The Cattleman - September 2025

Grazing Goals

Blue Ranch stewards the land, livestock and wildlife in the Texas Panhandle.

What’s at Risk

The stakes are high for wildlife and livestock in the path of New World screwworm.

Harlow Cattle Co.

Birdwell Plainview, TX (806) 681-3667

Griffin Atoka, OK (580) 271-1333

Johnson Dallas, TX (214) 384-2653

FEATURES

Thriving Together

Cattle and wildlife numbers flourish under the Blue Ranch’s carefully managed grazing plan.

By Larry Stalcup

In the Crosshairs: Wildlife and NWS

Diligent surveillance efforts are crucial to protecting against New World screwworm.

By Diane Meyer

DEPARTMENTS

A FOCUS ON WILDLIFE

Rex and Susan McCloy saw great potential when they first visited the Blue Ranch more than a decade ago.

The couple put their vision into action, purchasing the ranch and working to restore grazing lands, improve water infrastructure and enhance wildlife habitat. Their efforts have earned national recognition, including the 2024 Region IV Environmental Stewardship Award from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

This month, The Cattleman showcases our wildlife edition, featuring a deep dive into Blue Ranch. The Panhandle operation is a standout example of conservation and cattle. Read to learn how the McCloys’ work serves as a model for ranches across the country looking to strike a balance between production and stewardship, including how livestock and wildlife thrive together.

Also in this issue, we highlight the threat of New World screwworm. As this invasive pest continues to pose significant risks, surveillance and early reporting will be essential. We’ve included resources to help landowners and hunters stay informed. Our second

feature, In the Crosshairs: Wildlife and NWS, explores how the screwworm impacted wildlife populations, specifically white-tailed deer, in the ’50s and ’60s — and what is at stake should a domestic outbreak occur. We also share an update on how Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is coordinating efforts to drive the pest population back to the Darién Gap.

September is always a busy month for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The 2025 Young Cattle Raisers Clay Shoot and Dinner is set for Sept. 13 in Mingus, and Ranch Gatherings continue throughout the fall. Turn to page 78 to find an event near you. T C

Jaclyn Roberts Parrish

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

September 2025 / / Vol. CXII, No. 4

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

Intern Alivia Knoerzer

ADVERTISING

Director of Corporate Relations & Sponsorships Kyle Conway

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

Interim Law Enforcement, Brand & Inspection Services Clay McKinney

Membership & Operations Lisa Walker

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ON THE COVER

Raising cattle and supporting wildlife on the Blue Ranch in the Texas Panhandle. Read their story on page 10.

Photo by Rylee Crockett

CONTENTS

Riders move cattle in the late-evening glow.

Photo by The Richards Group

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THRIVING TOGETHER

Cattle and wildlife numbers flourish under the Blue Ranch’s carefully managed grazing plan.

Story by Larry Stalcup

Photos by Rylee Crockett

With perennial water flowing through two streams and native grasses beckoning for thorough rotational grazing, Rex and Susan McCloy saw an opportunity to expand their extensive farming and cattle operation.

Now, a decade later, the Blue Ranch just south of Dumas in Moore County is a benchmark for regenerative ranching.

It yields highly efficient cattle production and a thriving wildlife habitat, while also managing constant environmental improvements to the sundry rolling prairie in the northwestern Texas Panhandle.

The ranch begins about 10 miles north of the Canadian River and stretches north to the edge of Dumas. Blue Creek and Running Water Creek cut across its rolling plains, short grasses and sand hills, feeding into the Blue Creek Watershed, which flows

into Lake Meredith east of the ranch, and ultimately, the Canadian River watershed.

The land supports a variety of forage — blue grama, sideoats grama, little bluestem, big bluestem, tall dropseed, Indiangrass and sand dropseed. Switchgrass and eastern gama grass are found in the seedbed. Wildlife is abundant, including whitetailed deer, mule deer, antelope, blue quail, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and migratory birds such as sandhill cranes and Canadian geese.

In recognition of the family’s improvement efforts, Blue Ranch was presented the 2024 Texas Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award, a joint effort between Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and Texas Grazing Land Coalition. The ranch was also named the Region IV Environmental Stewardship Award Program recipient by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Early beginnings

The McCloy family purchased Blue Ranch in 2013, inheriting a rich history that dates back more than a century. Once home to the Coon & Culbertson Cattle Company, the ranch supported one of the nation’s largest Hereford operations and is credited as the birthplace of the famous Braford breed.

Today, the McCloys follow their mission to diversify and complement their farming and cattle feeding business, McCloy Family Farms Partnership, headquartered in Morse, about 40 miles east of Dumas. As the family grew, some of their seven children were eager to join the business, necessitating the expansion of the cow-calf program.

The 19,000-acre ranch lies in a semi-arid climate averaging between 16 to 18 inches of rain annually. Its layout includes 62 separate grazing cells, facilitating a masterfully planned rotational grazing system.

When Rex initially surveyed the expansive Blue Ranch terrain and resources, he foresaw challenges in developing and maintaining the holistic soil, forage and wildlife management needed to maximize the available resources.

“We had an open book when we bought the ranch,” he recalls. “It was a good ranch, and the fences had been cleaned out by the previous owner. But many upgrades were needed. We needed to do extensive work on the water system. Some of the wells worked, but just barely. It was obvious we had to make some renovations if we were going to handle large numbers of cattle in one place.”

Instead of drilling more wells, Rex worked with savvy ranch hands and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service agents to design a plan to manage the water. “J.R. Bell, a retired NRCS agent, advised us to take care of the water first and go from there,” he says.

The transformation of the water systems involved major infrastructure projects to obtain adequate water supplies. Two large water-holding storage

Rex and Susan McCloy saw great potential when they first visited the Blue Ranch more than a decade ago. Through the years, the family has restored grazing land, improved water infrastructure and enhanced wildlife habitat.

tanks were installed on the north and south ends of the ranch, the highest points on the property, so water flowed downhill. Each tank holds about 60,000 gallons of water obtained from wells. The tanks provide up to 120,000 gallons of water that is available at any time.

All totaled, more than 40 miles of water lines were installed to feed 36, 3,000-gallon fiberglass troughs that service the 62 cell centers or pastures. The McCloys used high-density polyethylene water lines to prevent major freezing. Lift pumps help move water to the troughs, delivering up to 20 gallons per minute.

Rex’s son, Craig McCloy, was interested in implementing a cell-grazing system. He used the NRCS’s online resources for guidance on fencing and livestock watering. He studied NRCS specification sheets to help design their plans, which he implemented alongside Mike Turner, who was hired as ranch manager in 2015.

Turner had written other ranch management and grazing plans, but nothing on the scale of the 19,000-plus acre layout. “I knew that with the magnitude of the project, whoever got the job had to be 100% involved and on board with what was being done,” he says. “I was happy to have that chance.”

With a detailed plan in hand, they got to work. Installing the grazing cells required about 122 miles of interior, twostrand high-tensile fencing. “That type of high-intensity, low-frequency fencing was needed for the type of rotational grazing we wanted,” Turner says.

Grazing goals

Historically, the ranch would run about 300 to 350 head of cows, with lower numbers during drought years. The McCloys worked to increase that number and maintain enough grass during wet years to handle several hundred head of stocker cattle.

“We moved from set stocking rates [to stocking] on a pasture basis,” Turner says. “We also sought to maintain one cowherd to maximize forage harvest and hoof action.

“That helps maximize animal impact for short-duration grazing and provide maximum rest periods on the grazing cells. Ideally, all cows graze for about six days in each cell. We hope to graze each grazing cell in one calendar year.”

Cows with calves may need a few extra days until the calves find their way. After a few weeks, the cows learn that the grass is greener in the adjoining pasture. They often move toward the gates, knowing that more lush forage awaits them.

Part of the goal is to relieve stress on calves, especially at weaning. Calves are fenceline weaned during the rotation process to reduce stress. The calves are all vaccinated following a comprehensive protocol to prevent bovine respiratory disease, parasites and other health problems. Cows are also vaccinated to ensure they provide the colostrum and other nutrients calves need. After being weaned for about 45 to 60 days, the calves are shipped to the McCloy Farms operation in Morse for fall backgrounding on wheat pasture or other native grasses in late spring and summer.

The McCloys say their cow-calf stocking rates have increased from about 350 pairs to 500 pairs, thanks to their rotational grazing system.

Determining the proper cell-stocking rate is a challenging balancing act, one based on the amount of available forage biomass.

Recent drought years saw an average of about 12.5 inches of annual rainfall, compared to an annual average of 16 to 18 inches. More than 23 inches of rain were recorded in 2023.

“Through multi-year forage inventories, we have documented forage production going from 1,200 to 1,300 pounds of biomass to the acre, to currently 2,500 pounds of biomass to the acre after coming out of a continuous three-year drought,” Rex says.

The family believes the benefits of the rotational grazing system have paid off substantially. Cow-calf stocking rates have increased from about 350 pairs to 500 pairs in the high-density, low-frequency grazing system. In wet years, the ranch can also handle 400 or more head of stocker cattle.

Forage production has increased, according to baseline forage data gathered from taking initial forage inventories in 2016, 2020 and 2023. Assistance was provided by NRCS through the Conservation Stewardship Program in 2016, and again in 2021.

“The results are increased forage production and trending upward rangeland production closer to the ecological climax data of 100%,” says Turner, noting that he uses the latest grazing software to measure rotational days in paddocks and plan for days of rest.

“We’re currently at 75% to 80% after starting at about 60% in 2016 after the initial forage inventory,” he says.

Sound forage and grazing management has rejuvenated idle grass species, improved riparian areas and reduced soil erosion.

“Once we implemented the rotational grazing system and maximum rest periods for the paddocks, we noticed the growth of eastern gama grass, switchgrass,

Indiangrass and other tall prairie grasses like big bluestem,” Turner says.

The McCloys knew there were additional forage types on the ranch to improve both grazing efficiency and land stewardship. One of their main goals was to improve riparian areas to reduce erosion, as well as help spread seed through rotational grazing patterns.

With high numbers of cow-calf pairs consistently moving from paddock to paddock, the large amount of foot action helps break up the infamous Panhandle hardpan. This helps promote better water infiltration after large rains. Dormant seeds are awakened. As cattle move, their hooves help spread the seeds.

“We’ve noted the spread of grasses such as eastern gama grass, switchgrass and Indiangrass,” Turner says. “These areas had a small seed bank due to continuous grazing and set stocking rates.”

To contain invasive forage and grasses, chemical and mechanical control was also needed. Extensive willow stands, willow Baccharis and cattail in riparian areas have required treatment throughout the past nine years. About 9,500 acres have been treated to help manage the woody and broadleaf species of plants.

