The Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association held its annual meeting Saturday at the recreation center in Russellville. Activities included a steak dinner, entertainment and, at the end of the meeting, door prizes.

The meeting is typically held in January but was postponed because of COVID-19 safety concerns.

“We enjoyed a great turnout for our annual meeting,” said Michael Pounders, president of the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association. He said the local association was grateful to have been joined by the Alabama Cattleman Association’s Executive Vice President Erin Beasley; ACA President Clay Kennamer; Sen. Larry Stutts; and Franklin County Extension Coordinator Katernia Cole-Coffey.

Beasley provided updates from the state association, detailing legislative issues she is working on in Montgomery, including matters pertaining to tax policy and some potential tax increases.

Stutts spoke about the work he is doing as chairman of the state agricultural committee.

Cole-Coffey gave updates on the farmers markets and other happenings and upcoming events the Extension will be hosting that will be pertinent to cattle producers.

“It is a wonderful program,” Cole-Coffey said of the annual meeting. “It emphasizes the strong partnerships the organization has established in Franklin County. It also helps showcase the work being done to promote agriculture.”

“Franklin County is blessed with a diverse agricultural footprint, and the Cattlemen’s dinner brings together farmers and ranchers from all across the county,” agreed member Emily Oliver Mays. “It’s always a wonderful evening of fellowship. At 460 members, Franklin County is presently the largest association in the state, and that is something to be proud of.”

Former FC president Caleb Beason praised the association’s membership for remaining actively involved. “I appreciate the resiliency and strength our Franklin County association has even through hardships from COVID-19 and other hurdles,” he said.

Pounders said the organization always appreciates its sponsors, board of directors, merchants who donate door prizes and the great help of the Franklin County Chamber’s Junior Leaders in preparing for the event and serving the meal.

Although attendance is usually about 450, Beason estimated this year’s attendance to be 250-300, noting the reduction was likely because of people being on vacation or feeling hesitant to attend a crowded event at this time.

“The business meeting was held in January,” Pounders said, “when we usually have our annual meeting, and there weren’t meals or entertainment. The Cattleman of the Year, Charles Wallace, was announced at that time.”

The 2021 Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association officers, announced at the business meeting in January, also include Gannon Nunley, vice president; and Jack and Bonnie Hargett, secretary/treasurer.