Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: November 18, 2020

It has been a few weeks since we last updated you all here on the blog, but with Board meetings and checkoff planning…and of course social media, hopefully most of you have gotten an update or two along the way! While 2020 quickly comes to a close, the phrase “Hindsight 20:20” comes to mind. It has been one heckuva year- one that has challenged us and one that’s made us grow as stewards of your association and your checkoff dollars. While in the future the phrase “2020” may just send a chill down all our backs, we can also reflect on the positive growth we as an association and beef council have found during this year of trial, change and lots of “Plan B’s and C’s.” Keep reading to learn what’s going on this week at the ACA.

Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force Set to Meet

Speaking of Plan B, this week’s Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting is just that. Originally scheduled for Thursday, October 30, we were forced to postpone the meeting when Hurricane Zeta decided to come to town the evening before. Now, on Thursday, our staff and officers will welcome cattlemen and industry influencers from across the state in for a checkoff program highlight presentation and brainstorming sessions about how to put those dollars to work in 2021. We always look forward to this meeting as it is the first step to creating our “playbook” for the next year and allows us to go boldly into 2021 with a plan in place! It’s not too late to decide to come to tomorrow’s meeting- just call our office and bring your ideas.

YCLP Meets for Session 4

The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Class (YCLP) VII kicked off their fourth session November 12 and 13 in Montgomery. The class had the opportunity to sit in on the Alabama Cattlemen’s fall board meeting and witness county leadership receive their red coats for going Over the Top. A special congratulations to Caleb Beason and Chad Kennedy, YCLP alumni, for going Over the Top as county presidents! The class was able to see firsthand how being involved in YCLP creates leaders of our industry and association!

The class also gained knowledge of how the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is a grassroots system. At the conclusion of the board meeting the class met with ACA leadership to discuss becoming a leader in county cattlemen’s chapters. We appreciate ACA President Larry Reeves and ACA Vice President Jim Jordan investing their time into this class. Following, Erin Beasley and checkoff staff explained to the class the flow of state and national checkoff dollars.

On Friday, the class participated in leadership training provided by Dr. Don Mulvaney of Auburn University. YCLP members finished out session four with a pasture to plate experience. The class was able to watch a full carcass fabrication by participating in the BEEF 201 program. It truly brought the program full circle. We will be accepting YCLP Class VIII applications online starting December 1 at www.BamaBeef.org/YCLP.

Checkoff Sponsors Nutrition Seminar Program

ACA Director of Education & Outreach Ali Cantrell will be working with NCBA this Friday on the Nutrition Seminar Program (NSP) to provide support for Marie Spano’s presentation at the Alabama Dietetics Association (ALDA) 2021 meeting! Marie Spano, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD is a sports registered dietitian for the Atlanta Braves.  She plans to talk about Sports Nutrition Challenges and Solutions.

Below is a brief description of her presentation: Dietitians play an integral role keeping athletes well-fueled and in the game. While following research-based principles, the application of sports nutrition is often far from textbook and requires mixing science and behavior change into a variety of on-the-field solutions that produce results.Marie is supportive of beef and is definitely a truth-seeker when it comes to nutrition science so she will be a great fit for this audience and NCBA and ACA will be a proud sponsor of this talk.

Stopping in at Diamond Jim’s

Also happening on Friday, the checkoff staff will head to west Alabama where they’ll meet up with RVP Donald Means at Diamond Jim’s and Mrs. Donna’s Family Steakhouse in Livingston. The local eatery was a finalist in this year’s Bama’s Best Beef contest with its dish, the Famous Ribeye, and we will be attending to present a plaque acknowledging their participation and placement. We look forward to meeting the staff and trying out that ribeye, all while supporting a local Alabama restaurant!

Membership Update

As a reminder, the 2020 membership year will close on December 4, 2020. County secretaries are asked to HOLD all 2021 membership renewals until everything is closed. Membership Coordinator Jessica Kennedy will send the green light when inputs can be made for the 2021 year! The first renewal statement for members expiring January-June 2021 will be sent on Monday, December 7. Get ready to check your mailbox!

Coming Up: Junior Board Meeting Set

The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Board of Directors is set to meet first weekend in December for winter meeting. The board will discuss upcoming events such as ACA Convention March 4-6 and what youth activities will be available for Alabama’s youth. We look forward to hosting youth events in 2021! To stay up-to-date follow the blog and the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s on Facebook and Instagram!

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: October 28, 2020

What a week! Events, meetings, cancellations and now a hurricane. It has been a little busy around these parts! While October is soon coming to a close, the Beef Month 2020 chapter will close, and will will drift into year-end projects and start rolling on SLE Rodeo. The fun never really stops around here, not even in a year like 2020! Keep reading to learn more.

Checkoff Meeting Postponed

In true 2020 fashion, yet another one of our meetings as been rescheduled! The Checkoff Marketing Plan Task Force meeting that was set to be held tomorrow, October 29 at the ACA building has now been rescheduled for Thursday, November 19. We came to this decision following news of the potential impacts of Hurricane Zeta. If you would like to attend the meeting on November 19 to help us brainstorm ideas for 2021 checkoff programming, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office at (334) 265-1867.

YCLP Recap

YCLP Class VII spent their weekend in North Alabama for their third session. This year’s class has only two session remaining, believe it or not! They have toured numerous cattle producers all across the state.

This past weekend they toured ACA President-Elect Clay Kennamer’s backgrounding yard and cow-calf operation. They also had the opportunity to tour Lookout Mountain Genetics. We appreciate John Starnes, Stephanie Turner, and Tristan Tilley for being great hosts. The class also stopped by Lake Majestic to catch their cowboy auction sale. Lake Majestic is owned by one of our YCLP alumni, Nic Cornelison. We would like to give a special thanks to Jackson and DeKalb County Cattlemen’s for cooking a steak dinner on Friday night for the group.

