The Cattleman - August 2023

An Integral Investment

What’s in your fall herd health plan?

Peculiar Parasite

Asian longhorned tick populations spread.

Texas Legislative Session Recap

Highlights reported from Austin.

By Kayla Jennings

By Jena McRell

By Jaclyn Roberts Parrish

HERD HEALTH MATTERS

Let’s talk about herd health.

From well-managed nutrition to selecting the right genetics, ranchers like you make decisions every day that help keep livestock in tip-topshape. After all, healthy animals are also more efficient — and efficiency equates to profitability.

In this issue, we explore several cattle health-related topics, including delving into herd health plans with two veterinarians in the feature story, “The Most Integral Investment.” Experts share how a solid vaccination protocol, nutrition strategy and management practices safeguard against potential health threats in this coming season and beyond.

Starting on page 20, we learn about a potentially troublesome parasite, the Asian longhorned tick. Because the exotic species is expected to eventually land in the Southwest, we explore risks to cattle raisers, how to monitor and prevent outbreaks, and what to do if an Asian longhorned tick is suspected or identified.

Beyond the traditional realm of animal health, this issue of The Cattleman also recounts how ranchers, landowners and wildlife managers fared during the Texas Legislature’s 88th Regular Session. In many ways, the health of cattle-related politics reflects our freedom to operate. Analyze the most recent policy wins for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association on page 26. As always, we hope you enjoy this latest issue and learn something new from its pages. Thank you to our many contributors and supporters! T C

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

CORRECTION: In our June feature story titled “Truly Texan,” we regretfully published incorrect data on beef sales and volume through U.S. foodservice. The correct figures are as follows: In 2022, the U.S. foodservice industry was responsible for 8.8 billion pounds of beef sales, returning the sector to pre-COVID levels. This year, projections suggest the foodservice industry will reach nearly 9 billion pounds of beef sales, valued at nearly $46 billion.

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the most integral investment

Preparing a herd health plan for the coming season.

By Kayla Jennings

Plink. Plink. Plink.

The pitter-patter of rain on a tin roof, along with shrieks from cow kids splashing in puddles, is music to the ears of cattle raisers across the Southwest.

After an unrelenting 2022 summer of extreme temperatures and drought followed by a dry winter, spring brought much anticipated relief. In fact, U.S. Drought Monitor trends indicate much of Texas is currently out of drought conditions at time of press.

Areas of the Panhandle have not looked so green in years, and the pattern

continues all the way to the coast. But as the saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.”

As ranchers know all-too-well, agriculture hinges on weather, and animal health is no different. While long-range National Weather Service forecasts predict normal rainfall as the region shifts into an El Niño weather pattern, cattle raisers should still be prepared for anything.

Two experienced veterinarians, one based in Central Texas and the other in the West, offered an outlook on fall herd health and how to stand ready against potential challenges in the next season.

Herd health is

the cheapest insurance.”

— Dr. Janey Powe, Idalou

Photo by Emily McCartney

Drought’s sting

Dr. Joseph Blount hails from Hamilton, where he is employed by Trans Ova Genetics, and, with his wife, owns Hamilton Veterinary Clinic and Blount Veterinary Services, specializing in cattle embryo transfer services. He covers a lot of miles and has intimate knowledge of what area ranchers are facing — and says while weather patterns change, his approach to animal health does not.

“I have a very simplistic approach to herd health,” Blount says. “In general, it all wraps back around to cow nutrition. If cow nutrition is good, you’ll see less disease amongst your mature cattle and your nursing calves, as well.”

A sound nutrition plan is allencompassing and results in cattle maintaining adequate body condition to nurse calves and rebreed in a timely fashion. Consulting a nutritionist can help producers find the best combination of protein and mineral with available forage.

“It may be tempting to take your foot off the pedal of the feed truck with the splash of green arriving from the recent rainfall,” he says. “I encourage producers to be as diligent as ever in monitoring body condition scores of their cattle, making sure they have what they need in terms of mineral, protein and forage.”

Hitting the blacktop and moving northwest, Dr. Janey Powe, of Idalou, shares a similar sentiment. In addition to raising cattle of their own, she and her husband own Rocking P Veterinary Services and Lubbock’s Small Animal Emergency Clinic.

Serving clients in the South Plains for 17-plus years, Powe is no stranger to drought conditions. She says the most recent drought was the epicenter of many herd health problems.

“For a long time, we didn’t have any hay or roughage sources at all, and we were shipping them in from different locations,” she recalls. “In this area, we were seeing a lot of magnesium and selenium deficiencies.”

With improved conditions, Powe sees less of these deficiencies. Even so, she says not all hay and pasture sources are the same. Producers should keep that top of mind when addressing cattle nutrition, because it will affect overall animal health.

In fact, Blount says the core of most drought-related disease risks he saw last summer were nutritional.

Optimal herd health requires a sound vaccination protocol, a watchful eye and high-quality nutrition. Top and middle photos by Kayla Jennings. Bottom photo by Jerod Foster.

Dr. Joseph Blount

Dr. Janey Powe

Even with recent rain, Blount says pastures are still damaged from prolonged drought and encourages clients to be diligent about monitoring body condition, as it will take time for forage and typical stocking rates to fully recover.

“Droughts are hard on morale,” Blount says. “We start pinching pennies and trying to make the cattle business pencil in these tough times. I can only encourage producers to do what they can to keep their cattle on a positive plane of nutrition.”

Because every operation is different, and no two years are the same, heading into fall 2023 could require additional management considerations. Powe encourages cattle producers to work with their local veterinarian to create a comprehensive herd health plan tailored to their specific needs and goals.

“Herd health programs are the easiest and cheapest way to keep your cattle healthy and prevent disease,” she says. “It’s a really good way to increase your return on investment and feed-to-gain ratio.”

When it rains, it pours

While recent moisture has resulted in replenished forages and comfortable temperatures, it also comes with added disease pressure. Blount says clostridial disease and leptospirosis often come to mind when transitioning from dry to wet seasons.

Clostridial disease spores can be found in uncovered soil from erosion after excess rainfall.

Likewise, leptospirosis is a pathogen that thrives in wet weather as it finds refuge in damp spots and standing water. Blount adds it can be transmitted to cattle through feral swine, which inhabit many areas in the Southwest.

Clostridial disease often develops so rapidly in cattle that death occurs before symptoms can be detected. In addition to reproductive losses, leptospirosis can result in death as soon as three to five days in young calves with anemia, red urine and jaundice.

Fortunately, Blount says there are commercially available vaccines to protect against these diseases.

In general, it all wraps back around to cow nutrition.”

— Dr. Joseph Blount, Hamilton

Photo by Jerod Foster

Powe says lately she has seen a regional uptick in clostridial disease and leptospirosis, as well as pneumonia. She recommends ranchers be vigilant when checking their herds for signs of illness, so action can be taken before it is too late.

“Looking for signs such as [cattle] going off feed, a snotty nose and coughing need to be watched for sure,” she says.

Powe says cattle going from a dry environment to receiving an abundance of rainfall can also experience bloat, foot rot and fly-borne illness.

In the South Plains, foot rot and abscesses have been common because of the long-term drought, and she doesn’t expect that to slow as fall approaches.

Like Powe, Blount says added moisture and humidity have led to sky-high fly populations.

Since flies lay eggs and emerge from manure, he encourages producers to scrape manure and old hay from pens to dispose of it appropriately, as it can become a fly factory overnight.

“Flies are a giant stress on cattle,” he says. “Fly tags, pour-ons, rubs and IGR [insect growth regulators] are all helpful in slowing them down.”

While flies can transmit just about every disease, Blount and Powe advise to keep a particularly close watch for pinkeye — especially in nursing and weaned calves.

“It can be subtle until the real damage is done,” he explains. “Any squinting, tearing and discharge should be a red flag. Pinkeye can run through a set of calves at an incredible rate and set them back tremendously.”

Take action

To finish the year strong and enter the cooler months in ideal condition, cattle raisers can implement simple proactive measures into management plans.

“Herd health, especially in the beef cattle industry, is the cheapest insurance,” Powe says. “You have to always think about return on investment. If you can keep your cattle healthy, parasite free and prevent illness, you’re going to get a better return on your daily gain and your cattle.”

To that point, Blount reports seeing a higher prevalence of worms regionally during the drought over the past year. Because of damaged forages, he expects that to continue, so following a strategic deworming protocol is a solid place to start.

In tandem, he advises producers to vaccinate springcalving bred cows in the fall to boost maternal immunity in calves for clostridial and respiratory diseases.

For fall-calving cows, he says to run them through the chute for pre-breeding vaccinations, including a trusted viral respiratory vaccine covering common reproductive pathogens like vibrio and leptospirosis.

In his experience with cattle reproduction, Blount says these steps have potential to boost breeding rates — and profitability.

“When it comes to the synergy of herd health and reproduction, the take home topic is nutrition, nutrition, nutrition,” he advises. “A well-managed group of cows in good shape will breed up well and be less problematic on the disease side.”

Photo by Jerod Foster

Powe reminds ranchers to also keep weaned calves in mind. Many producers are weaning calves in the late summer and early fall, making it a critical time for preventative health measures.

“You want to be sure to precondition calves with a blackleg vaccine to cover all the clostridial diseases, an upper respiratory combination vaccine including infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea, bovine parainfluenza -3, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus to optimize calf health prior to weaning,” she says.

“It’s important to talk to your veterinarian to set up a pre-weaning and post-weaning vaccine protocol, and what to look for as far as health condition goes in weaning calves.”

While maintaining a sound vaccination protocol can yield more days by a chute than some cowboys may like, Blount stresses it is better than the alternative. Each time a calf is lost, he says it is like burning a $1,500 check.

“A day vaccinating cows is a lot more fun than a day performing necropsies,” he says. “Cattle prices are expected to be really rewarding for cow-calf guys this next year or two. With the extra value, I hope producers see the importance in making sure every animal on the place is covered.” T C

Dr. Janey Powe cares for an animal in the chute. Courtesy photo.

Photo by Jerod Foster

A PECULIAR PARASITE

Asian longhorned tick continues its cross-country spread.

By Jena McRell

Simply hearing the word tick often makes skin crawl. The tiny, blood-feeding parasites are difficult to see, slow to move and pose significant health risks to humans, livestock and a multitude of other hosts.

Recently, the cattle industry has had sights on a newly emerging, exotic species — the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis.

