TSCRA assesses wildfire damage, encourages cattle inspection
TSCRA has been active assessing damage caused by an outbreak of wildfires across North and Central Texas over the last week. It's been estimated that approximately 172,000 acres in numerous counties have been burned to date, and TSCRA staff and leaders are busy assessing the damage and addressing producer and livestock needs.
Van Baize, TSCRA director and Executive Committee member from Bowie, reported that he knew of at least 60 head of cattle perishing in Montague County, and another 15 head have been reported in the Wichita Falls area. In addition, more than 160 head of cows, calves and yearlings have been shipped from the Montague area to a packing plant due to trauma received in the fires.
Officials continue to encourage the owners of cattle in the affected burned areas to have their cattle inspected by veterinarians for injuries resulting from the fires. It is critical to have those cattle inspected by a professional immediately, as some injuries may escape detection and can be difficult to diagnose without training. Ranchers in the Bowie area can have their cattle inspected free of charge at the Cross Timbers Veterinary Clinic, 940/ 872-2161.
Despite areas of rain that have dampened the possibility of further wildfires, TSCRA continues to keep a close eye on the situation and will keep you up-to-date on further developments, including assistance for affected ranchers.

Gov. Perry calls on FEMA to assist the state in fighting wildfires
Following severe wildfires that swept across North Texas this and last week, Gov. Rick Perry reiterated Friday his request to FEMA to issue an emergency declaration for 199 Texas counties based on the threat of wildfires. Perry also authorized additional state resources to combat the ongoing wildfires across the state. more

TDA Disaster Resource Information Packet available online
To assist agricultural producers during and after drought or any natural disaster, the Texas Department of Agricultures' (TDA) Disaster Resource Information Packet (DRIP) provides current information and contacts for state, federal and private agricultural disaster assistance programs. TDA's Hay Hotline is also available at 877/429-1998. more

Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns, 4-13-09
Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns is National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) weekly report from Washington, D.C., giving an up-to-date summary of top policy initiatives concerning the cattle industry.
          Senate vote on Death Tax amendment big win for producers
          Clean Water Restoration Act introduced in Senate

Don't miss NCBA's award-winning Cattlemen to Cattlemen
On the episode airing the week of April 7 through April 11, take a look at what members of Congress say about the future of the death tax. Plus, spend a day in the life of a southern California cattle feeder. And as always, hear the latest from cowboy poet Baxter Black.

NCBA’s Cattlemen toCattlemen on RFD-TV provides weekly news and features for cattle producers across the country. The show is now an hour long and airs every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, with repeat episodes on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at midnight (all times Eastern). It is also available any time online at www.CattlementoCattlemen.org.

Calendar
       April 14―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Hopkins County Civic Center, Sulphur Springs, Texas. more
        April 16―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Pitchford Genetics, Athens, Texas. more
       April 21―Beef Quality Producer Training, Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Lubbock, Texas. more
       April 22―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Mid-Tex Livestock Auction, Navasota, Texas. more
       April 23―Producing "Efficient" Cattle During "Tough" Times:Bull Selection/Management, Pontotoc Extension Office, Ada. Okla. more
        April 25―"Operation No Fences" volunteer relief effort, Southeast Texas. more
        April 27―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba, Texas. more
        April 28―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, County Livestock Facility, Graham, Texas. more
        April 30―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Texas Cattle Exchange, Eastland, Texas. more
        May 1―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Bonds Ranch, Marlin, Texas. more
        May 2―. more
        May 4―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Bowie Livestock Auction, Bowie, Texas. more
        May 7―Texas Trichomoniasis Program, Cagle's Steak House, Lubbock, Texas. more
        May 9―Tri-County Beef Cattle Field Day, Boysville, Converse, Texas. more
        May 14―Producing "Efficient" Cattle During "Tough" Times:Improving Marketability and Value of Calves, Pontotoc Extension Office, Ada. Okla. more
        May 26―Advanced Topics in Wildlife Management: Introduction and Ecosystems, Miami Community Center, Miami, Texas. more
        June 17-19―TSCRA Summer Meeting, La Torretta Del Lago, Montgomery, Texas. more
        June 30―Advanced Topics in Wildlife Management: Weather and Climate; Panhandle Plants, Hemphill County Exhibition Center, Canadian, Texas. more
        July 14-18―NCBA Summer Conference, Denver, Colo. more
        July 28―Advanced Topics in Wildlife Management: Rangeland Ecology and Management, Miami Community Center, Miami, Texas. more
        July 31-August 2―Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association 56th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Midwest City, Okla. more

Operation Cow Thief
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