The Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association is getting ready for its annual meeting, to take place Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Centre in downtown Russellville. Members and immediate household are invited to attend the event.

A steak dinner and entertainment will be provided, with door prizes given away at the end of the meeting. Discount cards and membership cards for the year will be available at the meeting, as well. Membership dues are payable at the door; one year costs $50, three years costs $120, and a lifetime membership is $1,000.

Chuck Madaris, president-elect of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, will be the keynote speaker.

A special guest will be recognized, and several others will speak, including:

• Austin Blankenship, Franklin County 4-H agent
• Katernia Cole-Coffey, Franklin County Extension coordinator
• Jarod Daniel, REA Farm & Agribusiness Management
• Cade Grace, REA Agronomic Crops

Other portions of the meeting include presenting the annual report and nominating committee report, electing directors, explaining membership status and awarding the Cattleman of the Year award.

“To be a member is to be with a group of like-minded people who support farming and the rural lifestyle,” explained organization president Michael Pounders. “For the seventh year in a row, Franklin County has the largest number of members in Alabama.

“It pays to belong,” he added, quoting the group’s tagline.

Pounders said he’s eager to thank the members for helping him earn his red coat, a distinction awarded to a county president who grows the number of members by ten or more from the previous year’s membership.

“I am looking forward to thanking everyone for all the hard work and support that helps us provide an average of 26 scholarships to high school seniors in Franklin County, funded by the proceeds from our six ribeye steak sandwich sales,” Pounders added.

The group also donates beef to the Family and Consumer Sciences programs in Franklin County, participates in the Cattlemen’s Association reading program, supports the Cattlemen’s Association’s Beef Month with restaurant promotions and operates the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen.

Caleb Beason is vice president. Jack Hargett and Bonnie Hargett serve as secretary/treasurer.

Visit the group’s Facebook page for additional details about membership benefits and upcoming events.