The Cattleman - February 2025

Data Driven

How emerging technology can inform pasture management.

Range & Pasture

Guiding principles and financial opportunities for land stewardship.

Harlow Cattle Co.

Birdwell Plainview, TX (806) 681-3667

Griffin Atoka, OK (580) 271-1333

Johnson Dallas, TX (214) 384-2653

10 FEATURES 18

Data-Driven Solutions

Emerging technology informs pasture management and maximizes efficiency.

By Kayla Jennings

Stewarding the Land

Guiding principles and financial opportunities for rangeland management.

By Jena McRell

RANGELAND STEWARDSHIP

Acattle raiser’s relationship with the land is one of mutual respect: take care of it, and it will take care of you.

This month’s issue of The Cattleman is dedicated to just that — caring for the land we love. Today, more ranchers are embracing technology to enhance rangeland health. In our lead feature story, Data-driven Solutions, we explore how technological innovations are helping cattle raisers make smarter, more efficient management decisions.

“There are lots of ways this tool can be applied to influence decisions throughout the year to help our ranch be more successful,” says Matthew Barnes, a rangeland specialist with Envu Range & Pasture.

We also explore the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and other ways to help cattle raisers implement rangeland principles on their operation. In Stewarding the Land, we chat with experts about how these programs can provide the tools you need to jumpstart conservation efforts and what these strategies can achieve for cattle raisers like you.

Additionally, we examine new solutions for managing feral hog populations, including Kaput, a warfarin-based product. First discussed on the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association podcast, TSCRA Talk, this innovative tool offers landowners a fresh approach to managing invasive hogs.

Love what you’re reading? Get even more updates and education during the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo April 11-13 in Fort Worth.

Early bird registration ends Feb. 15. Visit cattleraisersconvention.com to register and learn more. T C

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ON THE COVER

Early morning dew catches sunlight on an East Texas pasture.

CONTENTS

The sun dips below the horizon at the end of another day.

Photo by Katie Barnett

Photo by Kayla Jennings

DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS

Emerging technology informs pasture management and maximizes efficiency.

Story by Kayla Jennings

Photos courtesy of Envu Range & Pasture

Times are good. The cattle market is high, and it is predicted to maintain over the next few years as America’s cow herd rebuilds. With unprecedented paydays of up to $3.20 per hundredweight for a 550-pound weaned calf on the table, a cattle raiser must manage their productivity to capture every available dollar.

At the same time, producers are tasked with increasing their cow herd numbers without necessarily purchasing more land. This means maximizing the value of available resources, and in native pasture, that almost always means brush control.

“As technology changes, the world of agriculture changes and the space that we operate in changes. We’ve got to adapt with that,” says Matthew Barnes, a rangeland specialist with Envu Range & Pasture. “RangeView is our step into the world of digital agriculture.”

RangeView and other tools like it are classed as digital agriculture platforms designed for grazing management.

These tools incorporate satellite imagery and data analytics to support ranchers aiming to optimize grazing practices, monitor pasture health, and make more informed decisions about stocking rate and rotation.

This information is presented in a digital dashboard to help producers assess how to invest dollars and capture as much value from record-high cattle prices as possible. Alongside traditional rangeland evaluation, using a digital agriculture platform takes cattle raisers to the next level in less time.

Biggest Enemy

For the last decade, Barnes’ career has centered around helping producers maximize their range and pasture. The conversation typically starts with one simple question: What is your biggest enemy?

Barnes, whose family’s fully integrated beef business stretches from East Texas to the northern tip of the Texas Panhandle, knows how variable the answer can be. Producers face vastly different invasive species and environmental conditions across the Southwest.

For example, West Texas ranchers may receive less than 10 inches of rain per year, while their counterparts in East Texas may see more than 60 inches. Monitoring the unpredictable weather patterns is a key factor Ross McCrea, owner of Ranch Aero Ag Aviation in Sterling City, points to when it comes to range management solutions.

With a lifetime in agriculture and a career as an aerial herbicide applicator familiar with digital agriculture platforms, McCrea has seen the value of range management tools play out firsthand.

“We can’t control the weather, rainfall and conditions that we’re operating in,” McCrea says. “You have to do everything you can to set yourself up for success in the best climate conditions, so that you are able to survive the worst conditions. Effective range management is a great way to give your ranch the best odds of success through the ups and downs of Mother Nature.”

These different weather patterns, along with varying topography, soil type, stocking rate and

Digital agriculture platforms provide land managers an opportunity to see canopy cover across their property from their desktop computer or tablet.

Matthew Barnes

past management decisions leave producers dealing with everything from mesquite to cedar.

“That is the thing you really have to keep under consideration when it comes to rangeland management,” Barnes says. “There’s really not a silver bullet for everything.”

By keeping the nuances of an operation in mind, Barnes and McCrea lean on their industry experience to help producers dig deeper. Like anything on the ranch, outlining goals as well as current and past brush control programs is a start.

“By first defining the parameters of what your goals are and what is working against you, then you can start to plan what approach to take,” McCrea explains.

Reducing invasive plant species to help higher-quality forage flourish is a no-brainer, but there is also budget

to consider. Whether funds for rangeland improvements come from the ranching enterprise itself or through USDA programs with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the strategy must be advantageous to the bottom line.

From there, both producer and consultant have a better idea of how to move forward. Normally this is the part in the visit where Barnes or McCrea would load up with a rancher to evaluate the pasture in person.

Examining problem species is a necessary but timeconsuming process — one that can be expedited through the use of digital platforms.

“Efficiency is huge in my business,” McCrea says. “In every business, efficiency is becoming more and more important, because everyone’s time is worth increasingly more.”

By first defining the parameters of what your goals are and what is working against you, then you can start to plan what approach to take.”

— Ross McCrea, Ranch Aero Ag Aviation

Ross McCrea, aerial applicator and owner of Ranch Aero Ag Aviation Services, has seen digital agriculture platforms enhance rangeland through targeted treatment.

Barnes says access to an instant visual analysis of a pasture is invaluable. Technology gives him the tools to view canopy cover of the entire property alongside historical data.

“A lot of these ranches are pretty good size and span multiple counties or across different types of topography,” Barnes says.

Outside of displaying the percentage of canopy cover, digital agriculture platforms provide a wealth of information otherwise inaccessible to producers.

Barnes says a rancher can compare historical maps and weather patterns, which could help them build a cost-effective strategy for meeting their production goals.

“The digital agriculture platform we have available to us today is a tool in the toolbox,” McCrea says. “It is not the only tool, but it is a tool that we have to use to derive useful information to help your operation.”

Precise Performance

A digital platform offers landowners an opportunity to maximize rangeland through powerful digital insights. Using satellite imagery technology, cattle raisers can access topography maps, weather patterns, canopy cover of their native pasture and more, all from a tablet or desktop computer.

“We have that tool at our disposal, to be able to sit down across the table from each other,” Barnes says. “We can look at that digital image and make decisions based off of that satellite imagery on where our dollars would be most effectively applied.”

McCrea, who sprays more than 80,000 acres annually to improve clients’ land through strategic aerial herbicide application, has seen how valuable digital imagery can be.

Digital agriculture platforms differ from a general satellite map because of their nearly live updates, keeping producers current on the changes in their pastures.

This real-time information is essential for precision, something both Barnes and McCrea value.

Precision is the goal, even when it comes to the flight pattern for the aerial applicator.

Barnes says the flight plan ensures the exact amount of herbicide is applied in

On its home dashboard, RangeView puts weather, market prices, herd location and more at your fingertips, helping ranchers make strategic, proactive decisions all from one location.

An aerial applicator’s view: The land on the right was treated for mesquite and huisache. When land managers or applicators use the RangeView digital platform to map a ranch’s brush and tree infestation and plan an Invora herbicide treatment program, Envu guarantees at least five years of control.

specific locations to meet varying goals. Since the GPS coordinates are saved, the producer can follow up on the results.

“We can specifically target what you want to treat and not spray what you don’t,” Barnes says. “That way we’re not wasting money and chemicals on acres that don’t have target species.”

All this together ultimately determines how efficiently the ranch can operate.

By accessing the dashboard, a producer can use real-time data from their property to inform stocking decisions, weaning decisions and more.

“Better forage at certain times of the year might help us wean bigger calves,” Barnes explains. “There are lots of ways this tool can be applied to influence decisions throughout the year to help our ranch be more successful.”

Rancher Perspective

Alongside rangeland consultants and effective aerial applicators, digital agriculture platforms provide a custom-tailored solution using all the accessible data on the property and cow herd.

A fully integrated program offers a one-stop shop not only for maps, but also herd information such as inventory, pasture rotation and market prices to reference when planning for herbicide treatment.

By retaining ownership of calves through harvest in his family’s cattle operation, Barnes is intimately aware that increasing efficiency at every step is crucial. He and his family source calves from cow-calf operations in East Texas, then transport them to the Texas Panhandle to custom graze wheat before entering the feedyard phase and finishing into a high-quality beef product.

Their business is steadily growing, and Barnes knows keeping foundational principles at the forefront is key. Starting with cow-calf producers in his area, Barnes has learned the first step toward being an effective cattle raiser is being an effective grass farmer.

“The worst thing you can do in an operation is have to pull cattle off prematurely or have to move cattle multiple times throughout the year because you weren’t managing your grass,” he says.

The long-term gain of better grass is what producers like Barnes are after by placing emphasis on rangeland conditions. To manage most effectively, measuring progress is a must.

Over time, using data collected from the cow herd and rangeland conditions not only results in better grass, but also more profitability on the same acreage.

“Productivity is your number one thing,” Barnes says. “You want to get the maximum amount of productivity per acre out of any operation where you’re going to turn cattle out. You want to take care of your ground. If you take care of your ground, your ground will always take care of you.”

And the same is true for the water table.

“Every gallon of water that gets used by a parasitic plant is a gallon of water that’s wasted,” McCrea says. “The more you can clean up your pasture and have usable forage, the more water you are conserving by default.”

Technology can help advance this data collection.

Whether on the ground or in the sky, Barnes and McCrea are in the business of solving problems. A datadriven solution like RangeView is one way for producers to be more effective, run more cattle and grow more grass on fewer acres annually.

“Every year more of our agriculture production land is being turned into other types of use,” McCrea says. “The population is only getting larger and the land that has to feed that population is getting smaller. We have to maximize production and continue to be stewards of what we have left.”

While he maintains there is no a silver bullet to resolve every situation, Barnes agrees and says the biggest enemy for all producers may be subdivisions.

In fact, Texas lost roughly 887 acres per day according to the recent U.S. Census of Agriculture data from the last five years, with the number of farms decreasing by approximately 7%. These statistics highlight the urgent need for innovative technology to increase the productivity of the remaining agricultural land.

“We’ve got to figure out a way to maximize the potential of the acres we currently have,” Barnes says. “Our task as ranchers is to control invasive species, brush encroachment and undesirable plants so that we can enhance forage growth and, ultimately, put more pounds on more cattle.” T C

Productivity is your number one thing. You want to get the maximum amount of productivity per acre.”

— Matthew Barnes, Envu Range & Pasture

STEWARDING THE LAND

Guiding principles and financial opportunities for rangeland management.

By Jena McRell

Driving south out of Victoria, Matt Machacek notices change in the landscape that most may never pause to examine.

Throughout his nearly 20-year career as a rangeland management specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, he has crisscrossed the state and covered countless acres while working alongside property owners.

He has seen the best and worst of what Mother Nature has to offer, and yet, the land still surprises him.

“Our ancestors would not recognize the land if they came here today,” says Machacek, looking out across the range. “This would’ve been mostly a treeless environment dominated by tall grasses — big bluestem, Indiangrass, Eastern gamagrass and more.”

Machacek grew up near Victoria and currently covers 20-plus counties northwest to San Antonio and south to San Patricio County. He says a history of overgrazing, competition with introduced species and land use changes have forced out many of the native grasses, leaving less productive ones in their place. While suitable for cow-calf production, pastures filled with King Ranch bluestem, Guineagrass or Brome lack the productivity and palatability of those found on native range.