First identified in the U.S. about six years ago on a sheep in New Jersey, the tick is native to Japan, China, parts of Russia and Korea. The multihost tick, roughly the size of a sesame seed, has been found on cattle, horses, dogs, goats, deer and other wildlife, including birds and rodents.

The Asian longhorned tick is concerning to cattle producers because it reproduces quickly and has the potential to spread a disease pathogen resembling bovine anaplasmosis.

Striking up a population of ticks in a new area or within a herd requires only the presence of one female. They reproduce asexually without a male, an oddity among ticks currently found in the U.S., and lay thousands of eggs at a time.

To date, the Asian longhorned tick has been confirmed in 19 states, but not yet in Texas, Oklahoma or the Southwest. Experts agree, it is likely on its way.

KEEPING WATCH

From her Stephenville office, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Specialist Sonja Swiger loads a USDA dashboard for tracking the Asian longhorned tick. Swiger, who is also a professor with a doctorate in entomology, studies how to manage nuisance biting flies and disease-vectoring insects impacting livestock, wildlife and humans.

Two counties in Arkansas with confirmed cases of the Asian longhorned tick are the closest in proximity to Texas. Although, more concerning are three known cases in Missouri, a frequent region for livestock exchange.

“The Asian longhorned tick is continuing to move, but it has been very slow,” Swiger says of the reddish-brown parasite most closely resembling the native brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Since it is not host-specific, the Asian longhorned tick has been found on a number of different species in the U.S. and its countries of origin. It is also a three-host tick, meaning it moves from host to host throughout its main life stages, which can take anywhere from roughly 6 months to a year.

“When it is growing, it will find a different host for each of those stages — larvae, nymph and adult,” Swiger says. “Because it can reproduce quite quickly and at high densities, you can get multiple stages on a single host, and that becomes problematic.”

Most ticks are only on an animal for a couple days or weeks, she explains, for however long it takes them to feed. Oftentimes, they are found in the environment. Along the edges of pastures and in areas overgrown with brush.

“With the Asian longhorned tick, it could go anywhere in the state,” Swiger says. “It’s expected it will be brought in by animal movement — whether that’s cattle or a domesticated dog or cat, there is no way to tell. It is really a lot of uncertainty, which makes it tough.”

MAKING ITS SPREAD

HEIGHTENED RISK

In addition to general animal health and production threats associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases, the Asian longhorned tick has captured the attention of cattle producers and veterinarians because of a potential pathogen, the Ikeda strain of Theileria orientalis, it is known to carry.

Not generally found in the U.S., this particular strain of Theileria attacks red blood cells in cattle and symptoms mimic those of bovine anaplasmosis.

That’s how Rosalie Ierardi, an anatomic pathologist at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, happened on the state’s third confirmed identification of the invasive longhorned tick in August 2022.

She was conducting field research in north central Missouri, searching for the American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis, known to transmit bovine anaplasmosis. In their search, they uncovered two nymphs of the Asian longhorned tick.

Rosalie Ierardi’s doctoral advisor, Ram Raghavan at the University of Missouri, has been tracking the spread of various tick species for 15 years.

He led research predicting the Asian longhorned tick’s future migration.

“This map does not mean the tick is in all these places,” Ierardi says. “The darker the color, the more confident the prediction that if the ticks were to get access to those areas, they could potentially survive and thrive there.”

Source: Raghavan et al., 2019

Photo by James Gathany, CDC

“The finding attracted attention because it was the farthest north in the state that this tick had been identified at that time,” says Ierardi, mentioning the other two findings were confirmed around Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri.

While the Asian longhorned tick does not transmit bovine anaplasmosis, like the winter tick, or Dermacentor albipictus, does in Texas and the Southwest, symptoms of cattle infected with the Ikeda strain of Theileria orientalis can be similar.

Cattle can quickly become anemic, may have a high fever, pale mucous membranes, and elevated heart and respiratory rates. Other symptoms include jaundice, weakness, spontaneous abortions and even death.

Pregnant heifers, calves and other animals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to this and other tick-borne diseases.

“One thing we’ve tried to consistently message to producers here in Missouri is that, if you have what appears to be an increase in cases of anaplasmosis or you are seeing cases in younger calves than you typically do, consider getting in touch with your local veterinarian and testing for this Theileria,” Ierardi says. “There’s really no way to tell them apart without doing a blood test.”

She reminds cattle raisers the presence of the Asian longhorned tick alone does not mean animals will

become sick. It’s the organism the tick carries that causes the destruction of red blood cells and related symptoms.

“Once you have the tick established, then you have to be careful, because if you had some cattle come in that were infected, then the tick could spread it to other cattle,’” Ierardi says. “But just having the tick doesn’t automatically mean you have the Theileria.”

Beyond the herd, human health risks associated with ticks are also a concern.

USDA inspected custom processor, primarily catering to growers/direct marketers that sell meat from the cattle they raise.

A veterinary student at the University of Missouri identifies ticks under the microscope. Courtesy photo.

Swiger says laboratory studies have shown the Asian longhorned tick does not transmit Lyme disease, but it is possible for it to relay Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Although, no cases of the latter have been confirmed.

“If we are going to give the Asian longhorned tick any gold stars, we will give it that one,” she says. “Because we don’t need another tick carrying Lyme disease.”

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension reports an Asian longhorned tick outbreak would add to the $162 million in economic hardship ticks already have on the industry.

Six species regularly affect cattle in the region: Lone Star tick; black-legged tick; winter tick; Gulf Coast tick; brown dog tick; and the American dog tick.

“While we are seeing tick expansion with even our native species moving further north and west, it does take time,” Swiger says. “So that is not something that happens within a few months. It takes years for those changes to occur.”

Ticks alone can pose problems, damaging the hide or causing wounds on an animal. But with any species, larger tick loads can be a serious threat to livestock productivity. If animals are not eating enough or rapidly losing blood, growth is limited and could lead to anemia.

“Most larger cattle can handle tick loads,” Swiger says. “But when you have younger or weaker cattle with lots of ticks, they become anemic really fast and it could be detrimental to them.

“It is important to keep those numbers down, so that you are not impacting your own profits and even maybe your neighbor’s profits by having ticks in an area that’s close enough that they can get to other animals.”

Both Swiger and Ierardi stress the importance of checking newly purchased cattle before introducing into the herd.

“We recommend doing tick checks whenever you bring cattle in to work them,” Swiger says. “Look around their ears, heads, underneath and between their legs. And a lot of ticks will go by the tail.”

The Asian longhorned tick is susceptible to the same repellents and anti-tick treatments used within the

industry. Insecticide ear tags are a proven preventative method for ticks attaching on the upper half of animal; along with using Prolate/Lintox applied as a whole animal spray.

Keeping pastures mowed when possible and avoiding overgrown grasses helps remove tick habitats, as well.

“Ticks can feed on a variety of wildlife species,” Ierardi says. “Even if someone was being really careful and then somehow they ended up finding this tick on their farm — they didn’t do anything wrong. It could literally have come in on a bird or some other type of wildlife species.”

Cattle raisers are encouraged to report any questionable ticks they may find on their animals or property. Ticks can be placed in rubbing alcohol and submitted to a local veterinarian or Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office for testing.

“We have a lot of people who work in the tick field,” says Swiger, referencing AgriLife Extension, Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA. “We are always willing to take samples, so we can be prepared for what we need to do when it’s our turn.” T C

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.

Pictured on top of a dime for perspective, an adult female Asian longhorned tick is positioned to the right of the younger nymph.

Photo by James Gathany, CDC.

FOCUS ON AUSTIN

A look into the 88th Texas Legislative Session.

By Jaclyn Roberts Parrish

This spring, South Texas rancher and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association member Martha Santos was called forward by the Senate Committee on State Affairs in the Texas State Capitol to tell her story. Her testimony revealed ranchers are not adequately protected from liability in certain instances outside of their control.

Santos painted a picture for members of the legislature of her family’s land in Laredo. “Fence line was constantly being cut due to foot traffic, and it became impossible for us or anyone to keep up with,” Santos said.

A downed fence could mean cattle wandered onto public roads, and stolen vehicles could be involved in dangerous crashes — a reality all-too familiar for Santos.

“If a cow gets out in the road and a person hits that cow with their vehicle, the rancher is liable,” she said.

Despite generational roots in South Texas, the liability and risk was so extreme the Santos family was forced to remove cattle from their property.

“Ranchers are tough,” Santos said. “We can shoulder the challenges of drought, bad calf crops, weather and increased input costs, but adding liability for these damages that are not our fault is one burden too many.”

The Santos family’s story brought awareness to a blatant void in the Texas legal system. Liability could still be traced to ranchers who, despite their best efforts, could not prevent these events. It was a reality shared by ranchers in every corner of the state — from fire risks in the Panhandle to flooding and hurricanes along the coast.

Santos’ testimony would go on to support House Bill 73.

Rep. Andrew Murr, the bill’s author, saw it as a bold solution to an emerging and chronic threat faced by the livestock industry. For Murr, H.B. 73 was a personal reminder of impacts felt by landowners.

“Our state’s agriculture industry is one of the most critical elements of our economy, and it is the epitome of our heritage and identity as Texans,” Murr said.

Murr shepherded the legislation alongside Senate-sponsor Sen. Drew Springer.

The bill received widespread bipartisan support, was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, and goes into effect Sept. 1.

H.B. 73, which was based on recommendations from Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s border security task force and survey examining border-related issues, is a tremendous success story. Vital protections will soon be in place for cattle raisers and landowners facing these situations outside of their control.

BACK TO BUSINESS

Meanwhile, other priority legislation born of a similar accord was brewing across the Texas Capitol.

Additional border-related challenges were mounting for ranchers who increasingly faced trespassing, littering and vandalism on their property.

Ranchers like Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Director J.R. Ramirez, who operates near La Pryor, went to Austin to speak out.

“In the last eight months, our ranch has had 25 cases of fences or gates being breached by a vehicle,” Ramirez said during testimony to the Senate Committee on Border Security. “The least damaging of those cases is $1,000 minimum.”

These instances add up to significant financial burdens for ranchers and landowners facing razor-thin margins.

“Contributing to the cost is the extent of which cattle escape or mix [with neighboring livestock], which requires many man hours and usually helicopters to rectify,” Ramirez said. “You also have added herd health and disease risks.”

