll meet at 10save the date a.m. on Thursday morning, May 16 to update you on association and checkoff news where Board members even get a sneak peak into the upcoming construction project of the The MOOseum. GET EXCITED! After lunch, we’ll head over to the State House to mingle with our legislators and learn more about the legislative process and get updated on current issues taking place. Don’t forget to RSVP to Jessica Kennedy…and don’t forget those cowboy hats, boots and iconic red coats!

 

 

YCLP Class IV Kicking Off

Next week is an exciting time in the association, not only because of the young-cattlemen-logo_websizedBoard meeting, but because we’ll be kicking off the SIXTH class of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). This program, funded by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff, is designed to develop young cattlemen ages 20-40 into future leaders for Alabama’s beef cattle industry. We meet throughout the year, learn about our many different leadership styles, discuss industry hot topics, encourage leadership growth and explore the industry from pasture to plate through farm tours, educational workshops and consumer events. We’re excited next week to kick off the class with the Board meeting, where the 25 students will be introduced to the Board and will explore the legislative world, followed by farm tours at Frank Ellis Charolais, McLane-Garrett Cattle Company and a tour of the Cargill Feed Mill here in Montgomery. We’ll also host a social on the evening of May 16 at Kick Back Ranch & Events Center for alumni of the program! It’s gonna be a great time. Be on the lookout for photos.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

ACA logo- meme size copyThe membership count of the day is 7,836 members and counting! HELP US GET TO 10,000!! County secretaries, be sure to be submitting that information to the i4a membership software or here to our state office! Hopefully by now, you’ve input all the renewals that flooded your mailboxes from the renewal statements. Don’t forget, that Over the Top deadline of June 15 is drawing near quickly. CONGRATS are in store for Elmore and Montgomery counties who have already gone Over the Top. Great work!

 


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

What’s Going On Wednesday: May 1, 2019

When, oh when, did it become May?! Weren’t we JUST ringing in the New Year? Wow, well we guess the old adage is true, “time flies when you’re having fun,” because we sure do have fun working for you fine folks. Speaking of working, keep reading to find out what we’re up to this week in Montgomery.


 

Alabama Bicentennial Day Celebration Briefing

Bicentennial-768x435ACA staffer Ali Cantrell attended a briefing on Alabama Bicentennial Day on Monday  to learn more about the upcoming festivities to come on December 13 -14. To celebrate Alabama’s 200 years of statehood, Montgomery will be hosting a parade on December 14 with 75 floats and entries showcasing Alabama history, counties, high school All-Star bands, Alabama notables, and the parade would not be complete without the beef truck and steer in tow! The rest of the day will host several celebrations, performances and demonstrations throughout downtown Montgomery including The MOOseum. Make it a point to come see us on December 14 and witness a wonderful chapter of history for the great state of Alabama!

 

Beef for Father’s Day Proclamation

Today the ACA and ACWA are heading to the Capitol Building to witness Gov. Kay Ivey sign the “Beef for Father’s Day” Proclamation. This is a annual tradition for the ACA to partner with ACWA to promote buying beef for the dad in your life on their special day. Let’s fire up the grill this coming Father’s day and treat those dads to a nice juicy steak!

 

 

HB518 in Committee

HB518, the association’s meat labeling bill addressing cell-cultured products, is in committee today The bill can be found here: http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2019RS/PrintFiles/HB518-int.pdf The Senate version will be dropped tomorrow by Sen. David Sessions.

 

 

Bama’s Best Beef: Brisket vs Ribeye Showdown

As a reminder, this year’s Bama’s Best Beef finalists are:Screenshot 2019-04-29 08.58.31

  • Smokin’ on the Boulevard (Florence) Beef Brisket
  • Roadside ‘Que (Fort Payne) Bourbonzola Brisket Burger
  • The Anatomy of Pi Food Truck (Jasper) Steak & Mushroom Pie
  • Little Savannah Restaurant & Bar (Birmingham) Spicy Coffee Rubbed Cowboy Ribeye

Last week’s Facebook poll challenge resulted in a win by Roadside ‘Que of Fort Payne, knocking out The Anatomy of Pi. This week’s Facebook poll challenge has the Beef Brisket from Smokin’ on the Boulevard going head-to-head with the Spicy Coffee-Rubbed Cowboy Ribeye, and so far, the brisket has got the lead! Next week’s poll challenge will put the two finalists in a dual where they’ll duke it out for the title! Head on over to the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Facebook page to participate in the voting!

 

 

Industry Meetings: ADEM & ADT

The ACA was a part of a quarterly stakeholder meeting at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). We stay engaged on land, water and air regulation as it pertains to the agricultural sector. We will also be involved in the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) working group meeting at the Department of Ag and Industries on Friday. The ACA is heavily involved in the changing landscape of animal identification and is a key partner to the state veterinarians office as conversations and action move forward on the topic.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

ACA logo- meme size copyThe membership count of the day is 7,707 members and counting! County secretaries, be sure to be submitting that information to the i4a membership software or here to our state office! Hopefully by now, you’ve input all the renewals that flooded your mailboxes from the renewal statements. Board Members, be sure to save the date for our upcoming Board Meeting to be held Thursday, May 16 at 10 a.m. We’ll see you there!

 

 

Grilling Season & Consumer News

With May comes the kickoff of summer grilling season! Fire up those grills Screen Shot 2019-05-01 at 12.00.45 PMand throw down those steaks and burgers…yuuummmm. Also, throughout April we celebrated the bright, flavorful tastes of spring with savory springtime salads! Beef Checkoff Contract Dietician Elesha Ergle published a blog about the topic, and we blasted a consumer newsletter to over 10,000 inboxes with links to BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. Be sure to check out all the consumer communication pieces!

 

 

 


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