Cattle Raisers support research, protect property rights at summer meeting
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association board of directors issued three policy resolutions at the June 17 meeting at Lost Pines near Bastrop asking for greater research into and prevention of trichomonaisis; protecting ranchers' rights to conduct safe prescribed burns; and encouraging Texas A&M University to recruit a large-animal veterinarian to lead that university's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research. more
 

TPWD scoping proposed shift to South Zone dove season
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is scheduling a series of scoping meetings June 24, 26 and July 7, 8 to gather public input on a proposal to move the South Zone second split of dove season deeper into January. The public is urged to provide public comment at any of the public scoping meetings or online. more
 

"Food Before Fuel" coalition launched
The Food Before Fuel Campaign - a partnership of more than 20 environmental, retail, hunger, Hispanic and food industry groups - launched a cooperative effort June 10 urging Congress to revisit the nation's food-to-fuel policies, a key factor in the growing global food crisis. The Campaign also launched a new website, www.foodbeforefuel.org, where the public can go to get important studies, fact sheets and quotes from experts. more
 

Prepare for next year's prescribed burn
Prescribed burning is a very effective tool for improving rangeland productivity and overall health of the landscape. As a result, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service has made available a brochure, "Prescribed Burning for Landowners: Success is in Planning," which outlines preparations for next year's prescribed burn. more
 

Texas crop, weather, 6-17-08
Windy conditions and record high temperatures stressed crops and dried out pastures and rangeland in much of the state, according to reports from Texas AgriLife Extension Service agents. The upper half of the state received some rain, but most parts of West Texas and South Texas remained dry. more
 

TSCRA Young Leadership Series workshop
Plan to attend the first annual TSCRA Young Leadership Series workshop July 8-9 in Austin. It's a great opportunity to learn about becoming a valuable resource for the beef industry and TSCRA! The workshop will be held in Austin at the Omni Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governor's Row. TSCRA has reserved a block of rooms at the Omni, so be sure to mention the Series upon making your reservation before the June 24 deadline.

The meeting begins with lunch with speaker Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples on Tuesday, where the topic will be the importance of young leaders in the political process. Afternoon breakout sessions will encompass current federal and state issues, connecting and communicating with elected officals and navigating the state legislative process. Wednesday's topics will cover the importance of being an effective spokesperson, media interviews and dealing with legislative staff.

Registration fees are complimentary for TSCRA members, including student members, and are limited to the first 50 people, so be sure to register by June 20. A registration form and tentative agenda are available at the following link: more