Ramirez spoke in support of Senate Bill 1133, which created a program to compensate landowners for property damages like he described. Sen. César Blanco, who championed the legislation, understood the larger contributions at play.

“With this bill and the $36 million secured in the state budget, hardworking farmers and ranchers will now have financial support from the state of Texas to recover from border-related crimes, so they can get back to delivering food, fiber and fuel across the state and country,” Blanco said.

S.B. 1133, signed by Gov. Abbott, goes into effect Sept. 1.

TRUTH IN LABELING

South Texas rancher and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Director Dustin Dean testified before the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

His message to lawmakers, which would go on to support the passage of S.B. 664, relayed shared frustrations of cattle raisers throughout the Southwest over misleading marketing claims of fake meat products.

A total of 13 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members testified before committees throughout the 88th Regular Legislative Session, including Martha Santos, pictured left; Arthur Uhl, middle; and Dan Gattis, right.

Dean began by touting the reputation of Texas beef as the safest, most wholesome and environmentally conscious beef in the world. He said, the ability for others to latch onto beef’s positive reputation is unfair.

“We follow the law, and some are laws around how I can and cannot label my beef products,” Dean said. “Unfortunately, some in the alternative protein industry are not transparent with consumers, specifically in labeling.”

As Dean sees it, consumers have a right to choose.

“They [alternative proteins] want the luxury of placing words like cultured or cell-based on the back of their products,” Dean said. “All we’re asking for is a level playing field in the marketplace, and how each [of these] products are described to customers.”

The message was not new for Rep. Brad Buckley and his colleague, Sen. Charles Perry. The appeal for fair labeling of analogue and cell-cultured meat products was an issue the two legislators championed in 2021.

After legislation passed out of the Senate, but failed in the House of Representatives during the 87th Texas Legislative Session, Buckley and Perry spent the interim with partners like Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to find a path forward for the bill.

“Texans deserve to know what they are buying at their grocery store,” Buckley said. “By leveling the playing field between traditional and alternative protein producers, we will increase transparency and avoid misleading consumers through misrepresenting alternative protein products.”

Signed into law by Gov. Abbott in May, S.B. 664 requires any analogue or cell-cultured products of meat, poultry, eggs or fish sold in Texas to display a label with the following qualifying terms: analogue; meatless; plant-based; made from plants; cell-cultured; lab-grown; or similar language.

THE RIGHT TO FARM

Private property rights are paramount to ranchers and landowners. However, changing demographics across Texas and the U.S. have resulted in new threats to agriculture. Individuals and groups have taken advantage of loopholes and outdated language in traditional legal protections — including the state’s Right to Farm Law.

“The population is growing,” said Stephen Diebel, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association second vice president and secretary/treasurer during testimony before the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs. “That growth impacts rural parts of the state as new neighbors and businesses move into traditionally rural areas.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state’s population surpassed the 30-million mark in 2022, sparked by a 9 million resident increase from 2000-2022. The Lone Star state also loses rural land faster than any other state in the nation.

With this growth comes conflict.

Diebel said a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association member’s stocker operation could have been in jeopardy when a wedding and event venue moved across the road from the operation three years ago.

Top — Sen. Charles Perry worked across the aisle, chambers and industries for priority bills like H.B. 2308, H.B. 1750, S.B. 664 and S.B. 1133.

Bottom— Sen. Drew Springer helped champion H.B. 73, legislation that ensures diligent landowners and lessees are no longer held liable for livestock damage resulting from events outside their control.

“Eventually the wedding venue began complaining that the sound and smell of the cattle were a problem because they interfered with the ambiance of the venue,” Diebel said. “These complaints have not yet led to a legal challenge, but they persist today and illustrate the new challenges agriculture faces.”

H.B. 2308, also known as Rural Right to Farm, championed by Rep. Trent Ashby and Sen. Charles Perry, sought to change that. The legislation was structured to protect rural agricultural operations from nuisance complaints and other legal challenges.

It also went a step further and extended protections to farmers and ranchers who choose to expand their original operation, so long as the operation had been in existence for one year.

Ashby is proud of the legislation he helped champion protecting rural Texas.

“House Bill 2308 not only strengthens protections for agriculture operations, but also reaffirms our commitment to the farmers and ranchers who play a critical role in delivering the food and fiber to our growing population,” Ashby said.

H.B. 2308 was not the only legislation bolstering Right to Farm provisions.

Another noteworthy initiative, H.B. 1750, which was championed by Perry and Rep. DeWayne Burns, compliments the rural-focused legislation to provide additional rights for operations within, or near, city limits.

H.B. 1750 requires cities to provide evidence of a public health threat when regulating agricultural operations. This means that operations cannot be condemned without scientific proof of harm to residents, which is stipulated in legislation to come from verified sources including Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Together, H.B. 1750 and H.B. 2308 provide comprehensive protections to the Texas Right to Farm Law. The bills were signed by Gov. Abbott and go into effect Sept. 1.

PLAYING DEFENSE

Not all efforts in Austin are about passing bills. On occasion, it is about stopping them.

With the emergence of carbon storage markets in the last years, much buzz has surrounded the marketplace’s regulatory framework.

Several bills were introduced in an attempt to better define and regulate carbon storage markets, as well as offer carbon storage companies financial incentives and special, broad-reaching exemptions from liability laws.

One piece of legislation significantly threatened the private property rights of landowners. The proposed bill introduced a process called integration, in which carbon storage companies could force landowners to store carbon under their land without their consent.

Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee Chairman, Sen. Brian Birdwell, led discussions considering proposed carbon legislation's impact on all Texans — and the importance of landowner private property rights.

Texas legislators like Rep. Tracy King, left; Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, right; Sen. César Blanco and others advocated for ranchers experiencing extensive damage from border-related damages, securing $36 million in funding.

For Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Director Dan Gattis, the concept was alarming.

“Integration is not condemnation — it’s worse,” Gattis said during testimony to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development. “If I go through condemnation, I get a right to a judge and jury in my community who determine what true fair value is.”

Integration does not provide a landowner with those same rights, and it closely resembles another concept in the oil and gas industry — forced pooling, which Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has long been opposed to.

Like integration, forced pooling would give oil and gas companies the right to force individuals to relinquish their private property and submit to contract terms drafted by others, when a majority percentage of mineral owners agreed to enter into leases with oil and gas companies.

Forced pooling has consistently been rejected by the Texas Legislature as an unfair violation of private property rights.

Thanks to the hard work of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and its members and many other partners, integration was also rejected.

The concerns about the erosion of private property rights led to similar concerns over legislation to remove liability from corporations storing or transporting carbon on private property.

In doing so, companies would be voided of an obligation to store carbon in a safe way and to preserve the land from harm.

“If I don’t know what’s being injected underneath me, that’s a problem,” Gattis said.

As Gattis saw it, the legislation was premature. Texans are already entering into carbon storage contracts with oil and gas companies, and successfully without companies being granted protection from liability.

Legislature leadership from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and members of both chambers, including the bill authors themselves, listened to concerns raised by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members.

The result was significantly altered or defeated legislation — preserving the treasured principles of private property rights and accountability. T C

Photos courtesy of the pictured individuals.

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

By Melissa Hamilton, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association executive director of government relations

In many ways, the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature broke records. With a surplus of more than $32 billion to the state budget and 8,000-plus bills filed by legislators, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association faced a tough road in Austin.

The busy legislative session brought welcomed news to ranchers and landowners who are better off after a tremendous 140 days. All Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association recommendations, as well as other beneficial legislation, were passed. Equally important, detrimental legislation did not.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association leaders and staff dedicated hundreds of hours to ensure the voices of ranchers and landowners were heard.

Across the state, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members stepped up — calling legislators, reviewing legislation and driving to Austin to give testimony across seven different legislative committees.

No legislative session can be a success without policymakers, leadership and legislative staff who listen to Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s concerns and perspectives and take a stand for ranchers and landowners.

I, along with many others, offer a heartfelt thanks to them.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is one of the few professional association voices in Austin advocating for ranching, private property rights and the beef industry. The reputation of the association, established by you, our members, also makes us one of the most prominent and hardworking associations in both the state and nation’s Capitols.

It is a true honor and privilege to work on your behalf.

However, we cannot continue to be this political force without our members. It takes your engagement and financial commitment.

Please keep your membership current and encourage others to join. Please also consider donating to the Cattle Raisers PAC. Members can donate by sending a check to the Fort Worth or Austin office or online at tscra.org.

Most importantly, stay connected with us and let us know what issues are most important to you. In coming together, we will continue to represent a strong, united force in Austin and Washington, D.C. T C

STANDING WITH US

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association recognizes the following policymakers and leaders for dedicated efforts to the state’s ranchers, landowners and rural citizens during the 88th Legislative Session.

Join

SAVE THE DATE

JOIN YOUR FELLOW CATTLE RAISERS

YOUNG CATTLE RAISERS SKEET SHOOT & DINNER

SEPT. 25 | COLLEGE STATION

The 2023 Young Cattle Raisers Skeet Shoot & Dinner brings together the next generation of ranchers, landowners, wildlife managers and others who are interested in the future of the great Southwest. Young producers aged 25-40 can connect with like-minded individuals to network, learn more about Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and enjoy an afternoon of skeet shooting.

2023 POLICY CONFERENCE

SEPT. 25 - 27 | COLLEGE STATION

Attend the 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assocation Policy Conference to learn the latest updates across emerging issues and develop policies to drive the association’s efforts for years to come.

2023 RANCH GATHERINGS

Member or not, join TSCRA at one of many local events to connect and learn about the latest in the cattle industry over a great beef meal with fellow ranchers, landowners and those who live for this land.

August 3 – Crockett

August 21 – Beaumont

August 29 – Decatur

September 6 – Stephenville

September 13 – Waco

September 28 – Amarillo

October 3 – Houston

October 10 – Throckmorton

October 16 – San Angelo

October 25 – Mt. Pleasant

October 27 – Victoria

November 9 – Fredericksburg

November 16 – Brenham

November 28 – San Antonio

December 6 – Edinburg

To register or learn more about these opportunities, visit TSCRA.org.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TSCRA

TSCRA SUMMER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Association members met June 8-9 in Marfa.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association hosted its two-day Summer Meeting this year in Marfa, where more than 200 members learned about key issues impacting the cattle industry and conducted important association business.

Attendees heard from Melissa Hamilton, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association executive director of government relations, for an 88th Texas Legislature recap.

