Agricultural hopes drying up
Noting that the loss to Texas agriculture during the last serious drought in 2005-2006 reached $4.1 billion, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said this one could soon prove worse. And while the department operates a hay hot line and offers drought relief information online for farmers and ranchers, Staples acknowledged more extraordinary help might be needed. "If you're a praying person, pray for rain," he said. more
Bill puts a target on Oklahoma feral hogs
House Bill 2158, which passed 87-12, would allow Oklahoma landowners who operate big game commercial hunting areas to hire a sharpshooter to kill feral hogs from a helicopter. "We can't get enough firepower on these hogs to take care of them," said the bill’s author, Rep. Don Armes, (R-Faxon). "This is not a sporting event. This is an intention to help those people who are having depredation problems from hogs." more
Checkoff programs geared at moving middle meats
An aggressive beef checkoff market response plan is in place to help protect beef demand in the meat case and on restaurant menus. This plan was quickly implemented in November 2008 when early economic signals indicated a need to proactively address channel and consumer purchasing decisions. Factors such as affordability, value and product versatility were becoming increasingly important. more
Texas crop, weather, 3-11-09
Agricultural producers' drought-related concerns range from worry there won't be enough moisture to plant spring crops, anxiety over the increasing risk of wildfires, and angst about steadily decreasing milk prices to desperation about the continuance of their livelihood, said AgriLife Extension agents. On March 10 - 11, a band of scattered showers from San Antonio to Dallas helped some. But the areas hardest hit by the drought will need much more rain to recover, AgriLife Extension personnel said. more
TSCRA Government Connection Web site
TSCRA has 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.
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
