The Cattleman - May 2025

Harlow Cattle Co.

Birdwell Plainview, TX (806) 681-3667

Griffin Atoka, OK (580) 271-1333

Johnson Dallas, TX (214) 384-2653

FEATURES 18

The Fluid Border Crisis

South Texas agriculture is reeling from Mexico’s failure to deliver essential water under a 1944 treaty.

By Diane Meyer

Preserving the Ogallala Aquifer

A vital resource is at risk.

By Krissa Welshans

WAITING ON WATER

It’s May in Texas. The weather is warm, the cows are happy and water is top of mind for cattle raisers.

Rain has never been a sure thing, but in recent decades other critical water sources have become just as unpredictable. This month, we take a closer look at sources of water across the state.

We begin in the Rio Grande Valley, where producers continue to face uncertainty under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty. Drought is only part of the story. Political complications and delinquent water deliveries have left many cattle raisers in a holding pattern, waiting on resources that should be dependable.

Up North, the effects of a depleting Ogallala Aquifer are impossible to ignore. We find out how management shifts allow cattle raisers to adapt to limited resources, and how collaborative solutions could provide a path forward for landowners who rely on the aquifer.

Be sure to also catch our recap of Cattlemen at the Capitol beginning on page 28. It was a fantastic event in Austin — great energy, great turnout and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we show up together.

Enjoy this latest edition of The Cattleman! T C

Jaclyn

Roberts Parrish Executive Director of Communications, Marketing & Partnerships/Editor-in-Chief, The Cattleman jaclyn@tscra.org • 817-916-1794

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May 2025 / / Vol. CXI, No. 12

Published by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

P.O. Box 101988, Fort Worth, Texas 76185

Phone: 817.332.7064 • Fax: 817.394.1864 tscra.org

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Jaclyn Roberts Parrish

Managing Editor Jena McRell

Associate Editor

Shelby Kirton

Copy Editors Kayla Jennings, Elyssa Foshee Sanders

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Manager Heather Heater

ADVERTISING

Director of Corporate Relations & Sponsorships Kyle Conway

Association Sales Representative Hally Parks

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Executive Vice President/CEO Jason Skaggs

Communications, Marketing & Partnerships Jaclyn Roberts Parrish

Events, Education & Leadership Development Emily Lochner

Finance & Human Resources Megan Wills

Government Relations Melissa Hamilton

Insurance Services Michele Woodham

Law Enforcement, Brand & Inspection Services Scott Williamson

Membership & Operations Lisa Walker

OFFICE LOCATIONS

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ON THE COVER

Every drop counts. Access to water is critical for the future of the ranching. In this issue, explore pressing concerns impacting the state’s water supply.

CONTENTS

Up close with the herd.

Photo by Jerod Foster

It is always wonderful to be part of the TSCRA convention in Fort Worth.

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

At SCI we have been writing PRF for years and truly understand how it works best in the wet and dry years. Personally, and professionally, we can confidently advocate for this product. PRF can work incredibly well when set up correctly. We would be happy to talk over the phone, meet with you one on one or whatever is best for you. Give us 20 minutes, and we will show you why those cookie-cutter policies aren’t right for your year-round operation.

THE FLUID BORDER CRISIS

South Texas agriculture is reeling from Mexico’s failure to deliver essential water under a 1944 treaty.

By Diane Meyer

It was only February in the Rio Grande Valley, and already Fausto Salinas Jr. was feeding his cows a bare-bones ration.

For South Texas ranchers like Salinas, feeding cattle hay through the dry months has always been part of the job. But with no rain since August 2024, this year is shaping up to be grimmer than the last. “Right now, we’re running hay through a vertical mixer, adding a little cottonseed meal and corn just to keep them alive,” he says. “They’re not gaining weight, but at least they’re surviving.”

Salinas, a longtime Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association member, has been forced to sell one-third of

his herd. His family’s fifth-generation farm in Hidalgo and Starr counties that once provided for his cattle and crops has been left barren, the result of both an unforgiving drought and a broken promise.

This struggle isn’t just the work of Mother Nature — it’s a crisis exacerbated by politics. Under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, Mexico is required to send an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year to the U.S. from six of its tributaries. But with Mexico’s delinquent deliveries, Texas ranchers and farmers are left in limbo. Last year, producers received negative water allocations, leaving them unable to grow essential forage crops.

Salinas’ godson and nephew, Isaac Sulemana, has seen firsthand how unreliable water access has reshaped their family’s operation. Once home to a diverse mix of melons, onions and vegetables, the farm has shifted focus to row crops — an adjustment driven not by market demand, but by water scarcity.

Now, in his role as chief of staff for the Hidalgo County government, Sulemana has turned his frustration into advocacy. “Water insecurity is the single biggest issue we face that is very much within human control and dictates agriculture in South Texas,” he says.

As the October 2025 deadline for Mexico’s water deliveries approaches, Texas ranchers and lawmakers are once again pushing for answers. But with political uncertainty on both sides of the border, the future remains as unpredictable as the rain.

Treaty fundamentals

The 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, officially titled Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, was enacted Nov. 8, 1945, to address the finite nature of shared water resources and the complex, cross-border impacts of water use.

Under the treaty, the U.S. allots 1.5 million acre-feet of water annually to Mexico from the Colorado River Basin, which drains water from seven U.S. states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — before flowing into Mexico.

In return, Mexico is required to supply 1.75 million acrefeet of water to the U.S. over a five-year period, with an annual average of 350,000 acre-feet or about 114 billion gallons. Texas is the sole user of this water, due to its geographical proximity.

Given the shared nature of these water resources, the treaty also reestablished the International Boundary Commission, founded in 1889, as the International Boundary and Water Commission. The governing body consists of one U.S. commissioner and one Mexican commissioner, both appointed by their respective presidents. Their responsibilities include managing watershed resources, addressing environmental impacts, overseeing infrastructure and regulating recreational activities.

The 1944 treaty also established two key reservoirs — Amistad near Del Rio, and Falcon near Zapata — to help manage water storage and distribution. Amistad, being deeper, retains water more efficiently, while Falcon

serves the high-demand region of the Rio Grande Valley. These reservoirs supply water to more than 2.6 million people.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which oversees water quality and rights statewide, has highly specific and regulated authority over the Rio Grande Basin. While it does not directly enforce the treaty, it helps regulate how water deliveries from Mexico impact users along the Rio Grande.

According to Commissioner Bobby Janecka, the treaty’s original water allocations were based on projected economic and population growth in both countries, with an intent to divide resources equitably. He says both countries have historically engaged in diplomatic discussions through the International Boundary and Water Commission to address challenges arising from droughts and water shortages.

“On paper, it’s fairly straightforward,” Sulemana says. “It’s a treaty that was designed to take into account all the needs of the population that were known at the time, and which seemed reasonable for the foreseeable future.”

While the 1944 predictions could not foresee the population and industry booms on both sides of the border, the treaty’s “binational mutual goal of sharing water as fairly as we can is timeless,” Janecka says.

Ongoing shortcomings

While the U.S. has continuously honored its water obligations to Mexico, even making monetary payments in cases where drought shorted supply, Mexico has not reciprocated.

In the current five-year cycle, which started Oct. 25, 2020, and ends Oct. 25, 2025, Mexico is astronomically behind in water deliveries.

As of March 22, Mexico has sent only 488,926 acre-feet of water, with more than 60% of its water debt remaining. Experts do not anticipate Mexico will be able to meet its five-year requirement so late in the cycle. Janecka maintains that even a strong storm system, similar to Hurricane Alex, is unlikely to fill the international reservoirs.

Even so, Mexico has a strong case for prolonging releases due to the language of the treaty, Janecka explains. For instance, they could supply zero water in four years, and all water in year five, and still meet the treaty’s annual-average requirement. Alternatively, abundant rainfall could fill the international reservoirs, providing Mexico with enough water to meet its treaty obligations. Meanwhile, without sufficient yearly supplies, ranchers must sell their herds and farmers cannot plant crops.

Fausto Salinas Jr.

Isaac Sulemana

Commissioner Bobby Janecka

Delayed Deliveries from Mexico

Estimated volumes allotted to the U.S. by Mexico from six named tributaries and other accepted sources under the 1944 water treaty. The current five-year cycle ends Oct. 25.

