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The Cattle Connect Podcast is brought to you by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA). Tune in weekly to hear current beef cattle industry news and to learn more about the ACA!
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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.
New positions and new priorities take a foothold at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association as a season of change invites staff transitions and new hires! Host Kayla Greer sits down with ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley to talk about those changes and the inspiration behind them. Following, the newest face at the ACA, Michael Smith, introduces himself and shares his vision for his role at Manager of Industry Outreach.
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.
Host Kayla Greer welcomes Dr. Maggie Justice, Auburn University’s new State Beef Cattle Extension Specialist, for a conversation packed with insight for Alabama’s beef producers. Back to her home on the Plains, Dr. Justice shares how her role blends cutting-edge research with hands-on Extension support, and she highlights the many ways the Auburn Beef & Forage team helps producers strengthen their operations.
She breaks down practical takeaways from her research, explains why management strategies must be tailored to Alabama’s unique forage systems, and previews upcoming efforts to test and demonstrate new technologies across the state. Dr. Justice also reflects on lessons learned from international study tours across New Zealand, Australia, and Kenya, offering global perspectives that inform her approach at home.
Looking for support or more information? Connect with your County Extension office or explore resources at AlabamaBeefSystems.com.
Fall was a busy and productive season for the Alabama Beef Checkoff team as efforts ramped up across the state to promote beef and support producers!
Join co-hosts Michael Smith and Bailey Watson as they dive into the latest updates from the Alabama Beef Checkoff program. From youth field days and the Beef 101 program at Auburn University to the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program and October Beef Month promotions, Beef Checkoff-funded initiatives continued to strengthen connections with consumers and inspire the next generation of cattlemen. Plus, learn how producers can share their feedback through a brief, anonymous survey helping shape the future of Beef Checkoff programs. To complete the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program Survey, click here.
Host Michael Smith sits down with Alabama Extension Specialist Kent Stanford to discuss intentional heifer development— which includes matching females to your environment, key management practices, and the economics of retaining versus selling replacements in today’s high-price market.
ACA Manager of Youth Programs and Marketing Bailey Watson sits down with host Kayla Greer and shares key national beef marketing insights she learned at the Partnerships in Action (PIA) Conference hosted at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in Denver. The two dive into the top priorities shaping consumer decisions—taste, budget, value, safety, and nutrition—and discuss how these insights will guide statewide beef promotions heading into the new year.
In this episode, host Kayla Greer sits down with Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Erin Beasley to break down President Trump’s recent remarks about importing beef from Argentina. They talk through the immediate reaction of the markets, why producers are raising red flags about safety and precedent, discuss ACA’s position on mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and how you can take action by contacting your members of Congress.
In this episode of Cattle Connect, host Erin Beasley sits down with Mary Bea Halimeh of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) to discuss how state organizations—like the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association—play a vital role in shaping national beef policy and advocacy efforts.
Together, they explore the unique partnership between the ACA and NCBA, how grassroots voices influence national decisions, and why Alabama’s cattle producers have a powerful seat at the table in Washington, D.C. Whether you're a rancher, policymaker, or simply passionate about the beef industry, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the beef community stays connected from pasture to policy. Learn more at NCBA.org
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.
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!
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.
Host Kayla Greer dives into a critical topic for today’s tech-savvy farmers: cybersecurity in agriculture. Joining her is Amanda Senn, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission, who shares expert insight on how digital threats are shaping the future of farming.
From mobile devices in the field to desktops in the office, your farm’s data is a valuable asset—and a potential target. Amanda unpacks the risks and delivers practical, actionable strategies to help you protect your personal information, farm records, and connected systems.
Whether you're managing smart equipment or storing sensitive data, this episode will help you stay a step ahead of cyber threats. Tune in and learn how to safeguard your farm’s future in a connected, fast-moving digital world.
What do networking opportunities, forage research projects, carcass fabrication demonstrations, and youth livestock shows have in common? The Alabama Beef Checkoff Program! Hear from 2025 Alabama Beef Checkoff Council Chairman Steven Smith on this year’s priorities for Beef Checkoff programming, while host Josie Jones gives an overview of the history of Beef Checkoff Programs across the US and the important role they play in a sustainable beef industry.
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