Cattle Connect

Cattle Producers, County Grants and Checkoff Plans Ft. Steven Smith

What do networking opportunities, forage research projects, carcass fabrication demonstrations, and youth livestock shows have in common? The Alabama Beef Checkoff Program! Hear from 2025 Alabama Beef Checkoff Council Chairman Steven Smith on this year’s priorities for Beef Checkoff programming, while host Josie Jones gives an overview of the history of Beef Checkoff Programs across the US and the important role they play in a sustainable beef industry. 

A Season of Change

New positions and new priorities take a foothold at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association as a season of change invites staff transitions and new hires! Host Kayla Greer sits down with ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley to talk about those changes and the inspiration behind them. Following, the newest face at the ACA, Michael Smith, introduces himself and shares his vision for his role at Manager of Industry Outreach.

Believing in the Future of Agriculture ft. Mackenzie Smith

“I believe in the future of agriculture.” These first seven words of the FFA creed only begin to tell the story of The National FFA Organization and the effect it has on today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. Hot on the heels of Alabama’s 97th Annual FFA State Convention, Josie sat down with Mackenzie Smith - 2024-2025 Alabama FFA State Treasurer, AJCA member and Marshall County cattle showman - to discuss this great organization and the role it plays in strengthening Alabama’s beef industry. 

Connect to the Cattlemen: Lights, Camera, Action!

Grassroots advocates are the lifeblood of the ACA, and our Connect to the Cattlemen series is here to highlight their efforts! From steak sandwich sales, to beef donations and youth events, to scholarship presentations, county Cattlemen’s chapters often get creative on how to engage in the local community. In Franklin County, this means taking to social media video production, highlighting those in the community and tying it all back to the beef business! Listen in as host Kayla Greer chats with Caleb Beason of the Franklin County Cattlemen's Association, and check out their Facebook page to watch their videos today!

Marketing Your Farm - Branding Your Beef ft: Kenny Woodham

In a world where consumers are constantly bombarded with ads, influencer reviews, sales pitches and new products, building a brand that is easily recognizable can be key to a sustainable beef operation. Listen as host Josie Jones sits down with Kenny Woodham, owner of Sowega Meat Company, to discuss how consistency and quality have been integral in growing the direct-to-consumer facility. 

Southern Border Shutdown ft. State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier

The New World Screwworm (NWS)— a parasitic pest eradicated from the U.S. in 1966— is climbing north from Panama, and getting a little too close to the homeland. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins closed the U.S./Mexican border for live imports of cattle, equine and bison for a second time this year as eradication protocols ramp up in Central and South America. Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier with the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries joined host Erin Beasley in studio to discuss this pest and the measures it will take to keep it out of the U.S. cowherd.

Political Round-Up: Sine Die Edition

As of Wednesday, May 14, the final gavel of the 2025 Alabama Legislative Session has fallen! ACA lobbyists Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer gathered in the Cattle Connect studio after the motion to adjourn “Sine Die,” and the duo debriefed some of the milestone moments from the past 105 days in the State House.

Ag & Forestry Grow Alabama ft. Grace Ellis

Alabama’s agricultural and forestry industries significantly contribute to the state’s economy. The Agriculture & Forestry Grow Alabama: An Economic Contribution Study revealed that in 2022, the economic contribution of Alabama’s food, fiber, forestry, and green industries was $77.3 billion and 273,271 jobs, which accounted for 10% of Alabama’s workforce. 
Learn more about how this study came to light and about the role of the Alabama Agribusiness Council (AAC) as host Kayla Greer chats in studio with AAC Executive Director Grace Ellis. Find more facts and figures at www.GrowAlabama.org. 

Bull Development - What You Need to Know ft. Dr. Chance Armstrong

Building a high-quality, healthy cattle herd depends on producers utilizing quality genetics and good herd management practices on their farms. Listen as host Reid McGuire sits down with Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Associate Clinical Professor of Theriogeneology Dr. Chance Armstrong to discuss the important role bull development plays in the longevity of Alabama operations, and some additional things producers need to keep in mind as they are selecting and caring for their breeding stock.

Marketing Your Farm - Social Media Savvy ft. Karah Skinner

What do Facebook and rural Alabama communities have in common? The ability to support growth of local small businesses from the ground up! For this week’s episode of the Marketing Your Farm series, Join host Josie as she visits with cattle producer, business owner and social media influencer Karah Skinner from Rock House Farms. Learn how the Skinner family has taken the first-generation farm they started ten years ago as a way to feed their family locally produced food and grown that into a steady meat sales and social media affiliate income.