Cattle Connect

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.

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.