Cattle Connect

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. 

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 

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.

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.

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.

Grassroots advocates are the lifeblood of the ACA, and our Connect to the Cattlemen series is here to highlight their efforts! From a countywide rodeo, to the culinary classroom, cattlemen in Shelby County have gotten creative on how to highlight cattle production and promote beef in the Birmingham Metro area! In this episode, host Michael Smith sits down with Shelby County Cattleman Rickey Colquitt to discuss how a steak tasting in the classroom has turned into an educational experience that reaches hundreds of future consumers. Discover how this hands-on approach is building a deeper understanding of the beef industry— and creating lifelong beef fans in the process!

Beef promotion is a year-round priority for ACA staff, but between industry programs and grilling season, the summer months are particularly impactful! 

While leadership development events like the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program Class XII sessions and the 19th Annual Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association Round-Up focused on the future of agriculture, digital marketing strategies and in-person outreach at consumer and influencer events like the Auburn Football Family Dinner, Trash Pandas Ag Night, Birmingham Barons games and the historic MLB game at Bristol Speedway ensured a strong customer base for years to come. Listen in as co-hosts Josie Jones and Michael Smith recap the past several months of Alabama Beef Checkoff Program promotions from the state staff perspective. 

Bailey Watson has joined the herd at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association as the new Manager of Youth Programs and Marketing. Bailey joined host Kayla Greer in studio to share her background growing up on cow‑calf operation in Virginia, her degrees in animal sciences (Virginia Tech) and agricultural communications (University of Tennessee), and her experience working with youth livestock programs.

Bailey describes her Alabama Beef Checkoff staff role leading the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association and managing the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign across Alabama. Tune in to meet Bailey! 

Discover the core challenges and promising opportunities facing the state's agricultural industry, including insights on land loss, labor shortages, and the potential for growth through food processing and workforce training. Featuring expert perspectives and research conducted by Dr. Mykel Taylor and Dr. Kelli Russell from Auburn University's Department of Ag Economics & Rural Sociology, this episode reveals the interconnectedness of prosperous agriculture and rural communities. Learn how Alabama's agricultural sector is gearing up for future growth while tackling the crucial issues that shape its landscape. Explore the research findings at www.aces.edu. 

As temperatures soar to record heat, planning for the colder months may seem premature, but this episode of Cattle Connect uncovers why now is the perfect time to strategize for winter success. Host Kayla Greer sits in studio with Regional Extension Agent Josh Elmore as he shares his expertise on choosing the right forages, managing grazing to maximize regrowth, and the importance of soil testing for optimal pasture performance. Josh also discusses the unique aspects of Alabama's diverse climate and soil that benefit cattle producers, offering practical advice for both seasoned and new farmers. Tune in to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to enhance your winter forage strategy.