350,000 acre-feet minimum average annual commitment

U.S. accumulated five-year cycle deliveries as of March 22

Minimum annual commitment with pattern of historical runoff

488,926

Mexico’s hesitance to share water with the U.S. stems from pressing domestic challenges, including severe droughts, municipal water shortages — particularly in Mexico City — and the growing demands of its agricultural sector. The country is heavily reliant on irrigation, especially in its northern regions.

As a result, citizens and farmers demand their government prioritize domestic water needs, often complicating efforts to meet international treaty obligations. Janecka says these dynamics incite Mexico to pray for rainfall, which has largely worked.

“It’s impossibly unpopular for a Mexican president to take water from their own citizens to give to Texans, particularly Texas farmers,” he says. “So, they allow the rain to fall where it does and provide the water that enters the basin. But in terms of deliveries, Mexico has apparently not proactively delivered water in living memory.”

In the past, when Mexico claimed there wasn’t enough water to make deliveries, the U.S. had little recourse but to take them at their word. Today, technology provides a

Source: International Boundary & Water Commission - U.S. Section

more exact understanding of rainfall patterns and river basin conditions, making it clearer than ever that Mexico is prioritizing its own water users while leaving Texas agriculture and cities with inadequate supply.

“That’s where we are in this relationship,” Sulemana says. “The hard facts are that each of the last three years, we’ve started the year with less water in reserves than we did the year before. We’ve hit historical lows.”

“Mexico is the furthest behind they’ve ever been in total amount, and at this time in the cycle,” Janecka echoes. “We are in the most dire situation we’ve ever been in terms of where our existing supply is at this point in the growing season, heading into the next year. So, I have nothing but concern.”

Consequences

For generations, livestock and crop producers in South Texas have relied on irrigation as a safety net during drought. Access to water meant ranchers could stockpile hay, ensuring their herds had feed during dry periods. 2,000,000

“It wasn’t unheard of to move thousands of round bales in the summer to fill orders across the region,” Sulemana says. “Now, livestock producers are in a real pinch because we’re so far removed from other parts of the state that if we don’t have access to the irrigation water, it is almost economically impossible to keep your herd going.”

Farmers like Salinas pump water from the Rio Grande or receive allocations from irrigation districts. Once requested, water released from Falcon Lake — a reservoir supplied by Mexico’s San Juan River — traditionally took three to five days to reach farms. Now, Salinas is waiting 10 days or longer.

When water levels drop below historical thresholds, producers experience drastic reductions in allocations, even if they legally own the water. In extreme cases, like lately, they risk receiving negative allocations, meaning water can be deducted from their balance despite no usage. “This makes it nearly impossible to plan a production year, obtain financing or secure crop insurance,” Sulemana says. “Without those, you’re out of business.”

This water shortage creates a tumultuous domino effect. Without irrigation, crop yields plummet, forcing cattle ranchers to buy expensive hay instead of growing their own. In Salinas’ case, strong cattle prices have helped offset hay costs. But if the situation worsens and he must sell more cattle, he fears the costs of rebuilding later will be too great.

These threats extend to all agriculture systems. South Texas’ sugar industry recently collapsed from inconsistent irrigation after 70 years of strong production. Experts fear the area’s citrus industry will crumble next. As these enterprises falter, local economies suffer, leading to job losses, underfunded schools, rising food insecurity and crime.

On a national level, Sulemana stresses the danger of losing control over critical inputs like food supply. “This is a national security threat to the United States, and it’s something that we need Washington to really step up and take note of because this is no longer an annoyance or local economic issue,” he says.

Windings paths ahead

Enforcing the U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty remains a significant challenge, especially as both nations navigate water scarcity and food security. While direct enforcement mechanisms are limited, the treaty allows for minutes, or subsequent agreements, to be adopted

By February, South Texas rancher Fausto Salinas Jr. was feeding a limited ration to his cow-calf herd, pictured top. The state’s citrus industry is also struggling as the Rio Grande Valley awaits water deliveries from Mexico, which is released from international reservoirs like Amistad, pictured bottom.

How Much Water Are We Talking?

without legislative approval from Washington, D.C., and Mexico City. According to Janecka, minutes are adopted routinely and allow for important progress.

The most recent November 2024 development, Minute 331, marks a historic shift by granting Mexico greater flexibility in water deliveries to the U.S. Previously, Mexico could only provide additional water under specific conditions, such as when attempting to meet past-due obligations.

Now, Mexico can deliver excess water at any time, allowing for improved resource management. Minute 331 also includes a controversial provision allowing Mexico to receive treaty credit for water releases from tributaries below Amistad and Falcon reservoirs, such as the San Juan River, which U.S. users historically viewed as free water.

Janecka believes that while the International Boundary and Water Commission and statelevel negotiations provide a foundation for collaborative discussions, meaningful progress is inhibited by deeper political and economic factors. One pressing issue is the influence of illicit actors like cartel-affiliated groups exerting control over water distribution in Mexico, ensuring resources are directed to their allies while independent farmers are left without. This graymarket water economy complicates enforcement efforts beyond the commission’s jurisdiction.

Given these realities, experts say the U.S. must find ways to encourage Mexico to fully utilize its new flexibility under Minute 331. Potential approaches include diplomatic negotiations, economic incentives or leveraging trade agreements to push for compliance. Janecka suggests the U.S. has been too passive in asserting its rights under the U.S.-MexicoCanada Agreement and could use trade pressure to challenge Mexico’s water policies, which disproportionately benefit Mexican farmers while harming U.S. agricultural interests.

Securing water from Mexico has typically required strong advocacy from U.S. representatives and pressure from the State Department. However, with the Rio Grande Valley holding only two congressional seats, the region has struggled to gain national attention.

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, a District 15 Republican, is among the lawmakers pushing for stronger enforcement mechanisms. In November 2024, she introduced House Resolution 10113, the South Texas Agriculture Emergency Assistance Act, to provide financial relief to Texas farmers along the Rio Grande.

“Mexico’s repeated failure to uphold their end of the 1944 Water Treaty has devastated South Texas farmers, hurt the growth of our Texas agriculture economy, and threatened our national food security,” De La Cruz shared in a written statement. “That is why I have led efforts in Congress to bring national attention to this issue and advocate for the resources Texas farmers desperately need.

“I am working closely with President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hold Mexico accountable for the water they owe the U.S. as part of the ongoing trade negotiations. The ultimate goal is to have the 1944 Water Treaty included in the USMCA.”

platform X March 20, the bureau announced, “Today, for the first time, the U.S. will deny Mexico’s non-treaty request for a special delivery channel for Colorado River water to be delivered to Tijuana.”

U.S.

Rep. Monica De La Cruz

On March 19, De La Cruz and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $280 million in USDA aid for South Texas farmers. That same day, the Texas Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, a resolution by Sen. Adam Hinojosa urging federal officials to ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations.

Supported by the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the resolution was received by the Texas House on March 20. At time of press, House Concurrent Resolution 77, the companion legislation authored by Rep. Oscar Longoria, remains pending in the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs.

As a result of the treaty’s ongoing shortcomings, the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs took a firm stance on the issue. On the social

Though legislative tides are changing, Janecka, Sulemana and Salinas all iterate that uncertainty is the biggest limiting factor in how South Texas producers wade through the water shortages.

“Right now, nothing is guaranteed,” Salinas says. “Everything is a big question mark, and that’s what makes it hard.”

He dreams of one day expanding into feeder calf production and backgrounding, but those ambitions are out of reach under the current conditions. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his way of life.

“I love what I do,” Salinas says. “I would not change it for anything in the world. I love farming and watching the crops come out of the ground. There’s nothing better than seeing a two- or three-week-old heifer or bull calf in the pasture that just catches your eye.”

Sulemana remains passionate about preserving a livelihood near and dear to his family, and the entire Rio Grande Valley region. “We ask producers everywhere to join us in advocating for a solution to this problem,” he says. “Every drop we’re owed is, or has been, right across the border.” T C

Diane Meyer is the associate director of content for Grant Company based in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Right now, nothing is guaranteed, and that’s what makes it hard.”

— Fausto Salinas Jr., Sullivan City

Throughout the past two decades, Bridget Guerrero, a professor of agricultural business and economics at West Texas A&M University, has worked on many projects focused on the Ogallala Aquifer, specifically pertaining to economics. She also participates in the Texas Water Development Board’s Region A Planning Group, which includes 21 counties split between the Canadian and Red River basins.