Trees and brush, like the Chinese tallow, huisache, mesquite or McCartney rose, have also closed in on once wide-open country. In the Coastal Plains region, where heat and moisture can be abundant, these species can take hold and escalate from an annoyance to a real problem. Not only do they dominate valuable forage real estate, but they also rob water resources.

by Katie

Photo

Barnett

.Machacek says recent history has shown an improvement in forage. “We are a little bit more productive than we were in the ’50s, but it is a monoculture of introduced grasses. We can have 6,000 pounds of yellow bluestem on a place now with some brush, but it’s just not what it was.”

For cow-calf producers, Machacek admits today’s economic landscape makes it difficult to invest in rangeland restoration. Land prices are sky-high, input costs require more of the operational budget than ever before, and time is limited.

Yet, the effort toward consistent range and resource management can make all the difference toward improving tomorrow’s rangelands.

A happy medium

Kent Ferguson, a retired NRCS rangeland management specialist, continues to practice what he preached on his own ranch near Valley Mills.

For 37 years, he advised and supported landowners in their efforts to improve the land. Today, readers of The Cattleman will recognize him from his regular “Plant of the Month” series. He says properly grazing livestock goes a long way toward keeping invasive or unwanted plant species at bay.

“If you take good care of your land, a lot of the soil activity will improve and some of the better natives will start showing back up,” Ferguson says. “A lot of the invasive species tend to go away or at least not be quite as dominant.”

This begins with a clear understanding of the landowner’s goals and objectives for the property. He says to fully research and understand the land’s capabilities and how it should be managed to reach its full potential. What ecosystems are at play? Does it consist of tall- or short-grass prairie? Cool- or warmseason grasses, or a mixture of both?

“Know the requirements of that particular species and how to meet the plant’s requirements,” Ferguson says. “There is a happy medium between what you can do and what you can’t do to meet the needs of the ecosystem, as well as the needs of your livestock enterprise.”

Keeping forage production in balance with the number, type and class of livestock is the ultimate goal. But that is a constantly moving target depending on the weather, soil and plant health, rainfall and more.

“Your production is never, ever the same,” Ferguson says. “As a manager, you have to constantly keep your head in the game and make adjustments to be sure you are meeting the animals’ needs and the forage needs.”

Prepared by: HIGS NRM SERVICES LLC

Sarco Creek Cattle Company near Victoria follows a three-category approach for brush management, identifying acres as green, yellow or red to determine how they should be treated. Courtesy photo.

Considering stocking rates is a conversation Machacek has regularly with clients. Discussing conservation alternatives, like reducing herd size and feeding less hay, may result in the cost of production per cow going down — often resulting in the same profit from fewer head.

Machacek says landowners also learn more about the property’s forage potential by using a grazing cage to show how much grass is grown compared to how much is grazed.

“When the landowner considers their cow costs and recognizes they’re growing more grass, it is a win to get moving in the right direction,” Machacek says.

Sometimes, the potential for native grasses lies right beneath the soil. Once cleared and allowed to rest for an adequate amount of time, the seeds begin to take hold.

“When a landowner is looking at a piece of ground that’s been rested for a year and sees some little bluestem or Indiangrass — grass they’ve never seen and it’s 3 feet tall — that’s pretty exciting,” Machacek says.

Traffic light approach

One strategy Machacek cites for brush control and land management comes from Sarco Creek Cattle Company, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members near Victoria. They use a three-category approach where acres are identified with a status of green, yellow or red.

“Green areas of the ranch are big, open grasslands that are not dominated by brush yet, but there is always brush coming in because there are deer and cattle that spread the seed,” Machacek says.

The ranch budgets annually to apply herbicide on green acres. By spraying individual plants as needed, the labor requirements and overall costs remain low.

Yellow acres are those slightly more dominated, which will require a larger investment that may not be feasible every year. In a year with a little extra profit, yellow acres are a place to invest and start making progress.

Then there are red acres or the thick, brushfilled ground.

“Those are the acres they know are a problem, but they are going to need more than their budget to help with that,” Machacek says. “This is where NRCS can help by offering financial assistance through a conservation program such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or Conservation Stewardship Program.”

Proper stocking rates, matched with available forage and the type and class of grazing livestock, can help keep invasive plant species at bay. Photos by Katie Barnett.

The green-yellow-red approach helps landowners keep tabs on rangeland conditions and how to target potential investments. Working with NRCS for advice and financial support can help achieve long-term conservation and grazing goals.

“To keep the grass, you have to keep the brush off of it,” Machacek says. “In this part of the world, if you let brush wait 10 years between treatments, it has already grown back worse than when you started. Continuous maintenance is needed in order to avoid major treatments every five to 10 years.”

Financial support

Authorized by the 1996 farm bill, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides valuable funding toward natural resource management and land improvement projects across the nation.

The program builds relationships between NRCS staff and landowners to identify and support projects aimed at conservation and restorative practices, which include everything from brush management to planting native grass and improving water sources or wildlife habitats.

As the future of the next farm bill hangs in the balance, protecting funding available through EQIP is a top priority for ranchers, landowners and organizations including Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

The collaboration process begins with developing a property’s overall conservation plan and meeting with NRCS conservation professionals to evaluate challenges and opportunities that align with operational goals.

“The great thing about our office is that we see a lot of different clients, maybe 40 to 50 per year,” Machacek says. “So that is 50 different ways of doing things, and that gives someone an opportunity to try new ideas that have worked in their area.”

EQIP applications are accepted year-round, and after projects are ranked and selected, funding is awarded in batches throughout the year. Machacek cautions that depending on available funding, an application may not be selected.

“Let’s say you applied for some brushwork in July of 2024,” Machacek explains. “We rank them and see which ones get funded based on the money available,

An Eye Out for Invasives

Landowners across Texas and the Southwest know how troublesome invasive grasses and plants can be to a property. Often quick-spreading and hearty, these species take up forage real estate and compete for valuable water resources.

Retired NRCS Rangeland Management Specialist Kent Ferguson offers the following list of invasive species that are of top economic importance to grazing lands.

• Woody plants including mesquite, juniper, cactus and huisache;

• Grasses like Johnsongrass and King Ranch bluestem;

• Yellow star thistle, Malta star thistle, Blessed Milk thistle, Bastard cabbage, Cheatgrass, Field bindweed, Salt cedar, Kudzu and Russian olive;

• Chinese tallow trees, McCartney rose, Pensacola bahiagrass, which are common in South Texas and the coastal region; and

• Lehmann lovegrass can be an issue in West Texas and New Mexico.

Ferguson reminds landowners that the impact or nuisance of an invading species is determined by their objectives for the property. Most of those listed can be well-managed through grazing livestock or provide adequate wildlife cover. It all begins with understanding what is happening at the ground level, setting goals and planning accordingly.

and then in January paperwork will be signed, and they have a year from there to complete the project.”

If selected, a landowner will enter into a financial assistance agreement with NRCS to help support the conservation improvement measure.

Conservation efforts are long-term, multiyear investments. EQIP is a way to focus on one conservation activity at a time and build from there. Landowners can complete a project and then reapply for another conservation activity.

Machacek reminds landowners to consider maintenance costs when determining the project scope. Continual investment is necessary after the area is cleared or the new pasture is seeded.

“We need to plan how much brush we are going to cover based on how much you can put into your maintenance budget,” Machacek says. “Follow-up treatment for a couple years down the road should be considered.”

Machacek says the Conservation Stewardship Program is another beneficial resource for landowners who are trending upward and seeing progress in their pastures. With a minimum $4,000 annual payment, the program is a five-year contract that assists with building on existing conservation efforts.

“EQIP may have paid for the improvements, and then they have an opportunity to receive additional financial assistance for good management — that is where CSP can be a big hit,” Machacek says.

Rangeland Analysis Program

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service manages the interactive Rangeland Analysis Platform, an online mapping tool that allows users to access more than three decades of vegetation and production trends across the U.S.

Within the platform, users can mark a polygon around a ranch or property and pull reports for a given period of time, such as average forage production in the last 15 years. In Texas, data from the 2011 drought will reflect about a 50% dip in grass production. Reports from this past spring show above-average forage yield.

“Information is available like never before,” says Matt Machacek, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service rangeland management specialist. “This tool may become a way to forecast when we are getting dry and help us understand stocking rates a little better.”

According to USDA, the platform uses satellite imagery and advanced algorithms in Google Earth Engine to produce long-term datasets across the continental U.S. that are updated every 16 days. Visit rangelands.app to learn more.

Matt Machacek with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service says when planning an improvement project, it is also important to consider and budget for future maintenance costs. Photo by Katie Barnett.

Landowners are encouraged to consider the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program from USDA NRCS to develop and fund improvement projects. Photo by Kayla Jennings.

Ferguson and Machacek agree there are many challenges when it comes to noxious and invasive species. But land stewards have many resources available to make their own mark on the properties they care for.

“A lot of this comes down to having NRCS conservation professionals out and visiting with your Extension agent or Texas Parks & Wildlife,” Machacek says. “We see a lot of places where things work and where they don’t. If you are thinking about doing something, have us out and take advantage of the free technical assistance that we offer.” T C

To keep the grass, you have to keep the brush off of it.”

— Matt Machacek, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

WHERE’S THE BEEF?

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n recent years, consumers have demanded transparency about the origin of their food — and we have responded.

From clearer product labeling, which was a win for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in the 88th Legislative Session with the passage of Senate Bill 664, to strategic shelf placements in grocery stores, beef producers have adapted to meet consumer preferences. However, there’s a new challenge on the horizon — cell-cultured proteins.

While these products are not yet available in your local grocery store, they are being marketed in restaurants and may soon move to mainstream commerce. Cellcultured protein, also known as lab-grown meat, refers to food created by harvesting animal cells and replicating them in a lab environment to produce tissue. The process typically involves four stages: cell selection, cell proliferation and differentiation, harvesting, and food processing and formulation.

As these new products emerge, their safety and long-term effects on human health are of significant concern. Research suggests the interaction between lab-grown cells and microplastics, which are often used in the production process, may disrupt human cell membranes. According to a report from the World Health Organization, the use of antibiotics during the production of cell-cultured proteins raises concerns about antibiotic resistance. There are also unresolved questions about how genetically engineered cells, which have possibly been altered to disrupt genes designed to suppress the growth of tumors, might behave once ingested by humans.

Globally, six companies are currently authorized to produce cell-cultured products in a lab, two of which are

based in California: Eat Just (GOOD Meat) and UPSIDE Foods. Both argue lab-grown protein offers a sustainable solution for feeding the world’s growing population. While scientists creating lab-grown meat say it requires fewer natural resources and generates a smaller carbon footprint than conventional meat, not all research supports these claims.

In response to the concerns, Texas legislators are taking proactive steps to protect consumers and ranchers alike. Sen. Charles Perry, chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, introduced SB 261, which would prohibit the production, sale and distribution of cell-cultured protein in Texas. A companion bill, House Bill 1431, has been filed by Rep. Stan Gerdes. If passed, these bills would ensure cell-cultured products are not introduced into the Texas food supply.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association strongly supports these bills and opposes allowing cellcultured proteins to be sold to Texas consumers.

To protect cattle raisers and consumers alike, we object the use of names traditionally associated with livestock-based products by proteins concocted in a lab. We advocate for a strict definition of beef — one that includes only meat from cattle raised by ranchers. Labgrown products, no matter how convincing, are not beef.

Texas is not alone in its efforts to prevent the commercialization of lab-grown protein. Alabama and Florida have passed laws banning the production and sale of these products. Several other states — Arizona, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Tennessee — are also working on similar legislation. In August, UPSIDE Foods filed a lawsuit against the state of Florida stating their ban was unconstitutional.

Dan Gattis, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association second vice president and secretary/treasurer

On the international stage, the U.S. is one of only three countries — alongside Israel and Singapore — where cell-cultured protein products are approved for human consumption.