The class will graduate at Convention in March. If you are interested in the program or participating next year please contact YCLP Coordinator Morgan Desselle at morgan@bamabeef.org!

AL.com Email Marketing

October Beef Month may soon be coming to an end, but our promotions are running strong. This afternoon, we deployed an October Beef Month email marketing campaign through AL.com that featured beef imagery, recipes and nutrition information. This email was targeted to nearly 200,000 Alabama parents, the target audience of the checkoff promotion. We are excited to learn the results of this campaign after ample time is allowed for opening!

Membership Update & Board Memo

We have surpassed our membership from last year- YAY! But we still haven’t reached that big 10,000…help us get there! Board members, please RSVP to the upcoming Board meeting to be held November 12 at the RSA Activity center in downtown Montgomery. Send your RSVP to jkennedy@bamabeef.org.

FACS Advisory Board

ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell was asked this week to sit on the new Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Board Committee. She attended her first meeting here in Montgomery on Tuesday, October 27 and was included in discussions on how to expand the FACS program and how ACA and the checkoff program can impact the culinary arts. This committee will meet twice a year but will be in close contact throughout the year in order to market different educational programs.

Bull Sale Season

ACA Staff will head to the CK Cattle Headquarters Sale this Friday. Sale Session is in full blast around the state. Head over to our online sale calendar to view the sales going on around the state, you are sure to find one that fits what you are looking for!

ACA Hosts Regional Meeting

ACA will host Region 2 (LA, MS, TN, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC) state executives and leadership next week on November 4-5. The agenda will include policy and beef checkoff topics as well as give states some time to discuss holding events with the challenges of COVID-19. ACA officers will attend the meeting as well as Jimmy Holliman who serves as Region 2 Policy VP and Eric Smith, Region 2 PAC General.

USDA’s CFAP 2 Program

Late in September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened application for a second round of COVID assistance relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or CFAP 2. Key details include: 

Cattle Payments: The CFAP 2 payment rate for eligible beef cattle is $55 per head. Payments will be based on the maximum owned inventory of eligible livestock, excluding breeding stock, on a date selected by the producer, between Apr. 16, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2020.

Signups will run through December 11, 2020. 

More CFAP 2 details are available on USDA’s website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

Foundation Scholarships : Deadline Soon!

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: October 21, 2020

After a very busy week out of the office, staff are enjoying some much needed time at the desk this week as we look toward plans for 2021. The checkoff team has its eye on the 2021 Checkoff Marketing Plan while the rodeo team is working on the 2021 SLE Rodeo. It’s business as usual— plus some— as we are busy with fall months!! Keep reading to learn more about what we are up to in the bottom half of October Beef Month.

Beef Up the Blood Supply Wrap Up

In partnership with county Cattlemen chapters, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and local restaurant partners, the ACA promoted October Beef Month through a weeklong series of blood drives across the state. Beginning on Monday, October 12 state staff partnered with the Houston County Cattlemen’s Association and Conestoga Steak House, owned by cattleman Ted Toole, to secure 30 donors in the Dothan area. Volunteer donors were given a burger for lunch, prepared by Houston County Cattlemen, and a $10 gift certificate for a steak dinner at Conestoga— a prize generously donated by the restaurant. 

Then on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Blood Mobile and the Beef Truck met at Decatur Morgan Hospital in Decatur where over 90 blood donations were secured. Donors in Decatur were met with a ribeye steak sandwich, prepared by the Morgan County Cattleman Cook Team, and a voucher for a free Backyard Brisket Burger from SUCH n SUCH Burgers & Tacos, former finalists in the Bama’s Best Burger contest. 

On Thursday, October 15, ACA staff partnered with Commissioner Rick Pate and the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries as we hosted a blood drive at the ACA headquarters in downtown Montgomery. Thirteen donors were given a burger to-go and a voucher for a free brisket sandwich from Fat Boy’s Bar-B-Que Ranch in Prattville, owned by Danny Loftin. 

Then, to close out the week on Friday, the Beef Truck and Blood Mobile set up shop in Troy at Pike County Cattlemen’s Park and Arena. Donors received a burger to-go, prepared by Pike County Cattlemen & CattleWomen, as well as a $2 off voucher for a ribeye steak dinner at Mossy Grove School House Restaurant. 

Throughout the week, this October Beef Month celebration helped secured nearly 150 blood donations and promoted beef across Alabama. Special thanks to our county Cattlemen’s chapters for their help and to all our donors who made this event a success! 

YCLP Class Prepares for Another Session

YCLP Class VII will be headed to North Alabama this weekend for their third session. This year’s class is halfway through the program. They have been to numerous cattle producers all across the state. This weekend they will be touring ACA President-Elect Clay Kennamer’s backgrounding yard and cow-calf operation. They will also have the opportunity to take a tour at Look Out Mountain Genetics and Lake Majestic. Lake Majestic is owned by one of our YCLP alumni, Nic Cornelison.

The class will graduate at Convention in March. If you are interested in the program or participating next year please contact YCLP Coordinator Morgan Desselle at morgan@bamabeef.org

Staff Gets Out & About

Staffers will be out and about this weekend traveling to county cattlemen’s picnics, sales and the young cattlemen’s tour. Morgan Desselle will be touring farms, coordinating YCLP, enjoying Lake Majestic’s sale and catching Tennessee River Musi’s sale on Monday. Ali Cantrell will be stopping by Marshall County Cattlemen’s picnic, while Erin Beasley will be headed to Debter Hereford Farm 48th Bull Sale in Horton, Alabama. Stop by and say hey to staffers if you will be in area!

