Cattle Connect

Developing Heifers for the Long Haul ft Kent Stanford

Host Michael Smith sits down with Alabama Extension Specialist Kent Stanford to discuss intentional heifer development— which includes matching females to your environment, key management practices, and the economics of retaining versus selling replacements in today’s high-price market.

State of the Beef Consumer

ACA Manager of Youth Programs and Marketing Bailey Watson sits down with host Kayla Greer and shares key national beef marketing insights she learned at the Partnerships in Action (PIA) Conference hosted at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in Denver. The two dive into the top priorities shaping consumer decisions—taste, budget, value, safety, and nutrition—and discuss how these insights will guide statewide beef promotions heading into the new year.

When Words Move Markets

In this episode, host Kayla Greer sits down with Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Erin Beasley to break down President Trump’s recent remarks about importing beef from Argentina. They talk through the immediate reaction of the markets, why producers are raising red flags about safety and precedent, discuss ACA’s position on mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and how you can take action by contacting your members of Congress.

From Pasture to Policy ft. Mary Bea Halimeh

In this episode of Cattle Connect, host Erin Beasley sits down with Mary Bea Halimeh of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) to discuss how state organizations—like the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association—play a vital role in shaping national beef policy and advocacy efforts.
 
Together, they explore the unique partnership between the ACA and NCBA, how grassroots voices influence national decisions, and why Alabama’s cattle producers have a powerful seat at the table in Washington, D.C. Whether you're a rancher, policymaker, or simply passionate about the beef industry, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the beef community stays connected from pasture to policy. Learn more at NCBA.org 

From the Show Ring to AJCA President ft. Lyndee Jordan

In this junior cattlemen's focused episode, host Bailey Watson interviews Lyndee Meadows Jordan, the newly elected 2025–2026 president of the Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association (AJCA). Lyndee shares her lifelong roots in the cattle industry, from showing cattle and swine at a young age to holding county and state AJCA leadership roles.
Listen as Bailey and Lyndee discuss her presidency goals to grow junior membership, expanding outreach through social media and on-site events, and the importance of networking and leadership development for youth. This episode also highlights AJCA activities like Round-Up, field days, and October Beef Month outreach in Alabama.

Fueling the Future of Alabama's Beef Industry

When it comes to Alabama cattle producers, one thing is for certain- their hearts are even bigger than their pastures. The Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation serves as the non-profit charitable arm of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association to extend the kindness of local producers and supporters to those in need across the nation. Join Erin and Josie as they discuss the Foundation's many purposes, growth in the scholarship program, recent MOOseum and disaster relief work and the story behind ACA leadership's decision to add a dedicated staffer to this organization in 2025. 

Finding Our Common Ground ft. Craig Taylor

Host Erin Beasley sits down with Craig Taylor from the Livestock Marketing Association to review the Common Ground Coalition — an initiative that grew from Producer Profitability listening sessions. They outline five shared priorities: ag-friendly tax policy, improved risk management tools (like LRP), better access to labor, flexibility for livestock haulers, and support for young and emerging producers.
The episode explains how Alabama producers contributed to the priorities and a call to action asking listeners to sign the Common Ground Coalition letter of support to help advance industry-wide solutions available at: www.commongroundcoalition.net 

Conservation Conversation: Stewarding Our Natural Resources ft. Will Gotcher

The Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee's Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) can help beef cattle producers access cost-share funding for the implementation of necessary practices like watering systems, forage planting, nutrient management, fencing, working systems, and feed troughs. Will Gotcher, Supervisor of the Colbert County Soil & Water Conservation District, joined host Kayla Greer in studio to share how this program supports producers across Alabama through funding and technical assistance. Will brings firsthand insight into the benefits of these efforts, from improving pasture health and water quality to reducing erosion and supporting long-term farm viability.
Learn more at alabamasoilandwater.gov, or visit your local Soil & Water Conservation District office. Funding decisions for 2026 begin October 1.

Marketing Your Farm: Building Community Through Beef ft. Jones Farm

This episode wraps up the Marketing Your Farm series as host Kayla Greer chats with a familiar voice— Josie Jones, as she sits in the studio guest seat representing her family's operation, Jones Farm of Autauga County. Josie shares how the family business has managed growth with changing consumer trends, and she shares their recipe for forging strong local partnerships, which keeps consumer dollars within their community. Learn more about vetting partners by shared values and quality, balancing human-centered relationships with business needs, and practical tips for connecting consumers to local beef.

Precision Breeding: Auburn’s AI School Preview ft. Dr. Soren Rodning

This episode is all about bovine AI— artificial insemination, that is! Join host Erin Beasley as she chats with Extension Veterinarian Dr. Soren Rodning about Auburn’s upcoming bovine AI schools at the E.V. Smith Research & Extension Center. Dr. Rodning explains AI advantages and challenges, who should consider AI, program expectations, and how to sign up for the educational opportunities where producers will spend two days learning about bovine anatomy and physiology, semen handling, estrus synchronization, managing nutrition, and facilities needed properly conduct an AI protocol.