Drought grips Texas cattle country
The drought parching several areas of the U.S. is most pronounced in the heart of Texas cattle country. High temperatures and lack of rainfall the past 18 months have decimated grass needed for grazing and forced ranchers to sell off herds of cattle. more
USDA releases Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook
Beef imports are expected to increase 6 percent, but imported beef will have to compete with beef from cow slaughter, which is expected to increase again in 2009. Dry conditions in the Southern Plains and the Western United States and low milk prices keep commercial cow slaughter at high rates. Fed cattle prices struggle despite increasingly tighter supplies. more
Vilsack announces disaster assistance for producers
The recently approved economic stimulus package allows producers to become eligible for 2008 disaster assistance authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill even if they did not previously obtain otherwise statutorily required crop insurance from the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation or Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage for 2008 by now paying a buy-in fee through May 18, 2009. more
Texas crop, weather, 3-18-09
Much of the state received from 1 to 2 inches of moisture, with some areas receiving 5 to 6 inches. Although the rain went a long way to alleviate the drought, crops such as wheat are still behind, and most areas need more rain to raise soil moisture to normal levels, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel. Moreover, due to the combined punches of drought and economic downturn, many agricultural sectors will continue to suffer, rain or no rain. 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