Other speakers included: Dr. Andy Schwartz, Texas state veterinarian, who shared updates to ongoing traceability efforts to combat disease outbreaks in cattle and deer; Parks Brown, partner at Uhl, Fitzsimons, Burton, Wolff and Rangel PLLC, who provided an overview of carbon sequestration and alternative energy markets; Dr. Sara Wycoff, wildlife veterinarian at Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, who shared the latest on Chronic Wasting Disease in Texas deer populations; and Brett Stuart, founder and president of Global AgriTrends, who discussed the effect of global imports and exports on the overall U.S. beef supply.

In addition to a robust speaker lineup, the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association board of directors convened for the second time this year.

The association will meet again Sept. 25-27 at its Policy Conference in College Station.

JOIN TSCRA FOR GAME DAY TAILGATES

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will host five football tailgates this fall.

Sept. 9 — Texas Tech University

Sept. 30 — West Texas A&M University

Sept. 30 — Texas Christian University

Oct. 21 — Tarleton State University

Oct. 28 — Texas A&M University

The events are targeted to attract both college alumni as an appreciation of membership and also college students to join the association. For more information, visit tscra.org/events.

TSCRA TO HOST YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SKEET SHOOT GATHERING

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association invites all young producers and young professionals aged 25-40 to a networking event and dinner with the association’s board of directors.

The effort is led by the organization’s leadership development committee, which focuses on future association leadership by creating educational and fostering networking opportunities for youth and young producers.

The gathering will be held the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 25, prior to the start of TSCRA Policy Conference, in College Station at Tonkaway Ranch.

A nominal registration covers fees for skeet shooting as well as a delicious beef dinner. Young professionals can register by emailing education@tscra.org.

For more information on this and other association activities, visit tscra.org/events. T C

TSCRA's Melissa Hamilton updates the crowd on legislative session highlights during Summer Meeting in Marfa.

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

2023 LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD HONORS FAYETTE COUNTY’S BROWN RANCH

Mark and Cheryl Brown have been awarded the state’s highest honor for private land conservation, the Leopold Conservation Award, which was presented at the Lone Star Land Steward awards banquet May 25 in Austin.

The Brown Ranch, located in Ammansville in Fayette County, was previously awarded the Lone Star Land Steward Blackland Prairie ecoregion award in 2017.

Since then, the couple has continued superlative conservation work on tall-grass prairie restoration and community outreach.

The prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation and natural resource management by American ranchers, farmers and foresters in 22 states.

In Texas, the award is presented by the Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as part of the Lone Star Land Steward Awards program, which is supported by the nonprofit Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Plant surveys have uncovered more than 250 species of native plants on the parcels owned by the Browns. Annual bird surveys on the property have located focal species for conservation efforts — including loggerhead shrike, dickcissel, grasshopper sparrow, eastern meadowlark and many more — due to their significant population declines over the last half-century.

HAYTHORN TO RECEIVE NATIONAL GOLDEN SPUR AWARD

Craig Haythorn, one of the most respected ranchers and horsemen in the nation, will receive the National Golden Spur Award at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences in Lubbock, during the annual National Golden Spur Award Honors Friday, Nov. 3.

Haythorn, of Haythorn Land and Cattle Co., in the Sandhills of Arthur, Nebraska, will be the 45th recipient of the National Golden Spur Award for accomplishments by a single individual in the ranching and livestock industries.

Presentation of the National Golden Spur Award is a joint annual recognition historically given by six of the leading state and national ranching and livestock organizations: the American Quarter Horse Association; National Cattlemen’s Foundation; Ranching Heritage Association; Texas Cattle Feeders Association; Texas Farm Bureau; and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Haythorn is the fourth generation in his family to own and operate Haythorn Land and Cattle Co. after his greatgrandfather immigrated from England as a 16-year-old stowaway on a ship headed to America.

Moving four generations into the future, Craig was four years old when he went on his first cattle drive and 13 when he was put in charge of the hay crew. Today, the 76-year-old rancher leads the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of the storied Haythorn Land and Cattle Co.

Craig’s grandfather had the first registered American Quarter Horse Association stud in Nebraska, and the Haythorns were awarded the first-ever AQHA Remuda Award in 1992. Their company is one of the largest and most respected breeders of American Quarter Horses in America.

Tickets for the National Golden Spur Award Honors are now on sale at goldenspurhonors.com.

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HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD CHAIR

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a longstanding institution in the heart of Texas, May 25 announced Pat Mann Phillips was elected as its new chairman of the board.

The historic announcement marks a new chapter for the rodeo, as Phillips is the first woman chairman since the show began in 1932. Phillips succeeds Brady Carruth, who served as chairman since 2020.

Phillips first joined the rodeo as a volunteer in 2001, working with several of the organization’s committees. In 2009, she was founding chair of the tours committee and was integral in laying the groundwork for the committee’s continued success today.

Phillips was elected to the board of directors in 2012 and served as a rodeo vice president from 2016 to 2018, overseeing the efforts of the transportation, magazine, special children’s, agriculture education (formerly Ladies’ Go Texan), souvenir program, and communications and special services committees.

In 2018, she was elected to serve on the executive committee, and named chairman of the board elect in 2022.

In addition to electing Phillips as the new chairman of the board, the rodeo’s executive committee also appointed Jeffrey S. Hayes and J. Alan Kent to the 2024 board of directors. Both individuals have been stand-out volunteers and life members of the rodeo, committed to leading the organizations 35,000-plus volunteers.

FORMER TSCRA INTERN APPOINTED STUDENT REGENT BY GOV. ABBOTT

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Annie Valicek, a senior agribusiness and economics major at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, as the next student regent for the Texas A&M University System.

A Houston-native, Valicek is the university’s immediate past student body president and a former intern with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

She is also a founding member of West Texas A&M’s Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter and is chair of career and personal development for Chi Omega sorority. Valicek plans to attend law school after graduation.

In 2005, the 79th Texas Legislature authorized the governor to appoint non-voting student regents to each university system’s board of regents. The chancellor of each university system recommends at least two students to the governor from applications submitted by participating universities. The Texas A&M System’s Board of Regents meets quarterly with special meetings arranged as needed. T C

CALCULATING COW COST

Elements of the equation to be discussed during upcoming Ranching 101.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association invites its members to participate in a virtual Ranching 101 session at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15.

During the hour-long Zoom webinar, attendees will gain a better understanding of the various factors impacting cow cost.

An expert speaker will share how to determine the total expenditures associated with raising cattle and how to gain a clearer overall financial picture.

Interested? Scan the QR code to register.

ABOUT RANCHING 101

A monthly webinar series hosted by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s events and education department, Ranching 101 explores fundamental principles of beef cattle production.

Experienced or brand-new cattle raisers will find something of value during these online sessions. Registration is complimentary for any association member. Visit tscra.org to learn more. T C

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At Cactus Feeders The Cattle Come First, and Our Cattle Feeding Customers are the Core of Our Business

Get to know the individuals who make Cactus Feeders a success.

Cactus Feedyard

Matthew Turney, Manager Cactus, TX office: (806) 966-5151 cell: (806) 282-7077

Centerfire Feedyard

Rusty Jackson, Manager Ulysses, KS office: (620) 356-2010 cell: (806) 773-9457

Frontier Feedyard

Ross Kelso, Manager Spearman, TX office: (806) 882-4251 cell: (806) 662-4741

Stratford Feedyard

Pistol Audrain, Manager Stratford, TX office: (806) 396-5501 cell: (806) 753-7133

At Cactus, our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) makes each employee an owner of the company. They think like owners and take care of the cattle like owners. That’s the secret to what has made Cactus Feeders a success, and that will continue to make us successful tomorrow.

Southwest Feedyard

Kacey Graham, Manager Hereford, TX office: (806) 364-0693 cell: (806) 316-8799

Hale Center Feedyard

David Watts, Manager Hale Center, TX office: (806) 879-2104 cell: (806) 202-0209

Ulysses Feedyard

Adam Gerrond, Manager Ulysses, KS office: (620) 356-1750 cell:(806) 390-9034

Wolf Creek Feedyard

Keith Brinson, Manager Perryton, TX office: (806) 435-5697 cell: (806) 282-7588

Wrangler Feedyard

Randy Shields, Manager Tulia, TX office: (806) 583-2131 cell: (806) 290-0559

Syracuse Feedyard

Phil Moreman, Manager Syracuse, KS office: (620) 384-7431 cell: (806) 340-4790

STOLEN FEED AND EQUIPMENT RECOVERED IN ANDERSON COUNTY

More than $32,000 in stolen feed, hay and equipment returned to the lawful owner.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Rangers Bo Fox and Robert Pemberton, along with local Anderson County investigators, recovered 225 bales of alfalfa, 10 tons of livestock feed and other livestock-related equipment, totaling more than $32,000 of stolen property.

During an intensive fraud investigation, information led special rangers and Anderson County officials to a residence near Cayuga. While inspecting the residence, hay, feed and equipment were discovered that matched the description of previously reported stolen property to Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Hubbard Police Department.

Further investigation revealed the Anderson County landowners were victims of fraud. The assets were acquired through fraudulent credit card transactions, then sold to the Anderson County landowners through an online sale.

The Anderson County landowners were not charged, and the property that was found was returned to its lawful owner.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, in partnership with other local investigators, continues the search to identify those responsible for the stolen property. Anyone with information about this case is urged to come forward.

UVALDE COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR FELONY THEFT OF MORE THAN 650 GOATS

Special rangers arrest Angel Bazaldua for failing to pay for two loads of goats.

Angel Bazaldua, of Uvalde County, was arrested on felony theft charges for failing to pay for two loads of goats from the Southwest Livestock Exchange. The arrest is the result of an investigation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Joe Aguilar Jr.

In May 2022, Bazaldua purchased 272 goats from the Southwest Livestock Exchange. The following week, he purchased an additional 388 goats from the same auction barn.

To take possession of the second load of goats, the auction requested Bazaldua first pay for the initial livestock purchase. Bazaldua wrote a check for $35,000. Within days, the bank alerted the auction owners Bazaldua ordered a stop payment for the check.

An investigation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association led to Bazaldua’s arrest for thirddegree felony theft totaling $79,420.

OKLAHOMA MAN ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZLEMENT

Clinton Ray Fleming was arrested by special rangers for embezzling more than $46,000.