The United Kingdom has approved lab-grown protein, but only for pet food. Meanwhile, Italy has banned cellcultured meat, and France is pursuing its own ban. The European Commission has called for a comprehensive safety and impact assessment before allowing such products to be sold.

Domestically, perhaps the most disturbing move came when the U.S. Department of Defense sought to replace traditional proteins with lab-grown products for military personnel. Following strong public opposition, the department backed down and confirmed it would no longer pursue lab-grown protein projects.

The U.S. beef industry is the gold standard in food safety and reliability worldwide. American farmers and ranchers have long been leaders in sustainable food production, and we have no intention of compromising that legacy. Cattle raisers are fully capable of producing safe, sustainable and nutritious beef — without the need for lab-grown alternatives.

Consumers trust the integrity of U.S. ranchers’ products. Allowing cell-cultured protein into the food system would undermine this trust and put the reputation of our industry at risk.

It’s time for Texas — and the rest of the nation — to stand firm and protect our food system’s integrity. We must ensure the proteins we consume come from animals raised by hardworking ranchers, not from laboratory experiments. T C

STANDING WITH US

Aproud fifth-generation Texan, Rep. Stan Gerdes was born and raised in Central Texas, and his deep-rooted connection to the state shapes his work today.

After graduating from high school, Gerdes attended the University of Texas, where he met his wife, Samantha. The couple now lives in Smithville with their baby boy, continuing to build their family’s future in the heart of the state they love.

Before being elected to the Smithville City Council and Texas House of Representatives, Gerdes dedicated more than a decade of service alongside Gov. Rick Perry. He first worked with Perry during his tenure as Governor of Texas. When Perry was appointed U.S. Secretary of Energy under the Trump administration, Gerdes served as his senior advisor. Together, they helped achieve U.S. energy independence for the first time in nearly 60 years — a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

champion for taxpayers, law enforcement and Texas’ future. He played a key role in passing the largest property tax cut in American history, securing $5.1 billion in funding for border security, and championing a historic increase in support for rural law enforcement agencies.

His leadership also helped establish the Texas Water Fund, ensuring the state’s most precious resource will be available for generations to come.

In the 89th Legislative Session, Gerdes introduced House Bill 1431, legislation that seeks to prohibit the manufacture, processing and sale of cellcultured protein in Texas.

In his first legislative session, Gerdes quickly made a name for himself as a

The bill stands as a crucial safeguard for the beef industry, protecting ranchers and consumers from the risks posed by lab-grown meat. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is appreciative of Gerdes and his staff for their efforts to defend Texas ranchers and consumers through this important measure. T C

Rep. Stan Gerdes

MEXICO NOTIFIES U.S. OF NEW WORLD SCREWWORM DETECTION

USDA takes action to prevent spread to U.S. animals.

The chief veterinary officer of Mexico notified USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Nov. 22 of a positive detection of New World screwworm in Mexico. The NWS was found in a cow in the southern Mexico state of Chiapas, at an inspection checkpoint close to the Guatemala border. NWS are fly larvae that infest living tissue of warmblooded animals, causing infection.

“Given the northward movement of NWS, APHIS has in recent months stepped up its efforts in Central America to partner with impacted countries to push this pest out of newly affected areas,” said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, U.S. chief veterinary officer. “With this latest find in Mexico, we will further intensify this work to protect American agriculture and reestablish the barrier in Central America.”

Given the severity of the threat from NWS, APHIS immediately restricted the importation of animal commodities originating from or transiting Mexico, pending further information from Mexican veterinary authorities on the size and scope of the infestation.

Effective Dec. 10, animal commodities originating from or transiting El Salvador were also restricted for import into the U.S. A complete list of regions recognized as affected by screwworm and more detailed information on trade restrictions can be found on the USDA APHIS Animal Health Status of Regions website.

APHIS also announced $165 million in emergency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation to protect U.S. livestock and other animals from NWS and to increase USDA’s ongoing efforts to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and Central America.

The funding further protects the U.S. through surveillance, animal health checkpoints and domestic preparedness; and by working with partners in Mexico and Central America to establish a barrier on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, eradicate NWS from the affected areas and re-establish the barrier in Panama.

NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warmblooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh. While they can fly much farther under ideal conditions, adult flies generally do not travel more than a couple of miles if there are suitable host animals in the area.

STAY ENGAGED WITH TSCRA

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association supports prompt and effective actions to stop the movement of the New World screwworm and protect U.S. cattle herds. The association is committed to working with state and federal agencies and legislators to stress the importance of an expedient response, including allotting funding to mitigate potential outbreaks in Texas and the U.S.

NWS can infect not only cattle but also other livestock, equine and wildlife. Texas Animal Health Commission has advised producers to report any wounds that appear to be infected with fly maggots.

An outbreak of NWS in the U.S. could be detrimental to the beef industry. While economic implications and effects on U.S. cattle herds are unknown, they will be exacerbated by the stress of drought, higher input costs and labor shortages in the agriculture sector.

To report a suspected or confirmed case of NWS to the Texas Animal Health Commission, call 1-800-550-8242. You can also submit a written complaint using the TAHC Complaint Form found at tahc.texas.gov/complaints.

APHIS encourages all producers along the southern border to watch their livestock and pets for signs of NWS and immediately report potential cases.

Screwworm infestations are difficult to detect at first. Check your pets and livestock for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae or eggs. Screwworm eggs are creamy and white and are deposited near the edges of superficial wounds. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your veterinarian.

While infection is uncommon in humans, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworms, seek immediate medical attention.

Since 2006, APHIS has collaborated with Panama to maintain a barrier zone in eastern Panama, working to prevent the northward movement of NWS from South America to NWS-free areas in Central and North America.

In the last two years, the screwworm has spread north of the barrier throughout Panama and into Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and now Mexico. This increase is due to multiple factors including new areas of farming in previous barrier regions for fly control and increased cattle movements into the region.

New World screwworms are fly larvae that infest living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing

APHIS is releasing sterile flies through aerial and ground release at strategic locations throughout Central America. T C

Let Alligare herbicide solutions handle your weed and brush problems. Gunslinger AMP and Gunslinger P+D provide extended control of broadleaf weeds and brush. Maximize forage production this spring and throughout the upcoming growing season with Alligare’s full portfolio of Range & Pasture products.

Learn more about Alligare’s Range & Pasture herbicides and how they enhance grazing spaces at Alligare.com.

Story and photo courtesy of USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TSCRA

Texas & Southwestern

stockyards.

TSCRA HOLDS DECEMBER MEETINGS IN FORT WORTH

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association held its end-of-year meetings Dec. 4-5 in Fort Worth.

Those involved included the membership development committee, Leadership Development Foundation board, PAC board of trustees, executive committee and board of directors. The board of directors meeting was attended by more than 65 members who reviewed official business including passing the 2025 budget for the association.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s board of directors will meet again during the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo.

TSCRA ENDORSES BROOKE ROLLINS

In December, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. issued the following statement in support of Brooke Rollins, the nominee to lead USDA under the Trump administration.

“As a Texas native, Brooke Rollins comes armed with an understanding of the unique issues that Texans face. Her distinctive background in agriculture, domestic policy and economic development brings perspective and a solution-oriented approach to Washington that speaks to the challenges of today’s cattle raiser. We are excited to work with Rollins and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the coming years and feel strongly she will continue to advocate on behalf of landowners and rural America in her new role.”

TSCRA SPECIAL RANGERS SEEK DONATIONS FOR SILENT AUCTION

The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Foundation is currently accepting donations for its annual silent auction at the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo.

Popular donation items include jewelry, hunting experiences, firearms, farm and ranch equipment, and other unique items. Contributions of all kinds are welcome and greatly appreciated.

Cattle Raisers Association welcomed volunteer leadership and members to Fort Worth with a reception at Hotel Drover in the historic

All donations are tax-deductible. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers, who are instrumental in investigating agricultural theft and related crimes, receive no federal, state or local funding.

Proceeds from the silent auction provide necessary training and equipment to support their vital work.

For more information or to donate an item to the silent auction, contact Katie Perkins at kperkins@tscra.org or 817-916-1773.

TSCRA TO HOLD CATTLEMEN AT THE CAPITOL FOR POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will host Cattlemen at the Capitol Feb. 26 in Austin, connecting policy committee members with staff and members of the Texas Legislature.

The event serves as a vital platform for the association’s policy committees to present their legislative priorities and work directly with Texas legislators, including senators, representatives and their staff.

These priorities are the result of months of collaboration and strategy by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s policy committees that shape the association’s advocacy efforts both at the state and national levels.

The association’s committee members will engage with legislators to advocate for critical issues affecting the cattle industry, including land and water rights, a new brand registration renewal process, and a ban on cell-cultured proteins.

The event also serves as a chance to strengthen ongoing partnerships and solidify Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s presence in the halls of the Texas Capitol.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will continue to represent the interests of ranchers and landowners, ensuring policies set forth support the sustainability and growth of the agricultural industry.

TSCRA COMMENTS ON EARLY SUPPORT OF TWO PRIORITY BILLS

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association issued support of Senate Bill 261 and House Bill 1431 that seek to prohibit the processing and distribution of cell-cultured protein in Texas.

The U.S. is a global leader is food safety and quality, and the unknown health risks posed by lab-grown meat could compromise the reputation cattle producers and industry leaders have worked so hard to build.

The association thanks Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Stan Gerdes and their staff for filing this legislation.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association also supported House Bill 1417 and Senate Bill 503 that will streamline livestock brand registration and renewal processes.

This proposed update would allow cattle raisers to register brands online through a centralized database with the Texas Animal Health Commission. Most importantly, this also benefits special ranger and law enforcement efforts to recover lost or stolen livestock.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is grateful to Rep. Ryan Guillen and Sen. Charles Perry for filing this legislation.

CATTLE RAISERS CONVENTION & EXPO EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS FEB. 15

Register for the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo by Feb. 15 to save on registration packages and reserve a hotel room at a special discounted rate.

Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo, hosted by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, is the largest annual gathering of ranchers, landowners and land stewards in the Southwest. The 2025 convention is scheduled April 11-13 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The event boasts a 180,000-square-foot expo hall with more than 250 exhibitors and educational sessions through the School for Successful Ranching.

Visit cattleraisersconvention.com for information on how to register and reserve a hotel room. T C

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

TEXAS BEEF COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW DIRECTORS

Texas Beef Council announced its board of directors for fiscal year 2025, which officially began Oct. 1.

The 20 directors, who are nominated by producer organizations or industry segments from across the state, kicked off the year with the first meeting of the Texas Beef Council and the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas on Nov. 21.

George Harrison, of Bay City, was elected as a firstterm director representing Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He joins fellow association representative Kara Dudley, of Horseshoe Bay.

“It’s always an exciting time when our TBC board welcomes new volunteer leaders to represent producers across Texas,” said Pat Shields, Texas Beef Council’s 2025 chairman. “Their diverse experiences and dedication will only strengthen our commitment to promoting beef and bringing more Texans to the table.”

The 2025 board of directors includes the following individuals, who are each listed with their hometown and affiliation:

Executive Committee:

Pat Shields, Chairman - Bryan; At-Large

Brandi Richards, Vice Chairman - Hereford; Texas Cattle Feeders Association

Fred Schuetze, Immediate Past ChairmanGranbury; Purebred

Brian Malaer - Harwood; Independent Cattlemen’s Association

Marsha Shoemaker - Bellevue; Texas CattleWomen

Directors:

Brandon Cutrer - Wharton; Purebred

Klazina de Boer - Dublin; Dairy

Kara Dudley - Horseshoe Bay; Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Neil Dudley - Hamilton; Beef Packers/Exporters

Dane Elliott - Pawnee; Texas Farm Bureau

Amy Kirkland - Vega; Texas Cattle Feeders Association

Sarah McKenzie - Fort Davis; Texas Farm Bureau

Shannon Treichel - Canyon; At-Large

Kerry Wiggins - Austin; Independent Cattlemen’s Association

Richard Winter - Canyon; Texas Cattle Feeders Association

First-Term Directors:

Leslie Callahan - Austin; Livestock Markets

John Connaway - Brookesmith; Texas Farm Bureau

George Harrison - Bay City; Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

John Van de Pol - Amherst; Dairy

CATTLEMEN RELIEVED BY COURT DECISION TO HALT CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT

On Dec. 4, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association hailed the issuance of a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced Jan. 1.