“I’m not a ‘the-sky-is-falling’ kind of a person, but in the 21 years I’ve been working on waterrelated projects, I don’t know that a lot has changed,” Guerrero says. “The aquifer is kind of managing itself, and so the more we can do to be proactive and at least slow the train down, the better off we’ll be.”

Given agriculture’s significant role in the regional economy, as well as the pressures that come from a growing population, the urgency of preserving the aquifer cannot be overstated. Agriculture, responsible for more than 90% of water use in the Panhandle, plays a leading role in the task. Participation from area producers is critical not only for the local economies, but also for their own survival.

Adaptive management

According to Guerrero, strategies to address aquifer depletion vary by region and cannot be deployed through a one-size-fits-all approach. She notes that some producers have faced greater challenges in adapting to the situation than others.

Still, studies indicate implementing strategies has yielded positive results, both for producers and the aquifer.

Management approaches include reducing overall water use through producer- or government-initiated mandates; planting drought-resistant crops; irrigation scheduling; improving irrigation equipment; incorporating new crop varieties; using drones or other technology to monitor plants and soil and spotapply water; planting cover crops; practicing no-till farming; and rotating crops.

Guerrero says one of the most noticeable changes has been farmers’ transition from corn to cotton crops, or other droughtresistant alternatives, based on water availability in the region.

The majority of crops grown in the Panhandle region also feed the large dairy cattle inventory, which Guerrero says has led some farmers to grow sorghum — a more drought-resistant crop — for silage as a viable alternative to corn silage.

...the more we can do to be proactive and at least slow the train down, the better off we'll be.”

— Bridget Guerrero, West Texas A&M University

Ogallala Aquifer water level changes since predevelopment in about 1950 to 2019. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Other farmers are incorporating or making a full transition to livestock production. For Eric Smith of Triple S Cattle Company in Floydada, many of the management strategies are not new concepts.

In fact, his family’s operation started using crop rotation and cover crops when he returned from college in the late 1990s. Even so, he says changes in weather patterns, particularly the timing of rain, have exacerbated the water supply issue.

“You only have two to three rain events per year,” he says. “It may be your annual rainfall, but if it’s not in the right growing season, you don’t see near the benefit.”

What’s transpired, Smith says, has been a dramatic change for the High Plains. “We used to have row water or full pivots, but that isn’t the case anymore,” he says. “You’re only seeing half or one-third pivots, or they’re rotating wheat or some type of cereal grain and cotton. Many operations are also running more cattle.”

Ogallala Aquifer depletion has led many Texas Panhandle producers, including Eric Smith of Floydada, to no longer grow full pivots of crops. Many are also incorporating or transitioning to livestock production. Top photo courtesy of Google Earth. Left photo by Jerod Foster.

Cover crops like wheat, rye, triticale and radishes protect and insulate the ground from extreme temperatures and help retain moisture, Smith explains.

“That gives more opportunity for the cattle side of your operation, because now you can run cattle across those cereal grains, recapture your rotational expenses and also make some money,” he says, adding that certain cover crops can also be harvested as haylage or baleage to use in cattle feed rations.

Overall, the change in management and thinking appears to be making a difference, as the decline in the Ogallala’s water levels has slowed in the last seven years — a refreshing change of pace from the relatively rapid decline of the prior decade.

“Everybody that’s involved, whether they are 85 or 25, is realizing the importance of diversifying to get better utilization out of every drop of rain, or the water they pump out of the ground,” Smith says.

Kansas initiative shows progress

A noteworthy success story for the Kansas region of the Ogallala Aquifer has been the development of Local Enhanced Management Areas, or LEMAs.

Authorized under the Kansas Groundwater Management District Act, groundwater management districts were granted the authority to initiate voluntary steps to meet water conservation goals in affected regions. Participating stakeholders created tailored water reduction plans — an essential approach for agriculture that ensures a balance between conservation and farmers’ needs — and have reported success.

A recent K-State Research and Extension study showed that in the decade since the Kansas Legislature passed the bill, farmers in the Sheridan 6 LEMA — a high priority area — have reduced water use by at least 20% compared to neighbors who have yet to commit to the initiative.

Prior to implementation, K-State Agricultural Economist Bill Golden conducted a study that suggested farmers who participated would lose money. However, the opposite has transpired. Improved efficiency through efforts like taking advantage of available rainfall, implementing soil moisture monitors or changing seeding and fertilizer rates has resulted in increased profitability.

Further monitoring in the Sheridan 6 LEMA has also shown water level declines have slowed from 2-3 feet per year to just 2-3 inches per year since implementation. Water saved today is going to be water that can be used later, as Kansas Geological Survey findings showed water in the aquifer is not moving quickly.

All hands on deck

No matter the strategies employed, collaboration is critical to preserving the Ogallala Aquifer.

The 2024 Ogallala Water Summit, an event held every three years since 2018, brought together more than 230 crop and livestock growers, scientists and technical experts, water managers, governments and other partners to explore strategies for sustaining the aquifer. Attendees agreed it will require a combination of diverse expertise, strong local leadership, wellconceived policy, technical support and economic incentives or investment.

Given the Panhandle region is semi-arid, droughtprone and heavily reliant upon sustainable groundwater management to support agriculture and communities, summit attendees also identified that future policies, research efforts and programs will differ from other regions utilizing the aquifer.

Outside of the adaptive management strategies producers are implementing, Smith says there has been

Cattle feeding, along with irrigated crop production, in the High Plains region is dependent on dwindling resources from the Ogallala Aquifer. Photo by Radale Tiner.

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Where We Stand

Sen. Kevin Sparks filed S.B. 34 to improve preparation and communication, create a statewide equipment database and offer additional support for rural volunteer fire departments. He also filed several other pieces of legislation, including S.B. 497, 767 and 868. Several senators are supporting his efforts, as well as efforts in the House of Representatives.

King has introduced H.B. 2054 as a companion to S.B. 868, which relates to the rural fire department assistance program. Rep. Carl Tepper authored H.B. 3679 as a S.B. 497 companion; and Rep. Caroline Fairly introduced H.B. 2063 as a companion to S.B. 767.

Each policy mentioned above marks important progress for preventing or responding to wildfires caused by the persistent failures of utility companies, oiland-gas operators and state agencies to fulfill their most basic duties of maintenance and oversight.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association applauds these efforts and asks the Texas Legislature to support of their swift passage. There should be consequences for state agencies and businesses when they do not do their jobs or fail to comply with regulations.

By confronting the failures that led us here, we can move forward and reduce the risk of future widespread wildfire outbreaks — ones that could once again leave families without homes, communities destroyed and once beautiful ranches deeply scarred.

Action is long overdue. Now is the time for the Texas Legislature to enact and enforce legislation to protect Texas citizens from further man-made disasters. T C

The column is co-authored by ranchers Joe Leathers, Jay O’Brien and Dale Smith

The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members are active in the association’s wildfire advisory group.

STANDING WITH US

Sen. Kevin Sparks is a conservative businessman, community leader and proud Texan deeply rooted in Midland.

Currently serving his second term in the Texas Senate, he brings nearly four decades of experience in the oil-and-gas industry and a passion for advocating on behalf of West Texans.

A 1985 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Sparks returned to Midland where he began his career in the oiland-gas sector with Discovery Operating. Starting from the ground up as a pumper and roustabout, he now serves as the company’s CEO, demonstrating a hands-on understanding of the industry.

As a legislator, Sparks prioritizes issues directly impacting the people of West

Texas, including energy reliability, water access, healthcare and combating oilfield theft. A strong advocate for rural Texas, he introduced a comprehensive wildfire legislation package early in the 89th Legislative Session to support rural volunteer fire departments with funding, improve firefighting response capabilities and ensure access to essential firefighting equipment statewide.

His proposed measures would also grant emergency vehicles the necessary exemptions to better respond to disasters like wildfires.

Beyond his legislative work, Sparks is committed to the agricultural community and the vitality of rural Texas. He and his wife, Jill, have raised four children in Midland and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren, with another two on the way. T C

Sen. Kevin Sparks

CATTLEMEN AT THE CAPITOL

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association hosted Cattlemen at the Capitol Feb. 26 in Austin, bringing together the association’s leadership and policy committees for an impactful day of advocacy.

