Cattle Connect

In this election-focused episode of Cattle Connect, hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley interview Alabama BeefPAC-backed candidates Wes Allen (Lieutenant Governor), Katherine Robertson (Attorney General) and Corey Hill (Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries). They discuss their backgrounds, priorities for the office and the role of state leadership in protecting Alabama agriculture.

Remember— the Primary Runoff Election i...

On this episode of our Checking in on the Checkoff series, hosts Bailey Watson and Michael Smith review spring Alabama Beef Checkoff activities, including stockyard visits, regional meetings, and youth programs. They also recap the Beef 101 series, the kickoff of YCLP Class XII, and a NASCAR partnership promotion at Talladega.

The episode also highlights upcoming beef promotions, including summer grilling c...

Host Michael Smith and guest Mitchell Alexander, chairman of the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program (YCLP) Council, discuss the YCLP, sharing how the program builds leadership, industry knowledge, and statewide networks for new and young cattle producers. The episode highlights YCLP alumni experiences, council work, the benefits of membership and networking, and introduces the incoming Class XIII, which kicks off next week in Mon...

Scholarship season is here, so what better time to revisit the past and hear from a previous Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation (ACF) Scholarship recipient? Listen as host Josie Jones visits with Alabama District 31 Senator Josh Carnley as he shares his journey from growing up on a Coffee County farm to receiving an ACF scholarship, building an agricultural career, and serving in the state senate. Learn how his impact on the next gener...

In this episode of the Past Presidents Profile series, host Kayla Greer sits down with past Alabama Cattlemen's Association (ACA) president L.D. Fitzpatrick of Montgomery County. L.D. reflects on his 1996 presidency, longtime service as state treasurer, the unveiling of The MOOseum, and the transition in executive leadership. They discuss the importance of county-state partnerships, promoting beef, and the value of getting involved...

The gavel has fallen on the final day of the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session, and hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley recap the fast‑paced 2026 session with Russ Durrance of the Alabama Farmers Federation. The trio focus on budget outcomes and pieces of proposed policy the ag community monitored throughout the busiest 105 days in downtown Montgomery.

Tune in to learn more about the final session in Alabama's old Statehouse and the ...

As the South heats up, host Kayla Greer talks with Alabama State Forage Specialist Dr. Leanne Dillard about fescue toxicosis, its effects on cattle performance and practical mitigation strategies.

The episode focuses on using cool-season annuals—especially red clover—to dilute toxins, improve intake and conception rates, recommended seeding windows and inclusion goals, grazing tactics, and available Extension and cost-s...

Host Michael Smith sits down with newly elected Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Jim Miller, a proud Jefferson County cattleman. Guided by a simple belief—to leave things better than he found them—Jim reflects on his road to leadership and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From his roots in agriculture to stepping into a statewide role, he shares the values that drive him and his ...

At the 83rd Annual Convention & Trade Show, Lee County CattleWoman Holli Thompson was installed as the president of the Alabama CattleWomen's Association. In this episode, Holli shares about her childhood involvement in youth livestock exhibition and her path to ACWA leadership.Holli also shares the ACWA’s mission—beef promotion, beef education, and beef legislation—her priorities for her term as president, an...

We're checkin' on the Checkoff as hosts Michael Smith and Bailey Watson highlight Alabama Checkoff events upcoming on the calendar this spring season. The lineup includes Beef 101 sessions, stockyard visits, the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program, and upcoming youth events like the Spring Youth Field Day, state beef cook-off, and the AJCA Cattle Working Contest.

The duo also preview AJCA Round-Up and this weekend's happening even...

On this episode of Cattle Connect, hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley are in studio with a recap of the recent membership gathering in Mobile. From the election of new officers to celebrating hardworking membership prize winners, the duo shares some of their favorite moments from the event—including a record-breaking Alabama BeefPAC Auction that raised more than $70,000 to support advocacy efforts.

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 &...

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 ye...

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 a...

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‑changin...

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 advoca...