Right before Christmas, the court ruling was reversed and caused much concern over what was to come of the requirement. Then came the decision to uphold the initial injunction.

“In a new decision, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a previous ruling they issued before Christmas and has instead decided to uphold the injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from taking effect,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “This means that cattle producers have another temporary reprieve from filing beneficial ownership information with the U.S. Treasury.”

According to a news release, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen on Christmas Eve urging a delay in enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act. The association is also continuing to urge Congress to pass legislation that will permanently protect cattle farmers and ranchers from this burdensome mandate.

The ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas protects millions of family farmers and ranchers from onerous reporting requirements imposed by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

This preliminary injunction prevents the Corporate Transparency Act from taking effect until the outcome of the case Texas Top Cop Shop Inc. v. Garland is fully decided by the courts. This case was brought by a Texas small business that challenged the legality of the Corporate Transparency Act.

At time of press, the injunction prevents FinCEN from enforcing the act and delays the deadline to file beneficial ownership reports.

This is not the first constitutional challenge of the Corporate Transparency Act, and the difference in court decisions could lead to further consideration by higher courts.

While the preliminary injunction is a relief for cattle producers, the search for a long-term solution continues. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will continue working with policymakers to protect cattle producers from onerous reporting requirements like the Corporate Transparency Act.

Every producer’s situation is different, and this information should not be construed as professional advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional to determine how the Corporate Transparency Act impacts you.

NOBLE RESEARCH INSTITUTE EXPANDS EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS

Noble Research Institute, a trusted resource for farmers and ranchers since 1945, announced the release of its newest program, Noble Land Essentials Online.

This fully online and self-paced version of Noble’s in-person course focuses on teaching farmers and ranchers soil health principles to restore and improve their grazing lands.

Noble Land Essentials Online offers participants the same fundamental information as the two-day in-person course, including how to develop and implement a land management plan for their operation, assess and improve their current financial situation to

maximize profits, and understand how to apply soil health principles to reduce the need for costly inputs.

Added benefits for Noble learners include a 45-minute consultation session with experienced Noble advisors to address challenges and goals specific to their operation, an invitation to monthly Rancher to Rancher virtual peer-to-peer discussion sessions, and other exclusive tools and resources housed in the online Noble Learning Center platform.

With the addition of Noble Land Essentials Online to its growing suite of educational programs, Noble hopes to make learning about regenerative land and business management more accessible and achievable for farmers and ranchers across the U.S.

“The Noble team understands how important it is to meet livestock producers where they are when it comes to supporting them in reaching their business and management goals,” said Steve Rhines, president and CEO of Noble Research Institute.

“Noble Land Essentials Online and our future online programs will help bridge the gap for producers who want to expand their skills and knowledge but need a more flexible option for learning.”

Livestock producers interested in participating can visit noble.org/noble-land-essentials for more information or to register.

OCTOBER RED MEAT EXPORTS ABOVE YEAR-AGO LEVELS

Exports of U.S. beef posted year-over-year increases in October, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

October beef exports totaled 105,269 metric tons, up 1% from a year ago, while value increased 3% to $860.4 million. Shipments to Mexico maintained their impressive 2024 performance in October, while exports rebounded to South Korea and China/Hong Kong and increased year-over-year in Central America, the Caribbean and the ASEAN region.

For January through October, beef export value was 4% above last year at $8.68 billion, despite a 2% decline in volume — 1.066 million metric tons.

“It’s encouraging to see an uptick in demand for U.S. beef in China and Korea, where the economic headwinds have been formidable this year,” said U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom.

“Our Western Hemisphere markets have been outstanding, and exports have also expanded to the ASEAN region. So if U.S. beef can regain momentum in these larger Asian destinations, this bodes well for 2025.” T C

Noble Land Essentials Online is a self-paced educational series on soil health principles and improving grazing lands. Photo courtesy of Noble Research Institute.

Join or renew your membership today.

Member benefits include the support of TSCRA Special Rangers, government relations advocacy, educational programs, networking and social events, member-only discounts, The Cattleman magazine and phone app, and insurance services.

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

TSCRA Business Partners

The TSCRA Business Partner Program allows companies and organizations whose values and mission align with TSCRA to demonstrate their support to the cattle industry. Thank you to our current business partners.

THE RIGHT OPERATION STYLE

Ranching 101 to explore effective management techniques.

Join Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association for a Ranching 101 webinar at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, to learn what cattle operation style could benefit your property and goals.

The speaker will be Jason Sawyer, chief science officer for East Foundation. Interested association members can register by scanning the QR code below.

Sawyer leads the science team and integrates research into the foundation’s ongoing ranching operations to enhance and enable effective decision making by stewards of working lands.

Previously, Sawyer served as professor and research scientist at the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. He has also served in research, teaching and management roles at Texas A&M University and in research

and extension roles at New Mexico State University’s Clayton Livestock Research Center.

ABOUT RANCHING 101

Ranching 101 webinars provide participants with practical, sound guidance on the tools and equipment needed to get started in ranching or land ownership. The webinars are available online on the third Tuesday of every month.

Registration is complimentary for any association member. Visit tscra.org to learn more. T C

Ranching 101 is presented by:

Jason Sawyer

OBITUARIES

GORDON BANNING RICHARDSON , 87, of Caldwell, died Nov. 12.

Born in New York City on May 19, 1937, Richardson grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. He graduated from Ashbury College School, and spent the next year and a half circling the globe as a crewmember on the Brigantine Yankee, skippered by Irving Johnson.

When he returned, Richardson enrolled at Boston University and played on their varsity hockey team, as well as becoming a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After graduation, Richardson and a fraternity brother made their way to Houston.

Richardson started his career in life insurance with Provident Mutual, and met his bride-to-be, Judy Williams, on a blind date. The couple married in 1966 and made their home in Caldwell. They opened Insurance Associates and a Sears catalog store on Buck Street in downtown.

Over his career, Richardson became a leader in the life insurance business. In 1986, he was elected president of the Texas Association of Life Underwriters. It was a lifelong career, and he continued to be an active insurance agent until the day he died. He was an honorary director for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Richardson is survived by two sons: Gordon (Leslie) Richardson II and Randall Richardson; and four grandsons, Will, Charles, Gordon III and Harry.

GILBERT J. RIOJAS III , 47, of Corpus Christi, died Dec. 13.

Riojas, known as Gilly by family and friends, graduated from Austin High in 1996 and fulfilled his dream to follow in his family’s footsteps and attend Texas A&M University.

During his time on campus, Riojas built lifelong friendships, especially with the young men who he met as a bonfire Redpot. He also met Andrea Martinka. The couple married Dec. 4, 2004.

Committed to his family and his faith, Riojas was also a working man with a deep love for South Texas land

and cattle. He was the general manager for LaBabia Cattle Co. that operates ranches in Mexico and South Texas, along with a feedyard located in Quemado.

He was elected a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association director in 2018; and also served Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Beef Council and the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas.

Riojas is survived by his wife, Andrea; daughter, Rylynn Sara Riojas; parents, Bettina Lynn McSpadden and Gilbert J. Riojas Jr.; sisters, Jamie Riojas, Caitlin Riojas (Tyler Canon) and Ryan Riojas; grandparents, Ouida Schliesing and her second husband Tom Schliesing; and four nieces and nephews.

RAYMOND CARL RUSSELL , 89, of Georgetown, died Dec. 7.

Born in Ysleta in 1935, Russell was raised in the heart of West Texas. By 15, he had distinguished himself as a Junior Rodeo Grand Champion. His love for rodeo led him to pursue a professional career at 16 years old, traveling the country with his truck, trailer and cherished horse, Little Brown Jug.

In 1955, Russell married the love of his life, Betty Jean Heath. Over the years, the couple’s journey together took them to various locations across the Southwest.

In 1970, Russell joined Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association as a brand inspector and investigator, which brought the family to Pawhuska, Oklahoma. In this role, he worked as an Oklahoma Ranger, investigating cattle and equipment theft across 22 counties in northeastern Oklahoma.

He served with distinction under the aegis of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, dedicating 30 years to the association before retiring in 2000.

Russell continued to raise cattle on his Pawhuska ranch and, alongside Betty, embraced their love of travel. The couple enjoyed countless road trips, often meeting friends and family along the way.

He is survived by his daughters, Rae Jean Russell and Sharon (Ed) Albrecht; and grandchildren, Brennan Albrecht and SueEllen Albrecht. T C

Theft & Law

DISTRICT 1 — TEXAS PANHANDLE

Cattle missing in Collingsworth County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Chris Ward reports 10 calves missing from a property three miles west of Wellington on Highway 203. The calves weigh approximately 600 pounds, and they have an under seven and crop notch on their left ears. The calves were last seen Nov. 29. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Ward at 806-205-0119.

DISTRICT 15 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Two black Angus cows missing in Hamilton County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Marvin Wills reports two black Angus cows missing from a property in Hamilton. The cows are branded with a “W” on their left side, and a No. 93 or No. 104 on their left hip. They were last seen Nov. 11. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Wills at 254-223-2330.

DISTRICT 21 — EAST TEXAS

Two bulls missing in Limestone County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Chace Fryar reports two black bulls missing from a property off Highway 164 in Groesbeck. One bull is branded with a “6490 over Broken W” on his left hip. The other bull has a “Lazy H over J” branded on his left hip. They were last seen Aug. 1. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Fryar at 281-734-4078.

DISTRICT 23 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

John Deere tractor stolen in Liberty County. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Mike Boone reports a 2008 John Deere Tractor 6430 stolen from a property off State Highway 105 in Moss Hill. The serial no. on the tractor is V316569875. The tractor was stolen in the early morning hours of Dec. 11. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Boone at 409-658-5725.

DISTRICT 25 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Brahman crossbred cow missing in Victoria.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Fields reports a gray, white-faced Brahman crossbred cow missing from a property in Victoria. The cow is branded with a “Rafter S” on her left hip. She was last seen Oct. 10.

Two calves missing in DeWitt County. Fields also reports two calves missing from a property off Old Cuero Road in Yoakum. The calves are approximately two months old. The black calf has a white No. 387 ear tag in its left ear. The red calf has a white No. 462 ear tag in its left ear. The calves were last seen Nov. 21. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Fields at 361-207-5207.

DISTRICT 26 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Three cow-calf pairs missing in Brown County. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Todd Jennings reports three black Angus cows, two black Angus bull calves and a black Angus motley faced heifer calf missing from a property near the intersection of State Highway 183 and CR 417. The calves were last seen in July and the cows were last seen Sept. 29. Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Jennings at 830-997-7585. T C

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

Stolen 2008 John Deere Tractor 6430.

AN OLD PROBLEM WITH A NEW SOLUTION

Feral hog management is decades old, but there is a new tool for land managers.

By Paige Holbrooks

Landowners fight battles on innumerable fronts. Sometimes, legislative measures make it difficult to access all the tools in our arsenal. This was the case for warfarin hog bait until recent research and legislative changes.

While feral hogs have been on Texas soil since the 16th century, their population and impact have grown throughout the last few decades. In fact, it is estimated feral hogs annually cost the state’s landowners more than $2 million in crop damage and livestock production.

During an episode of TSCRA Talk, a podcast by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, John Tomeček, associate professor in the department of rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management at Texas A&M University, discussed the history of feral hogs — and a new strategy for landowners to address an infestation.

Tomeček said the U.S. is home to approximately 6 to 7 million feral hogs, half of which live in Texas.

“To put it in perspective, if you were to combine all sheep, goats and commercial swine in Texas, we have more hogs than that total number,” he said.

Feral hogs are well known for their troublesome characteristics. Their rooting behavior can cause severe

damage not only to valued grazing lands, but also property including fences, water lines and equipment.

