The Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association is planning to hold their 20th annual roundup soon. Southeast AgNet caught up with Bailey Watson from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association to learn more.
“Here at the ACA, we have a roundup held through the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association. So this year will be the 20th annual Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association roundup. We hold this in Montgomery every year. It’s a time-honored tradition,” said Watson.
“While we do have cattle shows such as a market show, a bull show, a heifer show, as well as showmanship, we also do a lot of different contests that are available to the youth throughout the state. So we do everything from a poster design contest, to photography, to skill-a-thon, to cattle judging, and everything in between. So we actually have 12 educational contests there,” Watson added.
Watson also mentioned, “We also have an educational speaker that comes and speaks to the youth about something related to the beef industry and gives them a kind of leadership development lesson. This year our guest speaker will be Heather Welper and she’ll be talking about how you can’t buy showmanship. So we’re super, super excited for her to come.”
“Our AJCA roundup is open to youth ages 9 through 21 in the state of Alabama. Registration is now open until July 9th. So, make sure you go register. We would love to have you there to see you and kind of get involved. In addition to the educational contest and the show, we will also elect our 2026-2027 AJCA Board of Directors. And so that registration is open now too,” Watson said.
Watson ended by saying, “If you are at least 15 years of age and reside in Alabama and want to represent your district, you can apply for that by July 3rd.”
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.