Six months later, Ike still threatens ranchers
The salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico have long receded since Hurricane Ike pushed them ashore, but the devastation continues for farmers and ranchers who have seen their land contaminated. The devastation from the Sept. 13 storm has only been compounded by the drought affecting much of the state. The badly needed heavy rains that would begin to flush the salt from the soil haven't come, and no one's sure how long it will take. more

NRCS will restore flood-prone lands with economic recovery funding
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide up to $145 million to eligible landowners nationwide through the floodplain easement component of its Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to restore an estimated 60,000 acres of frequently flooded land to their natural state. Eligible landowners throughout Texas can sign up for these easements from March 9 – 27, 2009, at their local USDA Service Center. State, county, and city governments are also eligible to participate. more

Drought, recession scorch Texas cattle ranchers
Frates Seeligson recalls when his ranch last saw rain: September of last year. That was around the time he took on an extra 200 cows to help a farmer whose fields were ravaged by Hurricane Ike. Talk about a perfect storm. The worst drought on record in this parched part of south-central Texas means his withered land can hardly support his own dwindling herds. more

Survey shows recent rise in consumer food safety concerns
According to the results of a national survey, consumers are confident in the safety of their ground beef, steaks and roasts despite a rise in their overall concern about food safety in recent months. More than eight in 10 of those respondents agreed that the entire beef industry is working together to ensure safe and wholesome food. more

Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns, 3-6-09
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.
          NCBA urges Congress to protect private voting rights
          Comments requested on proposed rule for animal identification numbering systerms
          Drought prosing challenge to producers across the country

Don't miss NCBA's award-winning Cattlemen to Cattlemen
On the episode airing the week of March 10-14, take a look at how this different economy is impacting beef demand, get fuel efficiency tips for your farm equipment from John Deere, and spend a day in the life of a ranching family in western Arkansas. Plus, 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. It 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 online at www.CattlementoCattlemen.org.

Calendar
        March 10―Wildlife Field Day, Comal County Extension Office, New Braunfels, Texas. more
        March 12―Cow-Calf Conference IV, Beaver County Fairgrounds, Beaver, Okla. more
        March 17―Producing "Efficient" Cattle During "Tough" Times: Benefits of "Efficient" Cattle, Pontotoc Extension Office, Ada. Okla. more
        March 20-22―TSCRA's 132nd Annual Convention and Trade Show, Fort Worth, Texas. more
        March 24-26―2009 Overton Pasture and Management Workshop, Texas Agrilife Research and Extension Center, Overton, Texas. more
        March 29-31―Quailmaster 2009, Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, Roby, Texas. more
        March 31-April 2―2009 Overton Pasture and Management Workshop, Texas Agrilife Research and Extension Center, Overton, Texas. more
        April 1―Lower Rolling Plains Ag Conference, Scurry County Coliseum, Snyder, 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
       May 14―Producing "Efficient" Cattle During "Tough" Times: Improving Marketability and Value of Calves, Pontotoc Extension Office, Ada. Okla. more
        August13―Producing "Efficient" Cattle During "Tough" Times: Cow Herd Performance Testing and Record Keeping, Pontotoc Extension Office, Ada. Okla. more

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