The Cattleman - April 2024

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Photo by Laurie Martin

HAPPY AND HEALTHY

Spring is a great time to be a cow in Texas. That is, of course, when conditions are right.

Spring rains, warm days and fresh grass make for pretty content animals. But there’s more than what meets the eye.

Cattle raisers are hard at work, thinking ahead to ensure animals are happy and healthy. From vaccination strategies to management protocols, decisions made today have far-reaching impacts on the health and productivity of livestock tomorrow.

In this issue of The Cattleman, we delve into topics essential for the well-being and longevity of cow herds.

As livestock stewards, protecting cattle against health threats such as bovine viral diarrhea, commonly known as BVD; and understanding concepts like fetal programming are paramount. Catch our feature examining the risks of BVD and how to best prevent disease spread.

We also examine fetal programming and its profound effect on herd health and generational productivity.

By understanding how environmental factors during gestation can influence a calf’s development and future performance, producers can implement proactive management practices to optimize herd genetics and resilience.

As you flip through this month’s pages, we hope you learn a number of tips to benefit your operation.

Happy spring from your friends at Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. T C

Jaclyn Roberts Parrish Executive Director of Communications & Marketing/ Editor-in-Chief, The Cattleman

Whoever said you can’t make everyone happy never used CattleMax at tax time. That’s because CattleMax not only tracks everything imaginable on your operation, it can assemble all your critical cattle records with the push of a single button. And that’s enough to make anyone smile.

Photo by Kayla Jennings

Every Calf Counts

Consider fetal programming to achieve long-term herd health and productivity.

By Kayla Jennings

From the blacktop, she can be seen dotting pastures from coast to coast. She represents a lifestyle of hard work and long-term reward. She teaches youth responsibility and provides nutrition for families.

Because of her adaptability, she expands available land for food production, upcycling low-quality feedstuffs into high-quality protein. She is to thank for celebratory steaks, game-day hamburgers and a wide variety of products ranging from leather to cosmetics.

The fact is ruminant animals like the beef cow are integral parts of a sustainable global food system.

With each passing year, cattle raisers remain dedicated to enhancing the genetic potential of their animals — a process of continuous improvement that begins even before a calf is born.

An often-overlooked part of calf development also happens to account for 61% of their life from conception

to consumption. Time spent in utero and as a nursing calf largely impacts a steer’s ability to grade, and a heifer’s ability to rebreed, because developmental plasticity is more prevalent in the womb and early life.

Taking it even one generation further, developmental conditions impact their offspring’s ability to reach production goals, too.

Kimberly Vonnahme, associate director of outcomes research at Zoetis, covered this topic during a Feb. 1 Cattlemen’s College session at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention, hosted by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Orlando, Florida.

She discussed what the latest research says about fetal programming and how better cow health leads to better calves.

“I like this quote: ‘We cross more milestones before we’re born than we ever do again,’” she says.

Percent time in each phase of beef production from conception to harvest

Figure 1

Bovine Reproduction, Second Edition. Lemley et al., 2021.

Fetal programming defined

The formal definition of fetal programing is the process through which a stimulus or insult establishes a permanent response.

In other words, Vonnahme says outside factors, such as the mother’s nutrition and transportation or environmental conditions, significantly impact a calf’s genetic potential and that of its offspring.

For example, she says a calf in utero could adapt to a stressor by developing differently than they normally would to survive the stress. This does not come without consequences, though.

“The beef cow can put up with a lot of different stressors: nutritional stressors, other environmental stressors, heat stress, those kinds of things,” says Vonnahme, who holds a doctorate in animal science and reproductive physiology.

“They can adapt to the stressor, she won’t lose that calf. But every calf has a genetic potential, and maybe we’re allowing or not allowing that calf to reach its genetic potential because of the in-utero environment.”

In the visual model of prenatal programming, the dam may experience a restriction such as nutrient

deficiency, transportation or heat stress. This can alter the fetal environment, which means epigenetic modifications for the calf she is carrying as well as their later offspring.

“If it’s a heifer calf, they are born with the number of oocytes they are ever going to have,” she explains. “In theory, you are impacting not only the generation she’s carrying, but the gametes or the eggs that female calf is carrying.”

These transgenerational impacts are important for cattle raisers investing in herd genetics.

Studies show

Studies about maternal nutrition impacts originated in human health in the ’90s.

Since then, animal scientists have applied the findings to determine how developmental programming negatively impacts animal agriculture — and better understand ways to develop positive interventions.

Model of prenatal programming in cattle

Dam experiences, such as nutrient restriction, transportation, heat stress, predation, etc., result in alterations to the fetal environment and epigenetic modifications.

Offspring (Generation 1) born to stressed dams exhibit changes to the epigenome, resulting in alterations in gene expression and phenotype.

Epigenetic modifications in developing gamete belonging to Generation 1 can influence gene expression and phenotype of Generation 2. Generation 1 Generation 2 (Gametes) Generation

Kimberly Vonnahme

Vonnahme believes much of these outcomes are related to blood flow, getting nutrients to the developing calf through the placenta. Research conducted by Vonnahme and her colleagues have supported these claims.

Five years of information gathered during studies in Nebraska and North Dakota comparing cattle with and without protein supplementation in late gestation, indicated a positive relationship between increased blood flow and calf performance.

“The maternal dietary intake is influencing blood flow to the calf,” she says. “If you gave a protein supplement during the last portion of pregnancy, the steer calves that came from the moms that got the protein supplement had better carcasses.

“And if you looked at the heifer calves from the moms that got the protein supplement, they actually had a higher pregnancy rate.”

In addition, the blood flow increase in proteinsupplemented dams also tended to produce more colostrum and milk partway through the lactation curve. She says all of this ultimately gave a boost to weaning weights.

Drawing off the original idea that blood flow in the placenta is important, Vonnahme pointed to recent studies led by Caleb Lemley, Ph.D., associate professor at Mississippi State University, which found success in supplementing melatonin as a top dressing in gestating cattle and sheep. It has proven to increase blood flow.

“If we can increase blood flow in utero, particularly during the last part of pregnancy, the studies have been showing that weaning weights of the calves are also going to increase, even if we don’t see a birth weight difference,” Vonnahme says.

Armed with this data, she encourages producers to assess their program and take practical management steps to support cow health.

“When you have a stressor that might be there, is there something you can do or provide that’s going to help that dam provide for that calf,” she says.

“If we keep finding ways to drive blood flow to the uterus, we’re going to create a better environment for calves in utero, and then, hopefully, we continue to see their performance advance when they hit the ground.”

Practical steps

A sound nutrition program is at the foundation of an animal’s ability to adapt. Dee Church, of Nutrition Plus, assists ranchers across the Southwest toward the goal of optimizing nutrition for their herd.

A calf’s long-term success begins before a heartbeat is even detected. The mother cow’s health is an integral part in her ability to provide nutrition for the calf in the womb and after birth as a nursing calf. Photos by Kayla Jennings.

It all begins with a ranch evaluation of production goals, forage availability, current feedstuffs, feed-delivery systems, current cattle body condition and budget. Finding an area nutrition expert helps producers consider the many factors contributing to a complete diet.

“In Texas alone, there are so many different environments and different ways to raise cattle that it is tough to truly manage an entire group one way,” Church says.

Even so, all life hinges on rainfall. Church says they encourage producers to look back several years at historical area rainfall to get an idea of what forage could be available on the ranch.

everyone. He recommends pulling samples as often as every other month in the beginning to get a yearly average of what the cattle are receiving.

Dee Church

While weather patterns and management styles vary, Church says forage testing is a can’t-miss step for

By checking the forage quality periodically, producers can best determine what sort of supplementation they need from a mineral perspective. Beyond that, keeping cattle between a body condition score of 5 to 6 throughout their lifetime by offering timely protein and energy supplementation is a good rule for cattle nutrition.

“You don’t have to feed a cow any supplement to get a live calf to market, but if you’re trying to be profitable, you do,” he says. Church likens feeding strategy to building a wall. Each nutrition requirement represents a brick.

You’re only as good as the hole at the bottom of the wall. If you fill that gap with a supplement program, then your cattle can be that much better.”

— Dee Church, Nutrition Plus

A sound nutrition program considering forage availability, mineral, protein and energy allows cows to maximize the genetic potential of their calf during gestation and lactation. Photo by Emily McCartney.

While the wall may still stand with a brick or two removed, it is not as strong as it could be.

“You’re only as good as the hole at the bottom of the wall,” he says. “If you fill that gap with a supplement program, then your cattle can be that much better.”

He and Vonnahme both agree that first, cattle must survive; then, they reproduce; and lastly, they put on weight. With adequate nutrition, they can reach their full potential in all three areas, but as cattle are stressed and nutrition is shorted, so are the outcomes of those lifecycle milestones.

“If you’re trying to maximize what the cow can do, you have to first meet the building blocks of their nutritional requirements,” Church says. “That helps with overall health, growth, and programming that next cow.”

Church points to healthy cattle that continue to put on weight and meet nutritional requirements on paper as maximizing their genetic potential.

In contrast, Church says when cattle are losing weight and forage samples reveal they are not meeting nutrition requirements, then the genetic potential of the cow herd is being shorted.

Like any business-minded cattle raiser, Church understands genetic potential and operational profitability must work in tandem.

He advises to consider cow-herd productivity in future calving seasons in addition to initial input costs.

“Each decision you make to increase supplements and boost efficiency does dig into the profitability of the herd,” he says. “There’s a fine line that we walk of trying to get the most out of these cattle without pushing them too far, while stretching a dollar far enough that cattle are productive and making money.”

As fetal programming research shows, there is an intricate balance between cow herd profitability and productivity — and what happens today could impact generations to come. T C

While cattle have similar nutrition requirements, many factors, such as forage quality and stage of life, determine which nutrients should be delivered in regular mineral supplementation. Left photo by Emily McCartney, right photo by Kayla Jennings.

MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024 1 : 0 0 P M C S T  AT T H E FA R M I N I D E A L , S D

F r o m A m e r i c a ’ s # 1 S o u r c e f o r A n g u s B u l l s

S e v e n d e c a d e s o f s e l e c t i o n f o r R a p i d G r o w t h , L e n g t h , M u s c l e , F e r t i l i t y , A p p e t i t e , E f f i c i e n c y , C a rc a s s M e r i t , & M a t e r n a l F u n c t i o n .

Know the Risks

Protect cattle from BVD, one of the industry’s most costly diseases.

By Jena McRell

Growing up in South Central Texas, George Perry said bovine viral diarrhea, or BVD, was commonly known as a cattle trader’s concern.

The highly contagious pathogen was mainly assumed to impact stocker operations shuffling cattle quickly. As research and experience emerged, BVD has been proven to railroad herds of all types and sizes, including the cow-calf sector.

That was Perry’s message to an audience gathered Feb. 2 for a Cattlemen’s College session during the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention, hosted by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, in Orlando, Florida.

Perry, who serves as a professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s Overton experiment station, said persistently infected calves, those that contracted the disease in utero, prove why BVD is considered one of the industry’s most costly diseases.

“BVD is a whole family of viruses, and it impacts the beef industry tremendously,” Perry said.

While it is expected that less than 1% of U.S. cattle are persistently infected with BVD, the impact of those nearly 150,000-plus head is quite significant. Recent studies estimate the nation’s beef industry loses $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion annually due to the disease.

Beyond the typical clinical symptoms of BVD, Perry said the virus can have a significant impact in cow-calf operations by way of decreased reproductive performance.

A roughly $50- to $100-perhead loss is expected if a herd is exposed to BVD. For a producer with 100 cows this would be a $5,000 to $10,000 loss. Perry also said he has seen pregnancy rates suffer up to 20% for exposed females, regardless of vaccination status.

“The reproductive impact depends on what stage an animal is in when exposed to the virus,” Perry said. “Early gestation and embryonic death are the main things, followed by low conception rates. Then we get persistently infected calves, birth defects and congenitally affected calves.”

Solid vaccination strategies, herd-health protocols and biosecurity measures all work in unison to protect animals from the threat of BVD.

Even so, Perry said the virus can find its way into the herd in unexpected ways.

Hidden threats

In his research and education role, Perry often plays investigator for those seeking answers to decreased cow-herd performance. He has seen many scenarios over the years showing how BVD can operate under the radar when spreading through the herd.

Examples include introducing purchased animals into the herd too quickly; fence-line exposure, either within the same operation or to a neighbor’s pasture; and perhaps the most difficult to detect — pregnant animals testing negative for BVD.

In some cases, Perry said a cow’s vaccination status is not enough to fully protect the unborn calf against BVD. If she is exposed anywhere between conception and the first 120 to 150 days, the calf could become persistently infected and shed the virus for the rest of its life.

