Alabama
See how Alabama beef farmers and ranchers are rethinking the ranch to raise sustainable beef through land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
Sustainability began as a lifestyle more than a practice seven generations ago in the mid-1820s when the farm was established. Management decisions are made with the future in mind, with a forage-based feeding program through rotational grazing a priority. Rotational grazing has been vital to improving the overall health of the farm ecosystem, soil health, forage base, watershed, livestock and wildlife. Through conservation incentives offered under the Watershed Project and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Carters installed 2,000 feet of water lines to two new water troughs, protected 1,250 square feet of heavy use areas and built 1,300 feet of fence to exclude cattle from Pintlala Creek. These efforts help the Carters utilize the land in the most effective way for their cow herd while protecting natural resources. In addition, being good stewards doesn’t stop at the farm gate, as both Will and Monnie Carter are veterinarians who care for other animals in their community. For their work toward sustainability, Carter Cattle Company was awarded the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP).
"The Carter family is the embodiment of farmers and ranchers being the original environmental stewards." - Michelle F. Elmore, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association executive secretary
MEET MORE MEMBERS OF THE BEEF COMMUNITY:
Rob Adams
In 1939, Rob Adam’s grandfather planted the Adams family roots and purchased Angus genetics and cattle. More than 80 years later, Adams Angus Farm spans across 925 acres in Union Springs, Alabama and represents one of the oldest Angus herds in Alabama. Rob and his wife, Connie, make up the third generation on the family land, while his children represent the fourth. Rob’s son, Daniel, returned to the farm after graduating college and along with his siblings, Joseph, Aspen and Layton, they all play unique roles on the farm.
Raising BEef in Alabama
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way. Today, there are more than 1.3 million cattle and over 19,000 farms in Alabama. Learn more about the Alabama beef farmers who are raising beef from pasture to plate.
popular alabama-inspired recipes
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Try this sauce, made famous in Alabama, on your next steak or to accompany a roast.
country beef steaks with Blue cheese sauce
Fried eye of round steaks served with spicy blue cheese sauce.
Alabama Fact
An average annual rainfall of 55 inches and a mild climate means that Alabama’s cattle producers can graze cattle year-round, weaning heavy calves and carrying those calves into stocker programs.
Discover More State Stories
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
beef sustainability
cattlemen and the environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; ranchers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
Alabama Cattlemen's Association
Learn more about the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the work they do with the Alabama Checkoff.