Manager, Youth Programs & Marketing
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association recently wrapped up its highly anticipated North and South Youth Fall Field Days, drawing in a record number of young participants eager to deepen their knowledge of beef cattle evaluation and agricultural education.
We spoke with Bailey Watson from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, who shared the highlights from both events.
“So we had our North and South Youth Fall Field Days and Judging Clinic. Our South one was held at Adams Angus Farm. We had about 85 youth in attendance there, so we were pretty excited about that. And then our North one was held last Wednesday and we had a record number of about 200 students there. It was actually held at Tennessee River Music in Fort Payne.”
These field days are part of the Association’s ongoing effort to educate and empower the next generation of cattle producers. Students received hands-on experience in various areas of the beef industry.
“So the students at both of these field days were able to learn about performance data and EPDs, do a live cattle evaluation, as well as practice their reasons when it comes to judging beef cattle.”
The events were free to attend thanks to support from the Alabama State Beef Checkoff, and they attracted a diverse group of participants from across the state.
“But yeah, we had a wonderful time and we’re very thankful for this free youth educational opportunity that was provided by the Alabama State Beef Checkoff. We have a really good mix of County Cattlemen’s Association junior members, as well as 4-H and FFA, and of course like most of our youth are in the state of Alabama, a lot of them are involved in either two or all three. So it was great to see that diverse group of youth kind of joined together.”
These field days continue to serve as a vital tool in developing leadership skills, cattle judging expertise, and a passion for the Alabama beef industry.
To learn more about the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and upcoming youth programs, visit bamabeef.org.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet. Alabama Cattlemen’s Recaps Youth Fall Field Days