“BVD seems to be the gift that keeps giving, because during breeding season, we have a chance of creating persistently infected calves,” said Perry, noting how, if exposed, vaccinated animals can still have the virus replicating in their bodies.

“This virus can easily pass the placental barrier,” he said. “And because the calf doesn’t have an immune system during early gestation, it basically becomes part of that calf.”

Facts on BVD

According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, bovine viral diarrhea is endemic to most cattleproducing countries.

While cattle of all ages are susceptible, the commission says most cases are seen in animals between six months and two years old. The main culprit for disease spread: persistently infected calves.

In adult cattle, clinical signs include fever, drowsiness, loss of appetite, discharge from the eyes and nose, oral lesions, diarrhea and decreased milk production.

In calves, infection is evidenced through birth defects, abortion, congenital malformations, lack of coordination, shaking, wide stance and a failure to nurse.

The Texas Animal Health Commission has established a control program requiring anyone selling a persistently infected animal to disclose the status in writing to the buyer prior to or at the time of sale.

Visit tahc.texas.gov to learn more.

George Perry

If exposed during that critical 120- to 150-day window, persistently infected calves could have longstanding impacts. The in-utero exposure means the calf, even after it is born and potentially vaccinated, will never mount a BVD immune response. The persistently infected calf will continue the cycle throughout the herd — and industry.

For cow-calf operations, Perry said one of the highest BVD risk factors is the reproductive status of females brought into the herd.

Studies show pregnant females more than double the likelihood of introducing a persistently infected animal. Until the calf is born and tested, there is no way to know for certain it is BVD free.

Because of this, Perry said it is important to house and calve newly acquired females separately from the resident herd.

Aside from outside animals coming in, safeguarding against potential BVD threats also means being cautious throughout the entire breeding season — monitoring any shared fences or pastures near replacement heifers or cows.

What’s the biosecurity risk?

Scenario 1: Calves are purchased from a livestock market and allowed to co-mingle with the resident herd. No testing, no quarantining. — At risk

Scenario 2: Animals are purchased from a local auction market. They are not BVD tested, but they are kept separate from the herd. They share a common fence. — At risk

Scenario 3: Animals are kept as a closed herd. Replacement heifers are raised, and purchased bulls are BVD

tested. One day, a boundary fence comes down and they are mixed in with their neighbor’s herd. — At risk

Scenario 4: Animals are purchased from a reputable sale; all test negative for BVD. They are kept separate for two weeks and then allowed to move into the herd.

Open heifers No risk

Calf at side and not pregnant — No risk

Pregnant animals — At risk

Source: George Perry, Texas A&M AgriLife Research

George Perry, a professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s Overton experiment station, presents at Cattlemen’s College during the Cattle Industry Convention. Photo by Diane Meyer.

“Understanding the disease, how it is transmitted and how it continues to stay in the beef industry, even when it is costing so much, is important,” Perry said. “Certain changes can allow management decisions to avoid the high risks.”

Protections in place

Maintaining biosecurity becomes the first line of defense, Perry explained. When introducing new animals into the herd, test and quarantine cattle for two weeks. Monitor fence-line conditions and stay aware of any chance that cattle may intermix with other groups.

Overall, be attuned to the way BVD exposure may enter the herd.

“Know your risks,” Perry said. “Know where the weak point in any system is. If we expect any exposure, and to prevent any further exposure, we need to test.

“It is great to test calves at weaning. That is our surveillance program. But if we wait until weaning,

those calves were there all the way through the breeding season — and they have the chance of impacting next year, too.”

Clinical signs of BVD in adult cattle include fever, drowsiness, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Calves can display a lack of coordination, shaking or failure to nurse.

If an animal tests positive, Perry said it will recover if it has been vaccinated.

The recommendation is to separate the animal from the rest of the herd and test again in two weeks. At that point, it should no longer test positive. Persistently infected animals will test positive their entire lives.

In addition to spreading from animal to animal, the BVD virus can also live in the environment, including at feed bunk, water tank, and in the pasture or pen.

Perry said that length of time varies based on time of year and temperature, as viruses require warm, moist areas to survive outside the host.

Fence-line exposure is one way the BVD virus can quickly spread throughout the herd and the neighbor’s, too. Keeping a close eye is an essential precautionary measure, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Professor George Perry said. Photo by Ben Humphrey.

He also said to remember barbed wire does not stop a virus, especially a highly contagious one like BVD.

The strongest defense against the industry’s most costly disease, the expert advised, is a well-suited vaccination program. Many herds include BVD protections starting with a pre-weaning vaccine followed by boosters.

“The vaccines work,” Perry said. “We just have to have a vaccination program that is tailored to the situation we’re in.”

Maintaining a strong veterinary-client relationship will help determine an ideal vaccination strategy based on the operation’s level of risk.

A herd that often receives stocker cattle or is rebuilding with purchased bred females, for instance, will have varying risk levels.

In his experience, both killed and modified-live BVD vaccines are effective. Some also offer fetal protection, which reduces the likelihood of a persistently infected calf being born.

“Most recommendations, if you are building lifetime immunity into replacement heifers, you see both,” Perry said. “You get a modified-live into them early, you get a killed vaccine into them as they get into the breeding herd — because now you have allowed the body to see both sides of things.”

As with any herd-health consideration, a veterinarian who understands the operation can advise the most effective approach.

“There’s not a one-size-fits all,” Perry said. “It depends on the situation you are going in and what you are going to expose them to.” T C

The vaccines work. We just have to have a vaccination program that is tailored to the situation we’re in.”

— George Perry, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension

Effective biosecurity measures and a vaccination program tailored to the region and an operation’s level of risk are the herd’s best defense against the threat of BVD. Photo by Mark Matson.

FERAL HOG MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS EXPAND

By Stephen Diebel, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association second vice president and secretary/treasurer

Feral hogs have an unfavorable reputation across Texas — and for good reason.

As feral hog populations continue to surge, so does the staggering economic and environmental harm the wild animals bring. Surface water contamination, damaged fences, disease transmission and habitat degradation threaten livestock operations, wildlife and rural communities.

Cattle raisers have struggled with these challenges and tried to find workable solutions on their own. Fighting what often seems like a losing battle, ranchers have enlisted help in other sectors, including the policy realm, for action to be taken to eliminate this destructive nuisance.

Finally, there may be some hope on the horizon.

Warfarin-based toxicants like the brand name Kaput Feral Hog Bait, which boasts a 100% lethality rate for feral hogs, are now available to landowners. This approval comes after legislative efforts by agricultural groups and extensive research, including field studies at the request of the Texas Legislature, and legal challenges.

The Texas Department of Agriculture initially approved the use of Kaput in controlling feral hog populations in 2017, but concerns were raised about mitigating risks to non-target species. In response, the Texas Legislature added a rider to the 2017 appropriations bill, prohibiting the department from registering any warfarin toxicant to control feral hogs.

A few years later, in the 2022-2023 state budget, the Texas Legislature allowed the Texas Department of Agriculture to register Kaput if a specific study was conducted.

Under that direction, Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension studied the efficacy of a warfarin-based feral hog toxicant. The project spanned 23 sites across about 10 properties in the state, building on more than two decades of research across numerous state and federal agencies including USDA and EPA, which approved and authorized the use of the product.

Overall, the Texas-based study showed that researchers reduced feral hog numbers with diligent product use. Application takes time to condition the pigs to eat feed and placebo bait from the approved feeders. Once the pigs are conditioned to the feeder and the toxicant is added, feral hogs can consume lethal doses within five days of consistent access to the bait.

Protections remain in place to ensure safe and responsible usage of Kaput and similar products. The feral hog bait can only be purchased through a licensed distributor and applicators must have a Texas Department of Agricultural commercial, noncommercial or private applicator license. Additionally, applicators must record pesticide applications for two years.

The product also incorporates a fat-soluble blue dye, which stains internal fatty tissues of the animals, and alerts hunters and others of the toxin’s presence. Equally important is responsible use of the product by individuals to ensure effectiveness, and to protect wildlife and other non-targeted species.

It is encouraging to have progress toward an issue that’s plagued myself, neighbors and our state for years. The work of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association undoubtedly helped deliver another important tool to our members, and we continue to work on issues for our state. T C

STANDING WITH US

When he was 24 years old, Rep. Ryan Guillen became one of the youngest ever elected to the Texas Legislature. He is the product of a family of public school teachers, war veterans and cattle ranchers.

A sixth-generation South Texan, Guillen grew up working at the family’s feed store and as a ranch hand on the family farm, later receiving an agriculture degree from Texas A&M University. He served as a local high school agriculture teacher before pursuing public office.

Rep.

Guillen was recently appointed as the chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety and as a member of the House Committee on State Affairs. He has a long history of leadership

roles in the Texas Legislature, including having served in leadership positions in all four administrations that he has served under, and having been vice-chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee by age 29.

Ryan Guillen

Guillen has been a staunch advocate for creating jobs, cutting taxes and red tape, for reducing over testing, for working to keep our families and communities safe, for maintaining Texas’ position as an energy leader, for improving our roads and infrastructure, for protecting property rights and our rural way of life, for boosting our state’s role in supporting veteran families, and for fostering greater efficiency and transparency in government. He and his wife, Dalinda, have two daughters, Cinco Demi and Viva Bonita. T C

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TSCRA

CATTLE RAISERS ROUNDUP APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 1

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will host its third-annual TSCRA Cattle Raisers Roundup July 22-26 in East Texas.

The event is open to high-school students who have completed their sophomore through senior years and are interested in gaining knowledge about the beef supply chain, natural resources and other important issues impacting agriculture.

“Youth and young producers are leaders in the beef industry today and tomorrow,” said Gilly Riojas, the association’s leadership development committee chairman. “We know there is a place, a need, for them at TSCRA. We hope we can offer insight to these students before they make their college and career path decisions.”

Cattle Raisers Roundup will include tours at cattle operations and beef packing plants, as well as the opportunity to speak with industry leaders. The program is structured to allow for practical application of everyday activities of those who buy, sell, produce and rely on beef protein.

Applications are due May 1 and available on the website at tscra.org/what-we-do/students.

REGISTER FOR POLICY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will host policy committee meetings May 6-8 in Fort Worth.

The meetings, which are open to policy committee members, provide a platform for the development of policy priorities to guide the association throughout the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

Visit tscra.org/events to register by April 29. Hotel block discounts are available. Scheduled meetings are:

• Membership Development Committee, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, May 6

• Cattle Health & Well-Being Committee, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 7

• Marketing & Transportation Committee, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 7

• Natural Resources & Wildlife Committee, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, May 8

• Property Rights & Tax Committee, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 8

Pictured above, Cattle Raisers Roundup attendees take notes during their comprehensive tour of the beef chain.

SUMMER MEETING HEADS TO SAN ANTONIO

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced the 2024 Summer Meeting will be held June 21-23 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country in San Antonio. Members can watch for registration details online and through the TSCRA Update daily email.

The meeting follows the newly adopted meeting schedule approved at the 2023 TSCRA Policy Conference.

The TSCRA Summer Meeting will be held after the policy committee meetings in May, providing association members an opportunity to review and approve policy recommended by each policy committee. Such policy will guide the association as it prepares priorities for the 2025 Texas Legislative Session.

TSCRA LEADERS MET WITH U.S. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association leaders joined U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson in Fort Worth earlier this year to discuss important issues including border security and its impact on landowners. The visit came after 60 Republican House members traveled to the Southern border of Texas amid talks of a possible federal border security package.

Association leadership in attendance were: President Arthur Uhl III; First Vice President Carl Ray Polk Jr.; Second Vice President Stephen Diebel; Executive Vice President and CEO Jason Skaggs; Executive Director of Government Relations Melissa Hamilton; Manager of Communications and Marketing Shelby Kirton; Past President Joe and Marjorie Parker; and Directors Ken Leiber and Seth Denbow.

TSCRA RECEIVES REGION IV STATE TOP HAND AWARD

Strong membership within Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s national affiliate organization, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, helps extend efforts on the federal legislative front.

During National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Region IV meeting Jan. 31 in Orlando, Florida, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association was recognized as the State Affiliate Top Hand Winner for highest membership recruitment growth in the region.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is proud to have a strong and supportive membership invested in the success of the cattle industry both in Texas and across the nation. T C

TSCRA REQUESTS FEEDBACK FROM CONVENTION ATTENDEES

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association kindly requests attendees of the 2024 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo complete a post-event survey.

Input will help enhance and strengthen future events. Available at the link below, the short survey will be open through April 30.

Scan here

TSCRA leaders stand for a photo with the U.S. Speaker of the House. From left to right: Seth Denbow, Ken Leiber, Arthur Uhl, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Stephen Diebel and Carl Ray Polk Jr.

TSCRA President Arthur Uhl, pictured right, receives the Top Hand award from Trent Johnson, owner of Greeley Hat Works, who donated a hat as a resource to benefit the association and its members.

