Thursday, March 20, 1997

Cattle raisers' committees to give update on issues

Texas and Oklahoma cattle raisers will learn the latest industry information at committee meetings during the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association 120th anniversary convention March 23-26 at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth.

Meetings slated for Monday and Tuesday will be packed with important information and feature an exceptional line-up of speakers, says Chaunce O. Thompson, Jr., a Breckenridge rancher. Thompson is TCSRA president.

The cattleman says the meetings represent "the meat and potatoes" of any TSCRA convention. Agricultural research, animal health, theft prevention, proposed legislation, labor, marketing, natural resource conservation, and private property rights will be discussed.

Members have the opportunity to provide grass-roots input.

Brush control among topics

On Monday, Drs. Darrell Ueckert of the Texas A&M Agricultural Experiment Station and W. Allan McGinty of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, will discuss brush and weed control in the Agricultural Research Committee meeting.

Minnie Lou Bradley of Bradley 3 Ranch and B3R Meats at Childress will talk about her company's value-added beef program.

Dr. John McNeill of Texas A&M University will look at the popular Ranch to Rail information-feedback program in which ranchers get carcass results.

Meanwhile, Dr. Terry Beals of the Texas Animal Health Commission will give farmers an update on progress in brucellosis, tuberculosis, screwworm, and equine infectious anemia eradication efforts. Jay Clary of Schering-Plough Animal Health will give a special presentation.

State Rep. Tom Craddick of Midland will discuss tax-reform efforts, particularly property tax relief in the Legislative and Tax Committee meeting.

In the Brand Inspection Committee meeting, James Baker of USDA will discuss marketing in a concentrated livestock industry. Austin attorney Ed Small will discuss Texas' legislative efforts to control horse theft.

Tuesday agenda will be packed

Gordon Richardson, TSCRA insurance consultant, will explain the benefits that tax law changes will have on ranchers during the Labor Committee meeting. Ranchers also can view a safety video.

Texas' No. 1 environmental issue - water - will be tackled in the the Natural Resources and Environment Committee meeting. Ed Small will moderate a panel including Dan Pearson of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission; Wayne Wyatt of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, Lubbock; State Rep. David Counts, Knox City; and Charles Geren of the Texas Water Development Board, who will discuss state water management.

TSCRA's Water Planning Committee explains its efforts to help form water policy.

J.D. Cargill, TSCRA's director of marketing and membership services, will highlight TSCRA's unique history in the Association Promotion Committee meeting. Kenneth Chambers, TSCRA field inspector, will tell how cattle theft convention has changed this decade.

In the Marketing Committee meeting, well known economist Bill Helming will explain his view that the U.S. government beef grading system should be abolished and replaced with a private system. People from all segments of the beef industry have strong views on this hot issue. A spirited discussion is expected.

Speaking of controversial topics - Richard Wortham of the Texas Beef Council will give an update on the effect that bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) - or the so-called "Mad Cow Disease" in the Great Britain - has had on the beef market.

Lee Bass, chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, will look at new state wildlife programs. He will emphasize the commission's commitment to working with landowners. Also in the Wildlife Committee meeting, former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr., will discuss TSCRA's work with legislators to protect landowners' rights in water policy.

Sherry Wright of Cisco and Belinda Oman of Avoca will talk about the positive effects of Bobwhite Brigade wildlife camp on young people.

The cost to attend TSCRA meetings, the trade show, and other non-ticket items is $50. For more on the TSCRA convention, call (817) 332-7064.