Clinton Ray Fleming, of Cushing, Oklahoma, was arrested on felony charges for an embezzlement scheme to steal more than $46,000. The arrest is the result of an investigation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers Cody Hyde and Brad Oliver.

The arrest is built on a case that Fleming stole $9,550 worth of saddles and tack, and sold five registered Quarter Horses valued at more than $28,500 — all belonging to his former employer. The investigation revealed Fleming accepted an additional $8,620 as payment for three different registered Quarter Horses and their training, but he never delivered them.

Shortly after, Fleming ceased all communication with both victims and fled the area.

Fleming was located by working on a ranch near Farmersville. Hyde and Oliver obtained consent to search the ranch and recovered $3,950 of his former employer’s tack.

Taken into custody on a felony warrant, Fleming was transported to McKinney and booked in the Collin County jail to later be extradited back to Oklahoma.

The eight horses and some tack have yet to be recovered. The missing horses include a 3-year-old sorrel mare, a dun stallion colt, another sorrel mare, a 10-year-old bay mare, two 5-year-old grey dapple mares, a 4-year-old bay roan and a 6-year-old grey mare.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association special rangers continue to investigate and request potential victims who believe they may have been subject to Fleming’s scheme or individuals with information about the case contact the Operation Cow Thief tip line at 817-916-1775 or Hyde at 918-315-2925.

The association would like to thank the Payne County Sheriff Joe Harper and Payne County District Attorney’s office for their joint efforts in this investigation to successfully bring the case to prosecution. T C

DISTRICT 8 — NORTH TEXAS

UTV stolen near Bowie.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger John Vance reports a 2019 ranchedition Kawasaki Mule stolen near Bowie. The VIN number is JKBAFSJ10KB510531. The mule is brown with one row of seating, a dump bed and after-market lighting on the front bumper. It also has several stickers on it, including a red Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association sticker on the front-left fender. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Vance at 903-438-6251.

DISTRICT 11 — NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS

Heifers missing in Fannin County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Brad Oliver reports three heifers missing from a pasture off Fannin County roads 4020 and 4025. The missing heifers include one Brangus, one gray Brahman and one red-brindle-colored heifer with a white face. They all weigh approximately 700 to 800 pounds and are branded on the left hip with =BL=. They also have a yellow or white tag in right ear. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Oliver at 903-328-8023.

DISTRICT 13 — EAST TEXAS

Equipment stolen near Carthage.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Larry Hand reports a John Deere tractor, Legend Force auger and a Predator 3500-watt generator stolen from a property off U.S. Highway 79 South. The tractor is a 2018 model 5115M with a cab, front-end loader and bucket.

The serial number of the tractor ends in 2312, and the serial number of the loader ends in 9785. The suspect(s) entered the property June 2 between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Hand at 903-571-3488.

DISTRICT

19

— WEST TEXAS

Trespasser(s) wanted in Crockett County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger H.D. Brittain reports trespassing in Crockett County. The unknown suspect(s) entered the property May 12 and possibly darted exotic game

animals. Information leading to an arrest or indictment of involved parties is eligible for a reward. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Brittain at 325-340-2268.

DISTRICT 20 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Skid steer stolen near Ledbetter.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Kenny Murchison reports a Melroe Bobcat skid steer, model 773, stolen in Lee County. The PIN number is 517616369. The skid steer was stolen between 5 p.m. May 10 and 2 p.m. May 11. The suspect(s) stole it from a barn and drove it through two fences. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Murchison at 512-705-3226.

DISTRICT 22 — EAST TEXAS

Cows missing in Washington County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Brent Mast reports two Charolais cows missing. The cows are branded with a lazy R on the right hip and were last seen early April. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Mast at 936-714-6619.

DISTRICT

23

— SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Pickup and trailers stolen near Houston.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Mike Boone reports two separate thefts on the same property in Harris County. Two pickups and two trailers were reported stolen. One pickup was recovered in Montgomery County. The missing trailers and other pickup are described as follows:

• A white, 2001 Dodge 3500 dually 4-door pick-up with primer-colored fenders and a black Ranch Hand bumper;

• A 16-foot, homemade, blue and white gooseneck livestock trailer; and

• A 20-foot, homemade, red-orange gooseneck livestock trailer.

The owner is offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) involved. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Boone at 409-658-5725.

DISTRICT

25

– SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Equipment stolen in Gonzales.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Fields reports a mini excavator, bumper-pull trailer, welding machine and Metabo air compressor stolen on May 15. The mini excavator is a 2007 Bobcat model 331G, with an 18-inch bucket and missing front blade. The PIN number is 234317133, and it has approximately 1,800 hours on it. The bumper-pull trailer is a 2019, 20-foot lowboy Big Tex model 14TL. The trailer

VIN number is 16VEX2029K2042578, and the license plate number is FVWM48. The welding machine is a Hobart Champion with approximately 200 to 300 hours.

Trailer stolen in Victoria.

The special ranger also reports a 2004, 24-foot Gooseneck aluminum stock trailer stolen. The VIN number of the trailer is 16GA3242X4B078598 and the license plate number is FYGJ87. The trailer was stolen May 18 by two male suspects who broke into the property. They were driving an early 2000 model, white, single-cab Ford pickup with a long bed.

Burglary near Nordheim.

Fields reports an attempted burglary to a barn off Talk Ranch Road. May 4 at around 5:49 a.m., an unknown male subject was captured on a doorbell camera attempting to make entry into the residence. The suspect was wearing a baggy shirt, gloves and hat to mask his identity. After an attempt to open the door of the residence, the suspect pried open the locked door of the barn and made entry. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Fields at 361-207-5207.

DISTRICT 26 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Heifers missing near Fredericksburg. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special

Ranger Todd Jennings reports two heifers missing in northern Gillespie County. One Hereford has an ear tag in the left ear with the letter R. The other heifer is a blackand-white Angus cross and has an ear tag with the letter W in the left ear. The heifers were last seen Feb. 15.

Bull missing near Willow City.

Jennings also reports a black Angus bull missing from a property off Althaus Davis Road in northern Gillespie County. Last seen around May 4, the bull is branded with HIL and 957 on the left hip and has a white ear tag in the left ear. Anyone with information about these cases is urged to contact Jennings at 830-997-7585.

DISTRICT 30 — SOUTH TEXAS

Tractor stolen in Jim Wells County. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Steve Martin reports a 2016 New Holland T4100 tractor stolen. Last seen May 26, the tractor has a front-end loader and the VIN number is ZFLE50685. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Martin at 361-542-0496. 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.

Be sur e to watch for our September ad w hich will featur e a QR code that will dir ect you to our Video Catalog, so you can see videos of each bull.

FRAUD CASES ON THE RISE

How ranchers and landowners can secure their property against potential threats.

By Micah McAtee

That will never happen to me.”

It is a simple phrase most have said a time or two. While commonly first nature to assume all individuals as honest and genuine, unfortunately that is not always the case.

Scott Williamson, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s executive director of law, brand and inspection services, was a recent guest on the TSCRA Talk podcast to provide tips for preventing theft and crime across the agricultural industry.

The industry veteran said in previous years crime was dominated by theft investigations, such as lock cutting and cattle rustling. In recent years, fraud has become more prevalent — especially with the help of digital platforms.

Stories like a recent case in South Texas are all-tofamiliar to the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association special ranger team. An individual purchased thousands of dollars of hay, and it was never delivered.

Williamson advised ranchers to be diligent before making deals.

“Get a reference, find somebody in that area who might be able to go over and look at the hay or tell you about that person’s integrity, and even feel free to call the special rangers,” he said. “If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.”

A clear bill of sale is another critical component that could help buyers avoid fraudulent activities.

“My suggestion is never to make a payment until you have received it,” Williamson said.

This ensures buyers can verify the product is as described. If it fails to meet the advertised standards, Williamson reminded ranchers they have a right to return the product and not unload it.

He also noted the increasing occurrence of fraudulent cashier’s checks. This is often found in livestock buyer and seller agreements. He suggested working with a local bank to run the numbers to confidently tell if the seller is legitimate or not.

In the unfortunate instance that fraud, theft or another crime occurs, Williamson reminded ranchers it is vital to file reports in a timely manner.

“You don’t have to be neck deep in a crime before you call us,” he said.

Williamson was raised with freedoms that are now foreign in most areas. Locking gates and barns daily is a note Williamson suggested to ranchers. Although it is frustrating in day-to-day production, it allows producers to notice if a non-resident has stepped foot on the property.

“You don’t have to notice something is missing before you realize somebody has been on your property,” Williamson said.

Next on the expert’s list of advice: keep a detailed list of serial and vehicle numbers. Recording pictures of the identification numbers creates a higher level of efficiency if property comes up stolen and a special ranger begins an investigation.

Digital media may have spurred a new era of crime, but landowners can also use new technology to their advantage.

In addition to Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association posted signs, trespasser warnings and purple paint on gates, investing in cameras can offer valuable evidence.

Cameras that immediately send pictures to a mobile device is Williamson’s best suggestion when selecting equipment that best fits an operation. Since cell phones are constantly accessible, they allow faster connection and offer huge security benefits.

And never underestimate the value of watching out for neighbors.

“The fastest way to reduce crime is when everybody is aware and taking care of themselves and their neighbors,” Williamson said. “Don’t think of your neighbors as being nosy and don’t hesitate to be a nosy neighbor.”

To hear more of the conversation on agricultural crime prevention, download TSCRA Talk on any podcast platform. Also visit tscra.org for a map and directory of special rangers throughout Texas and Oklahoma. T C

Micah McAtee is a senior at Oklahoma State University and summer intern for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Scott Williamson Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

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THE FACTS ON ANTHRAX

Veterinary diagnostic experts answer common questions.

By Maggie Berger

During summer months, livestock producers and outdoor enthusiasts across the state, especially those in South Texas, have more to think about than rising temperatures.

Anthrax, sometimes incorrectly referred to as bovine anthrax, is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which occurs naturally in soil.

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory historically sees a rise in positive cases in June, July and August, followed by a slow decrease through September and October.

How concerned should cattle raisers be about anthrax? Two Texas A&M AgriLife experts weigh in and explain what anthrax is and what to do if a positive case is suspected.

Dr. Terry Hensley is the laboratory’s assistant agency director and a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service veterinarian. He has broad knowledge of veterinary medical topics and has been a valuable resource for the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the public during previous outbreaks.