BETTER RANCHING FOR BETTER Life

What’s ahead for the Hemphill County Texas A&M AgriLife Beef Cattle Conference.

The 2024 Hemphill County Texas A&M AgriLife Beef Cattle Conference will be held April 23-24 at the Jones Pavilion in Canadian. The Tuesday and Wednesday event has established itself as a source for cutting-edge information for beef cattle producers.

Andy Holloway, of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hemphill County, founded the event in 2015 and said the conference has become a field of dreams story — “you build, and they will come.”

In the last several years, more than 12 states have been represented by beef cattle producers, including almost one-third of the counties in Texas.

Capital Farm Credit of Texas is the title sponsor of the 2024 Beef Cattle Conference. The company’s Kody King said it is one of the most important events for ranchers, landowners and beef cattle producers in the region.

Father and son, Donnell and Tucker Brown of the R.A. Brown Ranch near Throckmorton, will co-moderate the 2024 Beef Cattle Conference. This dynamic duo has generations of experience in the Texas beef cattle business, and a longstanding history of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association membership and leadership.

The 2024 Beef Cattle Conference will touch on some of the most important topics for producers this year, including the theme “Better Ranching for a Better Life.”

International and nationally known speakers include: Troy Applehans, Cattle Fax; Mark Makens, atmospheric scientist; Shannon Ferrill, Oklahoma State University; Mark Gardiner, Gardiner Angus Ranch; Kade Lawrence, Texas 4-H State Council; Loni Lucherk, West Texas A&M University; JoJo Carralles, HeartBrand Beef; Jason Smith, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension; Travis Thorne, Capital Farm Credit; Morgan Treadwell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension; and Dallas Mount, Ranching For Profit.

This year’s featured keynote speaker is Kayleigh McEnany, a former White House press secretary and current co-host of Outnumbered on Fox News.

Prior to serving in the White House, McEnany worked as the national press secretary for the Trump Campaign and the national spokesperson for the Republican

National Committee. Before joining the the committee, she worked as a political commentator at CNN.

McEnany graduated from Harvard Law School as a juris doctor and Georgetown University School of Foreign Services with a degree in international politics. She also studied politics and international relations at Oxford University, St. Edmund Hall.

She is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Public Service Award. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling books, For Such a Time as This and Serenity in the Storm: Living through Chaos by Leaning on Christ

An interactive panel discussion will focus on what the commercial cow will need to be like 20 years from now. Panelists will include Donnell Brown; Mark Gardiner; Kevin Pond, West Texas State University; and Laura Burandt, an Ochiltree County rancher.

Texas Beef Council Chef Robert Hale will also have a tent displaying beef information, recent research developments thanks to Texas Beef Checkoff dollars, and new products being promoted from Texas beef carcasses that are enhancing values, and taste-testing opportunities. Hale will be assisted by members of the West Texas A&M University International Champion Meat Judging Team.

Three beef meals including barbeque, Akaushi Prime rib, and ribeye steaks will be served during the twoday conference. More than 100 trade show exhibitors featuring some of the nation’s leading agribusiness professionals will be on display.

Holloway cited the trade show as one of the most important aspects of the beef cattle conference because the networking, socializing and educational opportunities are second to none.

Visit hemphillcotxbeef.com to register, see the agenda and accommodations, learn about the speakers and grand-prize drawings, and more. T C

Story courtesy of Hemphill County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

WHERE SEAMLESS SETUP AND UNPARALLELED SAFETY MEET.

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

TSCRA MEMBER ELECTED CHAIR OF THE FEDERATION OF STATE BEEF COUNCILS

Dan Gattis, of Georgetown, was elected chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils during the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention held in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 31-Feb. 2.

“The Federation’s grassroots process brings us together by focusing our limited resources with a unified voice, which is critical to our success,” Gattis said. “I want to make sure that we explore the industry’s diverse needs and opinions, so we can bring all producers together to support the common goal of driving demand for beef.”

The vision of the Federation of State Beef Councils, a division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership. It provides a voice for producers and qualified state beef councils to collectively give direction to the Beef Checkoff.

As chair, in addition to communicating with Checkoff committee leaders, Federation regional vice presidents and industry stakeholders, Gattis will also represent the Federation on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, which is responsible for approving Beef Checkoff funding to conduct programs.

Gattis, his wife, Shana, and their three children run a cow-calf operation in Williamson County. As part of the diversified operation, the Gattis family sells beef in their local community. Gattis has served on the board and as chairman of the Texas Beef Council and on the board of directors of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, as well as being actively involved with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

TEXAS RANCH RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced Feb. 2 that G Bar C Ranch, of Rosston, was selected as a regional winner of the 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award Program. The ranch was recognized during the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention in Orlando, Florida.

“Cattle producers from coast to coast are committed to preserving natural resources for future generations,” said NCBA Past President Todd Wilkinson. “It is an honor to recognize these regional winners who utilize innovative practices and epitomize environmental stewardship.”

Established in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Regional winners come from every corner of the country and undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources. The selection committee determined winners based on eligible applications received from six of the seven regions. The 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional Winners are:

• Region I: Tuck Farms, Moneta, Virginia

• Region II: JB Ranch, Immokalee, Florida

• Region IV: G Bar C Ranch, Rosston, Texas

• Region V: Tower Rock Ranch, LLC, Mansfield, Washington

• Region VI: Hart Ranch, Montague, California

• Region VII: Bartholomay Kattle Kompany, Sheldon, North Dakota

“When I think of protecting, conserving and regenerating our natural resources in Texas, I think of the Ellis Family and G Bar C Ranch,” said Chad Ellis, CEO of Texas Agricultural Land Trust. “Meredith Ellis’ commitment to stewarding her land has not only made a positive impact on the agricultural community, but has also gained her a following from the general public.”

G Bar C Ranch, located north of Dallas, is committed to continually improving ranching practices in ways that nurture the environment.

The Ellis family view themselves as caretakers of the land, maintaining biodiversity, natural habitat and clean waterways. The ranch implements an adaptive multi-paddock strategy that rotates cattle through 58 permanently fenced pastures. The family also strives to keep carbon stored in the soil by minimizing disturbance.

Wheat Creek runs through the ranch and eventually feeds into the Trinity River, which is a water source responsible for half of Texans’ water needs. The Ellis family grazes in a manner that keeps the vegetative filters and sponges working effectively and prevents erosion, keeping water clear and pure. The ranch is a living laboratory and opens its gates to researchers from organizations, universities and other institutions.

“We are dedicated to raising the highest quality cattle while putting the environment first,” said Meredith Ellis of G Bar C Ranch. “Our stewardship to the land benefits everyone.”

Dan Gattis

Meredith Ellis

NEW DIRECTOR SELECTED FOR TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER AT LUBBOCK

Todd Baughman, Ph.D., has returned to Texas to serve as director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. He began April 1, replacing longtime director Jaroy Moore, Ph.D., who retired.

“We are very pleased to have Dr. Baughman return to Texas A&M and lead our research efforts at Lubbock,” said G. Cliff Lamb, director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “His leadership will be critical as the center works to strengthen agricultural systems and economies in the South Plains and address key agricultural issues through innovative research.”

The Texas A&M AgriLife center at Lubbock is one of 13 centers across Texas working to advance research, public outreach and educational programs throughout the state. Each center tailors its mission to meet the needs of the region.

In taking the leadership role at the center, Baughman said his priorities will be the continued development of research and Extension programs supporting the agricultural industry in the Southern High Plains and ensure the success and viability of producers and agricultural industry in that region.

Baughman served as a professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service crop production specialist and statewide peanut specialist for 15 years, from 1996 to 2011, in the Rolling Plains before joining Oklahoma State University as a professor and weed scientist.

A native of Cache, Oklahoma, he earned his doctorate in weed science from Mississippi State University, and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in agronomy from Oklahoma State University.

A STRONG FINISH FOR BEEF EXPORTS

While 2023 U.S. beef exports were below the record totals posted the previous year, December exports were the largest since August — and December export value increased 10% year-over-year. That’s according to yearend data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

December exports of U.S. beef totaled 108,497 metric tons, down 4% year-over-year but the largest since August. Export value was also the highest since August and climbed 10% year-over-year to $860.8 million.

2023 beef exports totaled 1.29 million metric tons, down 12% from the 2022 record. While export value fell 15% to just under $10 billion, this was still the third highest annual value for beef exports.

Mexico’s demand for U.S. beef continued to strengthen in December, pushing 2023 exports to the largest volume since 2019 and export value to $1.19 billion, the second highest on record.

Beef exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic were record-large in 2023, while shipments also trended higher to Hong Kong, Africa and Peru.

While December exports to leading market South Korea remained lower than a year ago in volume, export value — at $220.6 million — was the highest in 18 months. This helped push December export value per head of fed slaughter to $431.50, the highest since April. For the year, per-head export value averaged $397.04.

“There is no question that 2023 was a challenging year for U.S. beef exports, especially in our largest Asian markets where economic conditions have weighed on foodservice demand,” said U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom.

“Of course, we were also challenged on the supply side, with less product available for export. But nevertheless, U.S. beef achieved excellent growth in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and we are encouraged by the December uptick in demand in South Korea and China. It was also great to see such strong per-head export value in December, topping $430.”

SOCIETY FOR RANGE MANAGEMENT GATHERS FOR ANNUAL MEETING, RECOGNIZES PAST TSCRA PRESIDENT

More than 1,600 range enthusiasts varying from agency personnel to students and ranch managers to industry professionals experienced “Change on the Range” in February during the Society for Range Management’s 77th Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nevada.

Wrapping up the four-day event was the annual business meeting where new officers were installed and the awards ceremony, where 13 professionals were honored and student competition winners were announced.

Marking their dedication and service to rangeland science and management were the most prestigious awards with the presentation of the Frederic G. Renner Award to Karen Launchbaugh; the W.R. Chapline Land Stewardship Award to Bob McCann, a past Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association president; and the W.R. Chapline Research Award to Brandon Bestelmeyer.

The Society for Range Management’s 2023 President Barry Perryman, of Nevada, passed the gavel to Karen Hickman, of Oklahoma; and Jeff Goodwin, of Texas, became the first vice president, while John Walker, also of Texas, filled the role of second vice president. T C

Todd Baughman

Join or renew your membership today.

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To learn more about membership, scan the code above or visit TSCRA.org.

We appreciate all the sponsors and partners who support our organization year after year.

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ASK AN AG ACCOUNTANT

Ranching 101 webinar scheduled for April 16.

Join Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers

Association for the next Ranching 101 session

Tuesday, April 16 at 1 p.m. This solution-based webinar will address questions about accounting and finances relating to tax season and beyond.

Interested members can register by scanning the QR code below.

The featured speaker is Brandt Self, who leads CLA’s agribusiness industry group for Texas and the surrounding states. He dedicates most of his time to serving farmers, ranchers and processors.

In his role, Self identifies opportunities and creative solutions for clients through tax research, planning, and compliance for privately owned businesses and their owners. Realizing each client is unique, Self has fostered deep relationships and trust by getting to know them and helping them with their needs.

Because he grew up in a small North Texas town, he understands the industry’s issues and strives to help his clients improve their operations.

Ranching 101 webinars are presented by Ag Trust and provide participants with practical, sound guidance on the tools and equipment needed to get started in ranching or land ownership. The monthly webinar is available online on the third Tuesday of every month. Registration is complimentary for any association member. Visit tscra.org to learn more. T C

Brandt Self

OBITUARIES

GENE

S. “PRIMO” WALKER JR., 66, of Mirando City, died Jan. 29. Walker was a graduate of Texas Christian University’s ranch management program, where he honed his passion for the cattle industry.

His life revolved around his love for cattle trading. He served as a director of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, where he dedicated his time and expertise to the betterment of ranching practices.

Those close to him said his word was his bond, earning him the respect and trust of his colleagues and friends.

Beyond his professional achievements, Walker cherished the teachings of the Bible, and John 14:6 held particular significance in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Carllyn Walker; children, Jeffory Carl Walker, Cathy Elizabeth (Kevin) Walker Reed, Kandy Elaine Walker and Marygene Walker; grandchildren, William, Rheya, Michael, Memphis, Wyatt, Rayce, Virgil, Genie and Gene III.; siblings, Elizabeth Walker and Kathleen “Kandy” Walker; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

MILTON (MILT)

G. THOMAS, PH.D., 58, of Weesatche, died Feb. 15.

Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in dairy science-reproductive physiology, both from the University of Missouri. In 1994, he earned a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology from Texas A&M University.

Throughout his career, he served as a professor and chair at New Mexico State University and Colorado State University. Since 2022, Thomas led a research program in beef cattle systems at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in Beeville. His ongoing research included a collaboration with a USDA project known

as germplasm evaluation. The goal was to increase knowledge of fitness traits of Brahman-influenced cattle in the Gulf Coast region.

