Cattle Connect

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.