Cattle Connect

In this episode of Cattle Connect, ACA Past President Chuck Madaris of Lowndes County shares his story, talks about his service in the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, and highlights the mentors and family who shaped his work. A well-known mentor himself, Chuck discusses the importance of membership and grassroots leadership, challenges facing the industry, and offers practical advice for producers considering leadership roles.

In this episode of Cattle Connect, Auburn researchers Drs. Mykel Taylor and Kelli Russell discuss findings from the 2025 Alabama Farm Poll, which gathered responses from nearly 400 producers across the state. The conversation covers farmer quality of life, financial pressures and household adaptations, succession planning and retirement concerns, and the optimism producers still hold for Alabama agriculture. 

On this episode of Cattle Connect, Dr. David Russell of Alabama Extension walks through the fall weeds Alabama cattle producers should watch for, how to identify them, and practical timing and control options. He stresses the importance of maintaining healthy forage stands, taking soil samples and using the right herbicide at the right time to set pastures up for success next spring. 

In this special-edition episode of Cattle Connect, ACA intern Abby Burgess interviews Charles and Cooper Holmes of the Holmestead Company in Perry County, one of Alabama’s 13 designated Bicentennial Farms. They share their family’s 200+ year history, how the farm adapted through generations, and the role of cattle, timber, and conservation in rebuilding and sustaining the land.

On this episode of Cattle Connect, Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier provides an update on the New World screwworm (NWS) — a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue of mammal hosts. He explains the fly's life cycle, past eradication efforts, current detections and response actions in Texas, available treatments, and how producers can spot and report suspicious cases.