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.

In this episode of Cattle Connect, host Michael Smith sits down with Jim and Kim Jordan of the Clay County Cattlemen's Association— the 2025 winner of the Cattlemen of Beef Month contest. The Jordans share how family involvement, community outreach, and creative efforts—like videos and steak sandwich sales—helped the county chapter engage schools, recruit members, and promote beef across their rural community.

They also discuss practical planning tips, the value of mentorship, and why involving young people is essential to keeping agriculture strong at the local level. The conversation offers actionable ideas and inspiration for county associations looking to replicate Clay County’s success.

On this episode, Erin Beasley visits with Andy Berry, Executive Vice President of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association and a state senator, for a conversation rooted in the traditions and teamwork of Deep South cattle country. Together, they look back at the history and structure of Mississippi’s association and talk about how state cattlemen’s groups across the region work side-by-side with their Beef Councils to keep the industry strong and moving forward.

While meeting in Washington, D.C., Erin and Andy also shine a light on the importance of building up young leaders within each state association, making sure the next generation is ready to carry the banner for Southeastern cattlemen.

The Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program is one of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association's leading opportunities for young cattle producers in Alabama. In this episode, host Michael Smith talks with YCLP Council Chairman Aisling Walding about YCLP — what it teaches, how it builds industry connections, and why it prepares young producers for leadership in Alabama's beef cattle communities.

Listen to learn more about what to expect when it comes to YCLP class experiences, council work, industry and D.C. trips, leadership training, and application details for Class XIII (applications open now through March 22).