Cattle Connect

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association

The Cattle ConnectPodcast is brought to you by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Tune in weekly for for beef industry news and to get to know the ACA!

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 22 min
From Stockyard Roots to National Screens: The Reach of Elite Livestock ft. Jerry Etheredge & Hardin Utsey
In this episode, Erin visits with Elite Livestock Marketing Group's Jerry Etheredge and Harden Utsey about the journey from traditional stockyard auctions to a growing cattle video auction business. They discuss the team’s history, adding a partnership with Live Ag, monthly nationwide sales, services for purebred and commercial producers and the benefits of working with local representatives who know the industry. Tune in to learn how Elite markets cattle to a wider buyer base, hear about upcoming sales and their new Hope Hull headquarters, and find out how to connect with their team for marketing, farm visits and risk-management resources.
July 24 · 54 min
The Land, The Legacy, The Holmestead Company ft. Charles & Cooper Holmes
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.
July 17 · 22 min
Tagged For Greatness: From Countryside to Courthouse ft. Caroleene Dobson
While beef production is the backbone of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, scholarships through the Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation reach students beyond traditional agricultural pathways associated with the cattle industry in hopes of building a stronger future for generations to come. Caroleene Dobson, a past Tagged for Greatness scholarship recipient, joins host Josie Jones to discuss how the program played a role in keeping her involved in agriculture through law school, a successful career as an attorney, and a current political campaign. Listen to learn more about her fond memories from a childhood spent on her close-knit family's cow‑calf operation, her journey to law school, how her real estate practice serves rural landowners and producers across the state, and the role an agriculture background played in Caroleene's decision to run for Alabama's next Secretary of State.
July 10 · 45 min
The Power in a Pair of Eyes ft. Dr. Tony Frazier
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.
June 26 · 38 min
Alabama Primary Unpacked ft. Matthew Durdin
Host Erin Beasley sits down with Matthew Durdin of the Alabama Farmers Federation to break down Alabama's intense primary season, explain key outcomes, and preview what's at stake in the November General Election. They discuss notable wins like Corey Hill and Katherine Robertson, the surge in incumbent challenges, the role of grassroots outreach and candidate training, the impact of social media versus real-world relationships, and what voters should expect as campaigns shift toward November 3rd.
June 19 · 1 hr 23 min
Hustle, Heart & Enduring the Hard Times ft. Tyler Watt
Behind the ACA's newest membership benefit with Watt Cattle Company's WW Livestock is a story that goes deeper than a discount. On this episode of Cattle Connect, host Michael Smith talks with Tyler Watt of Sumter County about growing up in the cattle business and the challenges he faced as a beef producer. Tyler shares how faith, family, a little endurance, and entrepreneurship helped him rebuild and support other producers today. If you or a farmer or rancher you know is struggling with mental health challenges, remember that help is available and you are not alone. Find resources through A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm at https://agi.alabama.gov/hyhf/.
June 12 · 24 min
Breaking Down Alabama's Meat Inspection Program ft. Dr. Hannah Ennis
In this episode of Cattle Connect, Erin Beasley talks with Dr. Hannah Ennis from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries about the state's meat inspection program. They cover inspection types, the inspection process from live animal checks to postmortem evaluation, labeling requirements, and resources for producers interested in direct-to-consumer sales.
June 5 · 1 hr
Runoff Rundown: Meet Alabama BeefPAC-Backed Candidates
In this election-focused episode of Cattle Connect, hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley interview Alabama BeefPAC-backed candidates Wes Allen (Lieutenant Governor), Katherine Robertson (Attorney General) and Corey Hill (Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries). They discuss their backgrounds, priorities for the office and the role of state leadership in protecting Alabama agriculture. Remember— the Primary Runoff Election is set for June 16. Be sure to get out and vote!
May 29 · 44 min
Checkin' on the Checkoff: From Spring Successes to Summer Sizzle
