Bama Beef News | October 2026 Round-Up 🤠🍂

BAMA BEEF NEWS | OCTOBER ROUND-UP

News and updates from the Alabama Cattlemen's Association

November 3rd is Election Day— Go Vote!

With the November 3 General Election approaching, the Alabama BeefPAC continues its work supporting candidates who understand the needs of Alabama's cattle producers. Throughout the 2026 election cycle, the BeefPAC has evaluated candidates for statewide office and supported those whose priorities align with the state’s beef cattle industry.

Among those receiving BeefPAC support is Corey Hill, "the farmers' choice" and Republican nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries. A fourth-generation farmer from Marshall County, Hill raises cattle and poultry, operates a family-owned grocery store, and serves as mayor of Douglas. His experience in production agriculture, business and local government has shaped his approach to agricultural policy.

Hill's priorities include reducing regulatory burdens on farmers, strengthening agricultural theft prevention, expanding markets for Alabama-grown products and preserving productive farmland for future generations. Corey has spent several years traveling across Alabama, visiting farms and agribusinesses to understand the issues, strengths and areas for growth, and he stands ready to come alongside them as Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries.

As Election Day approaches, the ACA encourages members to learn about the candidates and issues affecting agriculture and get out to vote, Tuesday, November 3.

Support Alabama BeefPAC In Style—

Ties & Wild Rags Now Available

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.

October Beef Month Statewide Promotions

The Alabama Cattlemen's Association is wrapping up celebrating 62 years of October Beef Month, and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and its industry partners made sure beef was in the spotlight all month long! From county celebrations and proclamation signings to social media campaigns and special promotions, October was filled with activities highlighting Alabama’s beef industry and encouraging consumers to keep beef top-of-mind. Take a look at the many ways beef was celebrated and promoted across the state throughout October Beef Month!

Alabama National Fair Beef Cookoff

On October 17, the Alabama National Fair hosted its annual Beef Cookoff, sponsored by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program in partnership with the Alabama CattleWomen’s Association. Members of the Alabama CattleWomen’s Association were on-site to assist with the event and promote beef to fairgoers!

Talladega

October Beef Month promotions made their way to Talladega Superspeedway during NASCAR race weekend! Driver Jeb Burton featured the iconic Beef. It's What's For Dinner. logo on his race car, showcasing the beef industry to thousands of NASCAR fans. Burton also shared videos on social media promoting Alabama beef and encouraging fans to fuel up with beef during race weekend!

Beef 101

On October 5 and October 19, students from Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy, Benjamin Russell High School, Percy Julian High School, and Trenholm State Community College joined us at Auburn University for our Fall 2026 Beef 101 series! Students explored Alabama’s beef industry from pasture to plate by connecting with industry professionals and observing a live carcass fabrication demonstration by the Auburn University Meat Lab team.

Influencers

Alabama Beef Checkoff Program influencers helped spread the message of beef throughout October Beef Month, sharing delicious recipes, cooking inspiration, and beef nutrition information with consumers through social media and television appearances.

Kathy Adams Phillips of Kathy's Southern Kitchen shared beef recipes with her social media followers and featured beef during cooking segments on WSFA in Montgomery.
Registered Dietitian Jessica Ivey highlighted beef's nutritional benefits and versatility by preparing an Italian Beef and Bean Stew during a cooking segment on ABC 33/40 in Birmingham.

Digital Marketing

October Beef Month promotions reached Alabamians across the state through a digital marketing campaign on Yellowhammer News, AL.com, and Facebook. Through digital advertisements and social media promotions, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program highlighted the beef industry and encouraged consumers to put more beef on their plates throughout October! These efforts were complemented by a national partnership featuring connected TV commercials streamed during SEC football games, bringing the message of beef to even more fans throughout the season.

October Beef Month Activates County Cattlemen Across Alabama to Promote Beef

County Cattlemen’s Associations across Alabama have been hard at work promoting October Beef Month in their local communities, and we couldn’t be prouder of their creativity and dedication! From cookouts and classroom visits to parades and social media challenges, our counties found unique ways to share the story of beef and celebrate 62 years of October Beef Month.

Check out some of the activities our local associations have reported so far. The following is not a complete list but a representative sample of all the great work our grassroots have performed across the state!

Clay County Cattlemen’s Association:

Hosted a steak sandwich sale and a youth livestock educational event.
Provided steak sandwiches for a first responders’ community celebration, and the Mayor of Ashland issued an October Beef Month proclamation.
Clay County Junior Cattlemen’s Association held a meeting at Clay County Livestock.
Provided steak sandwiches for the Clay Central Lady Vols volleyball team.
Members of the Clay County Junior Cattlemen’s Association hosted a farm field day for homeschool students and read Wally the Wrangler to younger students in the outdoor classroom.
Hosted a steak sandwich sale at Ashland City Hall.