Over the years, his research collaborations took him to Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Brazil before he returned to his Texas roots and moved to his family’s cattle ranch in Goliad County.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Dora Vasquez Thomas; sons, Joshua Glen (Crystal) Thomas and John (Caitlyn) Flores; father, Charles G. Thomas; sisters, Donna Truitt and Julie Loudon; and one grandchild, Kamille Grace Flores.

JAMES PATRICK “RICK” WALKER SR., 63, of Laredo, died Jan. 29.

Throughout his life, Walker was actively involved in various charitable organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project and the veteran community. One of his most cherished accomplishments was hosting the Annual Hero Hunt, where veterans engaged in therapeutic and healing activities.

Walker, a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association member, was also passionate about environmental conservation. His involvement in soil conversion projects demonstrated his commitment to preserving and improving the land.

He is survived by his fiancée, Karen M. Schafman; children, James Patrick (Janet) Walker Jr., Amanda Emma L. (Dustin) Walker Hayes, Sarah (Jordan) Nelson and Whitney (Joey) White; grandchildren, Travis Walker, Mira Hayes, Jiana Hayes, Nova Hayes, Vivian Nelson, Miles Nelson, Bryson White and Jackson White; siblings, Elizabeth Walker and Kathleen “Kandy” Walker; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. T C

DISTRICT 7 — NORTHWEST TEXAS

Angus cattle missing in Stonewall County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Jay Foster reports black Angus cattle missing in the vicinity of Old Glory. The mature cattle are branded with a Dream Catcher freeze brand on the left hip. Some of the cattle are branded with a four-number freeze brand and the Gardiner Angus Ranch freeze brand on the left hip. The calves are not branded. The owner discovered horse tracks at the high fence with a busted lock and gate left open. The cattle were last seen in January.

Miniature horse killed in Throckmorton.

Foster also reports a 7-year-old miniature bay horse shot and killed on County Road 302. The incident occurred Feb. 8. The horse belonged to a 3-year-old from Throckmorton. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Foster at 940-475-0295.

DISTRICT 11 — NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS

Three heifers missing in Denton County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Brad Oliver reports three black AngusWaygu cross heifers missing. The heifers range from 700 to 1,000 pounds and have no brands. Evidence found suggests the heifers were loaded from a set of pens on the ranch and ear tags were removed. The heifers were last seen Jan. 24. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Oliver at 903-328-8023.

DISTRICT 13 — EAST TEXAS

White yearling killed in Smith County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Larry Hand reports a yearling killed in Smith County. The white yearling weighed approximately 450 pounds. On the morning of Feb. 11, the owner discovered an unknown person(s) had killed and butchered the yearling for meat. The incident occurred near the roadway of Smith County Road 384, four miles east of Tyler. Missing t-post clips, tire tracks and intact entrails were found near the crime scene. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Hand at 903-571-3488.

DISTRICT 17 — WEST TEXAS

Calves missing in Borden County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special

Ranger Mike Beggs reports five calves missing. The approximately 500-pound black calves have a “Box S” brand on the left hip with a red ear tag and ear crop in the left ear. They were last seen Dec. 10. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Beggs at 432-788-1884.

DISTRICT 20 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Four cow-calf pairs missing in Burnet County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Kenny Murchison reports four cow-calf pairs missing near FM 690. The black 4-year-old cows have numbered ear tags in the right ear and are freeze branded with “Rocking R” on the left shoulder. The calves have no brands or markings. The cattle were last seen December 2023. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Murchison at 512-705-3226.

DISTRICT 22 — EAST TEXAS

Charolais heifers missing in Freestone County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Brent Mast reports three Charolais heifers missing off County Road 781. The heifers have yellow ear tags in their left ears numbered L41, L49 and L58 with “SWS” tattoos. Heifers numbered L41 and L49 are branded with “SWS” on their left hip. They were last seen Dec. 11. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Mast at 936-714-6619.

DISTRICT 24 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Tractor stolen in Fort Bend County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Daniel Risinger reports a 1977 red International tractor with a loader stolen from a property off the corner of Nails Road and Sanders Road. The tractor has a Black 3-point hay fork attached. The serial number of the tractor is 2510189015139. The entry gate lock was cut to steal the tractor. The suspect(s) used the tractor to load 21 hay bales before stealing it from the property. The tractor was last seen Feb. 12.

Horse missing in Austin County.

Risinger also reports a bay mare missing from a property on Hluchan Road. The mare is branded with “HG” on the left shoulder. The horse was last seen Feb. 12. The fence had been cut and it appears the horse was loaded in a trailer on the back side of the property. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Risinger at 979-292-5132.

DISTRICT 25 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

John Deere tractor stolen in Guadalupe County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Fields reports a John Deere 3255 tractor stolen from a property off Rudeloff Road in Seguin. The tractor is a 100 horsepower, front-wheel assist with a hard John Deere canopy and a frontend loader with hay fork attached. The PIN number is CGRG037155360. The tractor was last seen Jan. 15.

Attempted cattle theft in Guadalupe County. Fields also reports attempted cattle theft off State Highway 123 in Seguin. Between Jan. 9-17, unknown suspects entered the victim’s property and penned cattle in an attempt to steal the livestock.

Gray Brahman heifer missing in Goliad County.

The special ranger reports a Gray Brahman heifer missing off East Main Street. The yearling heifer has a yellow ear tag No. 76 in left ear and has no brands or markings. She was last seen Feb. 7. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Fields at 361-207-5207.

DISTRICT 26 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Three Angus-cross cows missing in San Saba County. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Todd Jennings reports three black, motley faced Angus cows missing from a property on Ranch Road 223. The 2-year-old bred cows have an over bit crop in the left ear and pink ear tag in the right ear. They are branded with an “A over T” connected on their left rib. The cattle were last seen Dec. 31.

Theft & Law

Cattle missing in Coleman County.

Jennings also reports one cow, three heifers and two bulls missing off County Round 300. The cattle are: one brindle dairy-cross cow; three Red Angus heifers; one black Angus bull; and one red-and-white crossbred bull. The brindle cow is branded with No. 6 on left hip and has a swallow fork cut in left ear. The heifers and bulls have no brands or markings. The cattle were last seen Nov. 16.

Two cow-calf pairs missing in Mason County.

The special ranger reports two black Angus cow-calf pairs missing from a property near Loyal Valley. The cows have white ear tags in the right ear, over bit crop in the left ear and are branded with “B over lazy open A.” The calves have white ear tags in the right ear, an over bit crop in the left ear and no brands. They were last seen August 2023. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Jennings at 830-997-7585. T C

TSCRA offers a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and/or grand jury indictment of individuals for theft of livestock or related property. Anonymity is guaranteed. To provide information, call the Operation Cow Thief tip line at 817-916-1775.

B:8"

T:8"

S:7.5"

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THE 411 ON EPDS

Evaluating EPDs proves beneficial to herd goals and genetics.

By Kristen Brown

The theoretical toolbelt of a cattleman must contain an assortment of instruments to manage their herd profitably. Specific tools meet the demand of certain tasks, and when it comes to accomplishing production goals, evaluating and applying EPDs fits the bill.

With an eye toward continued improvement in efficiency and quality, cattle producers began utilizing measurable facts to compare sires more than 60 years ago. These recorded data points became known as expected progeny differences, an educated prediction of the future progeny’s traits.

Emily Lochner, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association executive director of engagement and education, discussed the building blocks of EPDs on a recent TSCRA Talk podcast. She explained how an EPD is calculated using the pedigree and recorded data of the individual animal.

As the animal matures and produces offspring, additional numbers including weaning weight, yearling weight, scrotal circumference and more will be uploaded into breed association databases. If the progeny are fed out and used for beef production, carcass records such as ribeye area, fat thickness, marbling, days on feed and more can be added to the database — impacting the entire family tree.

The more records that are added to each animal, the higher the EPD accuracy, which is scored on a 0.0 to 1.0 scale. Lochner said a virgin animal with few familial records may have EPD accuracies of 0.10; whereas, an AI sire with thousands of progeny records, may have EPD accuracies closer to 0.90.

The more data available, the more reliable the prediction.

The evolution and complexity of EPDs continues to evolve as technology enables a deeper look at the makeup of individual animals through DNA testing of a blood, hair or tissue sample; these data points are known as genomically enhanced EPDs, or GE-EPDs.

“Geneticists are exceptionally intelligent in the way that they fold those genetic markers into the EPD calculations,” Lochner said. “They take a genetic marker and say, ‘This one is an indicator for higher or lower birth weight, or higher or lower marbling or ribeye size,’ and add that into the calculation.”

The genetic profile can also be used to confirm parentage and identify whether the animal is a recessive carrier for diseases, birth defects or even hide color.

Ranching

Applying EPDs

Lochner encouraged producers to clarify the production goals as a first step before evaluating and using EPDs for sire selection.

“Establish what it is that you are going to be doing with your calves, because your end production goal is, in my opinion, the strongest driver of your purchase of a bull,” Lochner said. “I also think folding into that conversation where you’re located in the state or in the country is also going to make a big impact on your bull selection, as well.”

If the purpose of the calves is beef production, Lochner said carcass traits, which are 70-80% heritable from one generation to the next, will be the top priority.

“If you are raising replacement heifers, I’m going to look at things like calving ease or birth weight or milk or stayability,” Lochner said. “Most breeds have a column called ‘stayability,’ and that is defined as an animal’s ability to remain in the herd longer than six years. It’s kind of like a longevity EPD.”

Another tool in producers’ belts are indexes, a combination of EPD subsets that explore specific production goals. Each breed association categorizes its indexes uniquely; this information can be located on the breed association website.

“The American Angus Association has a $B column, which stands for dollar beef. That column is a combination of terminal traits like marbling, carcass weight, fat thickness and rib eye area,” Lochner explained. “They also take into account other feedyardbound traits like dry matter intake and average daily gain, days on feed, and yearling weight, as well.

“If you’re really looking for a one-stop shop to simplify the EPDs, dollar indexes are going to be a great place for you to look.”

As sale day approaches, making a phone call to the seedstock producer can prove beneficial as they can discuss bulls that will fit the operation’s production goals — ultimately, they want the producer to be successful.

“Always go look at the bull and calculate in the animal’s phenotypic physical traits because that plays into your factor, as well,” Lochner said. “This should never be a one-trait selection.

“You should never buy a bull only because he has a high $B value index or the lowest birth weight. If he doesn’t physically meet the needs of the herd, then that’s counterproductive; just as equally is only looking at the physical part of the animal and not calculating in EPDs. It’s all the tools in your tool belt that you need.” T C

Kristen

Quick Reference

Production EPDs:

Calving Ease Direct (CED) — expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births, with a higher value indicating greater calving ease in firstcalf heifers.

Birth Weight (BW) — expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to that of other sires.

Weaning Weight (WW) — expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit weaning growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires.

Yearling Weight (YW) — expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit yearling growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires.

Scrotal Circumference (SC) — expressed in centimeters, is a predictor of the difference in transmitting ability for scrotal size compared to that of other sires.

Maternal EPDs:

Maternal Milk (MILK) — a predictor of a sire's genetic merit for milk and mothering ability as expressed in his daughters compared to daughters of other sires.

Carcass EPDs:

Carcass Weight (CW) — expressed in pounds, is a predictor of the differences in hot carcass weight of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires.

Marbling (MARB) — expressed as a fraction of the difference in USDA marbling score of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires.

Ribeye Area (REA) — expressed in square inches, is a predictor of the difference in ribeye area of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires.

Fat Thickness (FAT) — expressed in inches, is a predictor of the differences in external fat thickness at the 12th rib, as measured between the 12th and 13th ribs, of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires.

Source: American Angus Association

Brown, from Dalhart, is host of the TSCRA Talk podcast.

TIGHT SUPPLIES

U.S. beef cattle herd smallest since 1951.

By Adam Russell

The Texas beef cattle herd could be on its way to a rebuild after hitting its lowest numbers in a decade, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist in the department of agricultural economics, and Jason Cleere, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide beef cattle specialist in the department of animal science, both in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Bryan-College Station, said Mother Nature will determine whether the state’s beef cattle herd continues to shrink or rebounds.

Both agreed that rebuilding herd numbers will rely heavily on rain and soil moisture supporting forage production for grazing through 2024 and winter feeding into spring 2025.

According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service cattle inventory report released Jan. 31, the nation’s beef cow herd fell 2% since last year to 28.2 million head. Anderson said the report estimate is the lowest number of U.S. beef cows since 1951.

The beef cattle herd in Texas is the smallest — at 4.1 million head — since 2014. The Texas herd started to recover from the 2011-2012 drought after that low point.