With more than 35 freshman legislators serving in the 89th Legislative Session, in-person conversations serve as invaluable opportunities to educate new policymakers about the essential role landowners and the beef industry play in Texas’ economy, food security and longterm land stewardship.

More than 50 members from the association’s four policy committees visited 33 legislative offices to engage with lawmakers on key issues impacting

Texas ranchers and landowners. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association was also honored to meet with Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows’ staff to share policy priorities.

“This event provides our members a unique opportunity to see firsthand how our policies shape legislation at the Texas Capitol,” said Carl Ray Polk Jr., Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association president. “It provides lawmakers with a deeper understanding of the challenges and priorities of our membership, paving the way for meaningful collaboration on the issues that will shape the future of ranching in Texas.”

TSCRA officers and executive vice president stand alongside Gov. Greg Abbott Feb. 26 during Cattlemen at the Capitol.

Pictured from left are: Dan Gattis, second vice president and secretary/treasurer; Carl Ray Polk Jr., president; Gov. Abbott; Stephen Diebel, first vice president; and Jason Skaggs, executive vice president/CEO.

TSCRA members hit the halls in Austin.

In the News

By engaging directly with lawmakers, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association ensures that voices across the industry are heard and understood.

The association remains deeply committed to advancing policies that preserve Texas’ ranching heritage while fostering sustainable practices for generations to come.

Why it matters

Cattlemen at the Capitol is more than just a day at the Texas Legislature — it’s a direct demonstration of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s commitment to ranchers and landowners.

When members take the time to engage with lawmakers, they reinforce and amplify the ongoing work of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association government relations, which advocates year-round on behalf of cattle raisers and landowners. Hearing firsthand member accounts provides critical context and real-world examples that help lawmakers understand the direct impacts of their decisions. T C

Top: TSCRA members discuss wildfire prevention, mitigation and response legislation with Rep. Ken King and his staff. Middle: Reps. Angelia Orr and Stan Gerdes pose with TSCRA policy leaders and their personalized gate signs. In total, 11 POSTED gate signs were presented to legislators. Plaques were also given to legislators who recently had been featured in The Cattleman magazine. Bottom: More than 50 TSCRA policy committee members gathered in Austin during the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TSCRA

TSCRA LEADERS TESTIFY ON OVERSIGHT AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

On March 12, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association provided testimony in support of Rep. Ken King’s House Bills 143 and 144, which aim to improve oversight and maintenance of Texas’ electrical infrastructure. Association leaders Craig Cowden, James Henderson and Joe Leathers testified that these bills are an important first step in ensuring that Texans won’t have to endure another round of wildfires caused by outdated and poorly maintained infrastructure.

During their testimonies, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members shared their firsthand experiences with the Railroad Commission and the Public Utilities Commission, highlighting the challenges they face as landowners and ranchers in the Panhandle. Their insights were instrumental in helping the House State Affairs Committee recognize the urgent need for legislation to prevent wildfires, as the current conditions aren’t sustainable financially or environmentally.

Including landowner and ranching perspectives in these public hearings ensures association members and the industry have a voice in shaping lasting change for future generations.

members visited Austin

share their testimony in support of wildfire legislation.

TSCRA PRESIDENT GIVES KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE AGRICULTURE LEGACY LUNCHEON

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

President Carl Ray Polk Jr. delivered the keynote address Feb. 28 at the Agriculture Legacy Luncheon

in Abilene. Polk touched on the current state of the beef industry, the rich history of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the critical role of special rangers in protecting ranchers from livestock theft.

Speaking to a packed room of agricultural leaders, business professionals and community supporters, he highlighted key industry challenges and policy issues shaping the future of ranching. The luncheon, part of the Texas Farm, Ranch & Wildlife Expo, recognized those who feed the world and honored an outstanding Ag Family of the Year.

TSCRA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT JOINS SECRETARY ROLLINS AT AGRICULTURAL ROUNDTABLE

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Executive Vice President and CEO Jason Skaggs attended the Agricultural Roundtable in Mount Pleasant Feb. 24 hosted by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The discussion provided an opportunity for agricultural industry groups to share issues of importance and highlight where USDA could lend support.

TSCRA TESTIFIES ON STATE OF CATTLE INDUSTRY, NEW WORLD SCREWWORM

In early March, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Executive Director of Government Relations

Melissa Hamilton testified on behalf of the association in the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock and the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism. During these testimonies, the Hamilton provided a detailed narrative on the state of the industry, highlighting the challenges Texas ranchers and landowners face, such as low cattle inventory, market disruptions, animal diseases and disasters.

Texas House members were also updated on the current threat of New World screwworm and the critical importance of the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. Additionally, the association emphasized the need for ongoing legislative support to address these pressing issues and ensure the sustainability of the industry.

TSCRA

to

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, pictured center, during the Agricultural Roundtable in Mount Pleasant.

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

TSCRA MEMBERS ELECTED TO LEAD NATIONAL FINANCE, TEXAS LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Ken Jordan, a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association honorary director from San Saba, and Jon Means, an association past president from Van Horn, have been elected chairman and vice chairman of the boards of Texas Livestock Marketing Association and its subsidiary National Finance Credit Corporation of Texas.

The election was held Feb. 28 during the organization’s 95th Annual Meetings in Fort Worth. Past chairman Robert Thigpen Jr., of Chilton, has been elevated to chairman emeritus. Texas Livestock Marketing Association and National Finance Credit Corporation of Texas were founded by ranchers in 1930 and serve ranchers in marketing livestock and by providing a reliable source of financing for their credit needs.

TSCRA DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS

Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association director, and reappointed Jay Graham and Mike Hernandez to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents for terms set to expire on Feb. 1, 2031. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Sullivan Georgiades, of Houston, is executive vice president of Sullivan Brothers Family of Companies and co-owner of Santa Rosa Ranch and GKG Land & Cattle. In addition to serving Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, she is a board member for the University of Texas Medical Branch Health Development Council, TAMU Press and a delegate for the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching. She is also an international committee captain for Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and a former executive board member of the Texas Beef Council. Sullivan Georgiades received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Texas A&M University and a certificate in ranch management from Texas Christian University. Jay Graham, of Houston, is chairman, CEO and founder of Spur Energy Partners. He has served in the oil-and-gas business since 1993, previously working as CEO and co-founder of WildHorse Resources LLC and WildHorse Resources II LLC. Graham received a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University.

Mike Hernandez, of Fort Worth, is owner and CEO of D&M Leasing Texas, and owner and CEO of multiple Four Stars car dealerships. He received a bachelor’s degree in industrial distribution from Texas A&M University.

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION WELCOMES DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

International Brangus Breeders Association has welcomed Abby Geye as its new director of operations. A native of Rising Star and former Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association intern, Geye brings extensive experience in the registered cattle industry, as well as expertise in administrative and financial management.

In her role, Geye oversees the association’s daily operations, manages financial transactions, handles contractual business, facilitates communication with committees and the board of directors, coordinates meetings and events, and assists Executive Vice President Rick Cozzitorto with association affairs.

Geye graduated from Texas A&M University in 2022 with a degree in agribusiness and a minor in agricultural economics. She previously spent two years at Rodeo Austin, where she managed all aspects of the youth art show and junior leadership program. Raised on her family’s Hereford and Polled Hereford cattle operation, Geye was actively involved in every aspect of the seedstock breeding program.

TEXAS COASTAL CATTLEWOMEN ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AND STYLE SHOW

Held annually each fall, the Texas Coastal CattleWomen Fundraiser Luncheon and Style Show, featuring 2025 partners The Hat Store and THS Ranch, raises funds that perpetuate the mission of education and creating awareness of the best protein — beef.

Since its inception in 1983, the organization has raised and gifted more than a million dollars toward that goal through scholarships and donations. The luncheon planned for Sept. 23 at Lakeside Country Club in Houston will also recognize Texas cattlewoman Mary Kathrine White Moursund as the True Texas Rancher.

The seventh-generation rancher, who manages the White Ranch properties in Chambers and Jefferson counties, is the second honoree of this award established in 2024 to highlight women giving their all to the industry that supports so much of the state.

Funds raised benefit agriculture-related scholarships and beef industry supporters including Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Beef Council and the Texas Agriculture Lifetime Leadership program through the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at Texas A&M University.