An eye on wildlife

Another goal for the McCloy family was to bolster wildlife populations through improved habitats. From white-tailed deer to bald eagles, wildlife is abundant on the Blue Ranch. The addition of the multi-paddock grazing system and 36 water troughs has helped further increase wildlife production.

The dominant species of white-tailed deer, mule deer and antelope have benefited from the ranch’s increased forage production. There were once concerns from wildlife officials that the animals could be deterred by the low-frequency electric fencing that separates the many paddocks.

Wildlife populations like the Rio Grande turkey have increased due to the ranch’s conservation and restoration efforts.

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Turner explains how the deer and antelope roam freely in and out of the cell pastures: “The fencing is 24 inches high. The white-tailed and mule deer go over it and the antelope go under it. The fencing has never impeded their movement.”

Occasional hunting by friends and relatives helps manage wildlife numbers. When the McCloys obtained the ranch, deer antlers scored in the 130 class. Now, deer are in the 140 to 150 class.

Working with biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and private practices, the family established a deer harvesting protocol. It allows the deer to reach a minimum of 5 years old and no less than 14 inches inside the antlers.

“The white-tailed, mule deer and antelope populations are increasing, and we are seeing increased size in antler growth on all species,” Turner says. “We are truly proud of the animals that have been harvested each year for the last nine years.”

The McCloys also wanted to increase bird activity. Bobwhite and blue quail thrive in the tall prairie grasses and forbs. Coveys are frequently spotted during friendly hunts. The Rio Grande turkeys regularly repopulate and are not hunted. Lakes and ponds, along with wooded areas, are annual stops for migratory birds, including Canadian geese and sandhill cranes.

Rex says he likes to monitor the presence of bald eagles that make their yearly return to trees and ponds at the Blue Ranch headquarters. “They hatch one or two chicks every year,” he says. “Golden eagles are also found on the ranch.”

Engaging others

The McCloy family welcomes numerous educational and environmental groups to the Blue Ranch to demonstrate how a productive cattle operation can complement the local environment and wildlife populations.

In 2019, the ranch hosted a Land Planning Workshop based on holistic management practices, hosted by the Holistic Management Institute. Dozens of producers from several states attended the two-day forum to learn more about the ranch’s success and how to improve their own ranches.

Moore County 4-H groups also regularly visit the ranch to learn about soil and forage management to benefit production agriculture and the environment. Animal science and ranch management students from West Texas A&M University visit Blue Ranch as part of their forage and soil management curriculums, as well.

“We are stewards of the land and all the resources that are associated with it,” Rex says. “We don’t own the land for just right now; we’re taking care of it for the next generation that will follow us.

“What we do now has lasting impacts and consequences on the future of the operation. We must leave it better than we found it.” T C

Larry Stalcup is a freelance writer from Amarillo.

Possibly the most serene wildlife feature on Blue Ranch is a nesting population of bald eagles that returns annually. The majestic birds typically hatch one or two chicks every year. The wildlife and cattle herds thrive together through targeted rotational grazing management.

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IN THE CROSSHAIRS: WILDLIFE AND NWS

Diligent surveillance efforts are crucial to protecting against New World screwworm.

By Diane Meyer

Aranch truck jolts along a dirt road, crawling to a stop as its headlights illuminate a hunting blind. In the dark morning twilight, a hunter climbs in and settles into a folding chair, rifle and binoculars ready. As dawn breaks, sunlight reveals a few fawns, does, birds and young bucks at a distant feeder.

Suddenly, a doe freezes, sniffing the air. Glassing the ridge, the hunter spots a 10-point buck emerging 200 yards out. Heart racing, he steadies his .270 Winchester, aims and fires. The herd scatters — except one.

The thrill of the hunt draws people from around the world to Texas for its abundance of game, particularly white-tailed deer. By far, white-tailed deer are the most popular species managed by the state’s landowners.

A joint survey released in December 2023 by Texas A&M University’s department of rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management and the Natural Resources Institute found Texas has roughly 554,900 white-tailed deer hunters who generate $4.6 billion in annual economic output. Factoring in revenue from 198,500 landowners, that figure rises to $9.6 billion statewide.

Today, with rural economies and landowners increasingly reliant on income from wildlife management, the stakes are especially high to protect wildlife populations. As the threat of New World screwworm approaches the U.S.-Mexico border, serious efforts are underway to safeguard Texas wildlife.

A growing concern

A fly that feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, NWS is well known for its toll on livestock. This parasitic fly’s larvae can also feed on pets, humans and wildlife. They can infest any wound, such as an umbilical cord or tick bite, leading to a condition known as myiasis.

Wildlife populations are particularly vulnerable, as they are not monitored as consistently as livestock herds. Free-ranging wildlife species — which are not kept in enclosed conditions and cannot be readily captured or examined — make disease detection and management significantly more challenging.

“All wildlife are important, but particularly when we look at New World screwworm infestations, we really need to

White-Tailed Deer at Heightened Risk

Monitoring and protecting white-tailed deer populations against New World screwworm is of utmost importance, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The ramifications of the NWS outbreaks in the ’50s and ’60s caused significant impacts to the state’s deer populations, which took years to recover.

Today, there is even more at risk.

554,900

WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTERS

$4.6 billion

HUNTER ECONOMIC OUTPUT

198,500

WHITE-TAILED DEER LANDOWNERS

$5 billion

LANDOWNER ECONOMIC OUTPUT

$9.6 billion

TOTAL ANNUAL ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION

Source: A joint survey released in December 2023 by Texas A&M University’s department of rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management and the Natural Resources Institute.

be cognizant of what that is going to do to our wild deer populations because of the economic impact it could have on the hunting industry in Texas,” said Kory Gann, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department big game program director, during the 2025 TSCRA Summer Meeting in San Antonio, June 21.

In South Texas, Gann explained, NWS kept wildlife populations suppressed until its eradication in the late 1960s. White-tailed deer were especially impacted. While data is limited, regional reports suggest one-third to one-half of populations were lost during heavy infestation years. Fawns experienced mortality rates as high as 40% to 80% following mild winters due to their high susceptibility to navel infection.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, screwworm infestations were documented as early as the 1930s in eastern cottontails, jackrabbits, opossums and white-tailed deer. In one case, more than 500 flies emerged from a single infected jackrabbit in Texas.

While ranchers of that time managed infestations in livestock, wild animals — rarely captured or treated — continued to fuel outbreaks. Wildlife served as untreated reservoirs for the parasite, posing a major challenge to eradication. Screwworm elimination not only allowed deer populations to rebound, but it also laid a foundation for game ranching in the region.

Beginning in the late 1950s through the 1970s, white-tailed deer numbers increased sharply statewide, thanks in part to regulatory changes, reduced harvests and, notably, the sterile insect technique used to eradicate NWS. This method of eradication, which is being deployed today, involves releasing millions of sterilized male NWS flies to mate with wild females, resulting in no offspring and ultimately collapsing the population.

“Texas’ deer populations have come a long way since the 1940s,” Gann said. “We have localized reports of populations doubling and tripling the decade after eradication on properties in South Texas.”

Eradication is also credited with contributing to the boom in feral hog populations — an unwelcome development for many landowners and producers due to the pigs’ destructive behavior.

At time of press, NWS are spreading north through Mexico, with confirmed cases in Veracruz and Oaxaca. A key concern is the lack of wildlife surveillance in Mexico, unlike Texas, where USDA and the Texas Animal Health Commission lead monitoring efforts with support from Texas Parks and Wildlife. As eradication efforts ramp up, early detection is essential to target areas for sterile fly releases.

A Case for Careful Reporting

A 2016 outbreak in the Florida Keys underscores the importance of timely reporting to contain NWS.

The most recent U.S. occurrence, which was the first confirmed, locally-acquired infection in more than 30 years, wiped out about 15% of the state’s endangered Key deer population. Most deaths occurred during the rut in September and October, a period when bucks, already wounded from shedding velvet, are prone to additional injuries from fighting.

In an AgriLife Today article, Phillip Kaufman, Ph.D., head of Texas A&M University’s department of entomology, discussed how the Florida outbreak highlights the severity of the NWS threat and the need for early action. At the time, Kaufman was an associate professor and Extension scientist for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and a key informant on the fly’s behavior.

Control measures included setting up inspection stations, conducting public outreach and releasing 188 million sterile flies. The island setting made it possible to contain and treat individual deer.

However, this incident may have been preventable, or less severe, had proper reporting occurred. Under federal law, any maggot found infesting a living mammal must be removed and submitted to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health

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A Key deer grazes in Florida after the species was nearly eliminated as a result of a New World screwworm outbreak.

Inspection Service for identification. In late June 2016, a veterinarian removed maggots from a case of myiasis but failed to submit them for inspection.

In August, as deer began shedding velvet, open wounds formed at the base of antlers, which are ideal sites for NWS egg-laying. “The number of flies blew up very quickly,” Kaufman said. “It only takes a couple of weeks for that fly to go through its whole development ... and a female fly can lay more than 200 eggs at a time, typically.”

Because the deer were comfortable around people, residents soon noticed the maggot infestations. By the time APHIS was alerted in September, the outbreak had intensified. Roughly 80% of bucks of that endangered species were wiped out before eradication was declared in March 2017.

Based on this case, Kaufman urges anyone who finds an infested animal to first call a veterinarian, and second, ensure the maggots are submitted for testing.

He also recommends wildlife facilities develop herd management plans and consider tracking high-value animals. “If you are running a wildlife facility, you need to have a biosafety plan,” he said in AgriLife Today “Develop a surveillance program for your ranch and have a list of veterinarians and resources on hand.”

Roel Lopez, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute and head of the Texas A&M department of rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management, was also a key player in monitoring deer populations during the outbreak. He noted the tremendous degree of multi-agency coordination that was needed to eradicate NWS in the Florida Keys.

“The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of rapid, interagency coordination,” he said. “No one agency can do it themselves — it requires a cohesive effort.”

Containment Efforts

Recognizing the need for collaboration, a coalition of organizations, including Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, has formed to ensure widespread awareness. The Screwworm Coalition of Texas directs individuals to report suspected infestations in pets and livestock to the Texas Animal Health Commission. Wildlife cases should be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“If you have a suspected case, contact us immediately,” Gann said. “We can authorize removal and proper carcass disposal.”

Currently, Texas Parks and Wildlife has trained 60 biologists and game wardens in South Texas on sampling procedures. “Our biologists and game wardens are getting daily calls about potential cases,” Gann shared. “We’re training staff on larval collection and sample submission and preparing for active surveillance on state parks and wildlife management areas.”

