Bama Beef News | June 2026 Round-Up 🤠

BAMA BEEF NEWS | JUNE ROUND-UP

News and updates from the Alabama Cattlemen's Association

US Confirms First New World Screwworm in Decades

After months of speculation that the United States could see a positive case of New World Screwworm, the first case was confirmed by the USDA on June 11 in La Pryor, TX. Since the initial case, several additional cases have been confirmed as the pest continues to move north of the Mexican border. Alabama animal health officials are working with stakeholders to finalize plans for response to the incursion of NWS in the state that will be practical for Alabama producers. If interested in learning about the NWS and where cases are, producers are encouraged to visit https://agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/new-world-screwworm/.

Photo: Texas Farm Bureau

Walding, Parnell Represent Alabama at YCC

YCLP Class X alumni Jacob Walding of Dale County and Zoetis Representative Anna Grace Parnell of Chilton County represented Alabama at the 2026 Young Cattlemen's Conference (YCC) with beef industry advocates from across the U.S.

YCC gives these individuals the opportunity to explore beef production across the nation and build lasting industry relationships to strengthen both current and future industry voices.

In addition to a packing plant and Five Rivers Feedyard, Walding and Parnell toured NCBA Headquarters, Greely Hat Works, and Certified Angus Beef Headquarters. They also spent time in Washington D.C. receiving further education on current policy and advocating among House and Senate officials and their staff.

Share Your Feedback & Help Shape the Alabama Cattleman Magazine

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is committed to providing timely, relevant information and resources that best serve our members. To ensure we continue meeting that goal, we invite you to participate in a brief member survey.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will help guide future communications efforts, including content featured in the Alabama Cattleman magazine, e-newsletters and other member resources.

As a token of appreciation, participants will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card, generously provided by the Livestock Advertising Network.

To learn more about this project and its partners, visit: https://piecenter.com/cattlemag. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Your input is invaluable as we work to strengthen member communications and better serve Alabama's cattle industry.

Take the Survey

2026 Regional Cattlemen’s Conferences

After a successful conference in North Alabama on Friday, June 12, the summertime series of regional conferences across Alabama is set to continue with a next stop in the Wiregrass on June 25. These meetings provide members with valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and engage closer to home. Hosted in partnership with the Alabama Beef Systems Extension Agents, these conferences feature timely educational content alongside the fellowship that ACA members have come to expect at these popular summer events.

Conference agendas and registration details are now available online at www.BamaBeef.org/RegionalCookouts.

Members are encouraged to mark their calendars now and plan to attend the meeting closest to home.

–Thursday, June 25, 4PM-8PM: Enterprise Civic Center, Enterprise

–Thursday, July 9, 2PM-6PM: YNOT Event Center, Valley Grande

–Thursday, July 16, 4PM-8PM: Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka

–Friday, August 7, 8AM-2PM: Grace Fellowship Church, Atmore

ACA membership is not required to attend the Regional Cattlemen's Conferences, but it is strongly encouraged. You can join on site or online at www.BamaBeef.org/Join.

Heifers for Youth Fundraiser

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation is hosting a Heifers for Youth fundraiser, offering cattlemen the chance to win two registered bred heifers or $8,000 in cash. Only 500 chances available! Donated by Little Mountain Farm of New Market, Alabama, these high‑quality heifers—complete with detailed pedigree and EPD information—represent a valuable genetic investment for any herd.

Each $100 chance directly fuels educational opportunities for young people across the state, making this effort both a meaningful cause and an exciting opportunity for participants. To purchase a ticket, visit www.BamaBeef.org/Heifers4Youth

All proceeds directly support youth livestock education programs, developing the next generation of cattlemen through hands-on learning, leadership and industry involvement. Your donation is tax deductible through the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Primary Election Results

The results are in, and the field is now set for Alabama’s upcoming general election. Following the June 16 runoff, both major parties finalized their nominees in several key statewide races. Attention now shifts to the general election on November 3, where Republican and Democratic candidates will face off for each office.

The statewide ballot will include the following matchups:

Governor: Tommy Tuberville (R) vs. Doug Jones (D)
Lt. Governor: John Wahl (R) vs. Phillip Ensler (D)
Attorney General: Katherine Robertson (R) vs. Jeff McLaughlin (D)
Secretary of State: Caroleene Dobson (R) vs. Wayne Rogers (D)
Auditor: Andrew Sorrell (R) vs. Violet Edwards (D)
Treasurer: Young Boozer (R) vs. Rosilyn Houston (D)
Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries: Corey Hill (R) vs. Ron Sparks (D)
U.S. Senate: Barry Moore (R) vs. Everett Weiss (D)

Alabama Beef Checkoff Council Holds Second Quarterly Meeting

On June 18, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Council gathered in Montgomery for its second quarterly meeting of 2026. Council members received updates from ACA staff on Beef Checkoff programs and initiatives, discussed upcoming programs and events, and heard from Todd Johnson of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association on the State and National Federation Partnership. We appreciate our council members for their continued leadership and commitment to strengthening Alabama’s beef industry and ensuring Beef Checkoff dollars are invested wisely on behalf of Alabama producers.