The feral animals can also carry problematic diseases, which have been known to contaminate surface water. USDA reports 30 diseases and nearly 40 parasites carried by feral hogs that can affect people, pets, livestock and wildlife populations.

Legislative hurdles

The Texas Department of Agriculture initially approved the use of the warfarin-based product Kaput in controlling feral hog populations in 2017, but concerns were raised about mitigating risks to non-target species.

In response, the Texas Legislature added a rider to the 2017 appropriations bill prohibiting the department from registering any warfarin toxicant to control feral hogs.

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

Tomeček and his team were asked to complete that study, determining the effectiveness of warfarin toxicant on feral hog populations.

Warfarin is an anticoagulant commonly used in human medicine as a blood thinner and clot preventative. Hogs are highly susceptible to warfarin, which triggers fatal internal hemorrhaging when up to five pounds are consumed. As Tomeček mentioned, the product’s EPA registration expedited the research project.

“We were tasked with taking a well-known chemical to the field and applying it as private landowners and applicators, under realistic conditions across the state,” Tomeček said. “The legislature wanted to know if this product could run our pig numbers down.”

In the field

To examine product effectiveness outside of a controlled research environment, Tomeček teamed up with Michael Bodenchuk, director of Texas Wildlife Services, to design and implement a study. The evaluation took place on 23 sites in 10 counties across of the state.

“A huge aspect of this project was determining the best time of year to apply warfarin due to the vitamin K1 content in forage,” Tomeček said. “Vitamin K1 serves as an antidote, which is present in green growing plants during the spring and summer months.”

For two years, Tomeček and his team worked with multiple cooperating ranches and farms that followed their training and instructions. They baited pigs as recommended by the research team and collected data on population numbers.

The bait is applied by mixing warfarin toxicant with corn and placing it in a special feeder. Only a licensed, trained applicator may purchase and use the bait in strict compliance with labeling directions.

The results were promising.

“In the two years, we never had a season of the year where pig numbers weren’t reduced,” Tomeček said. “This included the swamps in southeast Texas, the High Plains and the deserts and mountains in West Texas.”

Ruts created by feral hogs are just one example of the inflicted property damage.

According to Tomeček, applicators who were diligent saw significant reductions in their feral hog population. One producer who worked with the team for two years saw a 90% decrease in feral hog numbers on his property.

The research helped prove the product ready for use. Today, protections remain in place to ensure safe and responsible usage of Kaput and similar products.

The feral hog bait can only be purchased through a licensed distributor and applicators must have a Texas Department of Agriculture commercial, noncommercial or private applicator license. Additionally, applicators must record pesticide applications for two years.

“There are a lot of ways to manage pigs,” Tomeček said. “I would rather everyone contribute in some way to control their feral hog population. We are all part of the solution no matter what tool is utilized.”

To hear more of the conversation, download TSCRA Talk via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. T C

Paige Holbrooks is the director of policy and political communications for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

John Tomeček

TERMINAL CROSSBREEDING: A MISSED OPPORTUNITY

Beef Improvement Federation offers insight on profit potential.

Crossbreeding is one of the most underexploited breeding tools in the beef industry. The industry’s recent push for larger carcass weights while keeping cow costs at a minimum has brought terminal crossbreeding programs to the forefront.

Mark Thallman, Ph.D., a research geneticist from the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, laid out a vision for terminal crossbreeding that allows producers to get the best of both worlds during a producer education session during the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium last summer in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Thallman’s main message was that if the growth potential of a herd’s cows and bulls are the same, that profit potential is likely being left on the table. This is due to the antagonism between cow resource needs (costs) and terminal output (revenue).

“Terminal crossbreeding programs mean breeding cows that are strong in terminal traits to bulls that are strong in terminal traits,” Thallman said. “We did this extensively in the 1970s, but the biggest challenges were producing a sufficient number of replacement females and issues with calving difficulty.”

To address this deficit of replacement females in terminal crossbreeding programs, Thallman proposed several solutions that might fit production systems across the U.S., from one-bull herds to large commercial operations. In herds where having an entirely separate maternal herd is impractical, an optimal approach would be to purchase young cows, pregnant with their second calf, then using a purely terminal bull without concern for introducing calving difficulties. This system would require herds focused on breeding these maternal replacements, likely leveraging sex-skewed semen.

Thallman underlined that genetic selection in these schemes should be driven through bull selection.

“Culling should be minimal and based almost solely on the immediate effect on profitability,” he emphasized. “We shouldn’t cull commercial cows with the hopes of improving genetics.”

This is a function of the low heritability of these traits and the limited selection intensity that can be achieved on females in commercial herds. To this end, he drew

attention to the need for continued development of EPDs for maternal traits.

While much of Thallman’s talk drew on the conventional wisdom of crossbreeding that has been known for decades, his call for a more targeted creation of divergent maternal and terminal populations would require some changes across the industry. In particular, breeds would need to adopt more targeted breeding objectives focused on terminal or maternal suites of traits. The most important of these would be mature size, as maternally oriented breeds should be much more moderately sized than high-growth terminal breeds.

Finally, this vision for industry-wide terminal crossbreeding would require the introduction of a new sector exclusively aimed at producing replacement females. These ideas would encourage breed complementarity, maximize heterosis and help make the entire beef production chain more efficient. T C

Story and photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

Mark Thallman, Ph.D., a research geneticist for the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, discusses the merits of terminal crossbreeding.

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

SCAN TO REGISTER

CONTROLLING INFECTIOUS DISEASE IN SHARED SPACES

Texas A&M AgriLife-led research looks at the nexus of wildlife and livestock.

The H5N1 bird flu, widespread in wild birds worldwide and the cause of outbreaks in poultry, U.S. dairy cows and even several recent human cases among agricultural workers, is a prime example of mixed species disease transmission occurring where wildlife and livestock interact.

Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Ph.D., assistant professor in microbial ecology and microbiome interactions in the department of animal science, is studying the ongoing threat of emerging pathogens that can necessitate prompt deployment of medical countermeasures for life-saving interventions.

And Dass, a Texas A&M AgriLife researcher in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, wants to nip it in the bud, so to speak.

She wants to address the potential of disease transmission at the rangeland level rather than waiting until it reaches the SARS-CoV-2 virus level in the human population. She worked extensively on solving problems with COVID-19 in the supply chain.

“Dairy cattle are not a known host for avian influenza, so that was quite a shocker when it jumped species,” she said. “Disease transmission is inevitable, and we

will see more unusual hosts getting this disease. So, we should take care of what we can fix before it can become human-to-human transmission.”

Dass is leading a research initiative dedicated to identifying pathogens, monitoring transmission pathways and implementing rapid responses to address the potential danger posed by unidentified pathogens that could lead to severe epidemics.

The project, “A systems approach to understanding wildlife-farm animal-environmental drivers of zoonotic disease transmission in the food supply chain,” is funded by a $3.03 million USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service grant.

History tells us

Out of the 400 recorded instances of emerging infectious diseases since 1940, Dass said bacterial pathogens constitute 54%, viral or prion pathogens 25%, protozoa 11%, fungi 6% and parasitic worms 3%.

Despite their lower frequency, RNA viruses, such as those responsible for HIV, influenza H1N1 and H5N1, SARS-CoV-2, Lassa virus, Ebola virus and MERS-CoV have caused the most devastating recent emergence events.

Story by Kay Ledbetter

Photo by Michael Miller, Texas A&M AgriLife

“Human intersection with ecosystems, which is driven by urban expansion, along with the proximity of agricultural lands to wildlife habitats and the extending range of wildlife reservoirs collectively amplify the occurrence of zoonotic diseases,” Dass said.

This research project employs SARS-CoV-2 as a model virus to study spillover events from white-tailed deer to livestock, examine mechanisms of virus persistence in the environment, and assess their potential impact on human health.

“We want to determine what we can do before a disease reaches the point of vaccinating humans; fix the root cause,” she said. “The root cause is the wildlife and livestock intermingling. If we can take care of that, we can prevent overwhelming the healthcare system, which took a beating during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.”

The project

The project allows both wildlife and livestock to be put in a controlled environment to see whether transmission occurs. It is a lengthy procedure, but the USDA’s National

Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, has done a phenomenal job of cohabiting the animals to generate real-world disease transmission results, Dass said.

“With our systems approach, we can look at environmental maintenance of the virus using our Biosafety Safety Level 3 facility at the Global Health Research Complex,” she said. “For example, what occurs in a water trough or elsewhere when both livestock and wildlife drink water from the same source on the rangeland?”

Dass said this complex research requires collaboration between scientists from different specialties working together — people in animal disease, veterinary biosciences, wildlife and genomics.

“Infectious disease transmission is expected to happen,” Dass said. “But we’ll find out if and how it can be controlled by limiting exposure.” T C

Kay Ledbetter is a communications coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife.

Gary & Rhonda Lindsey

4060 Kimbro Lane Madisonville, TX 77864

Email: gary@lindseyranch.com Cell: 936-355-2253 lindseyranch.com

WHAT PLANT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY?

Texas Bindweed (Convolvulus equitans)

By Kent Ferguson

Texas Bindweed is a native, warm-season perennial forb that grows on sandy, loamy and rocky soils. A member of the morning glory family, it is a prostrate vine that crawls over foliage or along the ground.

The plant:

• Has single gray stems up to 6 feet long, which are covered in dense white hairs without tendrils.

• Has leaves that are variable in shape, simple, alternate, stalked and hairy; and will be up to 3 inches long with lobes on each side of the leaf base.

• Produces a flower on a short stalk, up to an inch wide, that is pink to white with a red center.

The flower is shaped like a funnel with five angled petals extending to a point.

• Produces a capsule fruit from the flower that will have 2-4 black seeds.

Texas Bindweed is quality forage for deer and cattle. The seeds are also utilized by many bird species.

Texas Bindweed is a desirable native plant and should not be confused with the introduced plant Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) , which is a real pest and difficult to manage. T C

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

Photo by Joseph A. Marcus , Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Ranching

BQA TIP: WEANING AND YEARLING WEIGHT EPDS

Expected progeny differences allow bulls from the same breed to be compared from one seedstock operation to another.

Weaning weight (WW) and yearling weight (YW) EPDs can be used to evaluate potential differences for growth.

American Angus Association estimates the heritability of YW to be 0.42 compared to 0.28 for WW. Meaning, genetic potential for yearling weight is more likely to be passed down to the bull’s progeny.

Remember this: More growth is not always better, especially if replacement heifers will be kept or calves will be sold prior to entering the feedyard. T C

Beyond Our Gates FROM CITY STREETS TO RANCH ROADS

Texas Beef Team Pasture to Plate Tour educates beef advocates.

By Kayla Jennings

The sun begins to peak over the horizon as runners grab their water bottles, lace their tennis shoes and prepare to journey through a marked course challenging their athleticism and work ethic. Some competitors are easily spotted along the course either racing or volunteering in their bright red Texas Beef Team jerseys.

At the same time, ranchers are pouring their coffee, pulling on their boots and heading out the door to produce a wholesome, high-quality protein — beef.

In Lubbock Sept. 6-8, two worlds collided as 16 elite Beef Team members participated in a pasture to plate tour highlighting the state’s beef industry.

“Providing hands-on beef industry experiences to influencer audiences, like the Beef Team, is one of our favorite ways for Texans to get a closer look at how beef is raised,” said Victoria Heller, Texas Beef Council senior manager of education. “Pasture to plate tours give us the opportunity to showcase the beef industry and Western lifestyle firsthand. It’s so rewarding to introduce ranching to Texas consumers.”

Boots on the Ground

Riding for the brand, the Beef Team is a group of 1,200 beef-loving fitness enthusiasts supported by Beef Loving Texans and representing 130,000 cattle producers across the Lone Star State — participating in 8,881 activations advocating for beef’s role in a healthy lifestyle.

“Beef Team members are some of our biggest advocates,” said Adriana Mora, Texas Beef Council manager of consumer marketing and Beef Team coordinator. “They not only encourage a healthier Texas, but also publicly demonstrate the strength and power they’ve gained by fueling their body with beef.”