The Fight Against NWS

Efforts across the U.S., Mexico and Latin America are intensifying to contain the resurging New World screwworm. Under U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, USDA is investing heavily in sterile insect programs, facilities and coordinated policy responses.

Key Timeline of U.S. Efforts:

• November 2024: NWS detected in southern Mexico; U.S. suspends live cattle, horse and bison imports from Mexico under APHIS directive.

• Feb. 1, 2025: Partial reopening of imports to U.S. following new inspection and treatment protocols.

• May 11, 2025: USDA halts live animal imports after cases near Oaxaca and Veracruz, roughly 700 miles from the U.S. border.

• May 27, 2025: Rollins pledges $21 million to renovate the Metapa, Mexico, sterile fly facility, increasing capacity by 60-100 million flies per week.

• June 18, 2025: USDA unveils $8.5 million South Texas sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base, launching a five-part NWS response plan.

• June 30, 2025: USDA begins phased reopening of select ports in Douglas, Arizona; Columbus, New Mexico; Santa Teresa, New Mexico; Del Rio; and Laredo.

• July 9, 2025: Full suspension of southern border livestock imports ordered after new detection in Veracruz.

• July 10, 2025: USDA signals plans for Texas sterile fly drops, with continued surveillance and restrictions.

The department has also formed an internal NWS response team of wildlife, communications, law enforcement and park staff. They are developing guidance for hunters and landowners, especially those in the Managed Lands Deer Program or Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s technical guidance program.

The department awaits the Texas Animal Health Commission’s response plan, currently under USDA review, which will outline protocols for positive cases. “We want to stay in lockstep with the [Texas Animal] Health Commission and USDA to determine our role in the response,” Gann said.

Responses to confirmed cases will include the sterile insect technique and may involve animal movement restrictions and inspections from control zones. Wildlife breeders and rehabilitators will likely face inspection requirements for live animal movement.

Carcass movement controls are also being explored. Hunters will be advised to skin and quarter harvested deer to limit larval spread. Incineration is the preferred method of disposing infected carcasses, though chemical treatment or prolonged freezing of infested tissue are alternatives.

Texas Parks and Wildlife is also considering active surveillance on its South Texas lands, including state parks and wildlife areas. In addition, the department is developing

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Landowners and hunters are urged to stay up-todate on the latest news and recommended reporting protocol for NWS.

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an out-of-season take authorization for disease surveillance. The existing individual take authorization — originally developed for chronic wasting disease — could be modified for NWS, allowing landowners or agents to remove animals with required reporting and testing.

Similar to the case of chronic wasting disease management, there will be flexibility to manage NWS outbreaks under the department’s Managed Lands Deer Program, which is designed to promote and support responsible wildlife management and habitat conservation on private lands in Texas.

“Harvest recommendations can be adjusted at the individual MLDP property level,” said Blaise Korzekwa, Texas Parks and Wildlife white-tailed deer program leader. “If NWS shows up, we can work with landowners to either issue more tags to lower deer density or recommend they reduce doe harvest, depending on their goals.”

Reducing doe harvest may be particularly important in drought-stricken regions like South Texas and the Edwards Plateau, where fawn recruitment is already low.

For non-Managed Lands Deer Program participants, Texas Parks and Wildlife uses deer survey and herd composition data from deer management units based on ecological region, hunter density and population estimates. If an outbreak affects the deer population at the deermanagement-unit scale, these changes will be noticed through annual surveys.

“Just like livestock producers, good surveillance and animal care will be crucial,” Korzekwa said. “With Texas being such a large, privately owned state, landowners and managers will be on the frontlines. If we don’t follow best practices, NWS will be much more difficult to eradicate without serious consequences.” T C

Support and Resources

NWS website launched for producers, landowners and wildlife managers.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association assisted in the launch of a website to serve as a centralized hub for producers, landowners and wildlife managers navigating the threat of New World screwworm.

Developed on behalf of the Screwworm Coalition of Texas, the site delivers reliable information to help Texans protect their herds and operations. Information is sourced from leading agencies including USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The website features a detailed list of educational events related to NWS, with additional guidance on practical steps to minimize risk coming soon.

The Screwworm Coalition of Texas is a joint initiative organized in May comprised of 13 livestock, wildlife, equine and landowner groups, including Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas, Livestock Marketing Association of Texas, South Texans’ Property Rights Association, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, East Foundation, Texas Quarter Horse Association, Texas Association of Dairymen, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Pork Producers Association, Texas Poultry Federation, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and Texas Wildlife Association.

The coalition will ensure consistent and accurate information is shared with Texas landowners and the agricultural and wildlife industries, including tools and resources that equip Texans with educational information needed amid the threat of the NWS.

Scan to learn more

Joseph, Missouri.

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

Young fawns, with a high susceptibility for navel infections, are at heightened risk in the event of a NWS outbreak.

THE FIGHT OVER PRODUCED WATER RIGHTS

By Dan Gattis, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association second vice president

On June 27, the Texas Supreme Court issued the long-awaited decision in Cactus Water Services LLC v. COG Operating LLC . The state’s landowners and ranchers hoped the court would recognize that groundwater, regardless of whether it’s clean drinking water or produced water as a result of oil and gas production, belongs to the surface owner.

Regrettably, the court got it wrong, once again ruling that groundwater brought up through the oil and gas production process is considered oil and gas waste and, therefore, belongs to the operator.

The court’s decision to relinquish control of produced water to the oil and gas operator through a standard, pre-established lease is deeply disappointing. The ruling ignores property rights, undermines established Texas water law and sets a dangerous precedent for future groundwater rights.

The groundwater beneath our feet is not waste, it is an asset. And landowners must be compensated fairly when that asset is used by others.

This belief guided Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in its consistent engagement throughout this case. Since 2020, our association has monitored the courts, submitting amicus briefs supporting landowners’ rights to uphold the long-held Texas legal and constitutional principle that the surface owner owns all groundwater. This ruling is not a minor technicality, but instead a fundamental misstep.

Groundwater is not part of the mineral estate. It belongs to the landowner unless it has been expressly severed by contract. With this ruling, any typical oil and gas lease, even one that does not mention water, automatically gives the operator control over the produced water that surfaces with the oil and gas.

We recognize that disposing of produced water carries costs, regulatory burdens and environmental responsibilities, which result from the oil extraction process. However, the court has somehow confused responsibility with ownership.

While oil and gas operators have the responsibility to address the potential environmental impacts disposal of produced water may present, these issues do not change the ultimate ownership of produced water. As groundwater, it belongs to the surface owner.

The ramifications of this decision raise red flags. When companies go beyond disposal and utilize produced water by moving it to new well sites, treating it for resale or selling it for desalination, landowners are not compensated. Few contracts grant that right, resulting in the water being taken.

The Texas Supreme Court ruling opens the door for oil and gas operators to do just that — under the guise of implied rights. Unless explicitly reserved, landowners now risk losing control of an asset they may not even realize they are giving up in standard lease language.

This case sets a precedent with far-reaching consequences. Today it’s produced water. Tomorrow it could be brackish water, surface water or even other underground resources that competing industries find profitable. If courts are going to expand implied rights in this way, what’s left of the landowner’s estate?

Rights given away are rarely regained. In a time when ranchers and landowners are fighting for every dollar to stay afloat, we cannot afford to let potential revenue streams be quietly taken without consent.

Let this case be a strict exception, not the beginning of a new rule. Landowners must stay vigilant when negotiating oil and gas leases.

Precise, protective language must be used to ensure water rights are not mistakenly conveyed. We urge landowners to seek legal counsel before signing away rights that could prove critical down the line.

As an association, we will continue to stand firm in our mission on this issue: to protect the rights of Texas landowners and defend the plain language and intent of the Texas Constitution.

The battle over produced water may seem like a niche legal fight, but its implications run deep. Texas must not allow private property rights to be chipped away in the courts or the legislature under industry pressure. If we do, we risk opening the floodgates to further erosion of landowner rights.

We will not stand by and let that happen. T C

STANDING WITH US

Afifth-generation resident of East Texas, Rep. Cody Harris’ conservative values are deeply rooted in Texas House District 8. His ancestors settled in Freestone County after the Civil War, and his greatgrandfather was the last operator of the Wildcat Ferry on the Trinity River at Cayuga.

A member of the Texas House of Representatives since 2019, Harris currently serves as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, he was also a member of the House Calendars Committee and the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures.

Harris has demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of protecting private property rights, particularly by opposing the use of eminent domain for reservoir

projects in Texas. As the author of House Joint Resolution 7, he invested significant effort into crafting language that safeguards landowners and their rights. While recognizing the value of the state’s water plan, Harris also acknowledges the vital role landowners and ranchers play in the Texas economy.

A dedicated advocate for agriculture, Harris co-authored House Bill 1431 and co-sponsored Senate Bill 261, a priority measure for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He also authored H.B. 1399, which went into effect Sept. 1 and provides a tax exemption for feed store owners on animal feed inventory.

Harris and his wife, Taylor, are proud parents to three sons and a daughter. With an extensive background in real estate and banking, he is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program. T C

Rep. Cody Harris

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TSCRA

TSCRA LEADERSHIP TESTIFY DURING THE 89TH TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL SESSION

The 89th Texas Legislative Special Session, convened by Gov. Greg Abbott, began July 21. As part of the session, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association First Vice President Stephen Diebel and Parasite Subcommittee Chairman Heath Grigg provided testimony during a public hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.

Diebel and Grigg addressed the serious threat posed by the New World screwworm, emphasizing the potential impact of an outbreak on Texas’ cattle industry. Representing Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in coordination with state agencies and other stakeholders, they outlined the urgency of planning and interagency coordination. Their testimony stressed the need for robust communication among the Texas Legislature, relevant state agencies, Texas Congressional delegation, USDA leadership and federal partners. They also urged lawmakers to explore proactive measures involving emergency response funding and ensuring the Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are equipped to respond swiftly should the screwworm re-enter Texas across the southern border.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Parasite Subcommittee Chairman Heath Grigg and First Vice President Stephen Diebel stand on the Capitol steps in Austin.

TSCRA LEADERSHIP ATTENDS NCBA SUMMER BUSINESS MEETING

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association leadership attended National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Summer Business Meeting July 7-9 in San Diego.

Stephen Diebel, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association first vice president, gave an update on what’s happening across the association during the Region IV meeting. Other highlights included a round table with CME regarding the daily price limits in cattle futures contracts. Further discussions are needed to achieve resolution on this issue, but policy in NCBA’s live cattle marketing committee was amended to give the organization additional flexibility to negotiate a lower limit. This policy still opposes formula-based variable price limits.