Call to Attend: Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at the Cattlemen’s building in Montgomery. ANY cattlemen in Alabama interested in attending this meeting is welcome to do so by contacting the ACA office at (334) 265-1867. It is a way to get completely involved in the process and having a say in how beef checkoff dollars are spent in the state. The ideas that come out of the task force meeting will be put into a marketing plan and presented to the Beef Checkoff Council for approval and budgeting. Contact an ACA officer or the office today to get more information on the meeting.

USDA’s CFAP 2 Program

Late in September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened application for a second round of COVID assistance relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or CFAP 2. Key details include: 

Cattle Payments: The CFAP 2 payment rate for eligible beef cattle is $55 per head. Payments will be based on the maximum owned inventory of eligible livestock, excluding breeding stock, on a date selected by the producer, between Apr. 16, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2020.

Signups will run through December 11, 2020. 

More CFAP 2 details are available on USDA’s website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

Foundation Scholarships : Deadline Soon!

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: October 14, 2020

Happy October Beef Month! We’re halfway through the best, most beef-tacular month of the year, and the fun times are rolling! The fall months have no disappointed thus far, and we’re excited to bring you an update of ALL that has gone on. Keep reading and don’t forget to ENJOY BEEF!

Beef Up the Blood Supply SUCCESS!

As of today, we are halfway through our Beef Up the Blood Supply event, and WOW what a success! So far, we’ve helped collect 120 pints of blood from donors who all received a beef meal to-go from county Cattlemen cook teams AND a beef voucher to a local restaurant. In Dothan, Houston County Cattlemen helped serve up burgers to 30 donors who also received $10 gift cards for a steak dinner at Conestoga Steak House. Big shoutout to Ted Toole of Conestoga for this generous promotion and for hosting our event in his parking lot! In Decatur, the Morgan County Cook Team did not disappoint with their steak sandwiches as they served the 45 donors who came to the Tuesday event at Decatur-Morgan Hospital. They’ll be there again today with another 45 expected donors! On Thursday, the Blood Mobile and the grill will head back to the ACA office in downtown Montgomery as we host a Montgomery event with vouchers to Fat Boys Bar-B-Que for all donors. Then on Friday, we’ll head to Troy to set up shop at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Arena where we’ll be serving up burgers and offering $2 OFF vouchers for a steak dinner at Mossy Grove School House Restaurant. Join us!

Links to sign up for a slot are below, or just walk-in!

Deactur (Wednesday): http://ow.ly/wtUj50BM9QQ

Montgomery (Thursday): http://ow.ly/H56w50BM9SQ

Troy (Friday): http://ow.ly/YzMj50BM9WD

Checkoff Team “Attends” Virtual PIA

Each year in October, national Beef Checkoff staffers Erin Beasley, Ali Cantrell and Kayla Greer attend the Partnership in Action (PIA) Conference in Denver where they explore consumer market research, new campaign initiatives and learn about what to expect from the national Beef Checkoff in the coming year and how to implement those same tactics in our home state. Due to COVID, the event is all virtual this year, but so far it has not disappointed! We can’t say too much yet, but be prepared to see big work coming from your checkoff dollars…beginning with the holiday season! We are excited to implement these new marketing programs in Alabama. Stay tuned for more!

Save the Date- Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting

Speaking of checkoff planning, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at the Cattlemen’s building in Montgomery. ANY cattlemen in Alabama interested in attending this meeting is welcome to do so by contacting the ACA office at (334) 265-1867. It is a way to get completely involved in the process and having a say in how beef checkoff dollars are spent in the state. The ideas that come out of the task force meeting will be put into a marketing plan and presented to the Beef Checkoff Council for approval and budgeting. Contact an ACA officer or the office today to get more information on the meeting.

Fair Season

ACA’s Director of Field Services Morgan Desselle will be out at Alabama National Fair all weekend helping working the beef shows. Hats off to the Alabama Farmers Federation and National Fair show crew for continuing to host several species livestock shows during the pandemic. We know here at ACA first-hand that this is not an easy task to undertake from our experience with the AJCA Round-Up this summer, BUT our youth need this! If your county is hosting a show for youth, be sure to let us know so we can add it to our Youth Livestock Events calendar. Email Morgan with your event information

Membership Update

As of today, our statewide membership number is at 9,502 members. We can almost taste that 10,000….so keep recruiting! Board members are encouraged to save the date for November 12 as we plan to host our Fall Board of Directors meetings. Notices will be mailing out soon. We look forward to seeing you all there. 

Day of the Cowboy

This weekend ahead, ACA Director of Rodeo Programs Lauren Wilson will be hosting a booth at Falkville’s Day of the Cowboy Ranch Rodeo event. The SLE is proud to sponsor the hospitality chuckwagon meal, and Lauren will be there selling ACA and SLE swag. Be sure to stop by and tell her hi! Speaking of rodeo, save the dates for the 2021 SLE Rodeo- March 18-20, 2021 at Garrett Coliseum.

USDA’s CFAP 2 Program

Late in September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened application for a second round of COVID assistance relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or CFAP 2. Key details include: 

Cattle Payments: The CFAP 2 payment rate for eligible beef cattle is $55 per head. Payments will be based on the maximum owned inventory of eligible livestock, excluding breeding stock, on a date selected by the producer, between Apr. 16, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2020.

Signups will run through December 11, 2020. 

More CFAP 2 details are available on USDA’s website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

Foundation Scholarships Now Open

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: October 7, 2020

Happy Beef Month! It’s an exciting and busy time as our office is buzzing with all sorts of calendar events to attend and execute. We won’t waste anytime here, as there is plenty to read about in this week’s update. Enjoy!

