U.S. slams Russian moves to block meat imports
Russia widened a ban Tuesday on meat imports from Mexico and some U.S. states, prompting objections from the United States, which noted that eating meat has nothing to do with getting swine flu. "(In the) absence (of) any risk to human or animal health, there is no basis for any import restrictions on U.S. meat products related to concern over swine influenza," said the U.S. Embassy in a statement. "We look forward to a quick resumption of normal meat trade with Russia…" more

TPWD to honor Lone Star Land Stewards
The ability to manage land in difficult times, through extended dry periods and economic downturns, is the hallmark of a good land steward. This year's recipients of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Lone Star Land Steward Awards are prime examples. On May 27 at the Austin Airport Marriott South Hotel in Austin, TPWD will recognize land stewards representing private ranches in various ecological regions, plus two additional categories recognizing conservation achievements by a wildlife management association and an urban community park. Also, the Leopold Conservation Award for Texas will be presented to the 2009 statewide land steward, still to be announced, by the Sand County Foundation and TPWD. more

Range Stewardship and Stockmanship Clinic slated for May 11 in Bowie
A ranching clinic focusing on range stewardship and effective stockmanship, including low stress cattle handling methods, will be held on May 11 at the Brite Ranch in Bowie, Texas, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The clinic will provide information on grazing land management, address range recovery from wildfires, as well as current issues and topics important to ranch management and beef production. The cost is $10 per person, which includes a chuckwagon lunch. For more information and to RSVP for this program contact the Chisholm Trail RC&D at 940/872-5329 before May 6. more

TDA Market Recap, April 27, 2009
For the week ending April 25, feeder cattle prices at Texas auctions were lower for cattle weighing less than 600 pounds and higher for heavier weights. Overall, the trend was mostly steady to $6 higher per hundredweight. Fed cattle prices were steady. more