Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announces final rule for handling of non-ambulatory cattle
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced March 14 a final rule to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to require a complete ban on the slaughter of cattle that become non-ambulatory disabled after passing initial inspection by Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection program personnel. more

Texas producers hit hard by drought; economic impact more than $550 million
According to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the economic impact of drought for livestock is estimated to be $569 million from November 2008 until March 1, 2009. When drought losses from earlier in 2008 are added to those this winter, the total loss is $829 million. more

Commissioner Staples honors farmers and ranchers during National Agriculture Week
With the American agriculture industry more productive and efficient than ever before, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples salutes Texas' hardworking farmers and ranchers who contribute to the state's economy during National Agriculture Week, March 15-21. Today, each American farmer feeds on average more than 144 people. In 1960, the average farmer fed 46 people. more

Old cattle crime rears its head again
There are no thundering hoofs, clouds of dust or bandits disguised in bandanas and sporting six shooters, but the Old West crime of cattle theft is still very much alive in Texas and other areas of the nation. It remains a profitable business for criminals and devastating for a small operation. Law enforcement says East Texas is the hottest spot for cattle thieves with more thefts annually than other parts of the state. more

Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns, 3-13-09
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.
          Senate Finance Committee holds USTR confirmation hearing
          House and Senate introduce Employee Free Choice Act
          Public Lands Bill fails to pass in House
          Delisting of Gray Wolf is upheld

Don't miss NCBA's award-winning Cattlemen to Cattlemen
On the episode airing the week of March 17 - 21, take a look at the 2009 grazing outlook and hear from the experts about low-stress cattle handling practices. Also visit this year's National Western Stock Show and check in with Baxter Black for his latest wit and wisdom!

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 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

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