Cattle Connect

In honor of National Farm Safety Week, host Josie Jones sits down with Jackson Chance, RN, PM, to discuss farm-related accidents and safety. Currently an assistant fire chief, EMS director, and flight nurse covering rural Alabama communities, Jackson has participated first-hand in many of the facets of Alabama’s emergency medical response and care systems during his 10 years of experience. Listen in to learn what Alabama producers need to consider regarding agriculture occupational hazards as well as a few easy proactive steps they can take to be prepared to care for those they love most during a crisis.

"The goal is not to get a bred heifer. It's to get a three-year-old pair." Listen in as host Reid McGuire talks with Animal Sciences & Forages Extension Specialist Kent Stanford about retaining and raising the right heifers for your herd. 

The Alabama Cattlemen's Association website houses 58 pages of content, all linked to our association! While we won't dig into all 58 pages, join hosts Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer as they discuss some of the highlights, hidden gems and important resources housed on www.BamaBeef.org. 

In June, Bullock County Cattleman and YCLP Council Chairman Daniel Adams took to a 10-day trip across the country to explore the American beef industry. As the Alabama representative on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Young Cattlemen's Conference, Daniel experienced the beef industry from pasture to plate along with 67 other young producers from across the nation. Listen in as host Kayla Greer rehashes his journey throughout the conference and how his experience compares to Alabama's Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program (YCLP). And be sure to listen to the end for a extra treat!  

Are you interested in getting your junior cattlemen involved in livestock judging...but maybe have a few questions? Look no further! Host Reid McGuire welcomes AU Livestock Judging Coach Jesse Henson to the studio to take a deeper look into competitive livestock judging, the variety of skills it instills in its competitors, and its practical applications to everyday management decisions on the farm. 

Bull sale season is on the horizon! Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) Director Michelle Elmore joined ACA's Reid McGuire in the Cattle Connect studio to discuss ways to make sense of sale catalogs and to share points to consider when making a decision on a herd bull for your operation. Tune in to learn more, and explore upcoming sales and educational opportunities online at BamaBeef.org/Events.

It's time to head back to school and there are so many things to prepare. Shopping carts in stores across Alabama are filled with school supplies, families are visiting schools to meet the new teachers, and educators are adding the final touches to their lesson plans. But success in the classroom relies on far more than great crayons and new shoes. Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Agriculture Development Specialist Beth Spratt joins Josie Jones today to discuss the importance of nutritious school meals for student success. Learn about how the Alabama Farm to School Program works to increase consumption of whole, local products in cafeterias across the state and educate students about food production.

The time of year has come when calves are weaned and truckloads are formed to market. It's board sale season in Alabama, and joining host Reid McGuire in the Cattle Connect studio is Ken Kelley, a farm and agribusiness regional Extension agent who hails from the southwest corner of the state. Tune in as Reid and Ken talk about what a board sale is, tips to increase profitability on your next calf crop, and managing risks with Livestock Risk Protection (LRP).

The Producer Profitability Initiative has been the featured event held in conjunction with the 2024 Regional Cattlemen's Cookouts. This grassroots movement put into motion by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) was created by cattle ranchers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. Through listening sessions, cattlemen of all ages, management styles, and operations sizes— and supporters of the livestock industry— share ideas, concerns and opinions to continue working together toward a sustainable livestock industry and a secure domestic food supply. LMA Region Executive Officer Craig Taylor joins ACA's Kayla Greer in studio to share more about the initiative and the role of the LMA.

Today's average consumer is very aware of their food choices. Common headlines include GMOs, sustainability, local products, pesticides, and the list goes on. This overwhelming interest gives those involved in agriculture the opportunity to develop a local customer base and grow strong relationships with the consumers in their communities, and beef producers are no exception. Join Josie as she visits with Kathleen Evans from CK Cattle as they discuss the Hope Hull operation's booming beef business - developed during the Covid-19 outbreaks in 2020 - and the things other producers need to know before jumping into direct sales to consumers.