Table sponsorships and individual seats can be purchased at texascoastalcattlewomen.com. T C

Broad Spectrum Weed Control

Redesigned

HEIFER RETENTION: KEEP VS. CULL

This month’s Ranching 101 offers advice on building a productive herd.

Join Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association for a Ranching 101 webinar at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, and learn how to make smart heifer retention decisions — keep the best, cull the rest and build a more productive herd.

The hour-long Zoom webinar will discuss heifer retention and its impact on herd productivity and profitability. Uncover key factors to consider for replacement heifer selection including genetic potential, reproductive efficiency and long-term economic viability.

Experts will share insights on management strategies, nutrition and market trends to help producers make informed decisions aligning with operational goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge to optimize the future of the herd.

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

Sign up:

Ranching 101 is presented by:

Photo by Jerod Foster

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.

MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS PARTNER

Companies whose values and mission align with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association are invited to join the organization and engage directly with our 28,000+ members. As a TSCRA Business Partner Member, your company will be part of a community that shares a commitment to advancing the cattle industry and its future.

BENEFITS INCLUDE

FEATURED PARTNERS

TSCRA MEMBER-ONLY DISCOUNTS

OBITUARIES

ALLEN CARTER “DICK” JONES IV, 75, of Corpus Christi, died March 9.

Growing up, Jones enjoyed spending time on the family ranch south of Hebbronville. He learned everything he could from his father about the cattle business, land, grasses, livestock, conservation and, of course, a little bit of fun.

Jones graduated high school from the Texas Military Institute in San Antonio in 1968 and attended Southern Methodist University and Texas A&I Kingsville before deciding college wasn’t for him. At 21 years old, he returned home and immersed himself in the ranching and cattle business. Jones married Ann Celaya, of Brownsville, in July 1977. The couple moved to the Alto

Colorado Ranch in Brooks County where they resided for the next 18 years.

An honorary director for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Jones made an impact on many organizations throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and served on the advisory board for 40 years.

He also served as a director for the Texas Wildlife Association, South Texas Property Rights Association and Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District.

Jones is survived by his wife, Ann; three children, Katherine Camille Jones, William (Sarah) Whitby Jones III and Christina (Michael) Jones Sasser; sister, Kathleen Jones Avery; and seven grandchildren. T C

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

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 office: (719) 346-8532 cell: (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: (620) 384-7431 cell: (806) 340-4790

SEVERAL SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR A CATTLE THEFT SINGLE CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE

A lengthy investigation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger John Vance led to two arrests and a warrant for those involved in stealing 82 head of cattle. The two men arrested were charged with theft of livestock–organized criminal activity, which involved six ranches and a sale barn.

Joey Dickey, 43, was arrested in Wise County and later transferred to the Cherokee County Jail in Oklahoma. Brian Tribble, 58, was arrested in Tarrant County and

transferred to Wise County Jail. A warrant was issued for Braxton Calvert, 26, in connection with the case.

According to Vance, the case was initially opened in June 2024. In November 2024, a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association market inspector identified one of the stolen branded cows at a sale barn in West Texas, leading to identification of a suspect.

Throughout the investigation, Vance and local detectives gathered crucial evidence, obtained witness statements and conducted suspect interviews, ultimately linking multiple cases together as part of a single criminal enterprise that spanned four counties in Texas and Oklahoma.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Wise County Sheriff’s Office for their joint efforts in bringing this case to prosecution. T C

$3,900,000

John Vance TSCRA Special Ranger, District 8

BEEF SOLUTIONS

FEED GRADE

Corid® 25% (amprolium)

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CycleGuard® 500 (melengestrol acetate Type A liquid medicated article)

Gainpro® 10 (bambermycins Type A medicated article)

Garlium (standardized garlic oil and extracts)

JustiFly® (diflubenzuron)

Monovet® 90

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Optigrid ® 45 (ractopamine hydrochloride Type A medicated article)

Probicon 50 (beneficial lactic acid bacteria)

Tilmovet® 18 (tilmicosin)

Tilmovet® 90 (tilmicosin)

Tylovet® 40 (tylosin phosphate)

Tylovet® 100 (tylosin phosphate)

Xtract Ruminant (eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, capsicum oleoresin

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Theft & Law

DISTRICT 7 — NORTHWEST TEXAS

Black heifer missing in Crosby County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Michael Looney reports a black heifer missing from a property near County Road 118 and County Road 161, northeast of Cone. The 18-month-old heifer has a yellow ear tag with No. 62 and swallow fork notch in her right ear. She was last seen Feb. 28. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Looney at 806-778-2585.

DISTRICT 10 — NORTH TEXAS

Sorrel gelding stolen in Dallas County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Pemberton reports a sorrel gelding stolen from a property off Vinson Road in Rowlett. The 9-year-old horse is 15.5 hands tall with a blazed face. The horse was stolen between Feb. 5-9. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Pemberton at 903-450-3900.

DISTRICT 13 — EAST TEXAS

Pasture mower stolen in Panola County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Larry Hand reports a 2013 galvanized Modern Ag 20-foot bat-wing pasture mower stolen from a property off Farm-to-Market Road 1794 in Northeast Panola County. The serial No. is 87149. The suspect(s) forced entry into the property. The victim is offering up to a $1,500 reward for tips that lead to recovery of the item, arrest of suspect(s) and/or grand jury indictment of the suspect(s). Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Hand at 903-571-3488.

DISTRICT 14 — EAST TEXAS

Replacement heifers missing in Nacogdoches County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Darrel Bobbitt reports seven head of black and mixed colored replacement heifers missing from a pasture off County Road 3. A few of the heifers have an orange ear tag. They were last seen Feb. 17. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Bobbitt at 936-222-2144.

DISTRICT 22 — EAST TEXAS

Black Hereford calves missing in Brazos County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Brent Mast reports 10 Black Hereford calves missing from a property off Sand Creek Road. Seven of the calves weigh approximately 300 pounds and three of them are lighter in weight. They were last seen Jan. 18. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Mast at 936-714-6619.

DISTRICT 24 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Grey Brahman bull missing in Matagorda County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Nathan Hale reports a grey Brahman bull missing from a property off Boone Road. The bull has flat horns and a “WF” over “157” branded on his right hip. He was last seen Feb 12. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Hale at 979-627-5823.

DISTRICT 25 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Charolais heifers missing in Gonzales County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Fields reports four Charolais yearling heifers missing from a property off County Road 117 in Nixon. The heifers are approximately 14-15 months old and have purple ear tags in their left ears with “Byron Bullard” over a three-digit number. They were last seen Jan. 8. The heifer with ear tag No. 591 was last seen on a neighboring property. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Fields at 361-207-5207. 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.

run parasites out of town.

Tauramox® Injectable Solution, the affordable alternative to Cydectin® (moxidectin) Injectable, runs gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, cattle grubs, mites and lice out of town. Expect the same weight gain advantage as with Cydectin® Injectable, but at a lower cost — it’s called swagger. Get the moxi with Moxie, from your animal health provider. For more information, visit Norbrook.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 21 days of treatment. This drug is not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established for preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

Ranching

AG FINANCING FUNDAMENTALS

What to expect throughout the lending process.

Story by Jena McRell

Photos by Katie Barnett

Today’s high-stakes cattle market comes with both risk and reward. For those positioned to make the most of potential opportunities, profitability trends are expected to remain positive. Having access to the right financing can make all the difference to an operation’s ability to expand, purchase land or invest in new equipment.

On a recent episode of TSCRA Talk, a podcast by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, host Kristen Brown explored the basics of ag loans with Sarah Franklin, vice president and branch manager at Texas Farm Credit’s Pleasanton office. An Atascosa County native, Franklin grew up on her family’s farm and later earned an agricultural economics degree from Texas A&M University.

She said finding the right lender is about more than securing a loan — it’s about building a long-term financial partnership.

“Relationships are something we really value,” Franklin said. “We don't want to be just a one-time transaction lender. We want to be relationship lenders and really grow with you in your operation.”

When choosing a lender or banker to do business with, Franklin said to consider whether they have an ag background, if they are willing to go out and see the operation, and if they are matching needs with the appropriate financing.

Agricultural loans typically fall into two categories: long-term and short-term financing. Long-term loans are primarily used for real estate purchases or property improvements such as drilling a well or building a barn, Franklin explained. Short-term agreements like operating loans or lines of credit provide capital for purchases including livestock, feed or crop inputs.