Dr. Narayan Paul is a board-certified veterinary clinical microbiologist and the bacteriology section head for Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, where anthrax testing takes place.

HOW DO ANIMALS CONTRACT ANTHRAX?

Hensley: Anthrax is not contagious like the flu. The most common route of infection is by ingestion of the bacterial spores from contaminated forage, soil or water. Infection by inhalation or through skin wounds is also possible. The disease can infect all animals with some being more susceptible than others. Herbivores such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses, as well as wild herbivores like deer, are more susceptible than swine and carnivores such as dogs.

CAN HUMANS GET ANTHRAX FROM ANIMALS?

Hensley: Humans are considered relatively resistant to anthrax; more resistant than cattle, but less resistant than dogs. Cases in humans are uncommon in the U.S. In rare circumstances, infection could be acquired from the inappropriate handling of the carcass of an animal that died of the disease. The source of infection

Top: Herbivores are more susceptible to contracting anthrax than humans or carnivores.

Bottom: Bacillus anthracis , the causative bacteria of anthrax, on sheep blood agar illustrating ground-glass, dry colonies and non-hemolytic colonies.

Photos courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife.

125 Two-Year-Old Bulls

Bred,

would most likely be by ingestion, inhalation or wound contamination by anthrax spores.

Anthrax poses little risk to the average person. Veterinarians, ranchers and hunters who work, live and recreate in areas of the state where anthrax is known to occur should be aware of the disease and take precautions when finding a carcass with the classic signs of anthrax. Normal day-to-day activities pose little threat of acquiring infection.

In Texas, the anthrax triangle is an area created by connecting Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. Encompassing parts of Crockett, Edwards, Kinney, Maverick, Sutton, Uvalde and Val Verde counties, this is where most positive cases originate.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF ANTHRAX?

Hensley: The bacteria produce two toxins that attack various organ systems resulting in fever, depression and organ system failure. In highly susceptible animals such as cattle, sheep, deer and other herbivores, death may occur suddenly, so no signs of illness are noticed beforehand. Horses may exhibit signs of subcutaneous edema and a more protracted course of disease than cattle. Animals that die from the disease will often have bloody discharge from the orifices, absence of rigor mortis and lack blood clotting. These can all be signs of an anthrax-related death, but are not absolute without lab confirmation.

Treatment success is unlikely in animals that are severely ill when discovered. If illness is detected in the febrile stage but before other clinical signs, treatment with appropriate antibiotics may be successful.

There is an anthrax vaccine available for use in livestock species. However, the vaccine is not approved for use in dogs.

HOW MANY POSITIVE CASES OF ANTHRAX DOES THE LAB GENERALLY SEE IN A YEAR?

Paul: We see three to four positive cases per year. However, during 2019, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed 23 positive cases in several species including cattle, white-tailed deer, goats, horses and exotic antelope.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE DO IF THEY SUSPECT AN ANIMAL OF HAVING ANTHRAX?

Paul: If you see the sudden death of an animal with leakage of uncoagulated blood from natural openings, contact your local veterinarian, the Texas Animal Health Commission or Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.

Hensley: People should not open a carcass suspected of anthrax. If you must handle the carcass, wear disposable gloves, a mask, long pants and a long sleeve shirt or coveralls. Launder your clothes in hot water. In anthrax endemic areas, do not pick up bones or antlers since you have no way of knowing whether the animal died from the disease or not. The spores can remain in the environment for decades.

HOW SHOULD SAMPLES BE TAKEN FOR SUBMISSION?

Paul: The preferred specimen is blood collected from a superficial vein, such as the jugular. The sample should be submitted in a sterile red top or purple top anticoagulant blood tube. Swabs of bloody fluid oozing from body orifices may also be submitted in a sterile red top tube or commercial transport medium.

Although not recommended, if the carcass has been opened, the spleen, lung and liver may be submitted for bacterial culture. Ears should not be submitted for anthrax culture tests, as they are relatively avascular and are likely to yield inaccurate results.

It is important to collect samples from animals at the point of death or freshly dead as Bacillus anthracis can die in an anaerobic carcass after a period and would yield a false negative bacterial culture.

HOW DOES TESTING WORK?

Paul: Upon arrival of anthrax-suspect samples in the lab, they are streaked onto different bacterial culture media that contain essential growth factors or nutrients for the growth of the bacterium.

The cultured media are then incubated at 98.6 degrees in aerobic condition for 48 hours. The culture media plates are examined at 24 hours and 48 hours to see if any suspected anthrax bacteria appear in the form of ground-glass, dry colonies and non-hemolytic colonies on blood agar plates. Two confirmatory tests, bacteriophage lysis and penicillin antibiotic tests, are performed on any suspected bacteria. Anthrax bacteria are positive for bacteriophage lysis and susceptible to penicillin antibiotic.

Additional information on anthrax can be found at the Texas Department of State Health Services website. Those interested in anthrax testing should call one of Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s full-service laboratories in College Station or Canyon. For more information, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu. T C

Maggie Berger is a communications specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife.

Deer pictured in spring 2023 near Del Rio.

WHAT PLANT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE MONTH

OF AUGUST?

Horse Crippler (Echinocactus texensis)

By Kent Ferguson

Acactus commonly found in the state’s arid regions, Horse Crippler is also known as Devil’s Head Cactus, Devil’s-Pincushion, Chisos Hedgehog

Cactus and Manca Caballo. The dark-green native cactus grows on sandy and shallow limestone sites.

Horse Crippler:

• Has one round stem up to a foot wide and 2 inches tall.

• Has up to 17 ribs per plant, with stout, cross-ribbed spines and one long central spine per areole that is curved downward.

• Has 5 to 7 radial spines per areole encircling the main central spine.

• Produces fragrant, pink-to-salmon colored, inverted bell-shaped flowers, roughly 3 inches wide and tall.

Center

• Flowers have inner petals with red streaks and feathery tips.

• Produces red, fleshy fruit from the flowers.

Commonly bad news for livestock, Horse Crippler’s strong spines can badly injure the feet of grazing animals. Older plants with extremely strong spines can even penetrate vehicle and equipment tires. The plant has been eliminated from many areas because of this hazard.

Horse Crippler is one of many Hedgehog cacti cultivated for ornamental and landscape purposes. T C

Photo by Keeper Trout, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower

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

The Linz Heritage Angus program consistently and uniformly delivers high-performance cattle with the most sought-after traits that not only benefit your herd, but puts you in a unique opportunity. When you work with Linz, you get the support of an entire program - from our Blue Branch Ranch breeding operations to our Timpas Feedlot and an entire processing facility with a white tablecloth customer base. Our goal is to maximize your economic success and provide our restaurant customers with high-quality Angus beef that can be traced back to the ranch and the bull that produced it.

BQA TIP: ADMINISTER WISELY

Whenever the label permits, cattle injections should be applied subcutaneously.

However, some are labeled for intramuscular use only, including estrous synchronization products, and should be given in the animal’s neck.

A major concern is cattle may flinch when receiving intramuscular injections, which can cause the needle to bend or break.

To help prevent cattle from moving, make sure they are properly restrained in a squeeze chute. It may also be beneficial to touch or slightly rub the back of your hand on the neck prior to an intramuscular injection, reducing the reaction when administering the shot.

CONSERVE SPENDING HEALTHY. EFFICIENT. POUNDS. EFFECTIVE, EASY BREEDING

Photo by Jerod Foster

A couple of years ago we had a wreck going and needed a solution. ENDOVAC-Beef was it! A neighbor recommended the product. I knew it didn’t cost much and I knew what I was doing wasn’t working, so when I found out it covered E. coli, Salmonella, Pasteurella, and Mannheimia, I gave it a try I vaccinated my calves and it worked! Plus, it’s just so easy on them. I give it to my calves around two months of age and again at weaning. The heifers I hold back get it again in June when they go through the chute. It’s just a good product.

second year was even better because we implemented it in everything.I vaccinated my cows in April and gave them a booster in June to ensure full protection for my fall calvers and it solved all my scour problems. For those who have spring cows, I would give them a dose in the fall and again in January, about six to seven weeks before they star t calving.

Since implementing ENDOVAC-Beef, my medical bill went down and I’m just not treating calves anymore.I haven’t had to doctor one with foot rot either I can tell you that vaccinating them is cheaper than losing them… it’s wor th it. Everything that goes through the chute; cows, calves, and bulls, gets a shot of Endovac at least twice a year now.

- JW Henson, Hillview Farms

ENDOVAC-Beef has been a Game Changer for me. I run a good sized cow-calf operation in addition to star ting cattle. 100% of my cattle get ENDOVAC -Beef. Since using ENDOVAC we don’t have to treat as many cattle for respiratory, or even other common problems like pinkeye and foot rot. I am getting my Pasteurella and the stimulant that makes the vaccine work better with ENDOVAC-Beef. If everybody knew what I knew, everyone would be using it !

- Brad Haun, Haun Ranch

Beyond Our Gates

CULTIVATED MEAT RAISES QUESTIONS

Lab-grown meat’s carbon footprint potentially worse than retail beef.

By Amy Quinton

Lab-grown meat, which is cultured from animal cells, is often thought to be more environmentally friendly than beef because it’s predicted to need less land, water and greenhouse gases than raising cattle.

But in a preprint, not yet peer-reviewed, researchers at the University of California, Davis have found lab-grown or cultivated meat’s environmental impact is likely to be “orders of magnitude” higher than retail beef based on current and near-term production methods.

Researchers conducted a life-cycle assessment of the energy needed and greenhouse gases emitted in all stages of production and compared that with beef.

One of the current challenges with lab-grown meat is the use of highly refined or purified growth media, the ingredients needed to help animal cells multiply. Currently, this method is similar to the biotechnology used to make pharmaceuticals.

This sets up a critical question for cultured meat production: Is it a pharmaceutical or food product?

“If companies are having to purify growth media to pharmaceutical levels, it uses more resources, which then increases global warming potential,” said lead author and doctoral graduate Derrick Risner, from the university’s department of food science and technology.

“If this product continues to be produced using the ‘pharma’ approach, it’s going to be worse for the environment and more expensive than conventional beef production.”

The scientists defined the global warming potential as the carbon dioxide equivalents emitted for each kilogram of meat produced. The study found the global warming potential of lab-based meat using these purified media is four to 25 times greater than the average for retail beef.

Eventually, those researching cultured meat production seek to create lab-grown meat using primarily food-grade ingredients or cultures without the use of expensive and energy-intensive pharmaceutical grade ingredients and processes.