Additionally, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined Texas Cattle Feeder’s Association in bringing policy to the NCBA cattle health and wellbeing committee in response to the recent threat of New World screwworm. The policy supports efforts to have the active NCBA president appoint a representative to serve on the COPEG Commission, ensuring that U.S. cattle producers have a voice in efforts to monitor and manage this threat.

As a state affiliate of NCBA, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association collaborates on policies at the federal level to advance the beef industry.

TSCRA APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. released a statement on the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump July 4.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers a permanent solution to the estate tax burden that has long threatened family ranching, often forcing heirs to sell off land to cover the cost,” Polk said. “Through critical investments, this legislation helps the U.S. prepare for foreign animal diseases. We’re grateful to lawmakers who understand the importance of safeguarding both the legacy and health of the cattle industry.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill involves key priorities for landowners and cattle raisers including: increasing the death tax exemption to $15 million per individual or $30 million per couple, with provisions to adjust for inflation; tax deductions including Section 199A, Section 179 and bonus depreciation; and farm bill programs to help mitigate risk associated with raising livestock such as the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, and funding critical vaccine banks and animal disease programs.

CATTLE RAISERS PAC ENDORSES

REP. TRENT ASHBY FOR TEXAS SENATE

Cattle Raisers PAC, the political action committee of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, proudly endorsed Rep. Trent Ashby for Texas Senate District 3.

“Rep. Trent Ashby has consistently defended the values and priorities of ranchers, landowners and rural communities during his time in the Texas House,” said Cattle Raisers PAC Co-chair and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. “Ashby not only supports the issues important to our members, but he has also represented his district with integrity and hard work. We are proud to endorse him for Texas Senate District 3.”

Ashby represents Texas House District 9. His decision to run for Texas Senate follows the retirement of Sen. Robert Nichols, who has represented District 3 since 2007.

“Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association thanks Sen. Nichols for his years of selfless service and is grateful for the work of Sen. Nichols on the issues important to cattle raisers,” Polk said.

During his time in the Texas House, Ashby has led legislative efforts on important issues such as private property rights, preserving working agricultural land and the right to farm. He has also worked with his colleagues on countless other efforts to preserve the state’s status as the nation’s leader in agriculture.

Ashby currently serves as chair of the House Subcommittee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education, and he is a member of the House Committees on Natural Resources and Public Education.

TSCRA PRESIDENT TESTIFIES ON NECHES AND TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT PRODUCTION PROJECT

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

President Carl Ray Polk Jr. delivered testimony at an interim public hearing before the House Committee on Natural Resources. The hearing convened state agencies and stakeholders to discuss concerns over the Neches and Trinity Valley Groundwater Conservation District’s recent approval of a high-capacity groundwater production project.

Polk highlighted the serious implications the project could have on long-term water availability for agriculture and rural communities in East Texas. He testified that Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association does not oppose the existence or role of the Groundwater Conservation District, but is calling for a fair, transparent permitting process. He also emphasized that association members rely on groundwater daily to support their livestock, land and families, making responsible management of this shared resource essential.

TSCRA ANNOUNCES 2026 YOUNG CATTLEMEN’S CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is accepting applications for its 2026 nominees to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Young Cattlemen’s Conference. The Young Cattlemen’s Conference brings together cattle raisers from across the U.S. for an eight-day program focused on developing young leaders in the beef industry.

Attendees will begin the program in Denver, traveling to other beef producing states and ending in Washington, D.C. Cattle raisers and professionals will better their understanding of all industry segments while expanding their professional network. The Young Cattlemen’s Conference has a proven track record of developing beef industry leaders with more than 1,000 program graduates.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will select up to three applicants to attend the summer 2026 conference. Applicants must be between 25 and 50 years old and active members of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Applications are due Oct. 1. Interviews will be held in November via Zoom. Additional details including submission instructions are available at tscra.org/whatwe-do/leadership-development-foundation.

TSCRA SPRING INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE OCT. 1

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Gilly Riojas Memorial Internship Program. The competitive, paid internships offer students an opportunity to build professional skills, expand their industry network and work alongside association staff and leadership. Spring opportunities include semester-long internships in Forth Worth and Austin.

Interns based in the association’s headquarters in Fort Worth will gain experience across departments including administration, communications, education, events and membership. Interns will take part in a wide range of projects supporting the association’s daily operations and gain a behind-the-scenes look at hosting the 2026 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo, the largest agricultural event in the Southwest.

While in Austin at the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association government relations office, interns will focus on state and federal policy issues affecting cattle producers. Interns will assist with research and advocacy efforts related to private property rights, animal health, natural resources and more.

Applications are due Oct. 1. Learn more at tscra.org/ who-we-are/employment. T C

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

and

30% OFF at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop

10% OFF CattleMax Software

15% OFF Ranchbot products John Deere Rewards upgrade

20% OFF at Boot Barn (in-store only) Ford X-Plan vehicle pricing

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

TEXAS RANCH RECEIVES REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD

McFaddin Ranch in Victoria was recognized July 8 by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a 2025 regional winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Regional awards were presented during the cattle industry’s Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, and the national winner will be announced during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, in February.

Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Regional ESAP winners come from every corner of the country and undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources. The 2025 regional ESAP winners are:

• Region I: Whispering Hills Farm, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

• Region II: M&D Overstreet Ranch, Kathleen, Florida

• Region III: Smith Family Farms, Bankston, Iowa

• Region IV: McFaddin Ranch, Victoria, Texas

• Region V: G&G Livestock and Cathey Cattle Co., Polson, Montana

• Region VII: Wine Glass Ranch, Imperial, Nebraska

“McFaddin Ranch embodies a stewardship ethic that is reflected in relationships with their family, their land and their livestock,” said Jeff Goodwin, director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management at Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “Bob McCan leads by example by providing international leadership through industry engagement and an environment of learning for peers, students and resource professionals.”

Founded in 1877, McFaddin Ranch is a living testament to the resilience and innovation of Texas ranching. Located near the Gulf Coast, McFaddin Ranch has worked for decades to hone grazing management practices to match the environment and optimize ecosystem services.

From proper stocking densities, genetics, handling, forage quality and flood and drought management,

co-owner and general manager Bob McCan continually seeks out new tools and approaches that enhance all aspects of the operation.

The result has been an improved wildlife habitat, protected and enhanced water quality, and increased carbon sequestration. The efforts are helping the ranch meet its goals of integrating research-proven strategies to maintain thriving wildlife and livestock populations through complementary practices, using economic, environmental and social sustainability to guide decisions, and continuing the family’s ranching legacy.

In addition, McCan, a past president of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, shares what he’s learned through leadership roles at the state, national and international levels.

“Our consumers, regardless of where they live and how far removed from the land they are, need to know that we take the responsibility of stewardship seriously,” McCan said. “We do everything in our power to take care of the natural resources entrusted to us.”

TEXAS BEEF COUNCIL PRESENTS THE ULTIMATE BEEF TRAIL

Texas Beef Council has launched the 2025 Ultimate Beef Trail, a new digital passport that rewards Texans for hitting the road in search of the state’s top beef dishes.

The trail celebrates the flavors found across Texas as well as the communities, families and traditions behind the iconic restaurants serving them. Through Dec. 31, the Ultimate Beef Trail lets participants earn points and win prizes as they explore some of Texas’ best beef dishes, complete with rancher recommendations, at restaurants from Amarillo to McAllen.

The 2025 passes include: Ultimate Beef Trail (statewide); Houston Burger Blitz; Surf & Turf Gulf Coast Adventure; South Texas Tex-Mex Trail; Dallas-Fort Worth Steak Trail; Panhandle Country Fried Steak Quest; and Central Texas BBQ Trail. T C

Bob McCan and his son, Augie McCan, on McFaddin Ranch.

THE NEXT HERD SIRE

Ranching 101 to cover bull selection strategies.

Join Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association for the next Ranching 101 webinar at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16. During the hour-long Zoom session, participants will learn how selecting the right herd sire can maximize genetic potential, improve calf quality and increase long-term profitability.

Determining the right herd sire is one of the most important decisions a cattle producer can make. A bull contributes half of the calf crop’s genetics and has a lasting impact on traits like growth, fertility, carcass quality and overall herd performance. Whether focusing on building replacement females, increasing weaning weights or improving uniformity, making informed sire selection choices is key to driving long-term profitability and genetic progress in an operation.

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:

Deworming meets the pasture

OBITUARIES

DR. CHARLES W. GRAHAM, 92, of Elgin, died June 21.

From his humble beginnings, Graham became a legend in multiple facets of the agriculture industry. Elgin Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Stallion Station and Graham Land & Cattle Company, Heritage Place and Hamilton Commission Company represent his business success.

His experience and leadership impacted horse owners, businesses and organizations such as the American Quarter Horse Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas Horseracing Association and many more.

Graham is survived by his children: David (Gayle) Graham, Donna (Calvin) Lee; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

LAURENCE M. LASATER, 83, of San Angelo, died July 2.

Born in San Antonio, he was the eldest child of Thomas and Mary Casey Lasater, founders of the Beefmaster breed. He graduated with honors from Princeton University in 1963.

After military service, Lasater married Annette Nixon in 1964. They moved to Coahuila, Mexico, where they introduced the Beefmaster breed and lived until 1972. The family then moved to San Angelo, where Lasater founded and was chairman of Isa Cattle Co. Inc., which markets Beefmaster genetics worldwide.

He also authored four books: The Lasater Philosophy of Cattle Raising; Welcome to the New Cattle Industry ; Tailwind Both Ways ; and Great Cattlemen I Have Known.

A fourth-generation rancher, Lasater served as a director of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, president of Foundation Beefmaster Association and in many other leadership roles.

He is survived by his son, Lorenzo (Leslie) Lasater, a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association director; daughter, Isabel (J.C.) Hernandez; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Lane Lasater and Sally Lasater.

MARY

WEST TRAYLOR, 81, of San Antonio, died June 28.

Traylor received her elementary and secondary education at Saint Mary’s Hall, and she later attended Rice University. In 1976, she was introduced to Richard Traylor, a rancher who recently returned from New Mexico. The couple married June 4, 1978, and raised their children while ranching in three states.

Working cattle in South Texas meant heat, humidity and dirt, but gathering cattle horseback in New Mexico was special fun. The family enjoyed camping on the New Mexico ranch or in the mountains to the north.

Traylor was involved in several civic, educational and charitable organizations, including Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Scholarship Program, the Battle of Flowers Association, the Witte Museum and many others.