This tour increased excitement and strengthened attendees’ knowledge of beef production through a hands-on educational experience they can now share with their community. First-hand experiences within segments of the beef industry better equip these members to share with others across Texas.

That is how the recent tour stood out for Beef Team member Bob Marabella. As an active member of the

Beef Team within his San Antonio community, he craved these types of experiences to better share the story of how beef finds its way onto his plate.

“When you're on the Beef Team, you probably don't go a week at a race without somebody asking what the Beef Team is,” Marabella said. “Being on it now for four years, you gather information, and you try to be as educated as you possibly can. One of the most important things is taking my education on the beef industry to a different level, so that I can have that conversation with consumers.”

Fellow Beef Team member Adam Eiler shared the same sentiment. The college professor from Houston has spent many hours reading and watching content about the beef industry.

Even so, these hands-on experiences at the National Ranching Heritage Center, Texas Tech University’s meat science laboratory and Day Show Cattle offered him a unique perspective. He said this opportunity has equipped him with more confidence to share beef’s benefits with his family, friends and others he encounters on race day — across the state, country and internationally.

Beef Team members gained experience in beef processing with a meat cutting demonstration at Texas Tech University.

“I really appreciate the hands-on experiences,” Eiler said. “Actually being able to get your hands on beef through the meat laboratory experience makes it even more enjoyable. I can also take that background to relay to others the value and benefits of beef as part of a healthy nutritional diet as an athlete.”

Lasting Impact

For Beef Team members, representing more than 130,000 independent beef producers is not a task taken lightly. It is critical that they have background knowledge and industry experience to match their enthusiasm.

“Obviously, there's misconceptions out there about beef,” Eiler said. “But you can certainly have high-quality lean beef as part of a healthy diet, and I've already been instituting that in conversation. I feel more comfortable being able to explain more in-depth.”

While Beef Team members are engaging with consumers on the industry’s behalf each time they proudly wear their jersey, Marabella said it goes far beyond the finish line.

“Being a beef-loving Texan is all about giving back to the community,” he said. “I love to give back to the community, and while I'm there, I want to be able to change maybe one person's opinion who doesn’t really

Beyond Our Gates

understand how the beef industry operates and the nutritional value of beef.”

Whether preparing to lace up their running shoes or celebrating special moments with their community, the Beef Team left the pasture to plate tour in Lubbock eager to spread their excitement for the beef industry. T

Story and photos courtesy of Texas Beef Council.

Beef Team members toured a ranch and asked thoughtful questions to enhance their beef industry knowledge.

CLOSING THE NUTRIENT GAP

New research details how beef benefits key age groups.

Three recent research studies published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Nutrients, add to a growing body of evidence reinforcing beef’s important role in closing nutrient gaps for vulnerable populations such as adolescents, pregnant women and aging adults.

Each study analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey — a large dataset gathered from a comprehensive, nationally representative survey of Americans — to assess beef intake and the contribution of nutrients from beef-containing diets.

“Our analysis shows that people at various life stages — adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and older adults — who eat about 2 ounces of beef a day, on average, consume more essential nutrients in their meals, helping them better achieve overall nutrient adequacy,” said Victor Fulgoni III, Ph.D., lead study author. “Meals with nutrient dense beef may help improve health by delivering critical nutrients that support key life milestones.”

Stages of Life

Adolescence, which spans ages 14 to 18, is a critical life stage with increased nutrient needs for optimal growth and development. A combination of greater nutrient

requirements and a decrease in diet quality in this life stage leads to nutrient gaps and deficiencies, creating a public health concern.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans state the constellation of nutrients lacking in adolescents’ diets puts them at greater nutritional risk during rapid growth and development, the onset of puberty, menarche and hormonal changes. Adolescent females are at greater risk for nutrient inadequacy, such as iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia.

Beef’s nutrients, such as protein, zinc, B vitamins and iron, are essential for proper adolescent development. Based on this analysis, adolescents who regularly eat meals with beef are more likely to meet daily recommendations for essential nutrients and have a lower prevalence for nutrient inadequacies.

The researchers found that adolescent beef consumers with an average beef consumption of as little as 1.7 ounces per day had upwards of 15% more intake of calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, choline, vitamin B12 and zinc than adolescents who do not regularly consume beef.

The importance of proper nutrition in supporting maternal and child health through pregnancy and lactation cannot be overstated.

About 95% or more of pregnant and lactating women who eat beef have adequate intakes and meet nutrient recommendations of zinc, calcium, vitamin B12, protein, riboflavin, iron and niacin, while many pregnant and lactating women who do not regularly eat beef are inadequate in these nutrients.

For example, based on this analysis, it is estimated that an additional 830,000 pregnant and lactating women would no longer have inadequate zinc intake if they incorporated as little as 1.74 ounces of beef into their daily diet.

In addition, a significant proportion of older adults in the U.S. consume less than the recommended amounts of key nutrients each day, which can have health consequences. This study found older adults who consume beef have improved intake of 12 nutrients, including those often lacking in this population, protein and vitamin B12.

The research indicates a higher proportion of this age group would meet nutrient recommendations for protein, vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients by adding about 2 ounces of beef per day to their diet.

Key Nutrients

The research reflects that eating meals with beef improved intake of key nutrients within these vulnerable life stages and helped a greater percentage of the population meet nutrient adequacy for calcium, iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, protein and vitamin B12.

“Beef nourishes Americans’ health at every life stage, with its unique combination of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline and B vitamins,” said Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., National Cattlemen’s Beef Association executive director of nutrition science, health and wellness.

“Americans cite beef as one of their top protein choices, with 82% identifying beef as a great source of protein.”

This research was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. The association was not involved in the study design, data collection and analysis, or publication of the findings. T C

Story and photo courtesy of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Beef Checkoff.

RIDING FOR THE BRAND

TSCRA Director Gerald C. Nobles Jr. talks tradition and the next generation.

By Shelby Kirton

Gerald C. Nobles Jr., of Brady, has spent his life honoring the history and heritage of the ranching business.

“Ranching isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are,” Nobles says. “My family has been in this business for generations, and I take great pride in continuing that legacy while preparing the next generation to carry it forward.”

Born in Midland, Nobles is a fifth-generation rancher. Both sides of his family were involved in the cattle business, giving him a deep appreciation for the work and dedication that comes with it. He earned a degree in animal business from Texas Tech University in 1973. Then he returned to his roots, ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of the ranching life.

Nobles began his career working for a successful real estate leader. He created and managed new ranches north of Dallas. When his father retired, he returned to take over the family operation, Nobles L Bar Ranch, continuing the legacy deeply rooted in West Texas.

While the ranch offered a strong foundation, it wasn’t large enough to support his family’s growing needs.

Nobles also worked in banking, becoming a senior vice president at the Wells Fargo Bank Trust Department in Midland. His financial expertise, paired with his ranching knowledge, enabled him to help ranchers and investors navigate complex financial challenges including succession of land and cattle, and building relationships with oil and gas companies.

After retiring from banking in 2007, Nobles pivoted to philanthropic endeavors.

“I believe in giving back to the community that shaped me,” Nobles says. This belief led him to serve as executive director of the Fasken Foundation, which supports education, youth programs and community development, where he’s been a board member for more than 30 years.

In 2011, Nobles made the difficult decision to relocate his family’s ranching operations from Midland County, where seven generations had worked on the same land, to McCulloch County. It was a decision guided by family discussions and a desire to position future generations for success.

Today, the ranch raises commercial crossbred Red Angus-Wagyu cattle.

“Ranching is all about adapting without losing sight of what matters,” Nobles says. “We’re stewards of the land, and it’s our job to ensure we pass it on in better shape than we found it.”

Nobles was elected a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association director in 2013.

Since, he has served in several capacities including the executive committee, natural resources and wildlife committee, property rights and tax committee, and the water and eminent domain subcommittees.

True to his West Texas roots, he has a passion for water-related issues and does not shy away from tackling big obstacles.

“I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the industry that has given me so much,” he says. “Whether it’s through TSCRA, philanthropy or community involvement, I see it as a way to honor the traditions we hold dear and to help the next generation succeed.”

One of Nobles’ passions is supporting underprivileged youth through his involvement in High Sky Children’s Ranch. “Helping kids is one of the most rewarding things you can do,” Nobles says. “It’s about giving them the tools to succeed and showing them that they have a place in this world, whether it’s on a ranch or somewhere else.”

In pursuit of honoring his heritage, Nobles has been active in many organizations. Among them are SandHills Stock Show & Rodeo. He served with ranching mentors in the organization for decades.

Nobles attends Bloys Camp Meeting every year, and has volunteered in many capacities.

He was involved with the National Ranching Heritage Center on the campus of Texas Tech University and taught Sunday School for more than 35 years, sharing his faith and values with younger generations.

He believes strongly in equipping the next generation to meet the challenges of an evolving industry — while staying true to its core values.

“I want the generation that follows us to continue providing a constantly improving beef product to the global consumer,” he says. “I hope consumers will always see beef as their protein of choice, and that ranchers will be able to make a comfortable living for their families. That’s what drives me every day.”

Nobles’ life work and leadership have earned him many accolades over the years — he served as the Texas Tech Masked Rider in 1973 and was named a 2009 honoree of the SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo, to name a few.

However, recognition has never been his goal. He says the real rewards come from the relationships he’s built and the legacy he’s working to leave behind.

“When you’re in ranching, you realize that it’s about more than just you,” Nobles says. “It’s about your heritage, your family, your land. Everything you do is connected, and that’s what makes it so meaningful.”

He and his wife, Debbie, have two sons, Cade and Tyler, and three grandchildren: Cy, Grant and Brynn. He says watching them embrace the ranching lifestyle brings him immense joy and hope for the future.

“Family is what makes all of this worthwhile,” he says. “Knowing that my grandchildren will grow up with the same values and traditions that have shaped my life — that’s the greatest reward of all.”

He attributes success in the ranching industry to the fact that tradition and progress can go hand in hand.

“At the end of the day, it’s about respecting the past while building for the future,” Nobles says. “That’s what tradition is all about, and that’s what I hope to pass on.” T C

With a lifetime of experience and service in the livestock industry, TSCRA Director Gerald C. Nobles Jr. is committed to sharing his passion for cattle with future ranchers. Courtesy photos.

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

STEPHEN DIEBEL

First Vice President 3907 Salem Rd. Victoria, Texas 77904

PAST PRESIDENTS

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

James L. Powell San Angelo, 1988-1990

Tom Beard Alpine, 1994-1995

C. Coney Burgess Amarillo, 1997-1999

J. Mark McLaughlin San Angelo, 1999-2001

John E. Dudley Comanche, 2001-2003

Bob McCan Victoria, 2003-2005

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

Jon Means Van Horn, 2007-2009

G. Dave Scott Richmond, 2009-2011

Joe J. Parker Jr. Byers, 2011-2013

Pete Bonds Saginaw, 2013-2016

Richard Thorpe III, MD Winters, 2016-2018

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

G. Hughes Abell Austin, 2020-2022

Arthur G. Uhl III San Antonio, 2022-2024

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

DAN GATTIS

Second Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer 213B W. 8th St. Georgetown, Texas 78626

Emily Lochner Executive Director, Leadership Development & Education

Grace Dunham Executive Director, Events & Partnerships

Megan Wills Executive Director, Finance & Human Resources

Michele Woodham Executive Director, Insurance Services

Scott Williamson Executive Director, Law Enforcement, Brand & Inspection Services

Lisa Walker Executive Director, Membership & Operations

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

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

Melissa Hamilton Executive Director, Government Relations

Don’t buy an imposter.

Not all “Angus” bulls are REGISTERED Angus bulls.

Know what you’re buying. There are a lot of Angus bulls on the market, but not all are backed by the power of 80 million datapoints and a registration paper. Look for the REGISTRATION NUMBER. Bring the Power of Angus to your herd. Angus.org/PBA.

