Cattle Connect

Scholarship season is here, so what better time to revisit the past and hear from a previous Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation (ACF) Scholarship recipient? Listen as host Josie Jones visits with Alabama District 31 Senator Josh Carnley as he shares his journey from growing up on a Coffee County farm to receiving an ACF scholarship, building an agricultural career, and serving in the state senate. Learn how his impact on the next generation has extended far beyond three unique career fields through his passion for mentoring and the importance of exposing all youth to agriculture.

The gavel has fallen on the final day of the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session, and hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley recap the fast‑paced 2026 session with Russ Durrance of the Alabama Farmers Federation. The trio focus on budget outcomes and pieces of proposed policy the ag community monitored throughout the busiest 105 days in downtown Montgomery. Tune in to learn more about the final session in Alabama’s old Statehouse and the fourth year of the Quadrennium.

Host Michael Smith sits down with newly elected Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Jim Miller, a proud Jefferson County cattleman. Guided by a simple belief—to leave things better than he found them—Jim reflects on his road to leadership and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From his roots in agriculture to stepping into a statewide role, he shares the values that drive him and his vision for strengthening the ACA.

We’re checkin’ on the Checkoff as hosts Michael Smith and Bailey Watson highlight Alabama Checkoff events upcoming on the calendar this spring season. The lineup includes Beef 101 sessions, stockyard visits, the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program, and upcoming youth events like the Spring Youth Field Day, state beef cook-off, and the AJCA Cattle Working Contest. The duo also preview AJCA Round-Up and this weekend’s happening event— the 69th Annual SLE Rodeo. Saddle up, it’s springtime!

The Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) was created by cattlemen in the 1950s to support Alabama agriculture through youth programs. Join SLE Executive Director Sarah Hunter, SLE President Linwood McClain and host Josie Jones as they discuss the history and mission of the SLE and how this heritage stays strong through the group's biggest event of the year. Hear more about youth agricultural programs hosted during SLE Rodeo & Livestock Week and the many NEW activities that will be available at the 2026 event for Alabama's rodeo fans. Finally, listen to the end for a special money-saving ticket tip and some details on this year's specialty act. Members of the SLE hope to see you there!

On this 100th episode of the Cattle Connect podcast, host Erin Beasley visits with Josh Farley of Superior Livestock Auction to discuss practical strategies cow–calf producers can use to add value to their calf crop. The duo covers genetics, health programs, and marketing exposure, including how leveraging Superior’s nationwide network of representatives and a database of more than 6,500 buyers create true competition and price discovery on sale day. Listeners will learn the step-by-step process of marketing a load of cattle through Superior Livestock Auction and why building strong buyer–seller relationships can drive stronger returns over the long haul.

The Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation (ACF) Scholarship Program has supported more than 1,500 students by providing over $1.5 million in educational funding awards. To highlight that investment in future industry leaders, the Tagged For Greatness highlight series kicks off with ACF scholarship recipient Drew Wendland, who returned from college to his family's farm in Autauga County to lead agronomy operations while acting as an advocate for the agriculture industry on local, state and national platforms. Join host Josie Jones and Drew as they cover the foundation's reach and impact, Drew’s path from college to farm life, his role as an agriculture advocate - including award-winning top young farming family on the national scale this year - and ways listeners can support future students through the ACF.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.