She is survived by her husband Richard, an honorary director for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; three children, Kelley (John II) Gilpin, Lacey (Kurt) Moore and Lane (Tiffany) Traylor; 11 grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law.

BEAU BRITE WHITE, 71, of Rosanky, died June 23.

Born in Marfa, he grew up on his family’s Brite Ranch, which was home to a famous herd of Hereford cattle established by his great-grandparents.

White graduated from Marfa High School in 1972 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas Christian University. Then, he returned to Marfa to take charge of J.E. White and Sons’ registered cattle herd at the Chispa Ranch.

Everything changed when he was set up on a date with Kathleen Hartnett, then a lobbyist for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Washington, D.C. They married in 1993.

Always a leader, White was valued by other ranchers for his encyclopedic knowledge of cattle breeding. He became a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association director in 1995 and an honorary director in 2016. He was president of the Texas Hereford Association in 1994 and served on the American Hereford Association board of directors in 2003.

White is survived by his adopted son, Geoff Connor; younger brother, McMinn (Julie) White; nephew, Jim (Melanie) O’Brien; and several cousins. T C

Theft & Law

DISTRICT 2 — TEXAS PANHANDLE

Two Polled Hereford heifers stolen in Lipscomb County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Lynn Mays reports two polled Hereford heifers stolen from a pasture off the south side of Duke Road near Lipscomb. The heifers are described as 900-1,000 pounds with “1O” branded on their right hip. They have a yellow ear tag in their right ear with No. 17 over 4114 or 17 over 4064, and a tattoo with No. 4114 or 4064. They were last seen July 3 and discovered missing July 5. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Mays at 806-683-8320.

DISTRICT 13 — EAST TEXAS

Tractor stolen in Smith County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Larry Hand reports a 2014 green John Deere 6115D cab tractor with a front-end loader, hay fork and JD bale monitor stolen from a property off FM 757 in Winona. The last four digits of the vin No. are 1880. The suspect(s) used a universal key to steal the tractor on the night of July 19. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Hand at 903-571-3488.

DISTRICT 14 — EAST TEXAS

Steers missing in Nacogdoches County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Darrell Bobbitt reports eight yearling steers missing from a sale barn off Stallins Drive in Nacogdoches. The steers are red, black and brindle in color, each weighing approximately 600-700 pounds. They have no brands or markings. The cattle were discovered missing June 21. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Bobbitt at 936-222-2144.

Active Ingredients: Zinc 60 mg/mL (as zinc oxide); Copper 15 mg/mL (as copper carbonate); Manganese 10 mg/mL (as manganese carbonate); Selenium 5 mg/mL (as sodium selenite)

Inactive Ingredients: Edetic acid 399.74 mg/mL; Sodium hydroxide 106.9 mg/mL; Benzyl alcohol 10.4 mg/mL (as preservative)

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

To provide a supplemental source of zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium in cattle. Not for use in pregnant cows and heifers during their first trimester because reproductive safety testing has not been done in these animals. Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves because safety has not been established.

Before using this drug, read package insert for full prescribing information.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Determine accurate body weights prior to treatment. Administer subcutaneously under the loose skin of the middle of the side of the neck per the following dosages depending on age and bodyweight of the cattle:

Cattle up to 1 year, 1 mL/100 lb bodyweight Cattle from 1-2 years, 1 mL/150 lb bodyweight Cattle over 2 years, 1 mL/200 lb bodyweight

To be administered as a single dose. The maximum volume per injection site is 7 mL. Use standard aseptic procedures during administration to reduce the risk of injection site abscesses or lesions. Ensure there are at least 4 inches between injection sites for MULTIMIN® 90 (zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium injection) and other injection sites.

MULTIMIN® 90 is intended as a single dose product. Allow a minimum of 30 days before considering repeat dosing. Additional zinc, copper, manganese, or selenium products should not be administered at the same time.

Use within 28 days of first puncture of the vial and puncture a maximum of 15 times. If more than 15 punctures are anticipated, the use of multi-dosing equipment is recommended. When using a draw-off spike or needle with bore diameter larger than 16 gauge, discard any product remaining in the vial immediately after use.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Do not use MULTIMIN® 90 concurrently with other injectable selenium and copper products. Do not use MULTIMIN® 90 concurrently with selenium or copper boluses.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Withdrawal Periods

Cattle must not be slaughtered for human food consumption within 14 days of the last treatment. No milk discard time is required when used according to labeling.

User Safety Warnings

Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. Do not allow children access to used or empty syringes. Wash hands after use. This product is highly concentrated in zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. Due to a potential risk of zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium toxicity, care should be taken when

handling the product to avoid accidental selfinjection. Symptoms of exposure to zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium include aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, epigastric pain, tremors, and irritability.

In case of accidental self-injection or ingestion, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION and take the vial with you.

To report a suspected adverse drug experience or to obtain a safety data sheet, contact Multimin North America, Inc. at 970-372-2302.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Accidental overdose of copper or selenium through misdosing or the use of multiple sources, including the use of injectable products in addition to high dietary levels, can result in adverse events, including death, depression, weakness, ataxia, salivation, and drooling.

Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions

Selenium and copper are toxic if administered in excess. MULTIMIN® 90 may cause clinical signs associated with copper toxicity or selenium toxicity, including death, if overdosed or used in conjunction with excessive dietary levels of copper and selenium or other selenium or copper products. Additional zinc, copper, manganese, or selenium products should not be administered at the same time. Do not use concurrently with other injectable selenium and copper products. Do not use concurrently with selenium or copper boluses.

MULTIMIN® 90 may cause injection site swelling that appears on the day of injection and resolves by 2 days later. MULTIMIN® 90 may cause induration at the injection site that appears the day of injection and may persist for at least 14 days post-injection. These reactions may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

Do not use in cases of known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or to any of the excipients. Do not use in emaciated cattle with a body condition score of 1 on a 5-point scale in dairy or 1-3 on a 9-point scale in beef.

Do not use during the first trimester of pregnancy because safety has not been evaluated. Do not use in pre-ruminant calves because safety has not been evaluated.

TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY

Target animal safety was evaluated in cattle less than 10 months of age. Four non-pregnant females and four intact males received saline, 1x, 3x, or 5x the labeled dose for 3 consecutive days. The only treatment-associated findings from the 1x dose group included injection site swelling and a minor, clinically insignificant, dose and time dependent decrease in cholesterol. The treatment-associated findings from the 3x dose group were injection site swelling, a decrease in feed consumption, and a decrease in cholesterol. In the 5x dose group, treatment-associated findings included injection site swelling, a decrease in feed consumption, a decrease in cholesterol, an increase in creatinine kinase, a decrease in calcium, and signs of acute copper toxicity (2 out of 8 animals), including sudden death, depression, weakness, ataxia, salivation, and drooling. Animals in the 5x dose group also had hepatic centrilobular necrosis on necropsy and an increase in serum chemistries associated with liver damage.

STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL

Store between 15ºC and 30ºC (59ºF and 86ºF)

Manufactured for: Multimin North America, Inc., Fort Collins, CO 80528

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-582 FOI: https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/ app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/15347

MULTIMIN® 90 is available in 100 mL and 500 mL vials.

Revision date: May 2024

DISTRICT 15 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Horse stolen in Bosque County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Marvin Wills reports a bay Arabian gelding stolen from a property off County Road 3365 in Valley Mills. The 25-year-old gelding was stolen between June 28-29 and discovered missing June 30. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Wills at 254-223-2330.

DISTRICT 19 — WEST TEXAS

Two cows missing in Concho County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger H.D. Brittain reports two black cows missing from a pasture off FM 2402. The cows have a “Booger F” branded on their left hip. They were last seen January 2024.

Black Angus bull missing in Coleman County.

Brittain also reports a black Angus bull missing from Voss Ranch. The bull has “2000” branded on his left hip and was last seen June 23. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Brittain at 325-340-2268.

DISTRICT 25 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Charolais bull missing in Luling.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Robert Fields reports a Charolais bull missing from a property off FM 1150. The five-year-old bull has a “bar S bar” branded on his right hip and a red ear tag with No. 41 in his left ear. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Fields at 361-207-5207.

Black Angus bull missing in Goliad County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Fields reports a black Angus bull missing from a property off Prescott Road in Goliad. The bull has a yellow ear tag with “JACK” printed on it. He was discovered missing July 9. 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.

INJECTION ENSURES WHAT INGESTION ALONE CAN’T.

EVERY ANIMAL. EVERY TIME.

(zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium injection) 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. DON’T CHANCE IT. LEARN MORE AT AXIOTA.COM.

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.

Ranching

CONSERVATION FROM THE GROUND UP

A producer-led coalition is helping shape the future of grazing lands.

Story by Zoe Carmichael

Photo by Wyman Meinzer

During a time when rangeland stewards face mounting pressures from urban development, unpredictable weather and efficiency demands, there is great value in shared experiences and resources.

In a recent episode of TSCRA Talk, a podcast produced by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, host Kristen Brown visited with Bill Fox, Ph.D., National Grazing Lands Coalition central region program manager, to discuss how producer-led conservation efforts restore productivity, improve sustainability and redefine the future of grazing lands.

“The National Grazing Lands Coalition has a really interesting history,” Fox said. “Our mission is to promote ecologically and economically sound management of private grazing lands for their many adaptive uses in the multiple benefits to society.”

The coalition began three decades ago in Bozeman, Montana, when six national organizations united to support private landowners facing declining assistance from federal agencies. Today, the coalition operates in 22 states, delivering education and technical support in grazing-rich regions.

The group’s strength, Fox said, lies in being a producer-led effort. Instead of relying on policy directives, the coalition’s board of directors is composed of producers who guide decisions based on real-world experiences. “They recognize the need, and we respond to that and build up that activity for those needs that are being driven from the ground up,” Fox said.

Fox brings both professional and personal experience to his role. Before joining the coalition team, he spent more than 30 years with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension and the department of rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management.

His roots run deep in ranching, too.

“My family has been on the same piece of ground down in South Texas for 117 years,” he said. “I have got a long history of my family’s activities and working with land management.”

NEW TOOLS

One of National Grazing Lands Coalition’s most recent efforts is the Legacy Landscapes program, which emerged from a public-private partnership between the coalition and Nestlè Purina PetCare.

“It is relatively new within the last year,” Fox said. “They [Nestlè Purina] recognize there is an opportunity to invest in their supply chain because they know the value of where their product starts.”

According to the coalition website, the Legacy Landscapes program is designed to give ranchers and landowners the credit they are due for their stewardship of grazing lands. The initiative aims to support livestock producers in recordkeeping and implementing grazing land improvements benefitting both their operation and the environment.