From 2010 to 2014, Anderson said the Texas herd shrunk from 5.14 million to 3.9 million, a 24% decline.

There were 4.65 million beef cows in 2019, but those numbers have fallen 12% since, due to the drought’s impact on forage production in back-toback years.

Declining beef cattle numbers across the state ripple into national markets because Texas carries 14.6% of the U.S. herd.

Like a big ship reversing course, Anderson said rebuilding cattle herds takes time.

“Higher sale prices are an incentive for producers to expand the herd, but a lot of producers have been feeding hay since midJuly, and that has led to deeper culling of herds,” Anderson said. “The stage is set to expand, but the key is rainfall and conditions allowing producers to hold back replacement heifers that are the future of our herds.”

Calf prices riding producer optimism

Cleere said recent rainfall has greatly improved soil moisture indexes and stock tank water levels around the state. That soil moisture has fueled optimism among producers, and he suspects it has impacted recent spikes in calf prices at local cattle markets.

The stage is set to expand, but the key is rainfall and conditions allowing producers to hold back replacement heifers.”

—

David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension economist

Left — Beef cattle prices remain strong, but the Texas herd has continued to shrink due to drought and back-to-back years of below average grazing and hay production. Recent rainfall has provided some optimism to producers for 2024. Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Michael Miller.

Ranching

“I think producers are eager to keep replacement heifers, but they’ve also been struggling to hold on to cows,” Cleere said. “The rainfall has provided more optimism. Calf prices have been crazy good the last couple of weeks.”

For example, Anderson said the combined calf price data from Texas auctions showed prices for 500- to 600-pound calves increased from $273 to $299 per hundredweight in late January into February.

Cleere said the increase in calf prices could be related to producers buying calves because they have available grazing on cool-season forages like wheat and ryegrass. Recent rains should significantly improve spring forage production in cool-season forage pastures.

Good spring grazing conditions should help producers as calving begins, Cleere said.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service report estimated the U.S. calf crop at 33.6 million head, down 2% from 2022. Based on several palpation reports around the state, Cleere said Texas producers could see a lighter spring calving season due to factors like heatrelated stress during the summer.

Cleere also shared concerns about seeing belowaverage body condition scores in bred cows. Low body condition scores could impact not only this calf crop, but also recovery times for breeding and cows’ ability to carry a calf to term.

While optimism is high among cattle producers now, Cleere said last year was an example of how quickly conditions can turn. There was optimism that the 2022 drought was breaking in parts of the state following winter and spring rain, but by May, the dry, hot conditions set in and did not let up.

He encouraged producers to find ways to optimize current conditions, but to stick to plans that protect their operation’s long-term ability to hold cattle. Both Cleere and Anderson agree all market indicators point to even higher calf prices as the state and national herds rebuild.

“The big thing is, as we start spring calving, we need to make sure those cattle remain in good body condition so they can be bred,” he said. “I know producers are stretching hay supplies, but we need to be thinking about the next calf crop right now.” T C

“We will get grass coming our way because we take care of it. I have come to the conclusion that one of the best management solutions for grass is to spray.”

- Mike Wiggins, Wiggins Ranch

The solution to maximizing gain, while getting ahead in the fight against weeds and brush, lies in prevention. NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN THE LAND.

Adam Russell is a communication specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife.

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Space is limited. Visit ranch.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7145.

ANAPLASMOSIS: AN ONGOING BATTLE

Keep watch for signs and symptoms of this impactful disease.

By Rosslyn Biggs, DVM

Bovine anaplasmosis is caused by the rickettsial bacteria, Anaplasma marginale.

Anaplasmosis results in tremendous production losses and creates negative economic impacts for both the U.S. beef and dairy industries. Producers continue to battle this infectious disease, which is the most common tick-transmitted disease found in cattle across the globe.

The bacteria invades red blood cells of ruminants leading to early clinical signs such as fever, anemia, pale mucous membranes, weakness and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, excitement, jaundice, incoordination and death may be seen.

do not show clinical signs and serve as a source of infection for unexposed cattle.

Under times of significant stress, such as pregnancy or exposure to a new strain, carrier animals can revert to exhibiting clinical signs including death.

Dr. Rosslyn Briggs

Abortions and retained placentas may also increase in herds with clinical anaplasmosis. It typically takes four to eight weeks following the date of infection for signs to become evident. Signs are most severe in animals greater than two years old, although cattle may be infected at any age.

Cattle that recover from initial infection become carriers of the agent for life. Carrier animals typically

Transmission can occur in several ways. Both ticks and biting flies transmit anaplasmosis. Wildlife with infected ticks can also play a role in spreading the disease as they travel across fence lines, transporting the ticks with them.

Infected cows may also transmit the agent to their unborn calves transplacentally. Equipment contaminated with infected blood, such as injection needles used on multiple animals, is another common mechanism to transmit the bacteria. Diagnosis of anaplasmosis is through blood testing.

When attempting to treat cattle with clinical signs, extreme care should be taken as the stress of handling may lead to death due to the anemic state of certain animals. Oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline are approved for control of the agent, and enrofloxacin

is labeled to treat initial infections in certain classes of beef cattle. Supportive treatment such as blood transfusions may also be needed.

There are currently no approved antimicrobials in the U.S. labeled to eliminate the anaplasmosis carrier status.

With limited options to address the disease, pharmaceutical stewardship must be considered when reaching for antimicrobials used in the treatment and control of anaplasmosis to maintain long-term product effectiveness.

There are currently no commercially available USDAapproved vaccines for preventing anaplasmosis. In some states, conditionally approved vaccines may be obtained. These vaccines may prevent anaplasmosisrelated deaths, but do not prevent infected cattle from becoming carriers and are not protective against all anaplasmosis strains.

Determining herd anaplasmosis status is important to developing an approach to the disease. Testing of new introductions prior to purchase or turnout is also recommended, especially if animals are sourced from areas not known to be endemic for anaplasmosis.

Other biosecurity measures that can contribute to control and management include maintaining a closed herd and preventing reuse of contaminated equipment during vaccination and other processing times. Producers should consult with their veterinarian regarding the best approach for treatment and control specific to their operation. T C

Rosslyn Biggs is an assistant clinical professor, beef cattle Extension specialist and director of continuing education for Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Determining herd anaplasmosis status is important to developing an approach to the disease.”

— Dr. Rosslyn Briggs, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Cattle that recover from an initial anaplasmosis infection become carriers of the agent for life.

THE POWER OF TWO

Unveiling business benefits of group insurance.

By Jaclyn Roberts Parrish

In the realm of business, size often dictates available resources. However, it is not the case for important access to healthcare. Businesses can provide customized and comprehensive coverage with as few as two individuals through group insurance policies.

Cattle Raisers Insurance, a full-service insurance brokerage affiliated with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, says group insurance is a helpful tool for cattle raisers who want to customize their healthcare coverage, while also providing helpful tax benefits.

Executive Director of Insurance Services at Cattle Raisers Insurance Michele Woodham brings more than 25 years of comprehensive experience in both group and individual benefit product offerings.

offer small businesses the flexibility to tailor their plans to meet unique needs and preferences.

“If you have a group larger than 10, 20 or 40 people, then that risk claim is spread across a larger population,” Woodham says. “But even in two-person group policies, the risk is spread between those two people equally and can be beneficial.”

“Being in the insurance industry, I’ve seen some devastation over the years,” Woodham says. “It’s important make insurance a priority in order to protect everything you have worked so hard for — or even generations have worked so hard for.”

Group insurance policies through Cattle Raisers Insurance can include medical services, dental and vision care for employees.

Group insurance policies help pool a large number of employees into one policy to negotiate favorable rates. By spreading the risk across a group, businesses can mitigate the financial burden of healthcare expenses and premiums can remain affordable compared to individual policies.

However, small groups can still recognize these benefits. A large part of this is due to an employer’s ability to customize coverage. Group insurance policies

Many small businesses also find value in group insurance policies through support from their broker, like Cattle Raisers Insurance. Dedicated customer service representatives help business owners and their employees navigate enrollment, billing and claims processing, an often overlooked benefit of insurance services.

Unlike open enrollment, group insurance policies need not be negotiated during specific windows each year. Businesses can explore group insurance policies at any time.

“A primary reason why most employers or small groups opt for a group insurance plan is appealing PPO networks, providing access to a range of providers within or outside the doctor network,” Woodham says. “Offering group insurance fosters a healthy working relationship when extended to employees, staff or family members.”

She says their goal at Cattle Raisers Insurance is to offer high-level customer service with any concern, whether it's a claim, billing issue or coverage issue.

“My staff and I will personally handle these for our clients, rather than dealing directly with carriers like Blue Cross, United or Aetna,” Woodham says.

To learn more about the benefits of group insurance or to begin a free quote, visit cattleraisersinsurance.com. T C

Michele Woodham

FOR GROUP INSURANCE THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT

Cattle Raisers Insurance offers health insurance plans to groups as small as two people, and you do not need to be a member of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to qualify.

Learn more about how you can customize insurance coverage outside of open enrollment periods through Cattle Raisers Insurance.

EXPANDED COVERAGE | LOWER PREMIUMS | LESS VOLATILITY

Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or call us at 800.252.2849

Licensed in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma

WHAT PLANT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL?

Yellow

YBy Kent Ferguson

Photo by R.W. Smith, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

ellow wild indigo is a warm-season, native perennial forb growing throughout Central Texas and parts of East Texas. It is not found in the state’s more arid regions.

The plant is also known as yellow bush-pea, false wild indigo, green wild indigo and by several other regional names.

Yellow wild indigo:

• Is a stout, erect plant with several branching stems reaching more than 3 feet tall and wide. Its large rootstock makes it very resilient.

• Has blue-green leaves that are alternate, palmately divided into three leaflets up to 3 to 4 inches long. Upper leaflets may only have one or two at the stem’s end.

• Produces bright yellow flowers from April to May, which are five-petaled, pea-like and about 1-inch

long on a short stalk. There will be up to 20 flower heads per raceme.

• Produces light brown seeds from a beaked pod that are a 0.5 to 0.75 inch long.

Yellow wild indigo can be slightly toxic to livestock if eaten in large amounts, although once dried, it is palatable and presents no problems. The plant does not have much value for white-tailed deer, but the dried pods containing seeds are utilized by birds.

Easy to spot by its bright yellow flowers in the spring, the plant goes dormant in late summer and turns dark brown, appearing like a rounded mass of foliage. After frost, it will turn silver-gray, break off from the root at the soil surface and blow like a tumbleweed. T C

Kent Ferguson, a retired rangeland management specialist from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides plant identification photo stories to help ranchers

GET MORE FROM YOUR PASTURES & RANGELAND

In key locations across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, Helena has branches staffed with people who can provide landowners, ranchers and wildlife enthusiasts with all their management needs.

For more information, contact your local Helena representative or visit HelenaAgri.com.

wild indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa)

Jordan Cattle Auction…

Where Cattlemen Come to Buy and Sell!

Spring “Best of the Best” Replacement Female Sale

Saturday,April13@10:00a.m.–SanSaba

Offeringqualitypair,bredcows,bredheifers,and openorexposedheifers.Don’tmissyouropportunity tobuysomeofthebestfemalesinthecountry!

Thesellerandbuyerofthetop-sellingfemales ineachoftheclasseswillreceiveatrophy. Allcattlewillbefiveyearsofageoryounger!

May Replacement Female Sale

Saturday,May4@10:00a.m.–SanSaba ConsignmentsWelcome!

Special Bull Offering

Inconjunctionwithourregularsale.Bullswillsellat10a.m.Bullswill befertilitytested,meettrichrequirements,andreadytogotowork.

Thursday,April4@10:00a.m.–SanSaba

FeaturingSTSRangerRegistered Angus&HickorySandBrangusBulls

BooksareClosed!

WEEKLY SALES HELD AT 11:00 a.m.

Monday – Mason Thursday – San Saba

Formoreinfoonabove salesoronlineviewing andbidding,pleasecall orvisitourwebsite.

Maximize your fertilizer applications by protecting the nitrogen above and below the soil surface and enhancing nutrient uptake with NITREA.

The NITREA product line is proven to increase yields, enhance hay quality, and promote faster growing crops. Studies have shown 15% increases in TDN and 57% increases in yield over untreated urea. Improving yield and hay quality will ensure the strength and health of your cattle.

Learn how you can provide your livestock with premium nutrition at www.AgronX.com or by calling (209) 988-5162

Ranching

BQA TIP: HAY STORAGE STRATEGIES

In many ways, hay storage impacts the quantity of hay purchased and overall cost of the winter feeding program.

Strategies to reduce storage loss will vary based on annual rainfall. In most environments, round bales stored outside should be stacked in long rows with

the flat ends situated against each other. At least 3 feet should be left between rows to allow sunlight and wind to dry the bales quicker after it rains.