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

Ross Thompson, Iowa Park

Wesley Welch, Lubbock

HONORARY DIRECTORS

William M. “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

Jay C. Evans, Dripping Springs

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

Tom Watson, Muleshoe

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

DA Harral, Fort Stockton

Ron Helm, Van Horn

Heath Hemphill, Coleman

Shelby W. Horn, Fredericksburg

Larry R. Horwood, Sterling City

Grant Jones, Rochelle

Mark W. Jones, Brady

W. Clay Jones, Brady

Ty Keeling, Boerne

Lorenzo Lasater, San Angelo

Brian T. McLaughlin, Midland

David L. Neal, San Angelo

Gerald Nobles Jr., Brady

James Oliver, Ozona

Wade Perks, San Angelo

Jessica Tate, Marfa

James Uhl, Fort McKavett

Cody Webb, Barnhart

Ken Welch, Baird

Ray W. Willoughby III, Eldorado

HONORARY DIRECTORS

C. A. “Chip” Cole III, San Angelo

William C. “Billito” Donnell Jr., Alpine

Richard Gates, Marfa

W. H. “Billy” Green III, Albany

Rafe Hargrove, Rotan

Dr. Joe Pat Hemphill, Coleman

Ken Jordan, San Saba

Don Keeling, Fredericksburg

Chris Lacy, Fort Davis

Laurence M. Lasater, San Angelo

Ben Love, Marathon

Len P. Mertz, San Angelo

Tom Perini, Buffalo Gap

Bill Phinizy, Gail

Frank Price, Sterling City

Gordon E. Sauer, Fredericksburg

Danny B. Stewart, Sterling City

Rick Tate, Marfa

Cliff Teinert, Albany

Dennis W. Webb, Barnhart

W. C. “Billy” Williams, Mertzon

REGION 3

DIRECTORS

Ford Drummond, Pawhuska, Oklahoma

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Les Nunn, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

REGION 4

DIRECTORS

Edward Bordovsky Jr., Riviera

Austin Brown III, Beeville

W. Christopher Bush, Refugio

James Clement lll, Kingsville

David S. Crow, Corpus Christi

Dustin Dean, Floresville

David DeLaney, Kingsville

Robert “Bobby” Dobson, Birmingham, Alabama

James L. “Jamie” Donnell Jr., Fowlerton

J. David Eppright, Cost

Benjamin Eshleman III, Corpus Christi

Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons, Carrizo Springs

Cody Fry, Lueders

Jim L. Gates, Pearsall

Milton S. Greeson Jr., Victoria

Bret Griffith, Del Rio

Heath Grigg, Kingsville

Marty R. Harris, Tilden

Anson Howard, San Antonio

Leslie Kinsel, Cotulla

Claude Koontz, San Antonio

Steven J. Mafrige, Tilden

Richard Marbach, Victoria

Beth Knolle Naiser, Sandia

Federico “Freddy” Nieto, Raymondville

T. Michael O’Connor, Victoria

Jason Peeler, Floresville

J.R. Ramirez, La Pryor

Michael Sasser, Corpus Christi

Lew Thompson, Pearsall

C. Clark Welder, Beeville

John E. Zacek, Victoria

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Steve G. Beever, Pearsall

Richard H. Bennett, San Antonio

Chip Briscoe, Carrizo Springs

Presnall Cage, Falfurrias

Martin W. Clement II, Kingsville

Thurman S. Clements Jr., Victoria

Nixon Dillard, Pleasanton

Trainor Evans, Mercedes

Thomas J. “Tommy” Haegelin, Concan

Phillip C. Hardee, DMD, 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

M. Stuart Sasser, Corpus Christi

Frates Seeligson Jr., San Antonio

Richard Traylor, Batesville

Roger F. Welder, Victoria

David W. Winters, Del Rio

REGION 5

DIRECTORS

Bill Cawley, Crockett

Wayne Cockrell, College Station

Herff Cornelius Jr., Wadsworth

Carlos Detering III, Houston

Gardner H. Dudley, Houston

Lloyd French IV, Houston

Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, College Station

George Harrison, Bay City

Robert Hodgen, Houston

Colt Hoffmann, Marlin

Clay Kenley, Crockett

Clive Runnells III, Austin

John Sumner Runnells III, Bay City

Tony Spears, Rosanky

John “Rocky” Sullivan, Galveston

Claudia Scott Wright, Richmond

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Jay C. Evans, Dripping Springs

Leroy Ezer, Anahuac

Frank Green, Liberty

Tom J. Haynie, Navasota

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

Gary Price, Blooming Grove

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

M.R. “Mike” Wertz, DVM, 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

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 A. 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

John Z. Kimberlin Jr., Dallas

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

Frederick “Bart” Wulff Sr., Dallas

REGIONS & DISTRICTS

New Members

2Farr2 Yorktown

2T Cattle Valley View

2xCD Cattle Co. Lufkin

3B Cattle Miami

3B Ranch Killeen

3R Ranch McAllen

6Aranch George West

A3 Cattle Co. Freer

Ag Texas Farm Credit Fort Worth

Back 40 Cattle Godley

Roy Bean Fort Worth

Madelyn Beaver Grandview

Benfer Ranch Clifton

Christopher Best Flower Mound

Big Creek Cattle Ent. Donie

Robert Bryan Stephenville

Erin Burton Colleyville

C3 Cattle Co. Gainesville, Georgia

Carl Ranch Ennis

James Scott Chandler Dallas

Circle 9 Ranch Millsap

Coker Farms Roby

Jordan Coleman Hermleigh

Comancheria Ridge LLC Coppell

Cranfill Farms Hondo

D&D Cow $ Calf Elgin

De Cattle Corner Fort Worth

DEFDEPOT LLC San Antonio

Diamond G Ranch Crosby

Matthew Dickey & Family Graham

Double YL Investments LLC San Antonio

E&E Equipment Co. Inc. Fort Worth

Elmwood Acres Killeen

FERA Diagnostics & Biologicals College Station

Flying R Bar Land & Cattle Co. LLC Kingwood

Cory Fortner Alvarado

Fralise Farm & Ranch LLC Sour Lake

Frazier Ranch Fulshear

Cori Freels Gainesville

Good Asset LLC Perryton

Gray Ranch Colorado City

Hannah Griffice Anahuac

Matthew B. Grubb Talala, Oklahoma Hallett Richmond

Hatada Ranch Irving

Hidden Hangar Ranch Denison

JH Ranch Livingston

Justin Jircik Fort Worth

JL Cattle Co. Diboll

Jordan Ranch Millersview

Dalton Keener Canyon

Brantley Kennedy Danbury

Knowles Cattle Co. Italy

Laura Labhart Athens

James Landers Houston

Larsen Homestead Conroe

Lazy W Ranch Millsap

George Long Charlotte

Mason County Partners LP Mason

McCloy Land & Cattle Hooks

Meiwes Cattle Hereford

Walter Menuey Whitesboro

Mitby Ranch Spring

NJF Ranch Pittsburg, Oklahoma

Oak Valley Ranch Brenham

Leah Perez Hebbronville

Maya Perez Hebbronville

Pineyhaven LLC

Jewett

Arcenio Ramirez Seminole

Republic Ranches LLC

Victoria

Richardson Livestock

Early

Gaylon & Cassidy Riddles Bonham

Rochell Livestock Duncan, Oklahoma

Rocking 4J Fort Worth

Pablo Rodriguez Cameron

Rose Cattle Azle

Rumsey Cattle Co.

Joshua

Art Runge

Jewett

Rutledge Ryan Ranch

Whitesboro

Jeremy Scott Stephenville

Katharina Seay

Houston

Sievers Enterprises Tye

Six Point Ranch

San Antonio

Ryan Smee Conroe

Spirit Field Farm

Kemp

Texas Grazing Land Coalition

Victoria

Jordan Cattle Auction…

New Members

Brandon Tigert

Bonham

Timber Creek Ranch

Quitman

TNF LLC

Albany

Triple J Ranch Fort Cavazos

Tooter & Lari Waites

Burleson

Wenaas Family

Houston

White Arrow Ranch

Abilene

Wild M Brangus Blue Ridge

Wolter Legacy Ranch

Edna

Yellowstone Crane & Rigging Inc. Fort Worth

Where Cattlemen Come to Buy and Sell!

Special Replacement Female Sales

Saturday,February22@10:00a.m.–SanSaba

ConsignmentsWelcome!

Spring “Best of the Best” Replacement Female Sale

Saturday,April5@10:00a.m.–SanSaba Offeringqualitypair,bredcows,bredheifers,andopen orexposedheifers.Don’tmissyouropportunitytobuysome ofthebestfemalesinthecountry! Thesellerandbuyerof thetop-sellingfemalesineachoftheclasseswillreceiveatrophy. Allcattlewillbefiveyearsofageoryounger!

ConsignmentsWelcome!

Special Bull Offering

Inconjunctionwithourregularsale. Bullswillsellat10a.m. Bullswillbefertilitytested, meettrichrequirements,andreadytogotowork.

Thursday,February13@10:00a.m.–SanSaba FeaturingMartin-BruniBrangus&STSRangerAngusBulls

Thursday,March6@10:00a.m.–SanSaba Cattleman’sKind–50BlackSimmental&SimAngusBulls

Thursday,March20@10:00a.m.–SanSaba KnoxBrothersBullSale–Hereford&AngusBulls

WEEKLY SALES HELD AT 11:00 a.m.

Monday – Mason

Thursday – San Saba

Formoreinfoonabove salesoronlineviewing andbidding,pleasecall orvisitourwebsite.

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

Clifton Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Clifton

Phone: 254-675-7717

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

Meridian L/S Comm. Co.

Where: Meridian

Phone: 254-435-2988

Sale Day: Monday

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: 903-322-4940

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Jerry Boulware, 936-465-1597

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: Wednesday

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: Vance Weltner, 210-473-9099

Schulenburg Livestock Auction

Where: Schulenburg Phone: 979-743-6566

Sale Day: Saturday Contact: Vance Weltner, 210-473-9099

FLOYD

Floydada Livestock Sales

Where: Floydada Phone: 806-983-2153

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: JE Stone, 806-777-4396

FRIO

Pearsall Livestock Auction

Where: Pearsall

Phone: 830-334-3653

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

GILLESPIE

Gillespie Livestock Co.

Where: Fredericksburg Phone: 830-997-4394

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Larry Bowden, 210-846-0380

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

GONZALES

Gonzales Livestock Market

Where: Gonzales

Phone: 830-672-2845

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: JoGayle Stavena, 979-332-2186

Nixon Livestock Comm.

Where: Nixon

Phone: 830-582-1561

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Landyn Maguglin, 361-492-9484

GREGG

Longview Livestock

Where: Longview Phone: 903-235-6385

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

GRIMES

Mid-Tex Livestock Auction

Where: Anderson

Phone: 936-825-3970

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

Navasota Livestock Auction

Where: Navasota

Phone: 936-825-6545

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

GUADALUPE

Seguin Cattle Co.

Where: Seguin

Phone: 830-379-9955

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Elizabeth Cortez, 830-857-1945

HAMILTON

Hamilton Livestock Comm.

Where: Hamilton

Phone: 254-386-3185

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

HARDIN

Gore Family Auction Center

Where: Silsbee

Phone: 409-782-0612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Christy McCoy, 409-782-0612

HENDERSON

Athens Comm. Co.

Where: Athens

Phone: 903-675-3333

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

HIDALGO

Edinburg Livestock Auction

Where: Edinburg Phone: 956-383-5671

Sale Day: Saturday

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

HILL

Hubbard Livestock Market

Where: Hubbard

Phone: 254-576-2584

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Patrick Romine, 254-723-0950

HOPKINS

Sulphur Springs Livestock Comm.