Under that scenario, researchers found cultured meat is much more environmentally competitive, but with a wide range. Cultured meat’s global warming potential could be between 80% lower to 26% above that of conventional beef production, the university scientists calculated. While these results are more promising, the leap from pharma to food still represents a significant technical challenge for system scale-up.

“Our findings suggest that cultured meat is not inherently better for the environment than conventional beef. It’s not a panacea,” said corresponding author Edward Spang, an associate professor in the department of food science and technology. “It’s possible we could reduce its environmental impact in the future, but it will require significant technical advancement to simultaneously increase the performance and decrease the cost of the cell culture media.”

The most efficient beef production systems reviewed in the study outperformed cultured meat across all scenarios, both food and pharma, suggesting investments to advance more climate-friendly beef production may yield greater reductions in emissions more quickly than investments in cultured meat.

The research was funded by the university’s Innovation Institute for Food and Health and the National Science Foundation Growing Convergence Research grant. T C

Amy Quinton is a news and media relations specialist, writing about agricultural research and veterinary sciences at the University of California, Davis.

Photo by Mosa Meat CC-BY4

CARRYING IT FORWARD

TSCRA Director Lorenzo Lasater believes in the value of association advocacy efforts.

By Laurie Martin

There is no debate when Lorenzo Lasater says cattle ranching is in his blood.

The family ranch and L Bar brand, established by his great-grandfather, dates back to the 1870s with roots in both Texas and Mexico.

Since 1892, the brand has raised various breeds of cattle, including Hereford, Shorthorn, Jersey and Brahman. In 1937, they shifted the sole focus on developing Beefmaster genetics.

Today, Lasater serves as president of Isa Beefmasters and oversees all aspects of the operation, which is based out of San Angelo and spans eight Texas counties.

Lasater carries on the family tradition with the help of his sister, Isabel, as vice president. The siblings focus on the genetics of their herd and promoting the brand worldwide.

The importance of volunteer leadership is not lost on Lasater, whose great-grandfather was Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s ninth president.

“I’m a fourth-generation member and a fourthgeneration director,” Lasater says. “I went to my first TSCRA meeting as baby. It’s kind of a lifelong thing.”

In his 30-year stretch as an association member, Lasater acknowledges that while the membership composition has changed, the value remains the same. He considers government representation to be one of the top current benefits for his generation.

“The number of members we have is a tiny fraction of the U.S. population,” Lasater says. “TSCRA is representing you in Washington and Austin, and that by itself is worth the price of membership.”

Along with being on the board of directors, Lasater is currently on the marketing committee and is a past chair of the association’s promotion committee. He says one of his most memorable experiences was in the 2000s, brainstorming new ways to reach people and build membership numbers.

“As an association, we did some serious selfassessment and figured out some new things we needed to do,” Lasater says. “We started TSCRA Ranch Gatherings for those who didn’t want to come to a convention in Fort Worth.”

He says he has enjoyed seeing the local gatherings continue, encouraging members to build a community in their area, which is another benefit of membership. These connections can lead to leasing land, jobs, references and mentorships.

At the annual Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo, Lasater says he enjoys reconnecting with both new and old friends alike.

“There’s a wealth of knowledge here through directors and members,” Lasater says. “It’s worth the time to strike up a relationship with them at meetings. Everybody wants to see young people come on board and succeed.”

Aside from his network of fellow cattle raisers, Lasater considers his dad, who is now an honorary director of the association, to be his main mentor. The value he finds in being a member is undeniable, as it provides him with knowledge and resources to continue the family tradition of promoting the L Bar brand. T C

Laurie Martin is a freelance writer and photographer from Brownfield.

Lorenzo Lasater, pictured center, with his family.

ARTHUR G. UHL 111 President

4040 Broadway St., Ste. 430 San Antonio, Texas 78209

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

CARL RAY POLK JR. First Vice President P.O. Box 155108 Lufkin, Texas 75915

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

STEPHEN DIEBEL Second Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer 3907 Salem Rd. Victoria, Texas 77904

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

Melissa Hamilton Executive Director, Government Relations

When it comes to ranch record keeping , more people in more places use CattleMax than any other software program. That’s because , not only does CattleMax let you organize every bit of data you need, it lets you do so easily , whether you’re at home or in the field.

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

Richard D. “Dick” Hughes, El Paso

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

Gene S. “Primo” Walker Jr., Mirando City

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

Dr. Lewis (Bud) Dinges, Richmond

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

Bill White, Stowell

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 & DISTRICTS

TSCRA Special Rangers

New Members

2 H Cattle

Mont Belvieu

3W Ranch

Channing

7J Lone Star Land & Cattle LLC

McGregor

AW Ranch LLC

Hempstead

Angela Alcala

Abilene

Todd Alexander

Palestine

B&R Ranch

Houston

David Baumann

Canyon

Bayer Ranch

Idabel, Oklahoma

Box W Ranch

Hamilton

Buckin A Ranch

Dallas

C & A Cattle Co.

Denver City

Canyon Investments Inc.

Colleyville

Cartwright’s JB Ranch

Frisco

Cattleman’s Creek Ranch

Wills Point

Corley Farm

Brownsboro

Courvilles

China

Creek Ranch/DBA Flores Ranch

Liberty

David Lehmberg GST Trust

San Antonio

Demarest Family Farm & Ranch

Gilmer

Double M Ranch

Dallas

Finch Ranch

Hedley

Fivo-O Ranch

San Diego

G Money Cattle Co.

Bridgeport

Gossett Ranch

Glen Rose

Grace & Wade Livestock LLC

Pearland

Gracey Ranch

Houston

Greer Ranch

Dallas

Hartzoge-Coronado Canyons Ranch

Midland

Antonio Herrejon

Corpus Christi

Hondo River

San Antonio

Stephen Hrbacek

La Grange

Huffaker Stone Cattle LLC

Tahoka

I Bar Ranch LLC

Putnam

Italy FFA Chapter

Grandview

Ivan Hills Ranch

Grapevine

Kelly Young Farm & Ranch

Plainview

Calrton Kempf

Castroville

Kirkham Ranch 3JF

Cleveland

Koch Farms

Waelder

L6 Ranch - Wendell C. Little Sr.

Kosse

Lazy F Ranch

Smiley

Liberty Creek Cattle Co.

Blossom

Callen Mcwilliams

Goliad

Mesquite Grove Ranch

Abilene

Mullins Ranch

Abilene

Philip Mundine

Kurten

Nichols Ranch

Glenpool, Oklahoma

Oakmound Ranch

Sweeny

Oklahoma Cattle Co.

Leander

OO Acres

The Colony

Ox Ranch

Uvalde

Robert Overton

Houston

P Bendele Farm LLC

San Antonio

Barbara Palmer

Sulphur Springs

Patterson Ranch

Dickinson

Peace on Earth Ranch

Corpus Christi

Pinecrest Farm & Ranch

College Station

Polyanna Ranch

Blooming Grove

Rafter B Cattle Co.

Cleburne

Ranchito Ramirez

Pearsall

Red Sand Land & Cattle LLC

Laredo

Caleb Rhone

Grapeland

River Bottom Ranch - Jeffrey Budde

Conroe

RL Ranch

Center Point

John Robinson

Smiley

Searcher 6 Ranch LLC

Lubbock

Sears Ranch

Denton

SH Cattle Co.

Leander

T-Shai Farms

Parker

Thompson Ranch

Cleveland

TM Cattle Co.

Corpus Christi

Ward Cattle Co.

Canton

Westview Ranch

Colleyville

WG Ranch LLC

Buffalo

Wilson Ranch

Three Rivers

THERE ARE EASIER WAYS

TO MAKE A LIVING

But you wouldn’ t trade ranching for anything.

It’s about upholding traditions and growing our beef-loving community. While you keep moving forward, you can count on the Texas Beef Council having your back to drive demand for beef.

Efforts like the hit BBQuest video series surpassing 2.9 million views and delivering the latest beef nutrition research to 750 medical offices across Texas are just a few ways we’re working to keep beef in its strongest state.

Scan the QR code or visit TexasBeefCheckoff.com to sign up for the Cattle Talk newsletter and stay informed about all the ways your Beef Checkoff dollars are fueling beef demand.

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. Co.

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: Brad Dominy, 903-394-4046

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: Jeff Burkes, 575-602-2280

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: Cade Burks, 830-391-4501

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: Cade Burks, 830-391-4501

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: Casey Jones, 409-423-0685

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: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

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: Tyler Rader, 713-907-2725

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: Tyler Rader, 713-907-2725

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: Tyler Rader, 713-907-2725

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: Michael Vessels, 806-517-3188

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: Michael Vessels, 806-517-3188

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

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

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

Wharton Livestock Auction

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: Hannah Ford, 903-706-8262

WISE

Decatur Livestock Market

Where: Decatur

Phone: 940-627-5599

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Rebecca Benson, 940-389-6382

WOOD

Winnsboro Livestock Auction

YOUNG

Graham Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Graham

Phone: 940-549-0078

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Kyla Rater, 940-284-9968

COUNTLESS RANCHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FRUSTRATION OF LOSING THEIR CALVING BOOKS. THOSE

DAYS ARE OVER.

At 701x, we have developed a cattle management solution specially designed for ranchers who are looking for more efficient ways to manage their records and track their cattle. Save yourself time and stress by using the Autonomous Rancher® App. Use your device in the pen or pasture to quickly enter birth dates, weights, dam/sire data, as well as other fields that are important to you.

Upgrade your herd management by pairing the app with our smart ear tags, xTpro™ and xTlite™. Start tracking the activity and location of your animals no matter where you are, even offline, at the touch of your fingertips.

