Cattle Connect

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.

The WHY Behind YCLP: Inside Alabama's Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program ft. YCLP Council Chairman Aisling Walding

The Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program is one of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association's leading opportunities for young cattle producers in Alabama. In this episode, host Michael Smith talks with YCLP Council Chairman Aisling Walding about YCLP — what it teaches, how it builds industry connections, and why it prepares young producers for leadership in Alabama's beef cattle communities.
Listen to learn more about what to expect when it comes to YCLP class experiences, council work, industry and D.C. trips, leadership training, and application details for Class XIII (applications open now through March 22). 

From The Plains to Producers: Practical Beef Insights ft. Dr. Maggie Justice

Host Kayla Greer welcomes Dr. Maggie Justice, Auburn University’s new State Beef Cattle Extension Specialist, for a conversation packed with insight for Alabama’s beef producers. Back to her home on the Plains, Dr. Justice shares how her role blends cutting-edge research with hands-on Extension support, and she highlights the many ways the Auburn Beef & Forage team helps producers strengthen their operations.
She breaks down practical takeaways from her research, explains why management strategies must be tailored to Alabama’s unique forage systems, and previews upcoming efforts to test and demonstrate new technologies across the state. Dr. Justice also reflects on lessons learned from international study tours across New Zealand, Australia, and Kenya, offering global perspectives that inform her approach at home.
Looking for support or more information? Connect with your County Extension office or explore resources at AlabamaBeefSystems.com.

Checking on the Checkoff: Wrapping Up a Busy Fall

Fall was a busy and productive season for the Alabama Beef Checkoff team as efforts ramped up across the state to promote beef and support producers!
Join co-hosts Michael Smith and Bailey Watson as they dive into the latest updates from the Alabama Beef Checkoff program. From youth field days and the Beef 101 program at Auburn University to the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program and October Beef Month promotions, Beef Checkoff-funded initiatives continued to strengthen connections with consumers and inspire the next generation of cattlemen. Plus, learn how producers can share their feedback through a brief, anonymous survey helping shape the future of Beef Checkoff programs. To complete the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program Survey, click here.