Support Alabama BeefPAC In Style

Pre-order your Alabama BeefPAC neck tie or wild rag—featuring unique brands from cattle farms across the state—for $100 each. Every purchase directly supports pro-agriculture candidates across Alabama’s executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Don’t miss your chance to represent the industry while giving back—those interested are encouraged to purchase online at www.BamaBeef.org/Store.

Membership Report

The ACA is proud to be home to 9,578 members and counting as the second batch of membership remittances have hit mailboxes statewide! We are grateful for the grassroots efforts of our county organizations and look forward to another year of membership advocacy alongside you.

Recruitment Prizes

Each year at convention, the ACA awards individuals and county chapters for their grassroots recruitment efforts. Thanks to the generosity from our membership sponsors at Priefert, Hartford Veterinary Supply LLC, SunSouth LLC, TriGreen Equipment and John Deere, the ACA looks forward to awarding outstanding prizes for grassroots recruitment efforts at the 2027 ACA Convention & Trade Show— February 19-20, 2027 in Montgomery, AL. Reminder: The June 30th ACA red coat deadline is just SIX days away— June 30!

Madison County Cattlemen Hit a Home Run for Beef Promotion

The Madison County Cattlemen’s Association was proud to help promote beef during Alabama Farm Credit’s Ag Night at the Rocket City Trash Pandas minor league baseball game on June 19. Fans stopped by to learn more about Alabama’s beef industry and grab beef promotional items while enjoying an evening of baseball!

Governor Ivey Proclaims “Beef for Father’s Day”

Since 1955, the Alabama CattleWomen’s Association (ACWA) has promoted “Beef for Father’s Day.” Continuing a tradition that spans more than 70 years, ACWA leaders joined Governor Kay Ivey as she signed the 2026 “Beef for Father’s Day” proclamation in front of a platter of ribeye steaks! ACA staff member Bailey Watson was honored to join ACWA representatives for the signing of the official proclamation, encouraging families to serve beef as part of their Father’s Day celebrations.

98th Annual Alabama FFA Convention

The second week of June brought the infamous blue corduroy jackets to the heart of Montgomery for the 98th Annual Alabama FFA Convention! The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Beef Checkoff Program, Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation, and Southeastern Livestock Exposition were proud to support student livestock skill development opportunities by sponsoring livestock-related Career Development Events (CDEs) and Proficiency Awards.

Beef Production Proficiency Awards

1st Place Beef Production Placement Proficiency Award:

Hudson Manning, Billingsley FFA

2nd Place Beef Production Placement Proficiency Award:

Meggie Ann Bramlett, Falkville FFA

3rd Place Beef Production Placement Proficiency Award:

Caleb Cook, Billingsley FFA

4th Place Beef Production Placement Proficiency Award:

Abigail Longcrier, Billingsley FFA

1st Place Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award:

Alyx Johnson, Woodland FFA

2nd Place Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award:

Callie Childers, Albert P. Brewer FFA

3rd Place Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award:

Hudson Manning, Billingsley FFA

4th Place Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award:

Landers Franklin, Arab FFA

Meats Evaluation CDE

1st Place Team Meats Evaluation CDE: Thorsby FFA

2nd Place Team Meats Evaluation CDE: Tallassee FFA

3rd Place Team Meats Evaluation CDE: Holly Pond FFA

4th Place Team Meats Evaluation CDE: Douglas FFA

High Scoring Individual: Emily Colburn, Thorsby FFA

Livestock Evaluation CDE

1st Place Team Livestock Evaluation CDE: Hartselle FFA

2nd Place Team Livestock Evaluation CDE: Arab FFA

3rd Place Team Livestock Evaluation CDE: Geraldine FFA

4th Place Team Livestock Evaluation CDE: Danville FFA

High Scoring Individual: Landers Franklin, Arab FFA

Three members of the Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association will serve on the 2026-2027 Alabama FFA State Officer Team.

