Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Hosts Legislative Events as Session Begins
With the Alabama legislative session now underway, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is once again positioning itself at the center of agricultural policy discussions in Montgomery. The association is hosting a series of legislative events at its downtown headquarters, designed to showcase the beef industry while strengthening relationships with state and federal lawmakers.
We caught up with Erin Beasley with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, who explained that this time of year always brings heightened activity. “Well this time of year you can always put it down that we’re going to have a lot of activity in the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association headquarters here in downtown Montgomery.” The location of the ACA office plays a key role in that engagement. “We’ve said it before but our space really is located just perfectly to have a lot of different events.”
One of the highlights this week is a legislative luncheon in partnership with another organization. “For example this week we are partnering with another organization to have a legislative luncheon on Tuesday this week,” Beasley said. The event will feature beef as the main lunch offering, with invitations extended to all members of the Alabama House and Senate. “So a great showcase of agriculture going on there.”
Later in the week, the ACA will host a high-profile federal guest. “As we look ahead to Thursday this week the ACA will also have the honor of hosting U.S. Senator Katie Britt.” The visit will include a roundtable discussion with several associations, creating opportunities for direct dialogue. “We’ll have a roundtable discussion with a lot of other associations, a chance for us to interact back and forth with her on topics that are of interest to each of our industries.”
According to Beasley, this level of engagement is not limited to one week. “This is just one of many weeks where we’ll have a lot of activity going on.” She emphasized how the association’s headquarters supports that mission, noting the value of its meeting space and proximity to the State House. “It really points to the importance of our headquarters, where it’s positioned, having just the great space upstairs that we have.”
Beasley also stressed that these events benefit ACA members by increasing visibility and strengthening relationships. “We use the space as much as possible and it is a great showcase of the association, the beef industry, and also just great awareness.” That familiarity matters when policy issues arise. “They know exactly where the Cattlemen’s is and that way when we’re going through the door and need to talk about legislation they know who we are, we know who they are.”
As the legislative session continues, ACA members can expect ongoing updates and engagement opportunities. “Just wanted to give that update to members that’ll be going on throughout the months of the legislative session right now.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.