Hay should not be stacked under trees as this delays drying. Storage sites with well-drained soil will help reduce loss on the bottom of bales. T C

Photo by Jerod Foster

There’s no place more beautiful in the world. Which is why you’d never work in the city, spending years to get an office with a view. You’ve had this view from day one. It’s why we love working with people like you — offering loan and insurance products that help you run a successful ranch. And we think you’d love working with us. Because as a member, you’d share in our success with cooperative returns. How’s that for a bonus?

To learn more, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com.

BRINGING MORE Beef to the Table

Brookshire Brothers showcases beef in stores.

Texas Beef Council is partnering with Brookshire Brothers grocery stores throughout the Lone Star State to promote beef purchases by highlighting beef as a meal solution for busy families.

Beef cuts at 120 Brookshire Brothers stores will feature new, on-package labels with the logo of Beef Loving Texans, the council’s consumer-facing brand that aims to bring more Texans to the table over a shared love of beef. The labels will also include a recipe and cooking instructions for grilling, stir frying, slow cooking, broiling and marinating.

“We’ve worked with Brookshire Brothers in the past to implement on-pack beef labels,” said Jason Bagley, Texas Beef Council vice president of beef resources. “We’re excited to see how our new labels with recipes and cooking methods will drive beef purchases both in stores and online.”

The labels aim to encourage beef purchases for celebrations like spring cookouts and summer grilling, but also to showcase beef’s everyday role in convenient, budget-friendly meals.

According to the Power of Meat 2023, an annual study of shopper habits, inflation will likely continue to drive consumers to prepare more restaurant-style meals at home. Recipes are another critical factor for consumers, with 52% saying they cook from a recipe at least once a week in a study conducted on behalf of the Beef Checkoff.

“Our research tells us that our target audience of Texans are interested in quick and easy recipes. They’re more willing to purchase beef if they understand how to prepare it,” said Rachel Chou, director of consumer marketing. “Through these point-of-sale tactics with Brookshire Brothers, we’re highlighting beef as a quick, delicious and nutritious meal solution for consumers who are wondering what to make for dinner tonight.”

Texas Beef Council plans to continue furthering relationships with Texas-based retailers in order to provide tools and resources that help meat market managers positively engage with customers about all beef brings to the table. T C

Story and photos courtesy of Texas Beef Council

FROM SADDLE TO Courtroom

TSCRA director committed to defending ranchers and upholding justice.

By Shelby Kirton

The daily life of Heath Hemphill is somewhat of a dual journey. He often greets the new day sun while horseback on the ranch, then in the span of a few hours, shifts from the saddle to the seat of justice.

“It’s not uncommon for me to spend the morning working cattle horseback to prosecuting criminals in the courtroom, and then back to the ranch, changing into work clothes to finish out the day,” says Hemphill, who has dedicated 25 years to practicing law, with the last 16 as the Coleman County District Attorney.

His shared passion for cattle ranching and the justice system has allowed him to serve the area’s livestock producers and landowners in many ways.

This commitment was exemplified during a pivotal case in Coleman County, where Hemphill collaborated with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association special rangers in pursuit of two first-degree felony charges against cattle thieves.

Following the case, he also assisted with legislative efforts to raise the stakes on cattle theft to a thirddegree felony. Because of Hemphill’s extensive efforts assisting special rangers, he was recognized by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association as the 2016 Prosecutor of the Year.

A love of the cattle industry goes back generations in Hemphill’s family. He was among the fifth generation to grow up participating in the family’s commercial cattle, horse breeding and hunting ventures in Coleman County.

Hemphill’s journey led him to Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science, laying the groundwork for his return to the family ranch. He then decided to pursue a juris doctorate and enrolled in Texas Tech University’s School of Law.

Hemphill was elected to the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association board of directors in 2016 and has since been involved in the law enforcement, tax and legislative, cattle health and well-being, and legal advisory committees. He says he feels strongly about ensuring the association benefits he has recognized will continue to be accessible by others.

“In Austin, TSCRA keeps a foothold in the legislature for us cattle raisers to have a voice,” Hemphill says. “And in addition to insurance and cattle theft protection, TSCRA encompasses valuable networking opportunities with fellow producers.”

For those seeking to get plugged into Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Hemphill offers this advice.

“Just get involved,” Hemphill says. “Put your hand in the air and ask questions. If you want to become involved, cattle raisers will help you find a place.”

The most rewarding aspect of his life is delivering a top-notch product to consumers, he says, evident in his pride when loading calves on shipping day.

He hopes that call continues for the next generation at Hemphill Land & Cattle.

Away from the ranch and courtroom, Hemphill says he enjoys spending time with his wife of 24 years, Danyelle, and 15-year-old twins, Ethan and Hadley. T C

Heath Hemphill with his father, Joe Pat Hemphill, who is a TSCRA Honorary Director. Courtesy photo.

PASTURE RANGELAND AND FORAGE (PRF).

It is always wonderful to be part of the TSCRA convention in Fort Worth. It was our privilege to present PRF Coverage 101 at the School for Successful Ranching again this year. We would like to thank those that attended our presentation. We would also like to thank everyone for coming by the Specialized Crop Insurance booth. It was a real pleasure to meet and talk with each of you. If you were not able to make the convention but would like to know more about PRF, give us a call and we can discuss how PRF is supposed to work for you.

At SCI we have been writing PRF for years and truly understand how it works best in the wet and dry years. Personally, and professionally, we can confidently advocate for this product. PRF can work incredibly well when set up correctly. We would be happy to talk over the phone, meet with you one on one, whatever is best for you. Give us 20 minutes, and we will show you why those thoughtless, spread across the entire year, cookie-cutter polices are so flawed.

ARTHUR G. UHL 111 President

4040 Broadway St., Ste. 430

San Antonio, Texas 78209

CARL RAY POLK JR.

First Vice President

P.O. Box 155108 Lufkin, Texas 75915

STEPHEN DIEBEL

Second Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer

3907 Salem Rd. Victoria, Texas 77904

PAST PRESIDENTS

John M. “Jack” Shelton III Amarillo, 1984-1986

James L. Powell San Angelo, 1988-1990

Tom Beard Alpine, 1994-1995

C. Coney Burgess Amarillo, 1997-1999

J. Mark McLaughlin San Angelo, 1999-2001

John E. Dudley Comanche, 2001-2003

Bob McCan Victoria, 2003-2005

C.R. “Dick” Sherron Beaumont, 2005-2007

Jon Means Van Horn, 2007-2009

Dave Scott Richmond, 2009-2011

Joe J. Parker Byers, 2011-2013

Pete Bonds

Saginaw, 2013-2016

Richard Thorpe lll Winters, 2016-2018

Robert E. McKnight Jr. Fort Davis, 2018-2020

G. Hughes Abell Austin, 2020-2022

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS

Jack Hunt San Juan Capistrano, California

Richard Wortham Austin

EXECUTIVE STAFF HEADQUARTERS

P.O. Box 101988

Fort Worth, Texas 76185 817-332-7064 • 800-242-7820

Jason Skaggs

Executive Vice President/ Chief Executive Officer

Jaclyn Roberts Parrish Executive Director, Communications & Marketing

Emily Lochner

Executive Director, Engagement & Education

Grace Dunham Executive Director, Events & Partnerships

Megan Wills Executive Director, Finance & Human Resources

Michele Woodham Executive Director, Insurance Services

Scott Williamson

Executive Director, Law Enforcement, Brand & Inspection Services

Lisa Walker

Executive Director, Membership & Operations

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

919 Congress Ave., Suite 750 Austin, Texas 78701 512-469-0171

Melissa Hamilton

Executive Director, Government Relations

REGION 1 DIRECTORS

Joe M. “Jody” Bellah, Throckmorton

Blake Birdwell, Canyon

E. S. F. “Swasey” Brainard II, Pampa

J. K. “Rooter” Brite Jr., Bowie

Donnell Brown, Throckmorton

Campbell Burgess, Amarillo

Deborah Clark, Henrietta

Lynn Cowden, Skellytown

J. B. Daniel, Crowell

James Henderson, Memphis

Clayton Henry, Wichita Falls

Brooks Hodges, Guthrie

Joe Leathers, Guthrie

Frank McLelland, Tahoka

Jeff Mitchell, Amarillo

Gage Moorhouse, Benjamin

Diaz W. Murray, Wichita Falls

J. Malcolm Shelton IV, Amarillo

Dale A. Smith, Amarillo

Jim Thompson, Breckenridge

Tom Watson, Muleshoe

Wesley Welch, Lubbock

HONORARY DIRECTORS

William L. “Buck” Arrington, Pampa

Van Baize, Nocona

Emry Birdwell Jr., Henrietta

Mary Lou Bradley-Henderson, Childress

R. A. “Rob” Brown Jr., Throckmorton

J. D. Cage, Muleshoe

Mike Gibson, Paducah

Ronald J. “Ron” Gill, Chico

Robert B. Mansfield, Amarillo

Tom Moorhouse, Benjamin

Boots O’Neal, Guthrie

James Palmer, Roaring Springs

Wilson Scaling, Henrietta

Chris Scharbauer, Amarillo

John Welch, Wolfforth

A. B. “Buck” Wharton III, Vernon

Tom Woodward, Decatur

REGION 2 DIRECTORS

Kevin Busher, Winters

Charles M. “Charley” Christensen Jr., San Angelo

C.A. “Chili” Cole IV, San Angelo

Alan F. Curry, San Angelo

James H. Dudley IV, Horseshoe Bay

Amanda Dyer, Fort Davis

Johnny Ferguson, Big Lake

D.A. “Day” Harral, Fort Stockton

Ron Helm, Van Horn

Heath Hemphill, Coleman

Shelby W. Horn, Fredericksburg

Larry R. Horwood, Sterling City

Grant Jones, Rochelle

Mark W. Jones, Brady

W. Clay Jones, Brady

Ty Keeling, Boerne

Lorenzo Lasater, San Angelo

Brian T. McLaughlin, Midland

David L. Neal, San Angelo

Gerald Nobles Jr., Brady

James Oliver, Ozona

Wade Perks, San Angelo

Jessica Tate, Marfa

James Uhl, Fort McKavett

Cody Webb, Barnhart

Ken Welch, Baird

Ray W. Willoughby III, Eldorado

HONORARY DIRECTORS

C. A. “Chip” Cole III, San Angelo

William C. “Billito” Donnell Jr., Alpine

Richard Gates, Marfa

W. H. “Billy” Green III, Albany

Rafe Hargrove, Rotan

Dr. Joe Pat Hemphill, Coleman

Ken Jordan, San Saba

Don Keeling, Fredericksburg

Chris Lacy, Fort Davis

Laurence M. Lasater, San Angelo

Ben Love, Marathon

Len P. Mertz, San Angelo

Tom Perini, Buffalo Gap

Bill Phinizy, Gail

Frank Price, Sterling City

Gordon E. Sauer, Fredericksburg

Danny B. Stewart, Sterling City

Rick Tate, Marfa

Cliff Teinert, Albany

Dennis W. Webb, Barnhart

W. C. “Billy” Williams, Mertzon

REGION 3 DIRECTORS

Ford Drummond, Pawhuska, Oklahoma

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Les Nunn, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