Before meeting with a lender, Franklin said to determine the operation’s specific financial needs, which involves having an overall business plan. Then the application process can begin.

“I always tell people not to be intimidated by it. We are here to help with the paperwork,” said Franklin, noting that a balance sheet, recent tax return or a profit-and-loss statement are key parts of an application.

Sarah Franklin says finding a lender who understands the complexities of ranching is key to a long-term business relationship.

Balance sheets indicate an operation’s financial position, while income documentation helps predict what potentially lies ahead.

“Really, we want to know about you,” Franklin stressed. “We want to know about your operation. What are your goals? As lenders, we want to understand your needs so we can tailor a loan to fit those needs and help you reach your financial goals.”

Five considerations

Once received, Franklin said creditors evaluate applications based on the following five criteria — character, capacity, capital, collateral and conditions.

Character relates to a borrower’s credit history and dependability. “We look at their repayment history, which means pulling your credit report,” she said. “What does that credit report say about you and your character? Character can also be measured by your business and personal references, as well.”

Next, estimating capacity is a way to understand an applicant’s financial capability to repay the loan and meet all financial obligations. This is where the tax return and profit-and-loss statements come in handy, Franklin explains. “We want to make sure that whatever your

business entails, you have enough income to cover the debts that you owe.”

To assess capital, lenders review balance sheets to determine an individual or operation’s asset and liability position, measuring things such as liquidity and equity.

Next is collateral, or the property or equipment securing the loan. When buying real estate, typically the property purchased will collateralize that note, Franklin said. The same goes for equipment purchases. “What that does is minimize the lender’s risk in the event of a loan default,” she said.

Finally, when reviewing an application, the lender will consider all the needed conditions including loan terms and external economic factors.

“We really look at everything collectively,” Franklin said. “You’ll put together your loan application, submit it to your lender, we’ll start crunching numbers and get back with you to let you know how everything looks.”

Terms and rates

A clear understanding of loan repayment terms and interest rates is also an essential part of the finance equation. “Usually for real estate, what I see is that's a 20-year payback,” Franklin said. “For equipment,

Partners in success

Whether investing in a new batch of calves or a neighbor’s property that just hit the market, a solid relationship with an ag lender can ensure funding is available when opportunity strikes. Someone who understands the area, the operation and the potential for growth is key.

As Franklin reminded podcast listeners, there is no dumb question when it comes to lending or financial decisions. Never be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification along the way.

“The best customers are the ones who really take time to understand the financials,” she said. “Know that we are here to partner with you. The ag industry is very volatile, and we’re here for the good times and for the bad. We are going to be with you, hand in hand, either way.”

To listen to more of the conversation with Franklin, download TSCRA Talk on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. T C

INJECTION ENSURES WHAT INGESTION ALONE CAN’T.

EVERY ANIMAL. EVERY TIME.

(zinc,

Multimin® 90 (zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium injection) delivers essential trace minerals to cattle. Adding it to your oral nutrition program helps prepare your herd when it matters most.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR MULTIMIN® 90: Not for use in humans, keep out of reach of children. Multimin 90 has a preslaughter withdrawal time of 14 days after injection. Do not use during the first trimester of pregnancy or in pre-ruminant calves as safety has not been established. Selenium and copper are toxic if administered in excess and may lead to sudden death, depression, weakness, ataxia, salivation, and drooling. Do not use concurrently with other selenium or copper injections or boluses. Maximum volume per injection site is 7 mL. Allow a minimum of 30 days before considering repeat dosing. See prescribing information.

copper, manganese, and selenium injection)

Cow-calf producers are expected to remain in the driver’s seat when it comes to profitability, especially as herd expansion nears.

A NEW TAKE ON WOTUS

EPA to amend the definition of Waters of the United States.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its Administrator Lee Zeldin announced March 12 their intent to amend the definition of “continuous surface connection” under Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, in response to recent legal developments.

According to an agency news release, EPA said it intends to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure a revised definition follows the law, reduces red tape, cuts overall permitting costs, and lowers the cost of doing business in communities across the country — while protecting the nation’s navigable waters from pollution.

Given the U.S. Supreme Court’s watershed decision in Sackett v. EPA, it is time for EPA to address the issue once and for all in a way that provides American farmers, landowners, businesses and states with clear and simplified direction.

“We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers and small businesses,” Zeldin said. “The previous administration’s definition of Waters of the United States placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business. Our goal is to protect America’s water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners,

entrepreneurs and families to help power the great American comeback.”

EPA’s review will be guided by the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA, which stated that the Clean Water Act’s use of “waters” encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers and lakes. The Sackett decision also clarified that wetlands would only be covered when having a continuous surface connection to waterbodies that are WOTUS in their own right.

The definition of WOTUS guides Clean Water Act implementation, including whether farmers, landowners and businesses must secure costly permits before they can pursue a project.

To date, EPA has failed to follow the law and implement the Supreme Court’s clear holding in Sackett. It is critical that Americans know which waters are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act to grow the economy and lower costs for American families while protecting human health and the environment.

“Farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of the land and need water regulations that are clear and practical, not burdensome,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “USDA supports EPA’s

“As ranchers and landowners, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is pleased with Administrator Zeldin and the EPA for committing to align policy with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision. As stewards of natural resources, we welcome a clear, consistent rule that will allow us to continue our work with certainty and responsibility.”

— Carl Ray Polk Jr., TSCRA president

revisions to WOTUS that provide certainty and recognize the key role that agriculture plays in protecting our natural resources. We’ll keep pushing for policies that let producers focus on what they do best — feeding, fueling and clothing our nation.”

EPA will start its review by expeditiously obtaining input from stakeholders and seeking information on the key challenges that Americans are facing. The agency will also undertake a rulemaking process to revise the 2023 definition of WOTUS with a focus on clarity, simplicity and improvements that will stand the test of time.

While this rulemaking process proceeds, the agency will provide guidance to those states implementing the pre-2015 definition of WOTUS to ensure consistency with the law of the land.

A priority for the Trump administration will be working cooperatively with state partners, empowering them and local officials to protect their treasured water bodies while accelerating economic opportunity. As a result, decisions will be made efficiently and effectively while benefiting from local knowledge and expertise. T C

Story courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Legal For Trade Mobile and Stationary Scales

Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434

Cell: 806-683-4613

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Ranching

when forage conditions are meeting or surpassing an animal’s needs.

“The analysis helped us realize that we were exceeding the nutritional requirements of our sheep herd and spending extra money on supplemental feeding when they were doing just fine on pasture,” said Erika Campbell, a commercial livestock producer in West Texas. “The nutritional monitoring results help us fine tune our supplementation strategies, maintain animal health and condition, and prevent excess spending on feed.”

Over time, the lab’s aggregated data allows producers to track trends and pinpoint how specific land management decisions, such as grazing rotation or prescribed fire, are affecting forage production to make proactive management decisions.

Unlike other labs using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy for manure analysis, the GAN Lab is one of the only commercial laboratories in the U.S. using the technology to offer producers a prediction of animal diet quality, giving it a unique position in the industry.

Beyond the U.S., the lab has supported international producers through projects such as the East Africa Livestock Early Warning System and the Mali Livestock and Pastoralist Initiative. Tolleson said the lab has collaborated with laboratories around the world and has even helped many new labs set up their instruments.

Aside from livestock production, the techniques used by the lab can have a positive impact on wildlife management, as well. To date, the lab has conducted analyses on species ranging from giant pandas to elephants.

A vision for the future

Tolleson and Rodrigues hope to continue to increase the number of producers using the lab’s services while also exploring more innovative applications for near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy to be applied across agriculture and land management.

“Our goal is to continue to do what we’ve done well, find out where we can improve and ultimately provide better quality information to help people manage the nutrition of their animals,” Tolleson said.

By bridging science, technology and practice, the GAN Lab continues to equip producers with the tools they need to optimize livestock performance, safeguard natural resources and increase profitability across Texas and beyond. T C

Sarah Fuller is a natural resources communications strategy coordinator for Texas A&M University.

WHAT PLANT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE

MONTH OF MAY?

