In 1877, 40 Texas cattlemen joined together out of their common interest to end unbridled livestock theft and formed what was to become Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Today's association is a grass roots organization composed of cattle producers and operators of all sizes located primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. Other businesses, all of which are dedicated to the betterment of the industry, have joined. It's an organization that offers unique services through its law enforcement and livestock inspection divisions, which protect those involved in the cattle business.

TSCRA also provides a strong, unified voice for producers and others concerned with legislation and regulation. It is a classroom for cattle producers seeking additional knowledge on how to be more profitable, whether they are just starting out or have been ranching all of their lives. Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is made up of many different people and organizations from different backgrounds, ages, businesses and incomes. Yet for 128 years whenever those associated with the ranching industry have had a common need, TSCRA has been there to lend a hand.

TSCRA offers 29 highly trained livestock theft investigators strategically stationed throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, these "field inspectors" assist in recovering stolen livestock and equipment and apprehending the thieves.

TSCRA Special Rangers are not only trained in all facets of law enforcement, but are knowledgeable about the cattle industry. They frequently provide educational programs on theft prevention and proper branding procedures.

The law enforcement officers are aided in their efforts by 70 TSCRA market inspectors who identify 4 million to 5 million cattle each year at more than 115 Texas livestock markets. They report their findings to TSCRA’s Fort Worth headquarters, where the information is entered into the largest centralized and computerized brand recording and retrieval system in the nation. Headquarters support staff distribute information on missing/stolen livestock to more than 700 law enforcement agencies nationwide. The inspection program was authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through an act of Congress in 1942.

Legislative and Regulatory Issues

TSCRA offers representation on legislative and regulatory issues by effective, articulate, volunteer leaders sensitive to the grass roots concerns of cattle producers. TSCRA leaders take on key policy- and decision-making roles with other national and state industry organizations. TSCRA monitors all of the issues and can act as a knowledgeable advocate for the cattle producer.

The association also offers support and assistance in the election of conservative, pro-agriculture policy makers. All of these efforts result in members receiving action reports and timely fact sheets on legislative and regulatory issues at the state and national levels.

Texas Beef Quality Producer Program

The kind of beef you want your kids to eat!

That’s the goal of the Texas Beef Quality Producer program, an educational program to help develop the kind of conscientious management programs that are bringing a premium in today’s cattle market.

TBQP provides in-depth TBQP training related to beef safety, beef quality and the relationships between beef production and the environment. Participating producers will also get assistance in developing a TBQP management plan customized for their own operation and support in documenting essential management procedures to satisfy TBQP guidelines.

The program is a cooperative effort among Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Beef Council and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, with input from the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Information

TSCRA delivers up-to-date information to our members’ doorsteps. Since 1914, its monthly magazine, The Cattleman, has been a trusted, reliable resource to help ranchers make sound, informed business decisions. Easy-to-understand articles explain how to manage cattle and land to save time, reduce labor, cut costs and improve profits. Twelve monthly issues keep producers up-to-date on trends, legislation and technology that could significantly impact the way they do business.

The association newsletter, TSCRA News Update, provides members with time-sensitive information related to the cattle industry. It keeps members on top of current issues; pending U.S., Texas and Oklahoma legislation; animal health alerts; emergency assistance programs; government regulations; TSCRA activities; and upcoming events.

TSCRA also has experienced staff members trained to respond to news media and consumers to inform and educate them about issues that concern the beef industry.

Insurance Services

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association offers members access to an insurance benefit package that can usually be found with employment through large corporations.

The major medical plan for individuals and families offers low annual deductibles; a prescription drug program; mail-order prescriptions; preventive care co-pays; dental and vision benefits; access to quality care in rural areas; fewer claims to file; freedom-of-choice access to more than 15,000 health care professionals; convenient ways to pay premiums; and TSCRA’s friendly customer service!

TSCRA members can receive assistance in getting workers' compensation insurance at a reduced cost through the TSCRA group purchase program. The purchasing power of more than 300 participating members has resulted in lower premiums and increased safety awareness. Safety videos and educational seminars are available to assist members in running a safe operation.

Eichlitz, Dennis, Wray, & Westheimer, TSCRA’s preferred insurance provider, offers members access to business and personal insurance including automobile; property and equipment; livestock mortality; liability coverage for recreational activities conducted on ranches for profit; disability; long-term care; and estate planning.

School for Successful Ranching

TSCRA’s School for Successful Ranching is designed to help both novice and experienced ranchers learn more about range and pasture management, beef cattle production and animal health. The two-day school is held each year just prior to TSCRA’s annual convention.

Local Meetings

TSCRA provides ranchers with educational and social opportunities in their own communities. Each year, educational meetings are scheduled in different locations in Texas and Oklahoma. Ranch Gatherings provide a relaxed atmosphere to meet and visit.

Annual Convention

TSCRA’s Annual Convention is where our grass-roots efforts begin to grow into programs and policy. We listen to what our members tell us and use it to provide a comprehensive learning experience with the best beef industry and government speakers.

Open committee meetings provide cutting-edge information on agricultural research, animal health, labor, legislation, taxes, marketing, natural resources, environmental concerns and wildlife.

TSCRA’s annual trade show is one of the premier agricultural trade shows in the nation. If you want to learn more about the products and services available to help you with your ranch operation, TSCRA’s trade show is your opportunity to find them all under one roof. There will be 250 ag-related exhibits staffed by knowledgeable company representatives to answer all your questions.

Attorney Referral Program

Need an attorney who understands the ranching business, but don’t know who to call? Call TSCRA! Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s Attorney Referral Program puts TSCRA members with legal questions in touch with attorneys in their area who are also members of TSCRA.