Cattle theft could become a third degree felony
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association hopes to reduce the rate of theft by passing legislation that will create a harsher punishment for stealing cattle. "It's a state jail felony to steal ten head or less which is just punishable by up to two years in the state jail and we're going to try to get it raised to a third degree felony which is punishable by two to ten years…" more

U.S. ranchers eye more EU access for beef
U.S. ranchers who raise cattle without growth hormones may gain more access to European markets if the United States and European Union settle a beef trade dispute that has lasted more than 20 years, a U.S. industry spokesman said on Monday. But the size of the additional market access has not been determined, and EU concerns about antimicrobial treatments continue to stymie talks. more

Houston, we have a problem - Rasberry Crazy Ants
Some people say they'd rather have the notorious fire ant in their yards than a newly found pest – the Rasberry crazy ant. They're that bad, said Dr. Roger Gold, who heads the Center for Urban Structural Entomology at Texas A&M University. Entomologists have been tracking the spread of Rasberry crazy ants in the Houston area since they were discovered in 2002. Though Rasberry crazy ants don't sting like fire ants, they wreak havoc on electrical systems and attack other wildlife. more

Hill Country Wildlife Management Field Day slated April 9 at Mason
Texas AgriLife Extension Service will conduct the multi-county Hill Country Wildlife Management Field Day April 9 beginning with an 8:15 a.m. registration at the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The day's activities will conclude by 3 p.m. The morning program will include a tour of prescribed fire as well as mechanical and herbicide brush control methods. There also will be discussions on deer nutritional needs during drought and on Web site design and marketing the wildlife resource. more

TDA Market Recap, March. 16, 2009
For the week ending March 14, feeder cattle prices at Texas auctions were down less than 50 cents per hundredweight from a week ago. Higher prices on Monday and Friday nearly offset mid-week declines. As for futures markets, feeder cattle, finished cattle, cotton, wheat and corn were higher, while lumber was lower. 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