Hairy tridens (Erioneuron pilosum)

By Kent Ferguson

Awarm-season, perennial native grass, hairy tridens grows in shallow areas, gravelly sites, rocky hills and open pastures. Also known as hairy woollygrass and hairy erioneuron, the plant can be found in almost every area of the state except deep East Texas.

Hairy tridens:

• Has short leaves about 1 to 3 inches long and 1/16-inch wide, which are flat or rolled inward and pointed at the tip, with white borders and fine serrated toothed edges.

• Blooms and produces seed throughout the growing season. The culm will be slender, erect or spreading, densely tufted and about 4 to 12 inches long.

• Produces a narrow, dense panicle up to 1 inch long ranging from white to purple and has 3 to 4 spikelets per branch, roughly 20 total. The lemmas will have long silver hairs along the margins and on the back.

Hairy tridens is of little value for grazing or wildlife. The leaves can have crude protein values of 9 to 11% in early spring but decrease rapidly as summer approaches.

The native grass is beneficial as it provides ground cover on marginal soils and will help decrease erosion. 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 Wynn Anderson , Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

BQA TIP: PREPARE FOR PESTS THIS SEASON

Many producers often deal with grasshoppers and armyworms, two common forage insect pests. Before purchasing products to treat these pests, it is important to carefully read and follow label directions.

Make sure the products are approved for use in pastures and hay fields, and be clear on any applicable grazing or hay restrictions. It is critical to check the label and not only rely on information from a salesperson.

When an armyworm outbreak occurs, product availability may be limited. It is often a wise strategy to keep enough product on hand to treat most acres that may need to be sprayed. T C

Attention Ranchers I

You need LEGAL, papered, dependable, seasonal farm and ranch hands......And we can deliver them.

• Livestock Herding, Feeding &Care

• Wildlife/ Game Management

• Fence Building & Repair

rush I Predator Control

• Tractor Operators (Hay & Field Crops)

• General Ranch Upkeep for Roadways & Ranch House Landscape

WORKING GRANT PROGRAM

Financial capital to support individuals establishing, operating or growing a beef business.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation Working Grant Program is now accepting applications from Texas and Oklahoma entrepreneurs in the beef value chain seeking financial support in economically disadvantaged areas.

Apply by May 31 to establish or grow your beef business.

LEARN MORE

the corn and soybeans we grow locally is ultimately exported through pork and beef. This study demonstrates how beef and pork exports drive value directly back to producers.”

Corn and soybean growers support the promotion of U.S. beef, pork and lamb by investing a portion of their checkoff dollars in market development efforts conducted by U.S. Meat Export Federation. Key findings from the study, which utilized 2024 statistics provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and calculations by the Juday Group, include:

• Beef and pork exports accounted for 525.1 million bushels of U.S. corn usage, which equated to a market value of $2.24 billion (at an average 2024 corn price of $4.27 per bushel).

Source: U.S. Meat Export Federation

• Beef and pork exports accounted for 3.04 million tons of distiller’s dried grains with solubles, equating to $525 million (at an average 2024 price of $172.56 per ton).

• Beef and pork exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 14%, or $0.59, of bushel value at an average price of $4.27 per bushel in 2024.

• Pork exports accounted for 100.7 million bushels of U.S. soybean usage, which equated to a market value of $1.12 billion (at an average 2024 soybean price of $11.11 per bushel). T C

Story courtesy of U.S. Meat Export Federation.

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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

C. Clark Welder, Fredricksburg

Ken Welch, Baird

Ray W. Willoughby III, Eldorado

REGION 3

Ford Drummond, Pawhuska, Oklahoma

REGION 4

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

Jim L. Gates, Pearsall

Milton S. Greeson Jr., Victoria

Bret Griffith, Del Rio

Heath Grigg, Kingsville

Marty R. Harris, Tilden

Anson Howard, San Antonio

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

John E. Zacek, Victoria

REGION 5

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

REGION 6

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

Leslie Kinsel, Cotulla 1 3 2 6 5 4

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association directors represent six geographical regions across Texas and Oklahoma. Reference the special rangers page for a link to an interactive online map.

SPECIAL RANGERS

Faces of Law Enforcement DECADES OF DEDICATION

Michael Witcher’s journey in livestock inspection.

By Melody Beck

For nearly half his life, Michael Witcher has served as a market inspector for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in Shelby County. His connection to agriculture began in his childhood, strongly influenced by his upbringing in Nacogdoches.

The first grandson in a family deeply rooted in agriculture, Witcher was his grandfather’s constant companion, gaining hands-on experience from a young age. He credits his grandparents with instilling in him a respect for the industry and the dedication it requires.

Early in his career, Witcher worked for Texas Animal Health Commission as a livestock inspector, where his primary role was testing cattle for brucellosis. When he decided to move on from that role, a friend from Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association reached out with a job opportunity. Witcher initially considered the position a transitionary role, but he says he quickly found his passion serving the region’s auction markets and cattle raisers.

Now, at 70 years old, Witcher remains committed to the work he loves.

As a market inspector, he plays a crucial role in livestock identification and prevention of theft. He describes the position as the first line of defense in livestock markets, where inspectors collect brands, watch for suspicious activity and report any concerns to special rangers. His job requires vigilance, integrity and a keen understanding of the livestock industry.

Witcher inspects cattle at the Center Livestock Auction on Wednesdays and the Nacogdoches Livestock Exchange on Thursdays. His responsibilities extend beyond paperwork. The job allows him to be surrounded by people he’s known for years.

“I enjoy the people there,” Witcher says. “I’ve been around sale barns all my life since I was a small child. It keeps me busy doing my job and being with my friends.”

Witcher also emphasizes the vital connection between market inspectors and special rangers. “It’s incredibly important. You report everything to them,” he says.

The unpredictable nature of livestock auctions keeps his work engaging and rewarding. No two days are ever the same, and he thrives on the daily challenges.

“It’s just something different every day,” he says.

Beyond his career, Witcher is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Eva, a retired schoolteacher, have three children — two daughters and a son — and six grandchildren. When he’s not working, he enjoys watching his grandkids participate in their sporting events.

Witcher’s passion for his work and dedication to the industry are evident in his longstanding career. Witcher joined Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in 1983 and says, “I hope to make it 50 years if I can, that would be an accomplishment in my life.” T C

Melody Beck is a spring intern for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Originally from Bastrop, she is an agricultural communications student at Tarleton State University.

Courtesy photo

New Members

1-7 Registered Longhorns

Cedar Lane

3-D Land & Cattle Co. LLC Bastrop

4P Ranch Inez

5-S Ranch Laredo

Arrow K Cleveland

Randy Bachman Olney

Bar 6 W Ranch Cleveland

Bar 7 Ranch Gatesville

Bar G Land & Cattle San Angelo

Belton Ranch La Grange

John Bjorngjeld Sugar Land

Bomack Land & Cattle Pleasanton

Lori Anna Brooks Montgomery

Bullin Ranch Poolville

Steve Buntin Merkel

Trenton Burkhalter Jr. Houston

Burton Ranch Krum

BYB Cattle Alvin

C Ranch Sumner

C/P Performance Horses & Livestock Andrews

C8 Ranch Hollis, Oklahoma

Berkley Carver Abernathy

Celsor & Son Farms Sentinel, Oklahoma

Robert Chapman New Braunfels

Chrane Ranch Abilene

CMGR FLP Longview

Coldspring Cattle Co. Coldspring

Coleman Ranch Nixon

Contigo Ranch Fort Worth

Copper Fig Acres Pasadena

Creel-Johnson Land LLC Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Cross W Ranch Springtown