Bama’s Best Beef Winners Announced

Gather, a restaurant in Atmore, has been named the winner of the 2020 Bama’s Best Beef contest with its dish, the Train Wreck. Bama Buck’s Trophy Mount Ribeye in Sardis City took home the title of “People’s Choice.”

Twin filets of beef paired with Nueske’s bacon, fried green tomatoes, pimento grits, Conecuh crab sauce and a fried egg, the Train Wreck is one that one a contest judge said would be “hard to beat.” The dish is the brainchild of chef and owner, Chris McElhaney.

Gather’s owners will receive a plaque presentation and media conference from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association staff this evening, bragging rights for one year and an influx of customers looking to try Alabama’s best beef dish. Staff and officers will visit Bama Bucks later this month to explore their venue and try our that ribeye!  

Beef Up the Blood Supply

In celebration of October Beef Month, next week the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is hosting blood drives across the state! In exchange for your donation, we’ll give you a beef meal and/or a voucher for a discounted meal from a local restaurant partner! Donors will also receive a courtesy COVID antibody test. Sign up today!

Monday (Dothan): http://ow.ly/HVCd50BM9JF

Tuesday (Decatur): http://ow.ly/SufZ50BM9MD

Wednesday (Decatur): http://ow.ly/wtUj50BM9QQ

Thursday (Montgomery): http://ow.ly/H56w50BM9SQ

Friday (Troy, Cattlemen’s Park): http://ow.ly/YzMj50BM9WD

Staffers Morgan Desselle and Ali Cantrell will head south on Friday to promote the blood drive happening in Troy next week. Staffers will stop at local restaurants, stores, South Alabama stockyard, and the University to spread word about Beef Month and the blood drive in that area.

Staffers Morgan Desselle and Ali Cantrell will head south on Friday to promote the blood drive happening in Troy next week. Staffers will stop at local restaurants, stores, South Alabama stockyard, and the University to spread word about Beef Month and the blood drive in that area.

Hitting the Fall Rodeo Circuit

Last weekend, staffers Lauren Wilson and Ali Cantrell attended the Odenville rodeo to promote October Beef Month and sell ACA and SLE merchandise to the crowd. Then, on October 16-18, Lauren Wilson will be hosting a booth at Falkville’s Day of the Cowboy event. The SLE is also proud to sponsor the hospitality chuckwagon meal.

Speaking of rodeo, save the dates for the 2021 SLE Rodeo- March 18-20, 2021 at Garrett Coliseum. Erin Beasley and Lauren Wilson will be meeting with the new SLE officers next Wednesday to begin setting plans for the big event!

AASP Deadline Soon!

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $26 Million of CARES Act Funds to assist Alabama Agriculture impacted by COVID-19. Funding will be used to establish the Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program (AASP). No funds may be utilized for salaries, building projects, or capital improvements.  Commissioner Rick Pate reminds everyone that the Cattle Producer Applications for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program (AASP) are now available and close soon on October 9, 2020. Applicants should visit crf.alabama.gov or agi.alabama.gov to apply. 

In order to be eligible for cattle relief funds:

  • You must be an Alabama resident
  • You must be able to provide documentation that you sold cattle during the date range of April 16, 2020 through May 15, 2020. Slaughter cattle and bulls do not qualify for payment.
  • If claiming payment for Dairy Production, you must have been eligible for USDA’s CFAP program for Dairy Production and you must provide the total amount of the CFAP payment you received for Dairy Production.
  • Need a copy of your W-9
  • Require successful submission of this application and signed certification and assurances form
  • Must submit bank account information for electronic payment
  • Must provide of a voided check or a memo from your bank with account number and routing number.

Maximum “per head” payments for beef cattle:

Less than 600 lbs. x $69/head

600-900 lbs. x $106/head

Fed cattle (Fats) (over 900 lbs.) x $181/head

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please call 334-240-7100 or email: aasp-questions@agi.alabama.gov

USDA Releases CFAP 2 Program

Late in September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened application for a second round of COVID assistance relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or CFAP 2. Key details include: 

Cattle Payments: The CFAP 2 payment rate for eligible beef cattle is $55 per head. Payments will be based on the maximum owned inventory of eligible livestock, excluding breeding stock, on a date selected by the producer, between Apr. 16, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2020.

Signups will run through December 11, 2020. 

More CFAP 2 details are available on USDA’s website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

Foundation Scholarships Now Open

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

Talking ACA with AU Students

Speaking of college, on Thursday, Director of Field Services Morgan Desselle (check out that name change!!) will be talking to the Auburn University Animal Science class. This class is largely made up of freshman. The purpose of Morgan’s talk with the class will be to educate them on what ACA does and how she prepared for a job in the agriculture world. The instructor has asked Morgan to present to the class ways to prepare for jobs in the ag field. A large part of her talk is how to network, build resume, and prepare for a career. She also spends time discussing what she does as an ACA staffer and working closely with the Beef Check-Off programs. This will be Morgan’s fourth semester giving this talk.

Membership Update

As of today, our statewide membership number is at 9,497 members. We can almost taste that 10,000….so keep recruiting! Board members are encouraged to save the date for November 19 as we plan to host our Fall Board of Directors meetings. Notices will be mailing out soon. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Save the Date- Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at the Cattlemen’s building in Montgomery. ANY cattlemen in Alabama interested in attending this meeting is welcome to do so by contacting the ACA office at (334) 265-1867. It is a way to get completely involved in the process and having a say in how beef checkoff dollars are spent in the state. The ideas that come out of the task force meeting will be put into a marketing plan and presented to the Beef Checkoff Council for approval and budgeting. Contact an ACA officer or the office today to get more information on the meeting.