Elmore County Cattlemen’s Association:

Promoted October Beef Month through interviews with Don Day on Elmore County TV, the Wetumpka Herald, and Elmore-Autauga News.
Partnered with Stanhope FFA students to host a steak sandwich sale at Tractor Supply in Millbrook.
Donated $500 worth of steaks to Tallassee FFA and $500 worth of steaks and buns to Holtville FFA, assisting students with their steak sandwich fundraisers.
Read books, hosted a coloring contest, and distributed cowboy hats and bandanas at Little Lamb Child Development School.
Distributed beef promotional items and 650 beef hot dogs at the Elmore County Farm City Event.
Joined the Elmore County Commission in signing a proclamation declaring October Beef Month. Association President Robin Norris also met with Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis for an October Beef Month proclamation.
Provided meatballs and beef-themed door prizes for the Meatball Huddle tailgate party.
Prepared 240 hamburgers for the Wetumpka High School football team before an away game.
Supported a local fall festival by providing all-beef hot dogs, sponsoring a chili cook-off and children’s coloring contest, distributing prizes, and providing a corn pit filled with candy.

Geneva County Cattlemen’s Association:

Kicked off October Beef Month with ‘Burger Breakdown,’ an agricultural literacy lesson for the Food and Nutrition class at Geneva High School.

Marshall County Cattlemen’s Association:

Sponsored the Farm City Tour and spoke to attendees about the association during lunch.
Spoke to the Guntersville Gardeners Club about October Beef Month and the cattle industry. Attendees also participated in a roping activity.
Assisted with a chili and beef cook-off in Guntersville, where winners received Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. prize packages and Walmart gift cards.
Joined the Marshall County Commission in signing a proclamation declaring October Beef Month.
Donated two weeks’ worth of beef jerky to patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Marshall Cancer Center, with packages labeled ‘A little protein and a whole lot of encouragement.
Provided a beef barbecue lunch for participants in the Marshall County Leadership Challenge and spoke to them about the beef industry.

Randolph County Cattlemen’s Association:

Served steak sandwiches at Roanoke Stockyard.
Hosted a steak dinner for members.

Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association:

Hosted a Cattlemen’s Preschool Day for local children, featuring farm equipment and cattle.
Hosted an educational event.

Walker County Cattlemen’s Association:

Sponsored a local benefit rodeo and sold steak sandwiches at the event.
Prepared and sold steak sandwiches at TriGreen Equipment to raise funds for Walker County FFA chapters.

Great work to each of these counties! Be sure to follow us on social media or check out the November and December issues of the Alabama Cattleman to see how County Cattlemen are wrapping up this exciting month of beef promotion.

Membership Report

The ACA is the proud home to 10,276 members...and counting as the final batch of membership remittances circulate statewide. This means the ACA has gone Over the Top again in 2027!

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.

County Meetings

County leaders, be sure to call or email ACA Director of Membership Jessica Kennedy with the date, time, and location of your upcoming annual meeting and let her know if a postcard will need to be sent out to members informing them of the meeting. Reminder: those need a minimum of three weeks’ notice for processing and mailing!

Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation Scholarships- Last Call 📣

Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarship applications are set to close Monday, November 2! Applications must be submitted before the deadline for consideration.

Thanks to Cowboy vanity car tag holders and generous endowment donors, funding is available for all stages of postsecondary education—from incoming freshmen to doctoral candidates.

Applicants must be a member (or the child/grandchild of a member) in good standing for at least two consecutive years.

Explore available opportunities and apply online at BamaBeef.org/Scholarships. Again, applications close Monday, November 2.

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 cash. 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.To purchase a ticket, visit www.BamaBeef.org/Heifers4Youth

Your donation is tax deductible through the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Show

Hurricane Isaias couldn't stop Alabama's junior cattlemen from showcasing their hard work in the show ring! Despite the challenges brought by the storm, youth exhibitors from across the state gathered in Montgomery on October 10-11 for the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Show, hosted by the Alabama Farmers Federation. Exhibitors put their hard work and dedication on display as they competed for top honors in the show ring. Congratulations to the following winners:

Senior Showmanship:

Champion: Allie Hembree, Cullman County

Reserve Champion: Mackenzie Smith, Marshall County

Third Place: Mason Smith, Marshall County

Fourth Place: Aubrey Lovelady, Tallapoosa County

Fifth Place: Kaitlyn Horne, Autauga County

Intermediate Showmanship:

Champion: Jessi Maples, Chambers County

Reserve Champion: MJ Flowers, Pike County

Third Place: Tyson Burton, St. Clair County

Fourth Place: Cadie Norman, Montgomery County

Fifth Place: Savannah Richards, Randolph County

Junior Showmanship:

Champion: Emmy Lovelady, Tallapoosa County

Reserve Champion: Mary Margaret Waddail, Coffee County

Third Place: Georgia Flowers, Pike County

Fourth Place: Boone Maples, Chambers County

Fifth Place: Charlie Hembree, Cullman County

ACWA Louise Wilson Showmanship Scholarship: Mackenzie Smith, Marshall County

Top 5 Market Animals

Champion Steer: Mason Smith, Marshall County

Reserve Champion Steer: Mary Margaret Waddail, Coffee County

3^rd Overall Steer: Mason Smith, Marshall County

4^th Overall Steer: MJ Flowers, Pike County

5^th Overall Steer: MJ Flowers, Pike County

Top 5 Breeding Heifers:

Champion Heifer: Rowan Langley, Cambers County

Reserve Champion Heifer: Allie Hembree, Cullman County

3^rd Overall Heifer: Jessi Maples, Chambers County

4^th Overall Heifer: Mary Margaret Waddail, Coffee County

5^th Overall Heifer: John Matthew Carnley, Coffee County

Top 5 Bred and Owned Heifers:

Champion Bred and Owned Heifer: Kaitlyn Horne, Autauga County

Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Heifer: Megan Crittenden, Elmore County

3^rd Overall Bred and Owned Heifer: Lily Downey, Autauga County

4^th Overall Bred and Owned Heifer: Savannah Richards, Randolph County

5^th Overall Bred and Owned Heifer: Megan Crittenden, Elmore County

Top 5 Bulls:

Champion Bull: Cadie Norman, Montgomery County

Reserve Champion Bull: Russell Johnson, III, Macon County

3^rd Overall Bull: Savannah Richards, Randolph County

(Photo: Alabama Farmers Federation)

Senator Tuberville Assesses Hurricane Damage

Following Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall along the Florida Panhandle as a major hurricane, U.S. Sen. Tommy "Coach" Tuberville visited Conecuh County to assess storm damage impacting local farmers and forest landowners. The visit highlighted significant crop, timber and fencing damage caused by straight-line winds. It was also an opportunity to discuss recovery efforts and available assistance.

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association appreciates Sen. Tuberville’s continued commitment to Alabama’s agricultural community and his advocacy for farmers and ranchers through his service on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

(Photo: Alabama Farmers Federation)

Partnerships in Action

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association staff members Kayla Greer and Bailey Watson traveled to Denver, Colorado, Oct. 12-14 for the annual Partnerships in Action (PIA) conference. Hosted by the Federation of State Beef Councils and funded by the Beef Checkoff, the event brought together nearly 70 staff members representing 32 state beef councils to explore opportunities to strengthen beef demand through coordinated state and national marketing efforts.

Throughout the conference, attendees gained insight into current consumer trends, market research and upcoming Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. promotions centered around four key cornerstones: taste, trust, well-being and ease. These insights will help guide Alabama Beef Checkoff marketing strategies in the coming year, ensuring producer investments are leveraged to effectively reach today's beef consumers.

“When states get together to share strategies for strengthening beef demand, everyone wins,” said Kayla Greer, senior vice president. “Our staff always comes home from PIA inspired and equipped to enter a new year of engaging beef promotions across Alabama.”

The ACA proudly participates in the Federation of State Beef Councils, working alongside state and national partners to maximize Checkoff investments and keep beef at the center of the plate.

To learn more about the insights Kayla and Bailey brought home from PIA, check out the Cattle Connect podcast episode titled "Checkin' on the Checkoff: Partnerships in Action."

Drought Monitoring: Your Field Data is Needed!

The Alabama State Climate Office needs your boots-on-the-ground reports to ensure your community’s drought status is represented accurately on the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) Map.

Why does this matter? First, the USDM maps are drawn by demographers outside of Alabama that otherwise do not have access to real-time ground data. Second, USDA drought relief funding can depend on how your area is reflected.

Don’t wait until deadlines this fall. Start capturing and reporting your conditions today to make sure Alabama agriculture isn’t left behind. Submit your data through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) tool here: tinyurl.com/CMOR-ReportNow

LFP Available in 60 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, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marengo, Marshall, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington, and Wilcox counties.

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:

Behind the Scenes of Beef Promotion ft. Kathy Adams Phillips
Food for Thought: Supplementation Strategies ft. Dr. Brandon Smith
Blessings Beyond Beef ft. Coltin and Lauren Rainwater
Checkin' on the Checkoff: Partnerships in Action ft. Kayla Greer and Bailey Watson

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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