REGION 4 DIRECTORS

Edward Bordovsky Jr., Riviera

Austin Brown III, Beeville

W. Christopher Bush, Refugio

James Clement lll, Kingsville

David S. Crow, Corpus Christi

Dustin Dean, Floresville

David DeLaney, Kingsville

Robert “Bobby” Dobson, Birmingham, Alabama

James L. “Jamie” Donnell Jr., Fowlerton

J. David Eppright, Cost

Benjamin Eshleman III, Corpus Christi

Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons, Carrizo Springs

Cody Fry, Lueders

Jim L. Gates, Pearsall

Milton S. Greeson Jr., Victoria

Bret Griffith, Del Rio

Heath Grigg, Kingsville

Marty R. Harris, Tilden

Leslie Kinsel, Cotulla

Claude Koontz, San Antonio

Steven J. Mafrige, Tilden

Beth Knolle Naiser, Sandia

Federico Nieto, Raymondville

T. Michael O’Connor, Victoria

Jason Peeler, Floresville

J.R. Ramirez, La Pryor

Gilly Riojas, Corpus Christi

M. Stuart Sasser, Corpus Christi

Lew Thompson, Pearsall

C. Clark Welder, Beeville

John Zacek, Victoria

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Steve G. Beever, Pearsall

Richard H. Bennett, San Antonio

Chip Briscoe, Carrizo Springs

Martin W. Clement II, Kingsville

Thurman S. Clements Jr., Victoria

Nixon Dillard, Pleasanton

Trainor Evans, Mercedes

Thomas J. “Tommy” Haegelin, Concan

Dr. Philip C. Hardee, Beatrice, Alabama

Allen C. “Dick” Jones IV, Corpus Christi

David W. Killam, Laredo

Dan W. Kinsel III, Cotulla

Steve C. Lewis, San Antonio

Jim McAdams, Seguin

James A. McAllen, Linn

Tim Pennell, Westhoff

Jim Peters, Quemado

Scott Petty Jr., San Antonio

Tom Risinger, Weslaco

Frates Seeligson Jr., San Antonio

Richard Traylor, Batesville

Roger F. Welder, Victoria

David W. Winters, Del Rio

REGION 5 DIRECTORS

Bill Cawley, Crockett

Wayne Cockrell, College Station

Herff Cornelius Jr., Wadsworth

Carlos Detering III, Houston

Gardner H. Dudley, Houston

Jay C. Evans, Dripping Springs

Lloyd French IV, Houston

Dan Gattis, Georgetown

Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, College Station

George Harrison, Bay City

Tom J. Haynie, Navasota

Robert Hodgen, Houston

Colt Hoffman, Marlin

Clay Kenley, Crockett

Gary Price, Blooming Grove

Clive Runnells III, Austin

John Sumner Runnells III, Bay City

Tony Spears, Rosanky

John “Rocky” Sullivan, Galveston

Claudia Scott Wright, Richmond

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Leroy Ezer, Anahuac

Frank Green, Liberty

Coleman H. Locke, Hungerford

Katharine Armstrong Love, Austin

Richard M. Lucas Jr., Houston

William “Alan” McNeill, Beaumont

Evalyn Moore, Richmond

Raymond E. Moore IV, Richmond

Rick Peebles, Baytown

Gordon Richardson, Caldwell

Charles R. “Butch” Robinson, Navasota

Nolan Ryan, Round Rock

Ed Small, Austin

Guy F. Stovall Jr., El Campo

Gerald Sullivan, Galveston

John L. Sullivan, Galveston

Robert J. Underbrink, Houston

Beau Brite White, Rosanky

Dr. M. R. “Mike” Wirtz, Brenham

REGION 6 DIRECTORS

April Bonds, Saginaw

Missy Bonds, Saginaw

John L. Cantrell, Cresson

Ian Chapman, Madill, Oklahoma

Hunter Crow, Dallas

James T. Dangelmayr, Muenster

Seth Denbow, Weatherford

Crawford Edwards, Fort Worth

John Greer, Henrietta

Jason Harlow, Dallas

Pete Hudgins, Sherman

Tom Johnson, Wortham

John Z. Kimberlin Jr., Dallas

Ken Leiber, Fort Worth

Stefan Marchman, Fort Worth

William H. McCall, Fort Worth

Dan Nance, Haslet

Susan Roach, Fort Worth

Stephen S. “Steve” Sikes, Fort Worth

Bragg Smith III, Dallas

Curtis Younts Jr., Belton

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Bradford S. “Brad” Barnes, Fort Worth

George Beggs IV, Fort Worth

John W. Carpenter III, Dallas

Barrett D. Clark, Breckenridge

Markham B. Dossett, Waco

Bob Drake, Davis, Oklahoma

James H. “Jim” Dudley, Comanche

James E. “Jim” Link, Crowley

Jon David Mayfield, Dublin

C. H. “Terry” McCall, Comanche

Bob Moorhouse, Weatherford

Russell “Rusty” Noble, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Mary Joe Reynolds-Montgomery, Fort Worth

Tom L. Roach III, Bozeman, Montana

Stephen T. “Steve” Swenson, Dallas

Bart Wulff, Dallas

REGIONS

New Members

3JH Ranch

Madisonville

Agee Ranch

Milano

Alkabry Ranch

Blanket

Andersen Acres/LDEP

Ennis

B2 Land & Cattle

Edgewood

Ballard -5

Caldwell

Bar 80 Cattle

Floresville

Bar D Ranch

Buda

Bar-M 3R LLC

Aransas Pass

Walker Barrett

Hermleigh

Don Barrios

Bryan

Barroneña Cattle LLC

San Antonio

Peter Bell

Bryan

Stephen Bell

Waco

Madison Bexley

Lexington

Briana Billingsley

Conroe

Emma Blackmon

Henderson

Blue Stem Ranch

Stephenville

Bolduc Properties

Brownwood

Kevin Bollman

Dallas

Bonnieview

Whitehouse

Brackin Farm Bar 16

Conroe

Sena A. Brainard

Pampa

Brand X Cattle LLC

Shallowater

Clifton Brister

Mission

Lance Broesche

Snook

Butcher Family Farms

Helotes

C4 Family Holdings LLC

Quanah

Callahan Capital

Midland

Austin Carthel

McLean

Maggie Chase

Lubbock

Choate Cattle

Hubbard

Circle 12 Ranch

Aubrey

Circle B Ranch

Larue

CJS Farm & Cattle Co.

Burleson

CKS Land & Cattle

Belton

Kenlee Clifton

Stephenville

Dylan Cochran

Stephenville

Coby Summers Cattle

Muleshoe

The Community Bank

Bridgeport

Cullen Cook

Sugar Land

Couch Farm

Brashear

Cowart Cattle Co.

Gainesville, Georgia

Parker Danna

Fort Worth

Luke Darling

Wimberely

Kensie Darst-Todd

Lubbock

Deer Valley Ranch

Hawkins

Tarynn Densmore

Melissa

Rachael Detten

Bryan

Dolce Vista Ranch

Whitewright

Double Eight Ranch

Victoria

Double R4 Services LLC

Waxahachie

El Dos 2 Cattle Co.

Laredo

Figure 6 Livestock

Forestburg

Brody Fizer

Saint Hedwig

Robert J. Francis

Dalhart

Laryssa Garcia

Sweetwater

Garrett Family Farms

Franklin Griffin Ranch

Corsicana

Hail Land & Cattle

Richmond

Kiyah Hall

Humble

Mark Hall

Idalou Hall’s Farm

Sanger

Hansford County Feeders LP

Spearman

Heartland Ranch

Weatherford

Hilliard Land & Cattle

Azle

Story Hilliard

Azle

Erica Hinojosa

Missouri City

Kennedy Hobbs College Station

Justin Holland

McCaulley

Jay & Amy Hughes

Pattonville

Iron Call LLC

Houston

J-D Cattle Co.

Ponder

John Slaughter Ranch

Lewisville

Quinn Johnson

Bryan

Terry Johnson

Silsbee

Marty Jones

Amarillo

JYN Ranch

Frisco

KB2 Ranch

Stephenville

Kings Creek Ranch

Coppell

Cooper Lemaster

Wimberley

Jack Lunsford

Dimmitt

M&N Meeks

Wimberley

Maravillas Gap Ranch

San Antonio

McConathy Farms

Weatherford

Corky McLelland

Lindale

Kenyon McMichael College Station

Mike Humble Inc.

Lawton, Oklahoma

Casey Jack Miller

Water Valley

Morgan Ranch

College Station

Larry & Jennifer Mynarcik

Bynum

Tommy Neal

San Angelo

William L. Nelson

Meridian

Breanna Newman

Big Sandy

O’Connor & Hewitt

Inez

New Members

Oak Lake Cattle Co.

Okeechobee, Florida

Oakwood Ranch

San Augustine

Andrew Ondechek

Wichita Falls

Panhandle Septic Systems

Amarillo

Kylie Pavlicek

Bellville

Payne Family Farm

Brazoria

Pine Creek Ranch

Bacliff

Esau Powell

Mount Enterprise

Prescher Ranch

Clifton

Primitive Acres Ranch

Mount Enterprise

The Rafter 5

Junction

Ranchette Realtor

Houston

Rancho Dos Vidas

Moore

Rancho Lichtenberger

Corpus Christi

Rancho Manana

Rivera

RB Family Ranch

Canton

Abby Reamsbottom

Rockwall

Richardson Farms

Hardin

Richardson Ranch

San Angelo

New Members

Braxton Ritter

Groom

River F Cattle Co.

Waywood

RJD Farms

Olney

Blaine Roberts

Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Mariah Robison

La Vernia

Rocking U Ranch

San Antonio

Roughride Cattle Services, Bonnie & Clyde Farm

Hughes Springs

Connor Royl

Saginaw

Railey Rumohr

Amarillo

Makayla Schweitzer

Haslet

Seco Land & Livestock

Decatur

Seven Cross Ranch

Pampa

Alison Sewell

Waller

Lyla Seymour

El Campo

Dalton Shackelford

Fort Worth

Charlotte Shannon

Victoria

Shroeder Silver Spur

China

Sowders Canal Creek

Lindsay

Stansel Ranch

Nixon

Makenzie Starling

Rockwall

Harleigh Strack

El Campo

Sunshine Acres

Fort Worth

Sweiger Legacy Farms

Edmond, Oklahoma

Kate Tallent

Allen

Helen P. Thomas

Dime Box

Andrew Thompson

Arlington

Reed Thorn

Arp

Charles Lewis Tingle

Santo

TS Ranches

Valley View

Reagan Wagner

Lubbock

Ashley Wall

Bryan

Walter Arnold Family Trust

Silverton

Stephen & Ronna Welch

Hallettsville

Jake West

Glen Rose

Samantha Williamson

Lufkin

Coleton Wilson

Tolar

Winter Hay & Tillage

Windthorst

Montana Zapata

Granbury

Zeller/Bali Ranch

Aledo

Zuniga’s RioRanchO

Justin

From our School for Successful Ranching educational sessions, exciting main-stage sessions and entertainment, the 2024 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo was a success. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO JOINED US IN FORT WORTH!

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

ANDERSON

Elkhart Horse Auction

Where: Elkhart

Phone: 903-764-1495

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Tiffany Patterson, 903-388-7288

ATASCOSA

Atascosa Livestock Exchange

Where: Pleasanton

Phone: 830-281-2516

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Marvin Bendele, 210-213-5890

AUSTIN

Four County Auction

Where: Industry

Phone: 979-357-2545

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-3041

BAILEY

Muleshoe Livestock Auction

Where: Muleshoe

Phone: 806-272-4201

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Leo Aviles, 956-437-3899

BEE

Beeville Livestock Comm.

Where: Beeville

Phone: 361-358-1727

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Robert Bridge, 361-542-6693

BOSQUE

Meridian L/S Comm. Co.

Where: Meridian

Phone: 254-435-2988

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

Clifton Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Clifton

Phone: 254-675-7717

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

BOWIE

J & J Livestock Auction

Where: Texarkana

Phone: 903-832-3576

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Cheri Beal, 903-280-4554

BRAZOS

Brazos Valley Livestock Comm.

Where: Bryan

Phone: 979-778-0904

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

BURLESON

Caldwell Livestock Comm.

Where: Caldwell

Phone: 979-567-4119

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Mark Nygard, 512-281-6330

CALDWELL

Lockhart Auction

Where: Lockhart

Phone: 512-398-3476

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

CAMP

Bruce Overstreet Livestock

Where: Pittsburg

Phone: 903-856-3440

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Michelle Willeford, 903-767-0670

CHEROKEE

Tri County Livestock Market

Where: New Summerfield

Phone: 903-726-3291

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Jason Spence, 903-316-1950

COLEMAN

Coleman Livestock Auction

Where: Coleman

Phone: 325-625-4191

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Dave Williams, 325-669-2030

COLORADO

Cattleman’s Columbus Livestock Auction

Where: Columbus

Phone: 979-732-2622

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-1228

COMANCHE

Comanche Livestock Exchange

Where: Comanche

Phone: 325-356-5231

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Michael Davis, 254-879-3121

COOKE

The New Gainesville Livestock Auction

Where: Gainesville

Phone: 940-665-4367

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

CORYELL

Coryell County Comm.

Where: Gatesville

Phone: 254-865-9121

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

DALLAM

Cattleman’s Livestock Comm.

Where: Dalhart

Phone: 806-249-5505

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Clifton Miller, 806-570-7439

DEAF SMITH

Hereford Livestock Auction

Where: Hereford

Phone: 806-240-3082

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Joe Bob Via, 806-452-9280

DEWITT

Cuero Livestock Comm.

Where: Cuero

Phone: 361-275-2329

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

EASTLAND

Texas Cattle Exchange

Where: Eastland

Phone: 254-629-2288

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Ronnie Ober, 817-371-7071

ERATH

Dublin Livestock Auction

Where: Dublin

Phone: 254-445-1734

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Ronnie Ober, 817-371-7071

Erath County Dairy Sale

Where: Dublin

Phone: 254-968-7253

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

Stephenville Cattle Co.

Where: Stephenville

Phone: 254-968-4844

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

FAYETTE

Flatonia Livestock Comm.