Nestlè Purina PetCare, which utilizes beef byproducts in their pet food, has a carbon reduction goal to reduce emissions within their supply chain.

By participating, producers receive access to an operation-level management software program through AgriWebb, assistance from National Grazing Lands Coalition in using the software along with technical assistance and consultation for their operation, and guidance on financial opportunities to make their goals reality.

For participating ranchers, Legacy Landscapes begins by enrolling them in the AgriWebb digital ranch data platform at no cost. “We will help them onboard to AgriWebb and then start to develop out the historical information for the ranch to develop the baseline they’re going to work from,” said Fox, adding that the digital approach integrates easily with most ranchers’ existing recordkeeping habits.

“Most of us know the most important calculator that we have is that little red book in our pockets,” Fox said. “With the automated data management program, that is now easily done on your iPhone or Android.”

Ranching

After a year of data collection, the measurement and modeling partner company Regrow analyzes the information to estimate methane reduction. If credits are generated, Nestlè Purina purchases them directly from the producer.

The National Grazing Lands Coalition is currently recruiting ranchers to participate in the Legacy Landscapes program in Texas, Kansas and Nebraska.

SHARED KNOWLEDGE

Beyond Legacy Landscapes, National Grazing Lands Coalition also presents workshops, trainings and offers scholarship programs.

The group hosts an annual meeting once every three years and a national bus tour during the off years. The tours offer ranchers the chance to visit operations in other states and learn from their peers.

“This year we’ve got a great tour set up in the Pacific Northwest, the eastern side of Washington state.” Fox said. “Folks are going to be able to visit three amazing ranches and learn some of the challenges and the practices and programs that are being used in the Pacific Northwest.”

Despite regional differences, Fox said producers share more in common than they may expect: “We have had

TAKE THE THE NEXT GENERATION

a lot of people still keep in touch with the ranchers they met on these tours.”

TRUE CONSERVATIONISTS

Overall, Fox emphasized the critical role producers play in protecting natural resources. “People have said it many times over — the cattle producers, the ranchers, the land stewards are our frontline of the conservation world,” he said.

He recalled a conversation in Dallas where he helped urban residents connect the dots between rural land and city water supply.

“I said, ‘Well, right here in Dallas, about 60% of the water that you use comes from ranches and farmland to the north and west of you.’” Fox said. “Eighty-three percent of every raindrop that falls in the state of Texas falls on working lands. And those folks are the first folks that are taking care of all the good things that we have right now.”

To hear more of the conversation with Fox, download TSCRA Talk on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Sticher. T C

Zoe Carmichael is a student at Oklahoma State University and a summer intern through the Gilly Riojas Memorial Intern Program at Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

WHAT PLANT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER?

Orange flameflower (Phemeranthus aurantiacus)

By Kent Ferguson

Orange flameflower is a native, drought-tolerant, perennial forb found growing throughout Texas on rocky to sandy soils. A member of the Purslane family, it is also known as Flameflower or Talinum.

The plant:

• Stems from large, thick roots, and can reach more than 15 inches tall.

• Has a woody base that produces fleshy stems and leaves, erect to reclining. Surrounding vegetation supports its spreading growth.

• Produces an orange-red flower, which is one inch in diameter with five petals and 20 stamens surrounding a three-parted stigma. The flowers open in the morning and close in late afternoon.

• Produces seed capsules that contain quarter-inch long black seeds.

Orange flameflower is not typically sought by livestock, but it is consumed by white-tailed deer, goats and sheep. The seeds are eaten by quail and songbirds.

The plant’s fleshy roots are known to have been a food source for early man. T C

• Has flat, alternate or opposite leaves that are sessile, linear-lanceolate and between 1 to 1.5 inches long with a pointed tip.

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

Photo by Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn , Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Cactus Feedyard

Matthew Turney, Manager

Cactus, TX

office: (806) 966-5151

cell: (806) 282-7077

Centerfire Feedyard

Adam Gerrond, Manager

Ulysses, KS

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

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

Frontier Feedyard

Jon Vanwey, Manager Spearman, TX

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

Stratford Feedyard

Pistol Audrain, Manager

Stratford, TX

office: (806) 396-5501 cell: (806) 753-7133

Burlington Feedyard

Logan Hardin, Manager

Burlington, CO 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

Ranching ADMINISTER WISELY

As cattle are going through the chute this fall season, remember that when administering injections, it is critical to make sure needles stay clean and sharp.

Regardless of the brand or type of hub (plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), needles should be changed if they are bent, dull, dirty or have made contact with the squeeze chute, ice chest or other equipment. Additionally, needles should never be sharpened.

In general, it is recommended to change needles at least every 10 to 12 head, if not sooner. On some operations, producers may choose to use a new needle for each animal to reduce the risk of spreading certain diseases. T C

Photo by Jerod Foster

PIT FROM TO PLATE

Many of life’s special moments are marked by cuisine. In Texas, barbecue happens to be center stage for many of those milestones. Whether it be a wedding, graduation or a backyard party, a brisket with all the fixings is a mainstay.

That familiar aroma of wood nestled in a smoker is exactly what met 25 attendees entering the Texas Beef Council office for the sixth Ultimate Beef Loving Texans Smoke Lab led by expert grill and pit master Jerry McPherson.

With the advent of renowned barbecue competitions and television shows, the popularity of this culinary culture has skyrocketed. To take advantage of the rise in popularity, Texas Beef Council launched the Ultimate Beef Loving Texans Smoke Lab last year and has hosted more than 145 participants since.

“Barbecue is hot in Texas, and there is a public interest in learning to smoke, particularly how to smoke brisket,” said Adriana Mora, manager of consumer marketing at Texas Beef Council.

The Menu

The four-hour program takes guests through barbecue history, beef cuts, quality grades, types of smokers and

wood, tastings and hands-on cooking. Regardless of skill level, all participants walk away with something new to apply at home.

“The knowledge of the various cuts and quality grades was valuable,” said a recent Smoke Lab attendee.

“Learning about flavor profiles given off by the various woods and seasonings used was also very valuable.”

McPherson shared one story of how a participant had never tried Picanha before. Now two months later, he has prepared five and noted it as one of his favorite cuts for the smoker.

“That’s our story,” McPherson said.

He shared how the program capitalizes on an existing interest to broaden the knowledge and skills consumers need to create the best eating experience with beef — and in turn, increase beef demand.

“Smoke Lab positions Beef Loving Texans as experts in smoking beef, adding credibility and clout to the brand,” Mora added.

Toward this goal, McPherson shared practical tips to make smoking meats at home achievable for everyone in the audience — regardless of the tools they have. He walked participants through selecting their beef at the

Ultimate Beef Loving Texans Smoke Lab provides beef education.

Story by Kayla Jennings

Photos courtesy of Texas Beef Council

The Texas Beef Council team provides a hands-on culinary experience for Smoke Lab attendees to put what they learned in the classroom to work on the grill.

Beyond Our Gates

grocery store all the way to using everything from a kettle grill to an offset smoker for preparation.

These practical tips are exactly what Smoke Lab attendee and Central Texas rancher Gabe Jennings appreciated about the experience. Not only did he walk away with newfound knowledge for his own backyard barbecue, but he also noted ways to encourage his direct-to-consumer beef customers in their own culinary journey.

“Jerry made beef approachable for everyone there,” Jennings said. “He did an excellent job of showing that beef provides a great eating experience for all budgets and skill sets by keeping just a few simple principles in mind.”

Ultimately, the excitement of barbecue drew consumers in and provided an ideal platform to share beef’s story and answer questions about producers and their role in bringing the product to the plate.

Beyond Smoke Lab

The program’s unprecedented popularity is producing results. Through strategic partnerships with Austinbased social media influencers, the waitlist for Smoke Lab has skyrocketed to more than 700 eager registrants.

“The November 2024 Smoke Lab class sold out in just 2.5 hours, driven by the buzz created by influencer social media posts,” Mora said.

Frequent tastings during Smoke Lab allowed participants to experience the outcome of different cooking methods.

In total, the social media campaign accumulated 139,800 views across all platforms, with the highest performance coming from one Instagram post — which garnered 131,000 views alone. The influencers averaged 41 comments per post, indicating solid audience interaction and significant engagement.

As this summer’s Smoke Lab concluded, the in-person engagement was just as prevalent. When McPherson opened the floor to questions, one of the first was about what other programs Beef Loving Texans offers to learn more about cooking beef — a promising signal of consumer beef demand. T C

Beyond Our Gates

RED MEAT’S REAL IMPACT

Texas Tech research shows unprocessed red meat has no notable effect on obesity and related diseases.

By Ashlyn Grotegut

courtesy of Texas Tech University

Obesity affects 40% of adults in the U.S. and elevates the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Nutrition scientists and health professionals increasingly aim to understand how specific nutrients, foods and dietary patterns may contribute to obesity risk. Animal-sourced foods, such as red meat, are often called into question as part of this public health dialogue.

Texas Tech University researchers recently sought to provide more understanding into whether red meat is linked with obesity risk and related conditions. Their study, published in the prestigious journal Obesity, found no significant link between unprocessed red meat consumption and weight gain, obesity or related metabolic conditions in adults — including measures like body mass index, percent body fat, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.

“Beef contains high-quality protein and other essential nutrients and people enjoy this key source of nourishment — yet they’re often discouraged to consume red meat based on recommendations primarily driven by observational evidence,” noted the lead researcher, Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, Texas Tech University professor, chair of the department of nutritional sciences and associate dean for innovation for the College of Health & Human Sciences. “Our study is the first to fully review the totality of causative evidence, which shows no protective or adverse effect of unprocessed red meat intake on obesity.

“As such, while unprocessed red meat consumption has declined in the U.S., the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease has skyrocketed — which makes a poor case for the role of beef in promoting the obesity epidemic.”

Dhurandhar explains the problem with previous related studies is they are based primarily on observational data, which often rely on self-reported dietary and lifestyle recall information that can be inaccurate and confound study results and conclusions.

Instead, the Texas Tech University researchers used rigorous research methods by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 human clinical trials, including parallel-arm randomized controlled trials and randomized crossover trials. They only focused on studies that determined the effect of direct feeding of unprocessed red meat to participants rather than studies that used self-reported data.

These controlled interventions and methodological approaches reduced potential bias and directly assessed effects of specific dietary interventions on health outcomes, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines. The result is the most comprehensive evaluation of red meat intake and obesity to date, according to Dhurandhar.

In addition, to promote transparency, the team has publicly shared codes, calculations and data used in the analysis through an interactive dashboard. Scientists are encouraged to access and review the data as they consider designing similar studies in the future.