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 30, 2020

As we head boldly into October Beef Month, the weather seems to be flipping into the fall season with us! As temperatures drop, trees change color and those beautiful fall calves start painting the landscape, we are excited about the busy month ahead!! It’s our favorite time of year here at the ACA, and we look forward to getting out and about to promote beef to consumers and visit with producers at local events. Keep reading to learn more about what your state staff has on their to-do lists.

Beef at Talladega SuperSpeedway

If you are a NASCAR fan and will be attending the Talladega 500 this coming weekend, keep a look out for our Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. signage as checkoff funding went into advertising beef to NASCAR fans attending the event! We are excited to be sponsoring the race this year and and look forward to some social media cross-promotions, as they share a throwback photo of the old Beef Wagon at the race and some “Nicely Done, Beef” digital advertising pieces on their social media outlets. Keep a lookout and be sure to share it when you see it!

AASP Deadline Soon!

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $26 Million of CARES Act Funds to assist Alabama Agriculture impacted by COVID-19. Funding will be used to establish the Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program (AASP). No funds may be utilized for salaries, building projects, or capital improvements.  Commissioner Rick Pate reminds everyone that the Cattle Producer Applications for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program (AASP) are now available and close soon on October 9, 2020. Applicants should visit crf.alabama.gov or agi.alabama.gov to apply. 

In order to be eligible for cattle relief funds:

  • You must be an Alabama resident
  • You must be able to provide documentation that you sold cattle during the date range of April 16, 2020 through May 15, 2020. Slaughter cattle and bulls do not qualify for payment.
  • If claiming payment for Dairy Production, you must have been eligible for USDA’s CFAP program for Dairy Production and you must provide the total amount of the CFAP payment you received for Dairy Production.
  • Need a copy of your W-9
  • Require successful submission of this application and signed certification and assurances form
  • Must submit bank account information for electronic payment
  • Must provide of a voided check or a memo from your bank with account number and routing number.

Maximum “per head” payments for beef cattle:

Less than 600 lbs. x $69/head

600-900 lbs. x $106/head

Fed cattle (Fats) (over 900 lbs.) x $181/head

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please call 334-240-7100 or email: aasp-questions@agi.alabama.gov

USDA Releases CFAP 2 Program

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened application for a second round of COVID assistance relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or CFAP 2. Key details include: 

Cattle Payments: The CFAP 2 payment rate for eligible beef cattle is $55 per head. Payments will be based on the maximum owned inventory of eligible livestock, excluding breeding stock, on a date selected by the producer, between Apr. 16, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2020.

Signups began Monday, September 21 and will run through December 11, 2020. 

More CFAP 2 details are available on USDA’s website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

Beginning Beef Month Promotions

This week, ACA Director of Education & Outreach and October Beef Month Extraordinaire Ali Cantrell will be kicking off October Beef Month in north Alabama. On Thursday, she will be traveling to Limestone County for the Limestone County Cattlemen’s Steak Sandwich Sale. Steak Sandwiches will be served from 10:30am – 12:45pm at the Limestone Farmers Co-op in Athens. Then, on Friday, Ali will be joined by ACA Director of Rodeo Programs Lauren Wilson as they travel together to the Odenville Rodeo in St. Clair County to promote both Beef Month and the 2021 SLE Rodeo. They will have a booth set up to sell merchandise for both nights of the rodeo on October 2 & 3.

The Land Show

Speaking of October, today ACA Executive VP Erin Beasley will participate in a pre-recorded radio interview with The Land Show, planned to air this weekend! The group will discuss October Beef Month activities, cattle programs associated with COVID-19 and update listeners on the work of the association throughout the pandemic. Tune in this weekend to hear what all Erin has to say!

SLE Annual Membership Meeting

Last Thursday, the officers and staff of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) enjoyed welcoming the membership to the Wetumpka Civic Center for a meeting and the annual banquet. New officers were installed and include Randy Davis, president; Frank Ellis, president-elect; Linwood McClain, vice president; LD Fitzpatrick, treasurer; and Erin Beasley, executive director. We honored outgoing directors— Joe Nicholas, Stinson Ellis and Michael Gallops‚ and welcomed Tina Hammonds, Doug Smith and Dr. Nealy Barrett in to fill their shoes. The group also voted to welcome new members Bart Smith, Caroleene Dobson, Brad McClain and Len Jones into the the organization. Big things are to come with the 2021 rodeo season, so saddle up and enjoy the ride!

Foundation Scholarships Now Open

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

Membership Update

As of today, our statewide membership number is at 9,484 members. We can almost taste that 10,000….so keep recruiting! In case you need a little help along the way with incentives, we are now offering weekly giveaways featuring excellent ACA items and gear to those who join. This week’s item is an ACA swag basket featuring ACA imprinted leather work gloves, a cap, an ACA tumbler and goodies from Priester’s Pecans. For members who join today (Wednesday) through Sunday, October 4, they’ll automatically be put in the pot to win this prize. We’ve got more items on the horizon, including more cutting boards, grilling sets and more baskets. Stay tuned and recruit!! 

Beef Up the Blood Supply

OCTOBER IS BEEF MONTH IN ALABAMA! This year, the ACA is going to “Beef Up the Blood Supply” throughout Alabama with LifeSouth Blood Bank. To celebrate Beef Month, we will be hosting a week of blood donations across Alabama starting in Dothan on October 12! If you live in the Dothan area, have blood, and love a good steak please reach out to us about donating blood that day and you will receive a discount on a Conestoga Steak for your donation. Then the beef mobile will be driving to Decatur-Morgan Hospital in north Alabama for two straight days of blood donation and giving away steak sandwiches and Backyard Brisket Burger vouchers from SUCH n SUCH Burgers and Tacos. We will return to the MOOseum on October 15 for blood donations in the Montgomery area and then we will wrap up the week at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association center in Troy, AL. Please contact our staffer, Ali Cantrell, about getting signed up for these blood drives if they are near your area!