Where: Flatonia

Phone: 361-865-3538

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Danielle Robbins, 512-944-0383

Schulenburg Livestock Auction

Where: Schulenburg

Phone: 979-743-6566

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Vance Weltner, 210-473-9099

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

FLOYD

Floydada Livestock Sales

Where: Floydada

Phone: 806-983-2153

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: JE Stone, 806-777-4396

FRIO

Pearsall Livestock Auction

Where: Pearsall

Phone: 830-334-3653

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

GILLESPIE

Gillespie Livestock Co.

Where: Fredericksburg

Phone: 830-997-4394

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Larry Bowden, 210-846-0380

GONZALES

Gonzales Livestock Market

Where: Gonzales

Phone: 830-672-2845

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Derek Bettis, 979-743-9699

Nixon Livestock Comm.

Where: Nixon

Phone: 830-582-1561

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Landyn Maguglin, 361-492-9484

GREGG

Longview Livestock

Where: Longview

Phone: 903-235-6385

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

GRIMES

Mid-Tex Livestock Auction

Where: Anderson

Phone: 936-825-3970

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Danielle Robbins, 512-944-0383

Navasota Livestock Auction

Where: Navasota

Phone: 936-825-6545

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

GUADALUPE

Seguin Cattle Co.

Where: Seguin

Phone: 830-379-9955

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Elizabeth Cortez, 830-857-1945

HAMILTON

Hamilton Livestock Comm.

Where: Hamilton

Phone: 254-386-3185

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

HARDIN

Gore Family Auction Center

Where: Silsbee

Phone: 409-782-0612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Christy McCoy, 409-782-0612

HENDERSON

Athens Comm. Co.

Where: Athens

Phone: 903-675-3333

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

HIDALGO

Edinburg Livestock Auction

Where: Edinburg

Phone: 956-383-5671

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Coney Alvarez Jr., 956-437-3899

HILL

Hubbard Livestock Market

Where: Hubbard

Phone: 254-576-2584

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

HOPKINS

Sulphur Springs Livestock Comm.

Where: Sulphur Springs

Phone: 903-885-2455

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

HOUSTON

East Texas Livestock Auction

Where: Crockett

Phone: 936-544-2246

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Cheyenne London, 936-222-3689

HOWARD

Big Spring Livestock Auction

Where: Big Spring

Phone: 432-267-5881

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Bruce Brandenberger, 254-977-5763

JACKSON

Edna Livestock Auction

Where: Edna

Phone: 361-782-7666

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

JASPER

Kirbyville Auction Barn

Where: Kirbyville

Phone: 409-423-2612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Erica Morgan, 409-509-1946

JIM WELLS

Gulf Coast Livestock Market

Where: Alice

Phone: 361-664-4395

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Ramiro Garcia, 361-460-0008

JOHNSON

Johnson County Cattle Auction

Where: Cleburne

Phone: 817-556-9090

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lee Snyder, 254-707-1682

KARNES

Karnes City Auction

Where: Karnes City

Phone: 830-780-3382

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Landyn Maguglin, 361-492-9484

Karnes County Livestock Exchange

Where: Kenedy

Phone: 830-583-2574

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

LAMAR

Cattlemen’s Livestock Comm.

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-784-2238

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lana Caldwell, 903-908-0530

Paris Livestock Auction

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-739-2575

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

LAMPASAS

Lampasas Cattle Auction

Where: Lampasas

Phone: 512-556-3611

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

LAVACA

Hallettsville Livestock Comm.

Where: Hallettsville

Phone: 361-798-4336

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

LEE

Giddings Livestock Comm.

Where: Giddings

Phone: 979-542-2274

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

Lexington Livestock Comm.

Where: Lexington

Phone: 979-773-2922

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

LEON

Buffalo Livestock Comm.

Where: Buffalo

Phone: 903-322-4940

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: TBA

LIBERTY

Raywood Livestock Market

Where: Raywood

Phone: 936-587-4941

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Harvey Williamson, 963-334-5325

LIMESTONE

Groesbeck Auction & Livestock

Where: Groesbeck

Phone: 254-729-3277

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: TBA

LIVE OAK

Live Oak Livestock Auction

Where: Three Rivers

Phone: 361-786-2553

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Marvin Bendele, 210-213-5890

MASON

Jordan Cattle Auction

Where: Mason

Phone: 325-347-6361

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Warren Ottmers, 830-669-2262

MCLENNAN

Waco Stockyards

Where: Waco

Phone: 254-753-3191

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

West Auction

Where: West

Phone: 254-826-3725

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

MEDINA

Union Comm.

Where: Hondo

Phone: 830-741-8061,

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

MILAM

Milam County Livestock Auction

Where: Cameron

Phone: 254-697-6697

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

NACOGDOCHES

Nacogdoches Livestock Exchange

Where: Nacogdoches

Phone: 936-564-8661

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Michael Witcher, 936-556-0992

NAVARRO

Corsicana Livestock Market

Where: Corsicana

Phone: 903-872-1631

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: TBA

PANOLA

Panola Livestock

Where: Carthage

Phone: 903-693-6361

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lori Blankenship, 936-234-3441

POLK

Livingston Livestock Exchange

Where: Livingston

Phone: 936-327-4917

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Harvey Williamson, 963-334-5325

POTTER

Lonestar Stockyards

Where: Amarillo

Phone: 806-677-0777

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Gary McClellan, 806-334-0517

RAINS

Emory Livestock Auction

Where: Emory

Phone: 903-473-2512

Sale Days: Tuesday & Saturday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

ROBERTSON

Calvert Livestock Co.

Where: Calvert

Phone: 979-364-2829

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

RUSK

Hunt Livestock Exchange

Where: Henderson

Phone: 903-657-2690

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Samuel Steadman, 318-617-1141

SAN SABA

Jordan Cattle Auction

Where: San Saba

Phone: 325-372-5159

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: David Munden, 325-456-7253

SHELBY

Center Auction Co.

Where: Center

Phone: 936-598-4395

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Michael Witcher, 936-556-0992

STARR

Triple G Livestock Auction LLC

Where: Rio Grande City

Phone: 956-437-1988

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Coney Alvarez Jr., 956-437-3899

SWISHER

Tulia Livestock Auction

Where: Tulia

Phone: 806-995-4184

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Tommy Thompson, 806-690-4080

TAYLOR

Abilene Auction

Where: Abilene

Phone: 325-673-7865

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Dave Williams, 325-669-2030

TITUS

Stone Livestock Comm.

Where: Mt. Pleasant

Phone: 903-575-9099

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

TOM GREEN

Producers Livestock Auction

Where: San Angelo

Phone: 325-653-3371

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Bruce Halfmann, 325-315-5972

UVALDE

Southwest Livestock Exchange

Where: Uvalde

Phone: 830-278-5621

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

VAN ZANDT

Mort Livestock Exchange

Where: Canton

Phone: 903-287-6386

Sale Day: Special Sales Only

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

WASHINGTON

Brenham Livestock Auction

Where: Brenham

Phone: 979-836-3621

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-3041

WHARTON

El Campo Livestock Co.

Where: El Campo

Phone: 979-543-2703

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

Wharton Livestock Auction

Where: Wharton

Phone: 979-532-3660

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

WICHITA

Wichita Livestock Sales

Where: Wichita Falls

Phone: 940-541-2222

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: R.C. Langford, 832-330-7279

WILBARGER

Vernon Livestock Market LLC

Where: Vernon

Phone: 940-552-6000

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Dennis Wilson, 940-613-7693

WISE

Decatur Livestock Market

Where: Decatur

Phone: 940-627-5599

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Rebecca Benson, 940-389-6382

WOOD

Winnsboro Livestock Auction

Where: Winnsboro

Phone: 903-365-2201

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Alan Pruitt, 903-725-6200

YOUNG

Graham Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Graham

Phone: 940-549-0078

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Kyla Rater, 940-284-9968

FEMALES ALSO AVAILABLE PRIVATE TREATY CAMERON, TEXAS PRIVATE TREATY ANGUS BULLS AVAILABLE

Tr acy Woods 405.880.3866

Jarrod Payne 308.870.6348

Double Creek Farms

Angus Bulls for Sale – At all Times

Matthew Domel Cell: 254-749-3253

Mike & Barbara Domel – Meridian, TX Office: 254-435-2988 • Cell: 254-749-2240 www.mlslivestock.com

Bob Funk, owner Jarold Callahan, president Yukon, Oklahoma 800.664.3977

PARTI N & PARTI N H EART BAR RANC H

Janet, Steve and Carlton Partin 3159 FM 837 • Montalba, Texas 75853 903-549-3000 • partin.partin@aol.com

Janet Partin: 903-922-3689

Carlton Partin: 407-709-0297

5th Generation

Caleb Boscamp 830-857-5189

Julie Boscamp 830-857-5129 julieboscamp@yahoo.com 303 County Road 459 • Waelder, TX 78959 www.arrowheadcharolaisranch.com

Presented by

Ranching 101 seminars give participants practical, sound guidance on the information, tools and equipment needed to get started in ranching or land ownership. All sessions are held via Zoom from 1 - 2 p.m.

JANUARY 16

Health Schedules for Herding Success

FEBRUARY 20

Top Tricks to Negotiating an Alternative Energy Contract

MARCH 19

Preparing Pastures for Spring

APRIL 16

Ask an Ag Accountant

MAY 21

Fence Facts

JUNE 18

Trends in Direct-to-Consumer Beef Sales

JULY 16

Plans That Pay: Actions Affecting Calf Prices

AUGUST 20

Beef Exports Equal Producer Profit

SEPTEMBER 17

Shooting Season: Know Your Limits

OCTOBER 15

Building a Bull Buying Budget

NOVEMBER 19

Feed Your Cows Cake

DECEMBER 17

Planning for the Next Generation: What to Keep in Mind

Registration can be made by scanning the QR code. Questions can be directed to education@tscra.org.

Upcoming Events

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

APRIL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 –

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Noble Land Essentials

Where: Edmond, Oklahoma

THURSDAY, APRIL 4 –

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Texas Land Markets Conference

Where: San Antonio

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Special Bull Offering, Featuring STS Ranger Registered Angus & Hickory Sand Brangus

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 –

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

San Angelo Rodeo

Where: San Angelo

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Gardiner Angus Ranch: 45th Annual Spring Production Sale

Where: Ashland, Kansas When: 9 a.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

HeartBrand Cattle: Spring Kick Off Sale

Where: Online When: 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Spring “Best of the Best”

Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

Jorgensen Land & Cattle: 2024 Top Cut Angus Bull Sale

Where: Ideal, South Dakota When: 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

Ranching 101:

Ask an Ag Accountant

Where: Online

When: 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

American Black Hereford

Association: Southern Classic Sale

Where: Henderson

When: 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23 –

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

Texas A&M AgriLife

Hemphill Co. Beef Conference

Where: Canadian

MAY

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

MONDAY, MAY 6

Gardiner Angus Ranch: 9th Annual Meating Demand Bull Sale

Where: Ashland, Kansas

MONDAY, MAY 6 –

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

TSCRA Policy Committee Meetings

Where: Fort Worth

TUESDAY, MAY 7

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Hondo

When: 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 7 –

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

Oklahoma FFA Convention

Where: Tulsa

THURSDAY, MAY 9

Wichita Falls Luncheon

Where: McBride’s Steakhouse, Wichita Falls

When: 11:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 9 –

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Western Heritage Classic

Where: Abilene

FRIDAY, MAY 10

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Western Heritage Classic, Abilene

When: 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 16 –

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Noble Land Essentials

Where: Stephenville

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Lone Star Angus: Registered Female Sale

Where: Gainesville

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Ranching

101: Fence Facts

Where: Online

When: 1 p.m.

JUNE

MONDAY, JUNE 3 –

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Texas 4-H Round Up

Where: College Station

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: George West

When: 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

Ranching 101:

Direct-to-Consumer Beef Sales

Where: Online

When: 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 –

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

TSCRA Summer Meeting

Where: Hyatt Regency

Hill Country, San Antonio

JULY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 –

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Texas FFA Convention

Where: Houston

THURSDAY, JULY 11

Wichita Falls Luncheon

Where: McBride’s Steakhouse, Wichita Falls

When: 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 16

Ranching 101: Actions Affecting Calf Prices

Where: Online

When: 1 p.m.

A

G

H

B

D

APRIL 1924

Pictured on the magazine cover 100 years ago was Mr. H.L. Kokernot, of Alpine. He served as president of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

The need to promote U.S. beef is a tale as old as time. An article in this issue emphasized the importance of speaking out in support of the popular protein of choice.

“Every branch of the meat and livestock industry should be on watch for efforts to undermine meat consumption and counteract these efforts with statements of fact concerning this appetizing, wholesome and nutritious food,” the article read.

“The work of the agencies whose especial duty is to counteract such statements needs constant support and encouragement.” T C