On this episode of our Checking in on the Checkoff series, hosts Bailey Watson and Michael Smith review spring Alabama Beef Checkoff activities, including stockyard visits, regional meetings, and youth programs. They also recap the Beef 101 series, the kickoff of YCLP Class XII, and a NASCAR partnership promotion at Talladega. The episode also highlights upcoming beef promotions, including summer grilling campaigns, and gives listeners a preview of what to expect at the 20th Annual AJCA Round-Up.
May 22 · 18 min
On the Road with the 2026 Regional Cattlemen’s Conferences
On this episode of Cattle Connect, hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley preview the 2026 Regional Cattlemen's Conferences — five local events across the state featuring region-specific education, networking, and a membership dinner. Learn the dates and locations, hear what the Beef Systems Extension team is bringing for the educational line-up, and find out how to register at BamaBeef.org/Events.
May 15 · 22 min
Beat the Alabama Heat: Protect Your Herd from Summer Stress
Host Erin Beasley sits in studio with Dr. Maggie Justice to discuss heat stress in beef cattle— explaining why humid Alabama summer nights make heat a major hidden performance issue— and who is most at risk.The episode covers early warning signs, practical management strategies and points listeners to Alabama Extension resources.
May 8 · 37 min
Cultivating Leadership and Raising the Stakes ft. Mitchell Alexander
Host Michael Smith and guest Mitchell Alexander, chairman of the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program (YCLP) Council, discuss the YCLP, sharing how the program builds leadership, industry knowledge, and statewide networks for new and young cattle producers. The episode highlights YCLP alumni experiences, council work, the benefits of membership and networking, and introduces the incoming Class XIII, which kicks off next week in Montgomery!
May 1 · 38 min
Tagged For Greatness: Raising Cattle, Raising Leaders Ft. Senator Josh Carnley
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.
April 24 · 39 min
Past President Profiles: Engaged, Available and Advocating ft. LD Fitzpatrick
In this episode of the Past Presidents Profile series, host Kayla Greer sits down with past Alabama Cattlemen's Association (ACA) president L.D. Fitzpatrick of Montgomery County. L.D. reflects on his 1996 presidency, longtime service as state treasurer, the unveiling of The MOOseum, and the transition in executive leadership. They discuss the importance of county-state partnerships, promoting beef, and the value of getting involved in association leadership. The conversation explores personal memories, practical advice for members considering leadership roles, and a closing message to be proud, active, and connected in Alabama’s beef industry.
April 17 · 47 min
Political Round-Up: Sine Die Edition ft. Russ Durrance
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.
April 10 · 45 min
Mitigating Fescue Toxicosis ft. Dr. Leanne Dillard
As the South heats up, host Kayla Greer talks with Alabama State Forage Specialist Dr. Leanne Dillard about fescue toxicosis, its effects on cattle performance and practical mitigation strategies. The episode focuses on using cool-season annuals—especially red clover—to dilute toxins, improve intake and conception rates, recommended seeding windows and inclusion goals, grazing tactics, and available Extension and cost-share resources to help producers implement these practices.
April 3 · 21 min
Miller’s Mission: Leaving It Better Than He Found It
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.
March 27 · 23 min
Taking the Lead with ACWA President Holli Thompson
At the 83rd Annual Convention & Trade Show, Lee County CattleWoman Holli Thompson was installed as the president of the Alabama CattleWomen's Association. In this episode, Holli shares about her childhood involvement in youth livestock exhibition and her path to ACWA leadership.Holli also shares the ACWA’s mission—beef promotion, beef education, and beef legislation—her priorities for her term as president, and ways listeners can join or support the organization.
March 20 · 27 min
Checkin' on the Checkoff: Saddle Up for Springtime
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!
March 13 · 28 min
A Little Mobile, A Little Montgomery
On this episode of Cattle Connect, hosts Kayla Greer and Erin Beasley are in studio with a recap of the recent membership gathering in Mobile. From the election of new officers to celebrating hardworking membership prize winners, the duo shares some of their favorite moments from the event—including a record-breaking Alabama BeefPAC Auction that raised more than $70,000 to support advocacy efforts. They also dive into a mid-session legislative update, walking through what’s happening at the Statehouse and why it matters for members. The conversation covers budget progress, the 30-day local notice bill, PSC and energy-related proposals, and where things currently stand with the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) bill. Whether you attended convention in Mobile or just want to stay in the loop, Kayla and Erin break down the highlights and key updates you need to know.