Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Launches 19th Annual Round‑Up in Montgomery Today

Thursday marks the start of the 19th Annual Round‑Up hosted by the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA). The event runs from July 24 to 27 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery and features a blend of lively competition, education, and community-building.

Organized by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), the Round‑Up welcomes nearly 120 youth exhibitors from across the State. Participants, all AJCA members aged 9 to 21, will engage in a wide range of activities—from breeding and market cattle shows to quizzes, team grooming, photography, posters, essay writing, and salesmanship contests.

ACA’s Executive Vice President Erin Beasley captured the spirit of the event:

“We’re looking forward to the hottest week of the summer and welcoming all of our junior cattlemen exhibitors to Montgomery,” she said.

Beasley added that the Round‑Up offers a “miniature national show” experience tailored to young competitors:

“This is our opportunity to bring the feel of a junior national show to the state level.”

Check-in for cattle and contest entries began this morning at the Lewis Barn and Teague Arena. Highlights today include the AJCA Board of Directors meeting, followed by weigh-in and the popular “Battle of the Beef” evening cook‑off. Friday features educational sessions, skill‑a‑thon, judging, and salesmanship contests. Saturday and Sunday showcase market, breeding, bull, novice, and adult showmanship events.

Beyond the show ring, the Round‑Up aims to shape future leaders in agriculture. Its diverse contests sharpen knowledge of the beef industry and build real-world skills like public speaking, teamwork, and marketing. Points earned across these events count toward the “Top 10 Overall” awards—a prize that celebrates consistency and excellence.

The ACA notes that funding from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation and the State Beef Checkoff help keep the event accessible. Organizers emphasize a positive, family atmosphere and have set behavior standards that protect both participants and livestock. Safety measures—like official protests, RV and ATV regulations, and requirements for RFID tags—are clearly defined in the event’s rule packet.

As this week progresses, expect captivating cattle competitions alongside creativity showcases—from photography to ad-design contests—and plenty of chances for exhibitors to shine in public forums. The AJCA Round‑Up is more than a show—it’s a foundation for tomorrow’s beef‑industry leaders.

For more information about the Round-up and other upcoming events, visit the AJCA section on the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association website www.bamabeef.org.

For a full schedule and contest rules for the Round-up, see THIS LINK.