Franklin County Cattlemen Association President Steven Smith recognizes Andy Pounders as honorary director of the association, in appreciation of his dedicated service.

The second largest County Cattlemen’s Association in the state of Alabama joined together under one roof for arguably biggest event of the year – aside from steak sandwich sales.

The Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association served about 525 steak and potato dinners to members and their families at the annual meeting Saturday night for the largest turnout in anyone’s memory, well above the expected 480-500 attendees.

“We’ve got a great membership,” said President Steven Smith said. “This is just part of our way of showing appreciation to our members.”

Hundreds turn out for the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association annual meeting.

The meeting, in addition to showing appreciation for the membership, also provides an opportunity for for exposure for the association.

Alex Tigue, regional Extension agent, was one of several guest speakers who spoke to those gathered about upcoming cattle-centric events, including a couple of upcoming preconditioned feeder calf sales (April 25 and Oct. 10) at the Russellville Stockyard and a Master Cattlemen 101 class in Fayette County. “We’ll have some folks come up from Auburn to talk about forages, nutrition and selecting beef cattle,” he said.

Also speaking at the meeting were Katernia Cole-Coffey, Franklin County Extension agent, and Jack Batts, regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association – the latter of whom offered inspirational words.

Alex Tigue, regional Extension agent, was one of several guest speakers who spoke to those gathered about upcoming cattle-centric events.

“I believe very much in what we do,” he said. He encouraged the membership to do their part to defend the beef and cattle industry in Alabama. “What we’re trying to do is preserve a way of life,” he said. He encouraged the members to remember the value of their membership – the strength in numbers, in having so many speak out with one voice in support of cattle-raising and beef production.

One special moment at the annual meeting was the appointment of an honorary director – Andy Pounders.

“We’ve never had an honorary director,” Smith said. “He helps us so much with our sandwich sales and he’s so dedicated.”