President: Adriana Rasberry, Billingsley FFA

Vice President: Mason Smith, Arab FFA

Secretary: Callie Rae Childers, A.P. Brewer FFA

Treasurer: KateLynn Dummar, Weaver FFA

Reporter: Ella Ruth Coghlan, McKenzie FFA

Sentinel: Ellie Grace Olson, G.W. Long FFA

AJCA Round-Up Registration Information

Registration is open for the 20th Annual Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA) Round-Up, taking place July 23-26 at the Garett Coliseum in Montgomery! The annual event will feature a heifer, bull, and market show, along with 12 educational contests and an educational session for attendees. Two new contests have been added this year, along with updates to several existing events. Participants are encouraged to carefully review the Official Rules Packet before registering. Registration for the event closes July 9. Additional information, including registration, event schedule, and rules, can be found at https://cvent.me/ml9Ey1.

The AJCA is also seeking sponsors for this year’s AJCA Round-Up. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and help support opportunities for youth involved in Alabama’s cattle industry. Those interested in supporting the event can learn more at https://cvent.me/kNqDaZ.

Applications for the 2026-2027 AJCA Board of Directors are open. Available positions include:

District 1 Director (1)
District 2 Director (1)
District 3 Director (1)
District 4 Director (1)
At-Large Director (1)

AJCA Director Responsibilities include:

Obtaining a positive attitude toward the AJCA and ACA
Attending quarterly AJCA meetings throughout the year
Attending and serving at the Round-Up, ACA Convention, AJCA Field Days, AJCA Cattle Working Contest and all other AJCA-sanctioned events, unless in the case of emergency. (example: medical, family, or unforeseen circumstances)
Directors shall serve as an active director to represent their district and convey district ideas at AJCA Board meetings

Junior cattlemen interested in representing their fellow members, developing leadership skills and making a lasting impact on the AJCA are encouraged to learn more and apply here: https://cvent.me/PNreve.

Applications close July 3, 2026. Completed applications can be emailed to Bailey Watson or mailed to the ACA office.

Alabama Farmers Cooperative Summer Interns and Future Leaders Visit ACA

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association staff welcomed Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) interns and members of the 2026 AFC Future Leaders Program to the state office in Montgomery on June 11. The visit provided an excellent opportunity for these upcoming professionals to learn about the vital role of agriculture industry organizations and the benefits of partnerships for producers.

During this visit, the group gained insight into the ACA's mission and the various ways the association works daily to support cattle producers across the state. Attendees also enjoyed a tour of The MOOseum, where the students explored the history and vast impact of Alabama's beef industry.

Mosey on Over to The MOOseum: Your Family's Summer Destination in Montgomery

Located in downtown Montgomery, The MOOseum is the perfect spot to bring the family for a day of beef production discovery and fun.

The MOOseum offers a deep dive into the rich heritage of Alabama’s cattle industry. With educational displays that cover everything from the early days of ranching to modern agricultural practices, there is something for everyone to learn. While you are here, we also encourage our members to take a look around the rest of the building- we are happy to give you a tour!

This FREE space is open and ready to welcome you throughout the week. The MOOseum is open Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Note: The building is closed daily from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM for lunch). Free parking is available on-site. Stop by this summer, enjoy the air conditioning and celebrate the lifestyle that keeps Alabama going strong!

LFP Available in Over 40 Alabama Counties

Drought conditions have plagued a majority of the state, triggering numerous counties eligible for the Livestock Forage Program (LFP). This program, offered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock. It also covers producers of grazed forage crop acreage of native and improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or acreage planted specifically for grazing. For more information about this program or to sign up in one of the counties listed below, contact your local FSA office or visit www.farmers.gov.

Counties qualified for LFP include Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Montgomery, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Shelby, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington, and Wilcox counties.

Apply For USDA Rural Developments Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program

Eligible meat processors across Alabama are encouraged to take advantage of a new funding opportunity through the USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4 (MPPEP 4).

The program provides $60 million in grant funding to support beef-focused processing facilities and strengthen local and regional supply chains. The program offers processors the opportunity to purchase new equipment, improve facilities, increase processing capacity and enhance operational efficiency while strengthening local supply chains and supporting economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must primarily process cattle and have been operating for at least one year.

The application period is currently open and will close on August 7, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. CST.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number RD RBS 26 04 or by searching for "Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4."

Cattle Connect Podcast, Tune In!

Tune into the Cattle Connect podcast weekly on Friday mornings at 7AM.

This month's line-up of Cattle Connect podcast episodes includes:

Runoff Rundown: Meet Alabama BeefPAC-Backed Candidates
Breaking Down Alabama's Meat Inspection Program ft. Dr. Hannah Ennis
Hustle, Heart & Enduring the Hard Times ft. Tyler Watt

This podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and at www.BamaBeef.org/Podcast.

Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit

Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may now apply for a no cost Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries.

All approved applicants will be allowed to take up to three black vultures as long as the statewide take number has not exceeded 500. If 500 vultures are harvested in the state, applicants will receive an email notifying them that no more vultures may be taken during the permit period.

For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.

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Thanks for reading this month’s report, brought to you by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition! Until next time, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

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