Daily News Update, May 12, 2009

Cattle theft bill passes Texas legislature
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) applauded the Texas Legislature May 12 for their final approval of a bill to increase the penalty for livestock theft in Texas. SB 1163, introduced by Senator Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) and Representative Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), unanimously passed the House, and is now on its way to the Governor where it will be signed into law or vetoed. more

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack names new Agricultural Marketing Service administrator
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced May 11 the appointment of Rayne Pegg as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The agency is part of USDA's Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area which works to ensure a productive and competitive global and domestic marketplace for U.S. agricultural products. Pegg will begin serving in this role in early July. more

New phorid fly species turns red imported fire ants into 'zombies'
Zombie fire ants may not sound like a cool thing, but wait a minute, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert. On April 29, on the grounds of the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton in East Texas, Dr. Scott Ludwig released fire ants infected with a new type of phorid fly, a minuscule parasite that only preys on red imported fire ants. The infected ants will soon exhibit some very bizarre behavior... more

When have you tested your water well?
The Jack County office of Texas AgriLife Extension is sponsoring a water well screening day for area residents on May 20 at the Jack County Courthouse, Suite 104. Samples will cost $5/sample. You will need to pick up a sample bag and instructions from the Jack County AgriLife Extension office by calling 940/567-2132 to receive an approved water sampling bag and instructions for taking your well water sample. A meeting explaining screening results will be held on May 21 at the Jack County Fair Barn beginning at 6 pm. more

TDA Market Recap, 5-11-09
For the week ending May 9, feeder cattle price trends at Texas auctions were mixed, with most locations steady to $5 higher per hundredweight and some steady to $2 lower. Fed cattle prices were lower following a drop in beef values. more

Market Information
Direct link to TSCRA's market information page go


 

Events and Sale Calendar
Direct link to TSCRA's events and calendar page go