Where: Sulphur Springs

Phone: 903-885-2455

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

HOUSTON

East Texas Livestock Auction

Where: Crockett

Phone: 936-544-2246

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Cheyenne London, 936-222-3689

HOWARD

Big Spring Livestock Auction

Where: Big Spring

Phone: 432-267-5881

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Bruce Brandenberger, 254-977-5763

JACKSON

Edna Livestock Auction

Where: Edna

Phone: 361-782-7666

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

JASPER

Kirbyville Auction Barn

Where: Kirbyville

Phone: 409-423-2612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Erica Morgan, 409-509-1946

JIM WELLS

Gulf Coast Livestock Market

Where: Alice Phone: 361-664-4395

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Ramiro Garcia, 361-460-0008

JOHNSON

Johnson County Cattle Auction

Where: Cleburne Phone: 817-556-9090

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lee Snyder, 254-707-1682

KARNES

Karnes City Auction

Where: Karnes City Phone: 830-780-3382

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Elizabeth Cortez, 830-857-1945

Karnes County Livestock Exchange

Where: Kenedy Phone: 830-583-2574

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Elizabeth Cortez, 830-857-1945

LAMAR

Cattlemen’s Livestock Comm.

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-784-2238

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lana Caldwell, 903-908-0530

Paris Livestock Auction

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-739-2575

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

LAVACA

Hallettsville Livestock Comm.

Where: Hallettsville Phone: 361-798-4336

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

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: Cheyenne London, 936-222-3689

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: Mallory Steen, 903-390-0594

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

The only thing that takes more work than raising cattle is keeping track of all of the records that go with it. That’s why there’s CattleMax. Whether you’re tracking cattle or keeping records of everything from rainfall to receipts, CattleMax does it all. And does it easily.

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

MCLENNAN

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: Katy Webb, 903-388-4390

PANOLA

Carthage Livestock Auction LLC

Where: Carthage

Phone: 903-693-6361

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lori Blankenship, 936-234-3441

POLK

Livingston Livestock Exchange

Where: Livingston Phone: 936-327-4917

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Harvey Williamson, 963-334-5325

POTTER

Lonestar Stockyards

Where: Amarillo

Phone: 806-677-0777

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Gary McClellan, 806-334-0517

RAINS

Emory Livestock Auction

Where: Emory

Phone: 903-473-2512

Sale Days: Tuesday & Saturday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

ROBERTSON

Calvert Livestock Co.

Where: Calvert

Phone: 979-364-2829

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

RUSK

Hunt Livestock Exchange

Where: Henderson

Phone: 903-657-2690

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Samuel Steadman, 318-617-1141

SAN SABA

Jordan Cattle Auction

Where: San Saba

Phone: 325-372-5159

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: David Munden, 325-456-7253

SHELBY

Center Auction Co.

Where: Center Phone: 936-598-4395

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Michael Witcher, 936-556-0992

STARR

Triple G Livestock Auction LLC

Where: Rio Grande City

Phone: 956-437-1988

Sale Day: Friday

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

SWISHER

Tulia Livestock Auction

Where: Tulia Phone: 806-995-4184

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Tommy Thompson, 806-690-4080

TAYLOR

Abilene Auction

Where: Abilene Phone: 325-673-7865

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Dave Williams, 325-669-2030

TITUS

Stone Livestock Comm.

Where: Mt. Pleasant

Phone: 903-575-9099

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

TOM GREEN

Producers Livestock Auction

Where: San Angelo

Phone: 325-653-3371

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Bruce Halfmann, 325-315-5972

UVALDE

Southwest Livestock Exchange

Where: Uvalde

Phone: 830-278-5621

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

VAN ZANDT

Mort Livestock Exchange

Where: Canton Phone: 903-287-6386

Sale Day: Special Sales Only

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

WASHINGTON

Brenham Livestock Auction

Where: Brenham

Phone: 979-836-3621

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-3041

WHARTON

El Campo Livestock Exchange LLC

Where: El Campo Phone: 979-543-2703

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

Wharton Livestock Auction

Where: Wharton Phone: 979-532-3660

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Megan Stavena, 979-320-4228

WICHITA

Wichita Livestock Sales

Where: Wichita Falls Phone: 940-541-2222

Sale Day: Wednesday Contact: R.C. Langford, 832-330-7279

WISE

Decatur Livestock Market

Where: Decatur Phone: 940-627-5599

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Rebecca Benson, 940-389-6382

WOOD

Winnsboro Livestock Auction

Where: Winnsboro Phone: 903-365-2201

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Alan Pruitt, 903-725-6200

YOUNG

Graham Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Graham Phone: 940-549-0078

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Kyla Rater, 940-284-9968

There’s a lot to learn out here. Knowing when to be strong-handed and when to hold back is learned through years of doing. Equally important is knowing who to trust. For more than 100 years we’ve worked with Texas ranchers. Our experience allows us to focus on providing sound guidance, strong financial solutions and our Patronage Program, which shares our profits back to members like you, allowing you to be able to focus on what’s important — everything out here.

BLACK HEREFORD

Mike & Carla Bacica 11707 FM 2868 Flint, TX 75762 Mike: 903-520-0390 mbpga@aol.com Carla: 903-530-8551 wtnca@aol.com

www.GardinerAngus.com

m

Carr Hilltop Ranch Beefmasters Quality Beefmaster Cattle Ranches in Webb, Wilson and Kendall counties Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2947 Laredo, Texas 78044 Phone: 361/586-5067 Cullin Smith (409)779-9872

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

DOUBLE DIAMOND HEREFORDS

John 325-642-0745 • Tom 325-642-0748 Comanche, Texas; Ph 325-356-2284

Lee & Jacqui Haygood

“Registered Herefords Since 1938” Email: john@dudleybros.com 923 Hillside Ave. Canadian, TX 79014 806-323-2906 lee@indianmoundranch.com www.indianmoundranch.com

J .T . E chols DVM P.O. Box 709 • Breckenridge, TX 76424 Of: (254) 559-9739 • Cell: (254) 559-0156 muleshoeranch@gmail.com

NEEL POLLED HEREFORDS

Registered Polled Herefords & Black Baldies FOR SALE

Nina Neel Sanders 214-454-8587 • Brady, TX

NOACK HEREF OR DS

“Quality Registered Herefords” Est.1921 – Bulls for sale at all times out of good milking cows

Office: 512-446-6200 Cell: 979-218-0065

Theuret Herefords Horned Bulls and Females

CR 165, Kenedy, TX 78119 theuret@sbcglobal.net 210-315-0103

Santa Gertrudis

Glen Rose, TX David Harris Home (817) 641-4159 Office (817) 641-4771

BRIGGS 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

SIMMENTAL/ SIMBRAH

Black or Red Simbrah • SimAngus HT • SimAngus

FILEGONIA

C ATTLE C OMPAN Y Joe & Beth Mercer 327 CR 459, Lott, TX 76656 • 956-802-6995 bethmercer1974@gmail.com • www.filegoniacattle.com

Foster Bros. Farms Lockney, Texas

(806) 983-7225 mbl. / fosterbros@att.net

David & DarLee Foster (806) 652-3824 (806) 983-7221 mbl.

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

M a l l e t t

SIMMENTALS

21st Annual Bull Sale March 6, 2025 Private Treaty Sales

Simmental & SimAngus BULL SALE March 8, 2012 San Saba, Texas Mike Mallett 10602 North Hwy 281 • Lampasas, TX 76550 Home: 512-556-8548 • Cell: 512-556-1021 www.mallettsimmentals.com

Our cattle are perfomance tested. Mike and Connie Mallett •

Upcoming Events

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

Case Ranch: Consigning Cattle to South Texas Hereford Assoc. Sale Where: Beeville

SATURDAY, FEB. 1SUNDAY, FEB. 16

San Angelo Livestock Show

TUESDAY, FEB. 4THURSDAY, FEB. 6

Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Where: San Antonio

THURSDAY, FEB. 6

Stocker & Feeder Sale Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 6SUNDAY, FEB. 23

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

SATURDAY, FEB. 8

Bradley 3 Ranch: The Wide Body Sale Where: Estelline

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12

Rocking Chair Ranch:

34th Annual San Antonio All Breeds Bull & Commercial Females Sale Where: San Antonio

SATURDAY, FEB. 13

Special Bull Sale Featuring Martin-Bruni Brangus & STS Ranger Registered Angus Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, FEB. 18

Ranching 101: What Cattle Operation Style is Right for You Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 22

44 Farms: Spring Bull Sale Where: Cameron When: 10 a.m.

Special Replacement Female Sale

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

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26

Cattlemen at the Capitol Where: Austin

MARCH

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Annual All Breeds Sale Where: Houston When: 10 a.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

Mallett Simmentals: 21st Annual Bull Sale Where: Lampasas

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Nipp Charolais: 16th Annual Spring Bull Sale Where: Wilson, Oklahoma When: 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

McKenzie Land & Livestock: 19th Annual Spring Sale Where: Fort Stockton

TUESDAY, MARCH 11FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Oklahoma Youth Expo Where: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Wichita Falls Luncheon Where: McBride’s Steakhouse, Wichita Falls When: 11:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14SATURDAY, MARCH 29

Rodeo Austin

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

Ranching 101: What Grazing Management Style is Right for You Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

GKB & Barber Ranch: 3rd Annual Spring Bull Sale Where: Desdemona When: 12 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Thomas Charolais: Female Sale Where: Raymondville When: 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Muleshoe Ranch: Annual Range Ready Sale Where: Breckenridge When: 10 a.m.

Thomas Charolais: Bull Sale Where: Raymondville When: 1 p.m.

APRIL

FRIDAY, APRIL 4SUNDAY, APRIL 20 San Angelo Rodeo

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

Gardiner Angus Ranch: 46th Annual Spring Production Sale Where: Ashland, Kansas

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

Ranching for Profit Workshop Where: Fort Worth

FRIDAY, APRIL 11SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo Where: Fort Worth

SUNDAY, APRIL 13MONDAY, APRIL 14

32nd Annual Outlook for Texas Land Markets Where: San Antonio

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

Ranching 101: Mastering Cattle Genetics Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 21

Jorgensen Land & Cattle: Top Cut Bull Sale Where: Ideal, South Dakota When: 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

Texas A&M AgriLife Hemphill County Beef Conference Where: Canadian

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

Adam Gerrond, Manager

Ulysses, KS

office: (620) 356-2010 cell: (806) 390-9034

When Our Folks Drive Through the Gate They Think and Act Like Owners Because They Are Owners - They Have a Vested Interest in the Cattle They Care For

Frontier Feedyard

Jon Vanwey, Manager

Spearman, TX

office: (806) 882-4251 cell: (719) 251-2381

Stratford Feedyard

Pistol Audrain, Manager

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

Burlington Feedyard

Logan Hardin, Manager Burlington, CO

(719) 346-8532

(620) 575-6702

Southwest Feedyard

Kacey Graham, Manager Hereford, TX

office: (806) 364-0693 cell: (806) 316-8799

Hale Center Feedyard

Rusty Jackson, Manager

Hale Center, TX

office: (806) 879-2104 cell: (806) 773-9457

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:

FEBRUARY 1925

On the cover a century ago, the magazine gave nod to a young man eager to get his start feeding cattle.

Pictured is Robert Kelly, of Caddo, who raised and put on feed two Hereford calves, weighing about 300 pounds each, on March 10, 1924.

“He fed the calves under instructions from the A&M College on equal portions of corn chops, bran and oats, with one-third cottonseed meal, and during the last 60 days gave them a light ration of blackstrap molasses,” the article read.

At market, they averaged 920 pounds each and brought 13 cents per pound. They were valued at $20 per head when put on feed and ended with a net value of $118.48 each. T C

RANCHING FOR PROFIT WORKSHOP RANCHING FOR PROFIT WORKSHOP

April

10 | Fort Worth, TX

In conjuction with:

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR OEPERATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Ranching for Profit is a dynamic, one-day workshop designed to give you valuable tools to increase the financial sustainability of your operation, and give insights into the relationship between ecology and grazing principles. You’ll also explore ecological processes and strategies to boost productivity, reduce workload and increase profitability.

This workshop is available as an ADD-ON to your full Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo registration.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RANCHING FOR PROFIT.

For more information and to register, contact education@tscra.org or 817-916-1748.