Cattle Connect

Tagged For Greatness: Raising Cattle, Raising Leaders Ft. Senator Josh Carnley

Scholarship season is here, so what better time to revisit the past and hear from a previous Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation (ACF) Scholarship recipient? Listen as host Josie Jones visits with Alabama District 31 Senator Josh Carnley as he shares his journey from growing up on a Coffee County farm to receiving an ACF scholarship, building an agricultural career, and serving in the state senate. Learn how his impact on the next generation has extended far beyond three unique career fields through his passion for mentoring and the importance of exposing all youth to agriculture.

Past President Profiles: Engaged, Available and Advocating ft. LD Fitzpatrick

In this episode of the Past Presidents Profile series, host Kayla Greer sits down with past Alabama Cattlemen's Association (ACA) president L.D. Fitzpatrick of Montgomery County. L.D. reflects on his 1996 presidency, longtime service as state treasurer, the unveiling of The MOOseum, and the transition in executive leadership. They discuss the importance of county-state partnerships, promoting beef, and the value of getting involved in association leadership.
The conversation explores personal memories, practical advice for members considering leadership roles, and a closing message to be proud, active, and connected in Alabama’s beef industry.

Political Round-Up: Sine Die Edition ft. Russ Durrance

The gavel has fallen on the final day of the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session, and hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley recap the fast‑paced 2026 session with Russ Durrance of the Alabama Farmers Federation. The trio focus on budget outcomes and pieces of proposed policy the ag community monitored throughout the busiest 105 days in downtown Montgomery.
Tune in to learn more about the final session in Alabama's old Statehouse and the fourth year of the Quadrennium. 

Mitigating Fescue Toxicosis ft. Dr. Leanne Dillard

As the South heats up, host Kayla Greer talks with Alabama State Forage Specialist Dr. Leanne Dillard about fescue toxicosis, its effects on cattle performance and practical mitigation strategies.
The episode focuses on using cool-season annuals—especially red clover—to dilute toxins, improve intake and conception rates, recommended seeding windows and inclusion goals, grazing tactics, and available Extension and cost-share resources to help producers implement these practices.

Miller’s Mission: Leaving It Better Than He Found It

Host Michael Smith sits down with newly elected Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Jim Miller, a proud Jefferson County cattleman. Guided by a simple belief—to leave things better than he found them—Jim reflects on his road to leadership and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From his roots in agriculture to stepping into a statewide role, he shares the values that drive him and his vision for strengthening the ACA.

Taking the Lead with ACWA President Holli Thompson

At the 83rd Annual Convention & Trade Show, Lee County CattleWoman Holli Thompson was installed as the president of the Alabama CattleWomen's Association. In this episode, Holli shares about her childhood involvement in youth livestock exhibition and her path to ACWA leadership.Holli also shares the ACWA’s mission—beef promotion, beef education, and beef legislation—her priorities for her term as president, and ways listeners can join or support the organization.

Checkin' on the Checkoff: Saddle Up for Springtime

We're checkin' on the Checkoff as hosts Michael Smith and Bailey Watson highlight Alabama Checkoff events upcoming on the calendar this spring season. The lineup includes Beef 101 sessions, stockyard visits, the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program, and upcoming youth events like the Spring Youth Field Day, state beef cook-off, and the AJCA Cattle Working Contest.
The duo also preview AJCA Round-Up and this weekend's happening event— the 69th Annual SLE Rodeo. Saddle up, it's springtime! 

A Little Mobile, A Little Montgomery

On this episode of Cattle Connect, hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley are in studio with a recap of the recent membership gathering in Mobile. From the election of new officers to celebrating hardworking membership prize winners, the duo shares some of their favorite moments from the event—including a record-breaking Alabama BeefPAC Auction that raised more than $70,000 to support advocacy efforts.
They also dive into a mid-session legislative update, walking through what’s happening at the Statehouse and why it matters for members. The conversation covers budget progress, the 30-day local notice bill, PSC and energy-related proposals, and where things currently stand with the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) bill.
Whether you attended convention in Mobile or just want to stay in the loop, Kayla and Erin break down the highlights and key updates you need to know.

The Southeastern Livestock Exposition's Mission in Motion

The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) was created by cattlemen in the 1950s to support Alabama agriculture through youth programs. Join SLE Executive Director Sarah Hunter, SLE President Linwood McClain and host Josie Jones as they discuss the history and mission of the SLE and how this heritage stays strong through the group's biggest event of the year. Hear more about youth agricultural programs hosted during SLE Rodeo & Livestock Week and the many NEW activities that will be available at the 2026 event for Alabama's rodeo fans. 
Finally, listen to the end for a special money-saving ticket tip and some details on this year's specialty act. Members of the SLE hope to see you there!

From Fifth Generation Cattleman to NCBA President ft. Gene Copenhaver

In this episode of Cattle Connect, host Bailey Watson sits down with Gene Copenhaver, the newly elected 2026 President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, at CattleCon in Nashville. As a fifth-generation cattleman and former agricultural banker, Gene shares the story of his family operation and the leadership journey that took him from grassroots involvement to national office.
They discuss his priorities for the year ahead, where producers can expect to see him on the road, and how he plans to engage with cattlemen and women across the country — including at the ACA Convention & Trade Show in Mobile. Gene also offers advice for young producers, emphasizing the importance of community leadership, industry advocacy, and staying involved at the local level.