Luke Daniels Dalhart

DD Cattle Co. Fort Worth

Jorge Diaz-Dulanto Magnolia

Double Circle LLC Waco

Dunkerson Ranch LaPorte

Seth & Lizzie Duplsntis Dallas

Eagle Ranch - Coke County Robert Lee

Felts Family Farm Lubbock

Wryston Fischer Yorktown

Fleming-Meadows Farm Crockett

Flyknot Ranch Gilmer

Eck Franks Lufkin

Freeline Ranch La Grange

Wyatt Garza Guerra Geis Farms Windthorst

Samantha Glover San Antonio

JT Goldsby Carthage

Jim Goldston Clyde

Olin Harrington Gorman

Kantyn Harris Colorado City

Kaper Harris Colorado City

Hees Farm Pflugerville

Heritage Hills Charolais Bellville

Hill Cattle Nacogdoches

Michaela Hill Nacogdoches

Kenneth Hines Taylor

Arthur Holt Jr. Dayton

HT Ranch Paducah

Ivey Ranch Amarillo

J&L BARR Inc. Henrietta

Keri Johnson, BMO Bank Grapevine

Kerry Kahlich Seguin

Elmer Kelly Winnie King’s Eye Langtry

Summer Konopinski Loving

KX Simon C. Cornelius Estate Friendswood

La Fortaleza Ranch LLC

Houston

La Reforma Ranch Guerra

Lazy C S Cattle Amarillo

Raymond Lehoski Hearne

Reyan Lehoski Hearne

Lone Cedar Ranch Gilmer

Long Time CC Stephenville

Brian E. Luig Aledo

M Bar D Gordonville

M-M Cattle Ranch

Meridian

M&A Cattle Moscow

Mackey Family Streetman

Brian Marquis Spring

Victoria Martinez Brackettville

Loganne Mason Huntsville

McCall Land & Cattle Rotan

McDonald Performance Horses Loving

McWhorter Family Lakeway

New Members

MGR Bar R Ranch LLC

Houston

MJ Brinkmeyer Cattle Co. Houston

MK Cattle Co. Needville

Morgan Creek Cattle Co. Olympia, Washington

Mark Neidigk New Braunfels

Jordann Neskora Schertz

Nickel Creek Ranch Arcadia, Oklahoma

Nothin Fancy Cattle Co. Coleman

Abigaill Nunez Inez

Cody Nunez Inez

New Members

Madalynn Nunez Inez

O’Quinn Cattle Enterprises La Vernia

Old Davy Ranch LLC Yorktown

Santiago Olivarez Katy

Troy Oliver Ovalo

Owens/Hobbs Waxahachie

Larry Oxford Abilene

Paddack Farm Paradise

Sofia Perez Houston

Johan Petterson Magnolia

Plus 3 Angus Grandview

Prairie Hills Ranch Pawhuska, Oklahoma

Audrey Pullin Taft

Saul Ramos Dayton

RDA Ranches Austin

Reeder Farms Carencro, Louisiana

Richards Ranch Abilene

Gwendolyn Richardson Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Richey Family Spring Branch

Rane Riley Huntsville

RJB Farms Rosenberg

Robinson Ranch Cattle LLC College Station

Rockin 13 Ranch LLC Abilene

Rockin B Ranch Thornton

Rockin Stache LLC Plainview

Rockin’ K Ranch College Station

Rogers Land & Cattle Ore City

Rogers Ranches Land & Cattle Co. Corsicana

Rose Hereford Olton

Rose Wolf Farms Shepherd

RP Ranch Canyon

Sandy Oaks Ranch Devine

Tommy L. Saunders Pearsall

Schmidt Haus Cattle Brazoria

Sebesta Ranch 4 LLC Danbury

Shooting Star Ranch Brownwood

Kalyn Smith Corrigan

Kevin Spring Angleton

Clark Springfield III Bryan

SR Livestock LLC Cotulla

Joseph Stevenson San Angelo Luke Stockett Claude

Stork Livestock Hico

Strength Ranch Pearland

TAPS II Ranch Houston

Terry Land & Cattle Roby

The Spencer Cattle Co. Montgomery

Three Dueces Ranch Co. Fredericksburg

Ted Tidwell Albany

Triple P Ranch Garwood

Triple S Ranch Mineola

Twisted J Ranch Dublin

TWP LLC Plano Gaby Utz Lubbock

V&E Cattle Co. Newar

Tristan Vahalik Victoria

Jayci Wallace Lampasas

Weathers Farms LLC Wellston, Oklahoma

Stephen & Ronna Welch Hallettsville

West Texas Wagyu Abilene

Where Food Comes From Inc. Castle Rock, Colorado

Wild Market Ranch Corpus Christi

Thea Willner Lubbock

Heath Woodford Crockett

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

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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

Add Value Today !

B

r n & R a is e d i n t h e U S A

Source requires EID tags placed before calves leave the ranch of origin, with age verified by first and last birth dates. Products must be born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the USA to ensure source verification, compliance, and substantiated U.S. flag usage.

AngusVerified documents and verifies that enrolled calves are, at minimum, 50% Angus. Enrolled calves must be sired by a 100% registered Angus bulls.

The Genetic Merit Scorecard (GMS) is a marketing tool allowing producers to objectively describe the genetic potential of their calves. Scores range from 0 to 200, with 100 representing the industry average.

• Beef Score: Predicts genetic potential for feedlot performance and carcass value.

• Feedlots Score: Signifies the post-weaning performance in the feedlot.

• Grid Score: Signals the potential for carcass grid merit.

• Maternal Score: Demonstrates an enrollment group’s genetic potential for maternal weaned calf value.

N o n - H o r m o n e Tr e a t e d C a tt l e

The NHTC program allows your cattle to be eligible for buyers looking for non-hormone treated cattle, many of which are looking to export beef to the EU. Implants or fed hormone growth promotants (HGPs) of any kind are not allowed. Cattle must move through NHTC approved locations.

V e r ifi e d N a tu r a l

The WFCF Verified Natural Standard allows buyers to be assured that animals have never received any Beta-Agonists, Ionophores, Antibiotics or Animal By-Products.

CA RE Ce r t ifi e d ®

A sustainability standard for the beef industry that certifies the implementation of industry best practices. Pillars include Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship and People & Community.

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

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

BRAHMAN

Janet, Steve and Carlton Partin 3159 FM 837 • Montalba, Texas 75853 903-549-3000 • partin.partin@aol.com Janet Partin: 903-922-3689 Carlton Partin: 407-709-0297 www.heartbarranch.com

asey/ Watt J r. 325-66 8-1373 Alb any, Texas 764 30 www.CaseyBeef masters.co m

SANTA GERTRUDIS

ATTLE C OMPAN Y Joe & Beth Mercer 327 CR 459, Lott, TX 76656 • 956-802-6995 bethmercer1974@gmail.com • www.filegoniacattle.com (806) 983-7225 mbl. / fosterbros@att.net

Foster Bros. Farms Lockney, Texas

www.fosterbrosfarms.com

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

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

Simmental & SimAngus

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MAY

SATURDAY, MAY 3

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

MONDAY, MAY 5

Gardiner Angus Ranch: 10th Annual Meating Demand Sale Where: Ashland, Kansas

TUESDAY, MAY 6WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Oklahoma FFA Convention Where: Tulsa, Oklahoma

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Wichita Falls Luncheon

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

THURSDAY, MAY 8 -

SUNDAY, MAY 11

Western Heritage Classic Where: Abilene

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Lone Star Historic Howell Ranch: Registered Female Sale Where: Gainesville

TUESDAY, MAY 20

Ranching 101: Heifer Retention - Keep vs. Cull Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation Working Grant Program Applications Close

JUNE

MONDAY, JUNE 2

89th Texas Legislative Session Adjourns Sine Die Where: Austin

MONDAY, JUNE 2THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Texas 4-H Roundup Where: College Station

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Replacement Female Sale

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

Ranching 101: The Importance of Record Keeping Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19SATURDAY, JUNE 21

TSCRA Summer Meeting Where: San Antonio

MONDAY, JUNE 30FRIDAY, JULY 4

Texas FFA Convention Where: Fort Worth

JULY

THURSDAY, JULY 10

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

TUESDAY, JULY 15

Ranching 101: Beat the HeatSummer Tips for Cattle Producers Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Replacement Female Sale

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

AUGUST

MONDAY, AUG. 4WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6

Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Where: College Station

TUESDAY, AUG. 19

Ranching 101: Proof in the ProfitsDeveloping Weaning Protocols Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

Replacement Female Sale

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

MAY 1925

A portrait of Harry Wade, from San Angelo, graced the cover of the spring 1925 issue of The Cattleman . Within the magazine, author A.L. Spellmyer paid tribute to “The Old Saddle Pony.”

“There is no animal which has served mankind as a friend and faithful servant from the beginning, as the horse has served and saved him,” he wrote. “This age of motor transit and wheels and cogs and gasoline is losing a great pleasure, that of riding a good horse.

“The cowman knows the same differences exist in horses and in humans, of ability, temper and courage, and that is why we have loved the great horses we have known.” T C