The study’s authors believe it’s important for scientists to build upon this research for improved public health recommendations.

“Protein-rich foods, such as beef, may improve satiety and fullness, which can help support lifestyle and dietary behaviors that promote weight loss and healthy weight maintenance,” Dhurandhar added. “However, the stigma surrounding unprocessed red meat’s role in obesity may keep many from consuming red meat. This study offers a complete view of the research, so clinicians and consumers can make informed decisions about the role of unprocessed beef in healthy lifestyles.”

This research was funded by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and the Texas Beef Council. Neither organization were involved in the study design, data collection and analysis or publication of the findings. T C

Ashlyn Grotegut is a writer for Texas Tech University.

Photo

Herefords are known as the efficiency experts for a reason. Herefords boost pregnancy rates by 7% and add $30 per head in feedyard profitability in a crossbreeding system. And Hereford genetics bring unrivaled hybrid vigor, longevity and disposition.

Director Spotlight ROOTED IN RANCHING

TSCRA Director John Zacek’s legacy of leadership.

By Shelby Kirton

For John Zacek, agriculture isn’t just part of his life — it’s the foundation that guides him.

Raised in Victoria and Jackson counties as the youngest of seven siblings, Zacek grew up on land where farming and cattle went hand in hand. “We were mostly a farming family, but we always had enough cattle to keep us busy and have diversity in our family farm and ranch,” he says.

Today, Zacek and his wife, Shana, live 12 miles from the family’s original ranch in Jackson County, where they run a few hundred head of commercial Brangus cattle. Over time, the couple bought out the family’s ranchland, including the old home place, while another sibling’s family continued the farming side.

Even as a young man, Zacek knew he wanted to stay close to the land, but he also recognized the challenge of making a full-time living off a small herd. Originally, he planned to become a veterinarian. He studied animal science at Texas A&M University and was accepted into vet school his senior year but turned it down.

“I was ready to go to work,” he says. Instead, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother who worked in agricultural lending.

That decision launched a career now spanning more than four decades. Today, Zacek serves as the South Texas Area Chairman for Prosperity Bank, overseeing 33 banking centers and responsibilities for agricultural lending across the company.

“After 42 years, I still enjoy what I do every day,” he says. “Helping people achieve their financial goals and get loans that work for their operation and for the bank — it’s a win for everyone.”

Zacek says the most rewarding part of his career is building long-term relationships and watching them achieve success through the years.

“That’s what I love — watching people grow and being a part of it,” he says. “Being an ag lender has taught me that sometimes it involves standing with your customer during the tough times to see things to the good times.”

Zacek brings that same collaborative spirit to his leadership with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Elected to the board in 2004, he has served on the executive, wildlife and natural resources, and audit committees, as well as the water subcommittee. Most recently, he was chair of the benefits trust committee. He also sits on the board of directors for the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation.

As a past chair of the association promotion committee, Zacek helped lead a strategic initiative toward a successful membership push that led to the creation of the TSCRA Ranch Gatherings — small, local events that bring the association’s mission and services directly to rural communities.

“We had to meet people where they were, not expect them to come to us,” he says. “It worked, and we’ve been building on that momentum ever since.”

Mentorship is another of Zacek’s passions.

“At some point, you have to ask what your succession plan is,” he says. “That’s why I stay involved with the College of Ag at A&M and great organizations like TSCRA, for the opportunity to give a little bit back.

“These students need to know there’s a whole world of opportunities in agriculture beyond production — banking, food science and food safety, engineering, policy, communications. We need all of it.”

Zacek continues to live out the values shaped by his upbringing — and the land that’s always been home.

“Owning the land that raised our entire family is really special to us,” Zacek says. “Our daughter McKenna has ownership as well. Now, the joy is in taking Wren, our three-year-old granddaughter, with us to the ranch to experience the ranching way of life.” T C

John Zacek pictured with his wife, Shana, and granddaughter, Wren. Courtesy photo.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CARL RAY POLK JR.

President P.O. Box 155108 Lufkin, Texas 75915

STEPHEN DIEBEL

First Vice President 3907 Salem Rd. Victoria, Texas 77904

PAST PRESIDENTS

DAN GATTIS

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

James L. Powell San Angelo, 1988-1990

Tom Beard Alpine, 1994-1995

C. Coney Burgess Amarillo, 1997-1999

J. Mark McLaughlin San Angelo, 1999-2001

John E. Dudley Comanche, 2001-2003

REGION 1

Joe M. “Jody” Bellah, Throckmorton

Blake Birdwell, Canyon

E. S. F. “Swasey” Brainard II, Pampa

J. K. “Rooter” Brite Jr., Bowie

Donnell Brown, Throckmorton

Campbell Burgess, Amarillo

Deborah Clark, Henrietta

Lynn Cowden, Skellytown

Jake Cowen, Benjamin

J. B. Daniel, Crowell

James Henderson, Memphis

Bob McCan Victoria, 2003-2005

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

Jon Means Van Horn, 2007-2009

G. Dave Scott Richmond, 2009-2011

Joe J. Parker Jr. Byers, 2011-2013

Clayton Henry, Wichita Falls

Brooks Hodges, Guthrie

Joe Leathers, Guthrie

Frank McLelland, Tahoka

Jeff Mitchell, Amarillo

Gage Moorhouse, Benjamin

Diaz W. Murray, Wichita Falls

J. Malcolm Shelton IV, Amarillo

Dale A. Smith, Amarillo

Jim Thompson, Breckenridge

Ross Thompson, Iowa Park

Wesley Welch, Lubbock

Pete Bonds Saginaw, 2013-2016

Richard Thorpe III, MD Winters, 2016-2018

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

G. Hughes Abell Austin, 2020-2022

Arthur G. Uhl III San Antonio, 2022-2024

REGION 2

Kevin Busher, Winters

Charles M. “Charley” Christensen Jr., San Angelo

C.A. “Chili” Cole IV, San Angelo

Alan F. Curry, San Angelo

James H. Dudley IV, Horseshoe Bay

Amanda Dyer, Fort Davis

Johnny Ferguson, Big Lake

DA Harral, Fort Stockton

Ron Helm, Van Horn

Heath Hemphill, Coleman

Shelby W. Horn, Fredericksburg

Larry R. Horwood, Sterling City

Grant Jones, Rochelle

Mark W. Jones, Brady

W. Clay Jones, Brady

Ty Keeling, Boerne

Lorenzo Lasater, San Angelo

Brian T. McLaughlin, Midland

David L. Neal, San Angelo

Gerald Nobles Jr., Brady

James Oliver, Ozona

Wade Perks, San Angelo

Jessica Tate, Marfa

James Uhl, Fort McKavett

Cody Webb, Barnhart

C. Clark Welder, Fredricksburg

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

Robert “Robbie” Graff, D’Hanis

Parke Greeson Jr., Goliad

Bret Griffith, Del Rio

Heath Grigg, Kingsville

Marty R. Harris, Tilden

Anson Howard, San Antonio

William Whitby Jones III, Hebbronville

Leslie Kinsel, Cotulla

Claude Koontz, San Antonio

Steven J. Mafrige, Tilden

Richard Marbach, Victoria

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

Cody Fry, College Station

Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, College Station

George Harrison, Bay City

Robert Hodgen, Houston

Colt Hoffmann, Marlin

Clay Kenley, Crockett

John Malazzo, Caldwell

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 A. 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

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.

HONORARY DIRECTORS

William M. “Buck” Arrington, Pampa

Van Baize, Nocona

Bradford S. “Brad” Barnes, Fort Worth

Steve G. Beever, Pearsall

George Beggs IV, Fort Worth

Richard H. Bennett, San Antonio

Emry Birdwell, Henrietta

Mary Lou Bradley-Henderson, Childress

Chip Briscoe, Carrizo Springs

R.A. “Rob” Brown, Throckmorton

J.D. Cage, Muleshoe

Presnall Cage, Falfurrias

John W. Carpenter III, Dallas

Barrett D. Clark, Breckenridge

Martin W. Clement II, Kingsville

Thurman S. Clements Jr., Victoria

C.A. “Chip” Cole III, San Angelo

James T. Dangelmayr, Muenster

Nixon Dillard, Pleasanton

William C. “Billito” Donnell Jr., Alpine

Markham B. Dossett, Waco

Bob Drake, Davis, Oklahoma

James H. “Jim” Dudley, Comanche

Jay C. Evans, Dripping Springs

Trainor Evans, Mercedes

Leroy Ezer, Anahuac

Jim L. Gates, Pearsall

Richard Gates, Marfa

Mike Gibson, Paducah

Ronald J. “Ron” Gill, Chico

Frank Green, Liberty

W. H. “Billy” Green III, Albany

Milton S. Greeson Jr., Victoria

Thomas J. “Tommy” Haegelin, Concan

Dr. Philip C. Hardee, Beatrice, Alabama

Rafe Hargrove, Rotan

Tom J. Haynie, Navasota

Dr. Joe Pat Hemphill, Coleman

Ken Jordan, San Saba

Don Keeling, Fredericksburg

David W. Killam, Laredo

John Z. Kimberlin Jr., Dallas

Dan W. Kinsel III, Cotulla

Chris Lacy, Fort Davis

Steve C. Lewis, San Antonio

James E. “Jim” Link, Crowley

Coleman H. Locke, Hungerford

Ben Love, Marathon

Katharine Armstrong Love, Austin

Richard M. Lucas Jr., Houston

Robert B. Mansfield, Amarillo

Jon David Mayfield, Dublin

Jim McAdams, Seguin

James A. McAllen, Linn

William “Alan” McNeill, Beaumont

Len P. Mertz, San Angelo

Evalyn Moore, Richmond

Raymond E. Moore IV, Richmond

Bob Moorhouse, Weatherford

Tom Moorhouse, Benjamin

Beth Knolle Naiser, Sandia

Russell Noble, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Les Nunn, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

