What a refreshing weekend! We finally got much-needed rain. Whether you wanted more or got plenty, let’s remember to be thankful for any and every drop. Now they’re talking about cool mornings ahead for a nice little break in the middle of a HOT June…what a treat! You know what else is a treat? Working for YOU. Keep reading to find out what your staffers are up to this week.
Big Changes in the SLE
After decades of service to the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo, Dr. Billy Powell and Ms. Martha Davis have retired from the organization. Last week, the SLE Executive Committee met and appointed Erin Beasley as executive director of the SLE, which was then approved by the board of directors. These changes will bring a new staff position to the association which will be posted next week to begin accepting resumes. The new staff person will be primarily responsible for planning the SLE Rodeo on an annual basis. Stay tuned for more information next week. The SLE and ACA both salute Dr. Powell and Martha for their commitment to the rodeo for so many years and wish them both well in retirement.
AJCA ROUND-UP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
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 alllllllll 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!
Speaking of youth cattle shows, ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds enjoyed visiting the Pike County Invitational Steer & Heifer Show this past weekend in Troy at Cattleman Park. A great turnout with bright youth and impressive cattle, we’re excited to see all these youth in Montgomery soon!
FROM THE MEMBERSHIP DESK
The membership count of the day is 8,361 members and counting! It’s a big week in the membership office…Don’t forget that the “Over the Top” deadline is THIS SATURDAY! To qualify four your red coat, your county has to go Over the Top by having membership input in i4a or by having names AND money into the office by June 15. Got questions about our “Over the Top” program? Give Jessica a call at (334) 265-1867.
On Tuesday, ACA’s Erin Beasley and Jessica Kennedy joined on a conference call with officers and regional vice presidents as we updated on membership status and answered any questions as we head into our final push for county Over the Top activity.
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!
Bama’s Best Beef Presentation
This week ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell will be heading north to Florence, AL to present the Bama’s Best Beef award to Smokin’ on the Boulevard. ACA staff and officers will treat themselves to some delicious brisket before presenting the award to the owner’s of the restaurant. Stay tuned for more info in the Alabama Cattleman magazine!
Visiting Sand Mountain Stockyard
ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds is in Sand Mountain today as she visits with the owners and presents them with their new Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner signage for use at the facility. She enjoyed watching the sale and lunch with market owner John Hamilton (pictured) and Regional Extension Agent Kent Stanford. We appreciate the market for being such a generous host and look forward to getting around to all of Alabama’s livestock markets.