Cattle Connect

Capturing Superior Value on Sale Day ft. Josh Farley

On this 100th episode of the Cattle Connect podcast, host Erin Beasley visits with Josh Farley of Superior Livestock Auction to discuss practical strategies cow–calf producers can use to add value to their calf crop. The duo covers genetics, health programs, and marketing exposure, including how leveraging Superior’s nationwide network of representatives and a database of more than 6,500 buyers create true competition and price discovery on sale day.
Listeners will learn the step-by-step process of marketing a load of cattle through Superior Livestock Auction and why building strong buyer–seller relationships can drive stronger returns over the long haul.

Past President Profiles: Navigating Transition and Finding the Big Picture ft. Richard Meadows

In this kickoff episode of the Past Presidents Profile series, host Kayla Greer sits down with former Alabama Cattlemen's Association (ACA) president Richard Meadows of Houston County. Richard shares his roots at Meadows Creek Farm, how early involvement in 4‑H, Auburn University's Department of Animal Sciences, and industry networking shaped his path to leadership, and how the association supported his family during a life‑changing medical crisis.
The conversation explores Richard’s experiences guiding the ACA through a staff leadership transition, the importance of scholarships and youth programs, and the impact of the ACA's advocacy.

Tagged For Greatness: Cultivating Advocacy ft. Drew Wendland

The Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation (ACF) Scholarship Program has supported more than 1,500 students by providing over $1.5 million in educational funding awards. To highlight that investment in future industry leaders, the Tagged For Greatness highlight series kicks off with ACF scholarship recipient Drew Wendland, who returned from college to his family's farm in Autauga County to lead agronomy operations while acting as an advocate for the agriculture industry on local, state and national platforms.
Join host Josie Jones and Drew as they cover the foundation's reach and impact, Drew’s path from college to farm life, his role as an agriculture advocate - including award-winning top young farming family on the national scale this year - and ways listeners can support future students through the ACF.

All Roads Lead to the Port City

Join the Alabama Cattlemen's Association March 6–7 in Mobile for the 83rd Annual ACA Convention and Trade Show. This episode previews two days of education, networking, youth contests, and the largest beef industry trade show in the state of Alabama— all happening in Mobile.
Attendees can expect top networking opportunities, association business and awards, and evening events like the Buckles & Bids and Cattlemen’s Heritage Banquet. Learn more and explore opportunities NOW to lock in your early bird pricing: https://cvent.me/AK74OL

A Look at 2026 Youth Livestock Programs & Events

In this episode of Cattle Connect, host Bailey Watson sits down with Reid McGuire and Taylor Sondgeroth to discuss their new roles in youth livestock education and highlight upcoming youth events. From Block & Bridle and State Skillathon competitions to Southeastern Livestock Exposition events and AJCA contests, they cover multiple opportunities available for Alabama's youth in 2026. 
Grab your calendar and tune in to learn key dates and what to expect from youth livestock events in the year ahead.

Checking in on the Checkoff: What to Expect from the 2026 Marketing Plan

Host Michael Smith sits down with producer and Alabama Beef Checkoff Council member Bill Walding, along with guest Bailey Watson, to discuss the Alabama Beef Checkoff—how it works, how funds are allocated across programs, and the goals of the 2026 marketing plan.
This episode covers 2026 priorities and budget adjustments, consumer outreach efforts (including digital and e-commerce advertising), youth programs, producer-focused initiatives, and research investments—highlighting the long-term value of checkoff investments.
To view the 2026 Alabama Beef Checkoff Marketing Plan, visit BamaBeef.org/Checkoff.

A Front-Row Seat to Alabama Politics ft. Senate Secretary Pat Harris

In the premiere episode of Cattle Connect Season Three, host Erin Beasley sits down with longtime Alabama Secretary of the Senate Pat Harris to reflect on his career, explore the Senate’s rules and legislative process, and share memorable moments from the Alabama Statehouse.
The conversation also covers progress on the new Statehouse construction project and offers a preview of key themes expected to shape the 2026 Legislative Session, which begins Tuesday, January 13, in Montgomery.

2025 ACA Yearbook ft. The Entire Cattle Connect Team

The Cattle Connect team walks through 2025 with a lively month-by-month recap — from a rare statewide snowstorm and industry conventions to youth field days, record scholarship giving, staff transitions, and an impactful D.C. advocacy trip. Staff share behind-the-scenes stories, practical takeaways, and plenty of laughs.
Tune in to this season finale to catch the highlights and get excited for Season Three airing January 2, 2026. 

Connect to the Cattlemen: Clay County's Winning Recipe ft. Jim & Kim Jordan

In this episode of Cattle Connect, host Michael Smith sits down with Jim and Kim Jordan of the Clay County Cattlemen's Association— the 2025 winner of the Cattlemen of Beef Month contest. The Jordans share how family involvement, community outreach, and creative efforts—like videos and steak sandwich sales—helped the county chapter engage schools, recruit members, and promote beef across their rural community.
They also discuss practical planning tips, the value of mentorship, and why involving young people is essential to keeping agriculture strong at the local level. The conversation offers actionable ideas and inspiration for county associations looking to replicate Clay County’s success.

Stewarding Deep South Cattlemen's Associations ft. Andy Berry

On this episode, Erin Beasley visits with Andy Berry, Executive Vice President of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association and a state senator, for a conversation rooted in the traditions and teamwork of Deep South cattle country. Together, they look back at the history and structure of Mississippi’s association and talk about how state cattlemen’s groups across the region work side-by-side with their Beef Councils to keep the industry strong and moving forward.
While meeting in Washington, D.C., Erin and Andy also shine a light on the importance of building up young leaders within each state association, making sure the next generation is ready to carry the banner for Southeastern cattlemen.