Save the Date- Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at the Cattlemen’s building in Montgomery. ANY cattlemen in Alabama interested in attending this meeting is welcome to do so by contacting the ACA office at (334) 265-1867. It is a way to get completely involved in the process and having a say in how beef checkoff dollars are spent in the state. The ideas that come out of the task force meeting will be put into a marketing plan and presented to the Beef Checkoff Council for approval and budgeting. Contact an ACA officer or the office today to get more information on the meeting.

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

MVP: Most Valuable Protein

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

Over the past six months, we have all wondered whether or not we would have fall sports and tailgating. While football seems to be limited, let’s take some time to continue to enjoy one of our favorite things about this time of year— tailgating!  Let’s be creative and keep some of our traditions alive by adjusting how we do tailgating and still enjoy the flavors of football season, with these delicious recipes from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Beef is a staple amongst most tailgating fans, providing versatility and optimal nutrition. So don’t give up on tailgating, just give in to some changes!

Break Out the Slow Cooker

A staple kitchen device around most tailgating fans is the slow cooker. Knock the dust off your favorite slow cooker and get ready to watch some football at home. Get game day ready with a beefy tailgating favorite, meatballs. Meatballs can be made the day before and held in a slow cooker for your game day fun. Try something different like these Cheese Stuffed Meatballs in the air fryer. Cook up the day before and reheat/hold in a slow cooker with marinara sauce. Keep toothpicks close for grabbing and snacking or cut into some rolls to make meatball sliders. 

Grilling Out at the Tailgate

Wood pellet grill/smokers have come on the scene as a great way to change the way you grill. If you have a pellet grill/smoker and haven’t given in to smoking hamburgers yet, wow your small crowd with a new flavor that is sure to be a hit! Make your patties the night before and place on your smoker the next day, set temperature, and go watch the game without having to constantly monitor the grill. Find a recipe that suits your tastes or try this recipe from Hey Grill Hey. 

MVP of Food Safety

Always be food safety smart with tailgating, whether you are at an actual game or at home with your close family. Remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Hold hot foods at 135 degrees or higher, and cold foods at 40 degrees or below. Use a slow cooker, hot plate, grill, or oven to maintain temperatures of your hot foods. Just remember, “when in doubt, throw it out,” or take a look at the FDA’s food safety guidelines. 

Fall sports seasons may look a little different for everyone, but we can still have some tailgating fun with beef at home or a small crowd where allowed. Try some new recipes and make some new traditions! For more information on food safety, beef’s awesome nutrition, and beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.

Enjoy the gift of September and stay safe everyone!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 23, 2020

Welcome, fall! Just as the autumn equinox hit, the weather turned cool and crisp— a welcomed occurrence for September! While it may not last forever, we will enjoy it for now, right? The turn in weather also sent calves falling to the ground…we’ve loved seeing all the fall calving photos on social media. Keep them coming! As with each year, the fall months are busy. They just may look a a little different than usual this year. Nevertheless, keep reading to learn what we’re up to this week at the ACA.

Boots on the Ground in South AL

When it comes to giving back, Alabama’s cattlemen know how to put boots on the ground! Several members of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program joined staffers and Baldwin County leadership this past Saturday as we visited 14 different operations to provide feed, gasoline, water and most importantly, manual labor. Throughout the day, the seven different crews restored fence lines, cut up downed trees, removed debris and hopefully restored a little hope to the Baldwin Countians. The compassion of the volunteers and the gratefulness of the members was not mistaken. You can donate to these relief efforts, funded by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation, at www.BamaBeef.org/Relief.

Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program 

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $26 Million of CARES Act Funds to assist Alabama Agriculture impacted by COVID-19. Funding will be used to establish the Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program (AASP). No funds may be utilized for salaries, building projects, or capital improvements.  Commissioner Rick Pate reminds everyone that the Cattle Producer Applications for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program (AASP) will be available online beginning Tuesday Sept. 8, 2020, at 9 a.m. Applicants should visit crf.alabama.gov or agi.alabama.gov to apply. 

In order to be eligible for cattle relief funds:

  • You must be an Alabama resident
  • You must be able to provide documentation that you sold cattle during the date range of April 16, 2020 through May 15, 2020. Slaughter cattle and bulls do not qualify for payment.
  • If claiming payment for Dairy Production, you must have been eligible for USDA’s CFAP program for Dairy Production and you must provide the total amount of the CFAP payment you received for Dairy Production.
  • Need a copy of your W-9
  • Require successful submission of this application and signed certification and assurances form
  • Must submit bank account information for electronic payment
  • Must provide of a voided check or a memo from your bank with account number and routing number.

Maximum “per head” payments for beef cattle:

Less than 600 lbs. x $69/head

600-900 lbs. x $106/head

Fed cattle (Fats) (over 900 lbs.) x $181/head

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please call 334-240-7100 or email: aasp-questions@agi.alabama.gov

USDA Releases CFAP 2 Program

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened application for a second round of COVID assistance relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or CFAP 2. Key details include:

Signups began Monday, September 21 and will run through December 11, 2020.

Cattle Payments: The CFAP 2 payment rate for eligible beef cattle is $55 per head. Payments will be based on the maximum owned inventory of eligible livestock, excluding breeding stock, on a date selected by the producer, between Apr. 16, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2020.

More CFAP 2 details are available on USDA’s website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

Congrats, Morgan!

