Cattle Raisers applaud adoption of Texas CattleTrichomoniasis Program
Members of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) applaud the recent adoption of the Texas Cattle Trichomoniasis (Trich) Program by the commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). The program addresses trichomoniasis, a venereal disease of cattle that causes infertility and abortions, and results in extended breeding seasons and diminished calf crops, which cost livestock producers valuable income. more

Meat-labeling rules raise concerns among cattle interests
Texas cattle interests are watching who will blink first — the beef industry or the Obama administration, which is asking that packers and retailers go beyond meat-label rules that take effect March 16 and voluntarily spell out the countries where a steer was born, raised and slaughtered. more

U.S. feedyards suffer as hamburgers replace steaks
Americans are eating more hamburgers and fewer steaks as the economy wallows in recession, and that has led to huge losses at U.S. feedyards that fatten the cattle for steaks. Each week $100 million is lost as feedyards from Nebraska to Texas sell cattle at well-below production costs. more

TSCRA Second Vice President Joe Parker on "All Ag, All Day" radio show
Joe Parker, TSCRA second vice president from Byers, Texas, was interviewed recently on the "All Ag, All Day" radio show by host Tony St. James. Their discussion included the current banking situation in the agriculture sector and information on TSCRA activities such as the upcoming convention, School for Successful Ranching and the Young Leadership Series. To listen to an mp3 of the interview, click on the following link. more

Checkoff partnership extends beef's healthy message
In efforts to provide accurate and useful nutrition information to consumers across the state, the Texas Beef Council (TBC) has partnered with Dairy Max and the Texas Dietetic Association (TDA) to share beef's nutritional attributes with consumers across Texas. The three-year partnership centers around a media campaign focusing on nutrient-rich foods such as lean beef, low-fat and non-fat dairy products, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. more

TSCRA Government News
The TSCRA Government and Public Affairs team will highlight key legislative and regulatory issues and proposals.  We will offer a summary on our Government Connection website and tell you TSCRA's position.
        Austin News
                Bill update
                TSCRA leaders meet with state legislators to discuss important policy
                Watch the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee meeting every Tuesday
        Washington News
                Court of appeals denies peitition for review of EPA Dust Regulation Rule
                House passes $410 billion omnibus spending bill; includes fever tick funding
                Obama unveils $3.55 trillion budget; maintains 2009 levels for death/estate tax

Introducing the TSCRA Government Connection Web site
TSCRA has launched a Government Connection Web page that allows you to play an active role in government as well as keep you informed on happenings in Austin and Washington. There, TSCRA members can communicate with elected officials, track the progress of legislation and regulations and check voting records. Please register on theTSCRA Government Connection website to receive alert emails from the TSCRA Government and Public Affairs team keeping you updated on the latest legislative and regulatory actions. more

Join TSCRA in Fort Worth for the 2009 Annual Convention and Trade Show March 20-22
Come to Fort Worth for TSCRA's 132nd Annual Convention and 34th Annual Trade Show! go

Country-of-Origin Labeling forms available
Cattle raisers have made forms available for download to help fulfill your part of the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law. Visit TSCRA's COOL information Web site to download the forms and for more information. go