Post-fire recovery assistance available
Ranchers, farmers and livestock owners have been seriously affected by the wildfires that raged through the area on April 9. Many livestock were lost and more have been affected from burns and smoke inhalation. There are also land and resource issues dealing with dead animals, loss of forage and fences. There are local, state and federal agencies that can help. more

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack seeks dialogue with producers and stakeholders on National Animal Identification System
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack April 15 held a roundtable discussion with a variety of stakeholders representing the full spectrum of views on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The event kicks off a listening tour to gather feedback and input that will assist the Secretary in making decisions about the future direction of animal identification and traceability in the United States. more

Grazing Lands Stewardship Manual: helping private land owners mange the land
Texas' grazing lands are a critical natural resource and managing them is both a science and an art. With the introduction of the Grazing Lands Stewardship Manual, even those who are new to land ownership/management will have all the tools and information needed to be good stewards of the land. The Grazing Lands Stewardship Manual represents the collective effort of many folks, including GLCI and NRCS. more

Parks and Wildlife looking for additional dove leases
Attention landowners: Looking to make some extra money and got a weedy field not in production or being rested this fall? Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Public Dove Hunting Program is not only an opportunity for hunters, but it is also an opportunity for landowners to make some extra money by leasing the hunting rights for dove and other small game to TPWD. This is a short termed lease usually for 45 to 60 days in length — the equivalent of the first split of the dove season. more

Texas crop, weather, 4-15-09
Fostered by dry conditions and high winds, wildfires struck several north Texas counties, burning thousands of acres of rangeland and destroying small communities. But it could have been worse if not for weekend rains, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel. In Montague County, northwest of Dallas, approximately 45,000 acres burned along with an entire small town, and three people perished in the fires. 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

Operation Cow Thief
You can help catch a thief! go