It’s an exciting week in our office as on Saturday, we will all celebrate the marriage of one of our staffers, Morgan Pounds, to her fiancé, Tyler. This wedding is a long time coming as Morgan and Tyler were set to tie the knot in March before COVID reared its ugly head. Plans changed, but the excitement remains the same! Join us in wishing well the future Mrs. Morgan Desselle!! Email Morgan a Wedding Wish

Foundation Scholarships Now Open

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

Filming October Beef Month Cooking Segments

On Tuesday, ACA Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell was joined in Mobile by Elesha Ergle, RDN and agriscience teacher and cattle producer Emily Dent to film cooking segments for Gulf Coast newscasts, to air in October. They highlighted the versatility of beef- hitting on heart health, cooking with kids and featuring all those delicious fall comforts and tailgating hits! If you’re in Mobile or surrounding counties, be sure to watch out each week for one of these Cooking with John segments to air!

Beef Up the Blood Supply

Speaking of October, this year, the ACA is going to “Beef Up the Blood Supply” throughout Alabama with LifeSouth Blood Bank. To celebrate Beef Month, we will be hosting a week of blood donations across Alabama starting in Dothan on October 12! If you live in the Dothan area, have blood, and love a good steak please reach out to us about donating blood that day and you will receive a discount on a Conestoga Steak for your donation. Then the beef mobile will be driving to Decatur Morgan Hospital in north Alabama for two straight days of blood donation and giving away steak sandwiches and beef meal vouchers. We will return to the MOOseum on October 15 for blood donations in the Montgomery area and then we will wrap up the week at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association center in Troy, AL. Please contact our staffer, Ali Cantrell, about getting signed up for these blood drives if they are near your area!

Save the Date- Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at the Cattlemen’s building in Montgomery. ANY cattlemen in Alabama interested in attending this meeting is welcome to do so by contacting the ACA office at (334) 265-1867. It is a way to get completely involved in the process and having a say in how beef checkoff dollars are spent in the state. The ideas that come out of the task force meeting will be put into a marketing plan and presented to the Beef Checkoff Council for approval and budgeting. Contact an ACA officer or the office today to get more information on the meeting.

SLE Annual Meeting

We look forward to the opportunity to eat and fellowship with members of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition on Thursday evening at the Wetumpka Civic Center for the group’s annual gathering. Membership will also conduct a meeting, in addition to the fun and fellowship. We look forward to a fun year for SLE!

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 16, 2020

The theme of the day is Hurricane Sally. As this hurricane made landfall exactly 16 years to the day of the benchmark Hurricane Ivan, our coastal region and southern portions of the state are experiencing devastating effects and monumental rainfall. Our thoughts are will all those who face her path— but please know that the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is here for you. Our disaster relief fund, as part of our foundation, is ready and waiting. We invite and encourage producers to call our office or email one of our many staffers following farm assessments. (334) 265-1867 Stay safe out there.

Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program 

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $26 Million of CARES Act Funds to assist Alabama Agriculture impacted by COVID-19. Funding will be used to establish the Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program (AASP). No funds may be utilized for salaries, building projects, or capital improvements.  Commissioner Rick Pate reminds everyone that the Cattle Producer Applications for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program (AASP) will be available online beginning Tuesday Sept. 8, 2020, at 9 a.m. Applicants should visit crf.alabama.gov or agi.alabama.gov to apply. 

In order to be eligible for cattle relief funds:

  • You must be an Alabama resident
  • You must be able to provide documentation that you sold cattle during the date range of April 16, 2020 through May 15, 2020. Slaughter cattle and bulls do not qualify for payment.
  • If claiming payment for Dairy Production, you must have been eligible for USDA’s CFAP program for Dairy Production and you must provide the total amount of the CFAP payment you received for Dairy Production.
  • Need a copy of your W-9
  • Require successful submission of this application and signed certification and assurances form
  • Must submit bank account information for electronic payment
  • Must provide of a voided check or a memo from your bank with account number and routing number.

Maximum “per head” payments for beef cattle:

Less than 600 lbs. x $69/head

600-900 lbs. x $106/head

Fed cattle (Fats) (over 900 lbs.) x $181/head

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please call 334-240-7100 or email: aasp-questions@agi.alabama.gov

Foundation Scholarships Now Open

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

Beef Up the Blood Supply

This year, the ACA is going to “Beef Up the Blood Supply” throughout Alabama with LifeSouth Blood Bank. To celebrate Beef Month, we will be hosting a week of blood donations across Alabama starting in Dothan on October 12! If you live in the Dothan area, have blood, and love a good steak please reach out to us about donating blood that day and you will receive a discount on a Conestoga Steak for your donation. Then the beef mobile will be driving to Decatur Morgan Hospital in north Alabama for two straight days of blood donation and giving away steak sandwiches and beef meal vouchers. We will return to the MOOseum on October 15 for blood donations in the Montgomery area and then we will wrap up the week at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association center in Troy, AL. Please contact our staffer, Ali Cantrell, about getting signed up for these blood drives if they are near your area!

Save the Date- Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at the Cattlemen’s building in Montgomery. ANY cattlemen in Alabama interested in attending this meeting is welcome to do so by contacting the ACA office at (334) 265-1867. It is a way to get completely involved in the process and having a say in how beef checkoff dollars are spent in the state. The ideas that come out of the task force meeting will be put into a marketing plan and presented to the Beef Checkoff Council for approval and budgeting. Contact an ACA officer or the office today to get more information on the meeting.

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update: September 9, 2020

Ah September— and the slightest hint at fall weather. Well, for a minute anyway! It was nice while it lasted, but as things continue to stay fired up on the farm, we also are fired up about upcoming fall events! While you turn your focus to fall calving, hay season and the holidays…our eyes are on bull sales and beef. Keep reading to learn more about what the ACA is up to this week.

Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $26 Million of CARES Act Funds to assist Alabama Agriculture impacted by COVID-19. Funding will be used to establish the Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program (AASP). No funds may be utilized for salaries, building projects, or capital improvements.  Commissioner Rick Pate reminds everyone that the Cattle Producer Applications for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program (AASP) will be available online beginning Tuesday Sept. 8, 2020, at 9 a.m. Applicants should visit crf.alabama.gov or agi.alabama.gov to apply. 

In order to be eligible for cattle relief funds:

  • You must be an Alabama resident
  • You must be able to provide documentation that you sold cattle during the date range of April 16, 2020 through May 15, 2020. Slaughter cattle and bulls do not qualify for payment.
  • If claiming payment for Dairy Production, you must have been eligible for USDA’s CFAP program for Dairy Production and you must provide the total amount of the CFAP payment you received for Dairy Production.
  • Need a copy of your W-9
  • Require successful submission of this application and signed certification and assurances form
  • Must submit bank account information for electronic payment
  • Must provide of a voided check or a memo from your bank with account number and routing number.

Maximum “per head” payments for beef cattle:

Less than 600 lbs. x $69/head

600-900 lbs. x $106/head

Fed cattle (Fats) (over 900 lbs.) x $181/head

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please call 334-240-7100 or email: aasp-questions@agi.alabama.gov

Stopping by Stockyards

ACA Director of Field Services Morgan Pounds is headed to South Alabama Stockyard’s weekly sale today in Brundidge. She looks forward to seeing the sale and cattlemen from that area. She will also be stopping by Montgomery and Mid-State to put out flyers explaining how to sign up for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program. Stockyard owners be on the lookout for letters in the mail explaining this program as well as providing you with a flyer to put up in your yard.

Membership Update

As of today, our statewide membership number is at 9,203 members. We can almost taste that 10,000….so keep recruiting! In case you need a little help along the way with incentives, we are now offering weekly giveaways featuring excellent ACA items and gear to those who join. This week’s item is a grilling set, perfect for the tailgating season that’s soon to kick off! For members who join today (Wednesday) through Sunday, Sept. 13, they’ll automatically be put in the pot to win this prize. We’ve got more items on the horizon, including more cutting boards, custom ACA leather gloves and swag baskets. Stay tuned and recruit!! 

Also, county presidents and secretaries who went “Over the Top,” please submit your coat and shirt sizes into Jessica Kennedy at the office so we can get those Over the Top prizes ordered!

The MOOseum- Last Chance to Vote!

The MOOseum is in a contest to be named the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Impact Maker! Hop over to the website today to vote for The MOOseum as this week is your last chance! We sure are proud of our children’s educational center, and you should be too. Website: https://www.montgomerychamber.com/mgm-impact-makers

Bama’s Best Beef Update

This past Sunday ended our last of four photo challenges featuring our eight semifinalist restaurants and dishes! Gather (Atmore) Train Wreck dish took home the seat in the Final 4 against Preston’s Ribeye in Troy. That being said, that means our four finalists are: Bama Bucks (Sardis City) Trophy Mount Ribeye; Jeff’s Place (Roanoke) Steak Sandwich; Diamond Jim’s & Mrs. Donna’s Famous Ribeye; and Gather (Atmore)’s Train Wreck field dish. Now, as the judges head out with their marching orders to anonymously taste test each of the finalist dishes, the fun continues on Facebook as we’ve launched the People’s Choice contest. Click here and give your hometown finalist dish a LIKE to earn them the title of Bama’s Best Beef: People’s Choice!

Foundation Scholarships Now Open

Applications for the 2021-2022 Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarships are now open online at www.BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. The ACF is proud to award over $65,000 in scholarships annually to Alabama’s youth in livestock and those who are the children or grandchildren of longtime members. We offer a variety of scholarships with a range of requirements— there’s truly something to fit any student! We appreciate those who purchase the Cowboy vanity car tag that help fund these scholarships, as well as the generous families who have endowed scholarships through our foundation. Applications CLOSE on November 6 at midnight, so be sure your favorite student(s) submits today!

Where’s the Beef? Contest

The “Where’s the Beef?” Cook-off contest is going on as usual at the Alabama National Fair. ACA will be sponsoring the contest and providing the judges. It will begin at 7 p.m. on October 16 in the Creative Living Center at the Garrett Coliseum. If you are interested in participating, visit the Alabama National Fair website.

Beef Up the Blood Supply

Speaking of October, this year, the ACA is going to “Beef Up the Blood Supply” throughout Alabama with LifeSouth Blood Bank. To celebrate Beef Month, we will be hosting a week of blood donations across Alabama starting in Dothan on October 12! If you live in the Dothan area, have blood, and love a good steak please reach out to us about donating blood that day and you will receive a discount on a Conestoga Steak for your donation. Then the beef mobile will be driving to Decatur Morgan Hospital in north Alabama for two straight days of blood donation and giving away steak sandwiches and beef meal vouchers. We will return to the MOOseum on October 15 for blood donations in the Montgomery area and then we will wrap up the week at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association center in Troy, AL. Please contact our staffer, Ali Cantrell, about getting signed up for these blood drives if they are near your area!

SLE Update

The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo Board of Directors is meeting today to approve some business items before being brought the membership at its annual meeting happening September 24 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Members please RSVP to Sydney Dougherty at our office if you plan to attend. 

Save the Date- Beef Checkoff Task Force Meeting

The Alabama Beef Checkoff Task Force meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at the Cattlemen’s building in Montgomery. ANY cattlemen in Alabama interested in attending this meeting is welcome to do so by contacting the ACA office at (334) 265-1867. It is a way to get completely involved in the process and having a say in how beef checkoff dollars are spent in the state. The ideas that come out of the task force meeting will be put into a marketing plan and presented to the Beef Checkoff Council for approval and budgeting. Contact an ACA officer or the office today to get more information on the meeting.

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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.