Cattle Connect

Get to Know ACA Vice President Randy Moody

The volunteer leaders of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association are vital to the success and leadership of our trade organization. On this episode, Josie will sit down with 2025 ACA Vice President Randy Moody from Madison County. Learn more about his background, family and the priorities and goals has has for the association during his tenure as a state officer. 

The Future of Fertility ft. Auburn University’s Dr. Paul Dyce

Tomorrow’s beef industry relies on today’s research, and heifer fertility quickly rises to the top of the list when producers start discussing crucial improvements left to be made. 
 
Join Reid McGuire and Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences Associate Professor and Graduate Program Officer Dr. Paul Dyce as they discuss a current study funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program to determine better methods of predicting heifer fertility from specific genetic markers; the future in in vitro fertilization in livestock; and an update on the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences Graduate Program. 

Marketing Your Farm Series - Tackling Websites ft. Anna Marie Herrington

In a time when people are very invested in knowing the story behind the food on their plate, those involved in agriculture have an excellent opportunity to educate their local communities while expanding income streams through niche, direct-to-consumer markets. But kicking off steak sales on the cattle operation takes more than beef in the freezer. Join Josie Jones and Anna Marie Herrington, owner of The Traveling Farmacy, as they discuss one tool many producers are using to find success in the freezer beef game - websites.  

Fun Facts from the Field: Spring Planting ft. Dr. David Russell

With springtime showers comes… Pasture weeds???
Tune in as Reid McGuire and Dr. David Russell discuss ways producers can better manage the forage component of beef production. Listen as they cover previous research done across the state (thanks to the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program!), the most common weeds found in Alabama pastures and how cattlemen can take a proactive, sustainable approach to maintaining high-quality grazing and hay land. 

Political Round-Up: A Mid-Session Update

With 16 days of the 2025 Alabama Legislative Session already on the books, only 14 remain to conduct the work of the State. Listen in as co-hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley chat about bills of interest this session, their progression in the political process, and what the duo expects to see in the final 14 days of session.

Checking on The Checkoff: Sunny Evenings & Spring Events

Springtime is just around the corner! With the longer days and warmer weather comes many outdoor education events. Listen as Reid and Josie offer a spring update on 2025 Alabama Beef Checkoff Program activities and offer some insight into how producers can get involved. 

Tackling the Tough Conversation ft. Kacy Atkinson

Estate planning— it's not a favorite topic, but it's one that is vitally important to the preservation of the family farm. While at #BamaBeefMeet, Cattle Connect host Kayla Greer spoke with Kacy Atkinson. Kacy is a Wyoming rancher and estate planning advocate who brought her knowledge and unique experience to our General Session panel titled "Planning for the Future of the Farm." Tune in as Kayla and Kacy tackle one of the hardest parts of estate planning— starting the conversation.

American Beef Industry Update & Insights From Capitol Hill ft. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall

National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall headlined the Cattlemen's Luncheon at the 82nd Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show in Birmingham. His charisma and in-depth knowledge of the American beef industry— as well as his insightful knowledge of D.C. politics—resonated with all who listened. Host Kayla Greer sat down with Colin after the luncheon to re-visit his discussion and capture his update from the countryside of the American beef industry.

The Busiest 105 Days in Montgomery ft. Rep. Joe Lovvorn

The 2025 Alabama Legislative Session has kicked off in downtown Montgomery, bringing with it a busy 105 days for both lawmakers and lobbyists. House Rules Chairman, Rep. Joe Lovvorn of Alabama House District 79 joins co-hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley in the Cattle Connect studio to share about his agricultural background, his role as Rules Chairman, and what we can expect to see this session, from his unique perspective! Then, Erin and Kayla take a few moments to discuss the ACA's legislative priorities that have them busy at the State House this session.

Supporting Youth in Agriculture Through Family Fun ft. Linwood McClain

Supporting Alabama's youth in agriculture— that's the goal of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE), and your ticket to the show contributes to that mission. SLE President Linwood McClain joins host Kayla Greer in studio to reflect on the SLE's history, its unique mission and share details about this year's event. Learn more at www.SLERodeo.com.