GKB

214.537.1285 gary@gkbcattle.com

HOGUE

Robert

Hogue M.D. • Judy Hogue

6 Spring Hollow, Brownwood, Texas 76801 Ranch: 10108 CR 237 • Phone: 325-643-2225 Cell: 325-647-9168

Lesikar

Casey

Since

Bill

Registered Black Herefords bacicafarms.com

Mike & Carla Bacica 11707 FM 2868 Flint, TX 75762

Mike: 903-520-0390

mbpga@aol.com

Carla: 903-530-8551 wtnca@aol.com

Detering Red Brahmans

Beef Oriented Red Brahmans for the pasture and the show ring Liendo Plantation, 38653 Wyatt Chapel Rd. Hempstead, TX 77445 Will Detering, owner 281.989.8965

Web site: deteringredbrahmans.com

PARTIN & PARTIN HEART BAR RANCH

Janet, Steve and Carlton Partin 3159 FM 837 • Montalba, Texas 75853 903-549-3000 • Fax: 903-549-3005

Quality Brahman Ca le Since 1936

Janet Partin: 903-922-3689 Carlton Partin: 407-709-0297 www.heartbarranch.com email: partin.partin@aol.com

5th Generation

Visitors are always Welcome

Sartwelle Brahman Ranch Ltd P O Box 27, Campbellton, Texas USA 78008

Sensibly Bred and Raised Brahman Cattle 979-877-4239

Sugie Sartwelle J. D. Sartwelle III 361-500-5792

• isabeefmasters.com

Performance Beefmasters from the Founding Family 62nd Bull Sale: October 7, 2023 Private Treaty Females Semen & Embryos BEEFMASTERS Cullin Smith (409)779-9872

www.thicketycreekfarm.com

Email: sartwellej@gmail.com

SATTERFIELD RANCH at LOST PRAIRIE LAKE • Palestine, Texas

SRegistered Gray Brahmans Dr. Scott & Nancy Satterfield 410 ACR 376 • Palestine, TX 75801 830-613-1492 www.satterfieldranch.com

ROLLING O FARMS

QUALITY CHAROLAIS BULLS & HEIFERS REGISTERED + GENTLE

D.P. OWEN + GROESBECK, TEXAS 254-729-8644

CHAROLAIS BULLS

One or a truckload - Give us a call SW&S Cattle Company

Don and Kathy Schill 903-388-1342 • Donie, Texas

T HOMAS CHAR O LAIS, INC . P.O. Box 595 • Raymondville, Texas 78580 Mitch Thomas: 956-535-0936

Tonnyre Thomas Joe: 956-535-0942 thomasra@gte.net www.thomascharolais.com

320 ac. -/+ State Lease), well watered w/three wells, two sets of steel pens. Well located just off of the Clayton/Springer hwy. on Barney Road.

PRICE RDUCED! CEDARVALE, NM – 7,113-acre ranch (5,152 ac. +/- Deeded – 1,961 ac. +/- State Lease) well fenced & watered w/good pens, new barn.

KB RANCH - Kenney Co., TX – KB Ranch is a low fenced 802 +/- acre property that is surrounded by large ranches. The ranch has abundant whitetail and is also populated with turkey, dove, quail, hogs and varmint species. Axis are in the area and have been occasionally seen. The ranch lies approximately 9 miles south of Bracketville on TX 131 and is accessed by all weather Standart Road.

RANCHES

P.O. Box 1417 Victoria, Texas 77902 361/573-7141

Traylor Division San Roque DivisionSan Carlos Division Bloomington, TX Catarina, TXRio Grande City, TX

Joe Jones-Manager • 361/897-1337

Black or Red Simbrah • SimAngus HT • SimAngus

ZFILEGONIA

ZC ATTLE C OMPAN Y

Joe & Beth Mercer 327 CR 459, Lott, TX 76656 • H/O/Fax: 254-984-2225 bethmercer1974@gmail.com • www.filegoniacattle.com

Foster Bros. Farms Lockney, Texas

Office:(806) 652-3351 / Fax:(806) 652-3738 David & DarLee Foster (806) 652-3824 (806) 983-7221 mbl.

fosterbros@att.net / www.fosterbrosfarms.com

Jody & Shawnda Foster (806) 652-2383 (806) 983-7225 mbl.

Mallett

SIMMENTALS

Simmental & SimAngus BULL SALE

20th Annual Bull Sale

March 7, 2024

March 8, 2012

San Saba, Texas

Private Treaty Sales

Mike Mallett 10602 North Hwy. 281 • Lampasas, TX 76550

Our cattle are perfomance tested.

Mike and Connie Mallett • 512-556-1021 Lampasas, Texas • mmcmallett@outlook.com

Home: 512-556-8548 • Cell: 512-556-1021 www.mallettsimmentals.com

Stonewall Valley Ranch

Registerd Texas Longhorn bulls, cows, heifers, roping steers, trophy steers, semen, mounts skulls for sale. Overnight accommodations available on the ranch.

www.stonewallvalleyranch.com

512-970-4676 (HORN) or 512-751-2386 (BEVO)

100 % Wagyu B ull s + Beef for S ale

The Ultimate in ... Calving Ease, Price Premium, and Carcass Quality

Kevin & Jessica Moore 2929 Oak Hill Rd., Alvarado, TX 76009

Kevin: 817-822-7109 • Jessica: 817-822-7402 Kevin@m6ranch.com • www.m6ranch.com

Grade Prime © Every Time!

614-778-2422 ǘN NuWAGYU.COM

Krum, Texas

Wagyu Cattle

- Seed Stock & Bulls - Semen

- Pregnancies - Embryos

Profitable • LBW • Docile • Delicious

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

AUGUST

THURSDAY, AUG. 3

Special Stocker & Feeder Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Crockett Civic Center, Crockett

When: 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY, AUG. 7

Special Stocker & Feeder Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, Mason

When: 10 a.m.

MON., AUG. 7 - WED. AUG. 9

Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course

Where: College Station

TUESDAY, AUG. 15

Ranching 101: How to Calculate Cow Cost

Where: Online

When: 1 p.m.

FRI., AUG. 18 - SAT., AUG. 19

Express Ranches Annual Big Event Angus Sale

Where: Yukon, Oklahoma

SUNDAY, AUG. 20

Linz Heritage Angus: 7th Annual Female Sale

Where: Blue Branch Ranch, Byars, Oklahoma When: 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY, AUG. 21

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Courville’s, Beaumont

When: 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, AUG. 29

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: NRS, Decatur When: 5:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

South Texas Cattle Marketing: “Cattleman’s Opportunity” Replacement Female Sale

Where: Nixon Livestock Comm., Nixon

When: 12 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

Gardiner Angus Ranch:

19th Annual Fall Production Sale

Where: Ashland, Kansas

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: 1907 Grill, Stephenville

When: 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

TSCRA Football Tailgate

Where: Texas Tech University, Lubbock When: 3 p.m.

SAT., SEPT. 9 - SUN., SEPT. 10

The Dale Lasater Ranch: Annual Bull Sale

Where: Matheson, Colorado

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Jackson Family Brangus, Waco

When: 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

Wichita Falls Luncheon

Where: McBride’s Steakhouse, Wichita Falls

When: 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

Ranching 101: Bull Buyers Guide

Where: Online

When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

Replacement Female Sale

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

MON., SEPT. 25 -WED., SEPT. 27

TSCRA Policy Conference

Where: College Station

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: West Texas A&M University, Canyon

When: 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

Jorgensen Land & Cattle: Pasture-Ready SmartBull Sale

Where: Ideal, South Dakota

When: 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

TSCRA Football Tailgate

Where: West Texas A&M University, Canyon

TSCRA Football Tailgate

Where: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth

OCTOBER

TUESDAY, OCT. 3

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: The Rustic, Houston When: 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4

2023 Halfmann-Beckton Red Angus Sale

Where: Halfmann Land & Livestock, Miles When: 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 5

Dudley Bros.: 62nd Annual Bull Sale

Where: Comanche

THUR., OCT. 5 -FRI., OCT. 6

King Ranch Institute: 20th Annual Excellence in Ranch Management Symposium

Where: Kingsville & Online

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

Isa Beefmasters: 62nd Bull Sale

Where: San Angelo

TUESDAY, OCT. 10

Powell Herefords: 26th Annual Production Sale

Where: Fort McKavett

When: 12:30 p.m.

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: R.A. Brown Ranch, Throckmorton

When: 5:30 p.m.

TUE., OCT. 10 -WED., OCT. 11

R.A. Brown Ranch: 49th Annual October Sale

Where: Throckmorton

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

Special Bull Sale

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

MONDAY, OCT. 16

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: First Financial Pavilion, San Angelo When: 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 17

Ranching 101: Predator Control

Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18

10th Annual Hill County Youth Heifer Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 11 a.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

TSCRA Football Tailgate

Where: Tarleton, Stephenville

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Priefert, Mt. Pleasant When: 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Briggs Ranch, Victoria When: 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

Fall “Best of the Best” Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

44 Farms: Fall Bull Sale

Where: Cameron When: 10:30 a.m.

South Texas Hereford Association: Fall Sale, featuring Case Ranch

Where: Beeville Livestock Comm., Beeville

TSCRA Football Tailgate

Where: Texas A&M University, College Station

We didn’t just design the 6M Tractors with you in mind. We designed them with you by our side.

Before we even hit the drawing board, we talked with farmers, fleet owners and more to learn what they need in a mid-size utility tractor. Visit JohnDeere.com/6M or JohnDeere.ca/6M or contact your John Deere dealer to discover the tractor you designed—with more visibility, better maneuverability and more options to fit your needs.

The 6M. Reimagined by you. For you.

Cattlemen of the day were likely happy to hear that livestock commission rates at four major markets were reduced to the tune of about $750,000. Producers and shippers patronizing markets in Chicago, Omaha, Kansas City and St. Paul, would gain back that large sum in annual commissions. How the industry arrived at this result through USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Administration was a pioneer one, the article read.

“…it was the first time that livestock commission rates had been determined in this manner. The arbitrators held hearings at the four markets and the new rates were arrived at without the embarrassment that usually attach to formal proceedings.” T C

“ WAX Genuine Marshall ryegrass is my choice of ryegrass…been planting ryegrass for more than 20 years for grazing and hay. Majority of the time I have used WAX Marshall, but also try some of the new ryegrasses to see how they compare to my standard… WAX Marshall… I am still a WAX Marshall ryegrass man!

This past year, I tried the “Generic Marshall” from my local co-op. In short, it did not come close to production or have the carrying capacity like WAX Marshall… it looked more like Gulf… it did not have the vigor and fast recovery like WAX Marshall.

Every year is different and full of unexpected surprises, but from all my years with WAX Marshall, I feel confident in the outcome. The “Generic” just did not produce. Planting 700 acres of ryegrass, I do not need any surprises for myself or my cattle.

There has only been one consistent ryegrass for me for over 20 years… WAX Marshall ryegrass.

If you want real Marshall ryegrass, make sure you ask for WAX Genuine Marshall… I do! ”