Boots O’Neal, Guthrie

James Palmer, Roaring Springs

Rick Peebles, Baytown

Tim Pennell, Westhoff

Tom Perini, Buffalo Gap

Jim Peters, Quemado

Scott Petty Jr., San Antonio

Bill Phinizy, Gail

Frank Price, Sterling City

Gary Price, Blooming Grove

Mary Joe Reynolds-Montgomery, Fort Worth

Tom L. Roach III, Bozeman, Montana

Charles R. “Butch” Robinson, Navasota

Nolan Ryan, Round Rock

M. Stuart Sasser, Corpus Christi

Gordon E. Sauer, Fredericksburg

Wilson Scaling, Henrietta

Chris Scharbauer, Amarillo

Frates Seeligson Jr., San Antonio

Ed Small, Austin

Danny B. Stewart, Sterling City

Guy F. Stovall Jr., El Campo

Gerald Sullivan, Galveston

Stephen T. “Steve” Swenson, Dallas

Rick Tate, Marfa

Cliff Teinert, Albany

Richard Traylor, Batesville

Robert J. Underbrink, Houston

Tom Watson, Muleshoe

Dennis W. Webb, Barnhart

John Welch, Wolfforth

Richard Wortham, Austin

Ken Welch, Baird

Roger F. Welder, Victoria

A.B. Wharton, Vernon

W.C. “Billy” Williams, Mertzon

David W. Winters, Del Rio

Dr. M. R. “Mike” Wirtz, Brenham

Tom Woodward, Decatur

Bart Wulff, Dallas

Curtis A. Younts Jr., Belton

SPECIAL RANGERS

New Members

3111 Ranches Ltd. Midland

7C+ Ranch Horseshoe Bay

Pete Van Adrichem Hereford

Lillie Alinger Memphis

Braxton Anderson Austin

Kyler Andrews Nacogdoches

Evan Athre Prosper

Layton Avery Ivanhoe

Bar U Cattle Co Fredericksburg

Christian Barrera Robstown

BJC Land & Cattle Carrollton

Sterling Bruce Childress

Keoni Brummond Magnolia

Reven Brummond Magnolia

Matthew Buenrostro Scotland

Luke Butler Hereford

CH Livestock LLC Roanoke

Circle L Ranch Weatherford

Connie Clark Uvalde

Robin Clark Uvalde

Rex Cleveland Cedar Park

Ava Conway Fulshear

Dawson Ranch College Station

Kenon Diaz Slaton

Double J Ranch Silsbee

Sean English Belton

Yolanda Escovedo Memphis

Darby Evans Little River-Academy

Kierstyn Fey Stockdale

Teal Francis Hereford

Khloe Fusilier Cleburne

Mason Gardner Farmersville

Sofia Garvin Dallas

Ari Gayle Leander

Ainsley George Coleman

Pandon Gerhart Normangee

Kody Gerke Wharton

Kelsey Glass Woodway

Roy Glasscock Trenton

Addason Goodwin Wichita Falls

N. Griffin Klein

Brennand Hale Westbrook

Texas Hammond Newcastle

Bently Hampton Amarillo

Kamdyn Haney McKinney

Trevor Harney Splendora

Weston Hartsell College Station

Reese Harvick McKinney

Paislee Hataway Sunray

Riley Hataway Sunray

Hunter Hedrick Wellington

Cohen Hensley Stockdale

Liliy Hickman Fredericksburg

Grasyn Hinze Chappell Hill

Claire Hodge Texarkana

Abigail Hooks Magnolia

Emily Hrubetz Stockdale

Madison Hunzerker McKinney

Berta Jasso Odem

Jaynes Brand Farm & Ranch Savoy

Trint Jeschke Hamilton

Colter Johnson Hamilton

Caden Joy Olney

Collectively Representing 243 YEARS in the Cattle Business!

SALE CONTACTS

Owner: John Kopycinski 979-251-2530

Consultants: Gary Bruns 830-391-0766

Kent Smith 979-540-8338

Mike Arnold 979-732-7679

Charlie Tiner 713-252-4662

Auctioneer: Troy Robinett 817-995-7509

New Members

Laney Julin Ferris

Aidan Kelly Slaton

Peyton King McKinney

Kostiha Cattle Co. Gordon

KP Ranch Katy

Grayson Krahn Richmond

Kenshelle Lilly Missouri City

Leilani Martinez Eagle Pass

Roberta Martinez Eagle Pass

Ava Mathis Odem

Mattison Mays Schertz

McKenzie Mays Stockdale

Louden McConlogne Canyon

McCreary Cattle Bay City

Cameron & Kaley McGhee Winnie

Emily Minatrea Cameron

Mylee Moffett Columbus

Deegan Moody Chico

Mott Farms Spruger

Noble Equine Veterinary Service PLLC Norman, Oklahoma

Danielle Ortiz Lamesa

McKenna Owen Weatherford

Gage Payne Telephone

Mario Pena-Guerro McAllen

Cody Perez Nacogdoches

Aubrey & Jennifer Pitts Temple

Poerner Show Cattle Seguin

Natalie Pool Goldthwaite

Pot Hook Ranch Coalgate, Oklahoma

Rafter-S Bowie

Peter Redecop Warren

Savannah Riddell Cleburne

Harlow Rorie Weatherford

Benjamin Sayers Killeen

Cash Schesslen Amarillo

Scarlett Schlichting Magnolia

Landon Schnitker McKinney

Ethan Shivers Katy

Madilyn Sides McKinney

Brayden Smith Bonham

Lauren Smith McKinney

John & Connie Standridge Streetman

Starlight Ranch San Antonio

Texas Precision Ag Aviation Uvalde

Trout Land & Cattle Houston

Alden Tucker Cleburne

Luke Turner Houston

Lainey Turrentine Palmer

Natalie Velazquez Baytown

Stephanie Villa Barrera Ferris

Violet Cattle Co. Tyler

Adin Vuong Conroe

Paisley Walk Robstown

Wandering J Farms Corpus Christi

Karmen Watts Nacogdoches

Elijah Weaver Mertzon

Wesson Farms LLC Palestine

Bree Willoughby Wylie

David Wiltz Houston

Emily Wittekiend Paducah

WM Harris Angus Sulphur Springs

Zoe Woodworth Ferris

Karen Wright Commerce

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: Daniel Keese, 361-449-7942

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: Wes Martin, 281-782-4412

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

Superior Science. Smart Solutions.

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Learn more about whole herd protection with Endovac-Beef at EndovacAnimalHealth.com.

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: Wednesday

Contact: Douglas Brunet, 830-708-6537

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

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

22ND ANNUAL HOLT CAT® SYMPOSIUM ON EXCELLENCE IN RANCH MANAGEMENT

Impacts of Beef Carcass Size on System Production Efficiency

NOVEMBER 6-7, 2025 || RIVIERA, TX & ONLINE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025

11:00 AM Registration & Networking

1:00 PM Welcome

1:15 PM The Consumer and Beef Quality: Is there any indication consumer pursuit of quality beef will wane?; Danette Amstein, Managing Principal, Midan Marketing

2:00 PM Reshaping the Meat Case: New Cuts, Better Value; Kaylee Greiner, Manager, Retail & Foodservice Engagement, Texas Beef Council

2:45 PM Break

3:15 PM Packer Perspective on Carcass Size: What are the limitations?; Glen Dolezal, PhD, Retired Assistant Vice President, Cargill Protein

4:00 PM Feeder Perspective: Impacts of longer days on feed & what are the limitations?; Justin Gleghorn, PhD, Director of Cattle Risk Management, Cactus Feeders

4:45 PM Speaker Panel Discussion

5:15 PM Adjourn

5:30 PM Social Hour at Erma Center Patio

6:30 PM Prime Rib Dinner

7:30 PM Recognition and Texas Farm Credit Certificate Awards

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025

7:00 AM Coffee & Pastries

8:00 AM Health Challenges: Impacts of longer days on feed and bigger cattle on feedyard health management; Miles Theurer, DVM, Research Director, Veterinary Research & Consulting Services

8:45 AM Cow-calf: Should cow size change, and if so, how?; David Lalman, PhD, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Oklahoma State University

9:30 AM Break

10:00 AM Seedstock: How will pursuit of heavier harvest weight and higher quality impact your selection decisions?; James Henderson, Co-Owner, Bradley 3 Ranch

10:45 AM Speaker Panel Discussion

11:15 PM New World Screwworm Update 12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM King Ranch Tour 5:15 PM Adjourn

With the lowest beef cow inventory since 1962, the industry continues to produce record-large quantities of the highest quality beef in the world. Cattle are being fed longer and to heavier finished weights than ever before. Consumer demand is driving fed and feeder cattle prices to record highs, weekly.

Deepen your appreciation for the US beef system and the future impacts of current production and marketing changes at the Holt Cat® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management.

STEVE & GINGER OLSON (806) 676-3556

Steve@olsoncattle.com www.olsoncattle.com

ANGUS BEEFMASTER BRAHMAN BRANGUS CHAROLAIS

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

Ashland, KS 67831 • (620) 635-2156 Mark • Greg • GAR@GardinerAngus.com www.GardinerAngus.com

Ranch Beefmasters

Beefmaster Cattle Ranches in Webb, Wilson and Kendall counties Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2947 Laredo, Texas 78044

Registered Black Angus

HOGUE CATTLE COMPANY <—>

Robert L. Hogue M.D. • Judy Hogue 6 Spring Hollow, Brownwood, Texas 76801

Ranch: 10108 CR 237 • Phone: 325-643-2225 Cell: 325-647-9168 • Fax: 326-643-6235 Email: rlhmd@familymedical.us

Dale & Brenda Jenkins 806-852-2485, 806-255-8873

www.littlerobeangusranch.com

Black Herefords bacicafarms.com

. P.O. Box 595 • Raymondville, Texas 78580

Mitch Thomas: 956-535-0936 Tonnyre Thomas Joe: 956-535-0942 thomasra@gte.net www.thomascharolais.com

Mike & Carla Bacica 11707 FM 2868 Flint, TX 75762

Mike: 903-520-0390 mbpga@aol.com

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

COATES RANCH COMPANY

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Upcoming Events

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 3

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Kingsville When: 5:30 p.m.

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Sulphur Springs When: 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 9

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Comanche When: 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 11

Wichita Falls Luncheon

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

THURSDAY, SEPT. 11 -

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21

Oklahoma State Fair Where: Oklahoma City

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13

Young Cattle Raisers Clay Shoot & Dinner Where: Greystone Castle Shooting Club, Mingus When: 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 16

Ranching 101: Selecting Your Next Herd Sire Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 18

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Cameron When: 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Waco When: 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 -

SUNDAY, OCT. 19

State Fair of Texas Where: Dallas

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27

Replacement Female Sale

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

MONDAY, SEPT. 29

Gardiner Angus Ranch: 21st Annual Fall Production Sale Where: Ashland, Kansas

OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1

TSCRA Young Cattlemen’s Conference and Spring Internship Applications Due

THURSDAY, OCT. 2

Dudley Bros: 64th Annual Bull Sale Where: Comanche When: 12 p.m.

Bayou Creek Ranch: 7th Annual Production Sale Where: Lone Grove, Oklahoma When: 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 7WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8

R.A. Brown Ranch: Bull, Female & Quarter Horse Sales Where: Throckmorton

THURSDAY, OCT. 9

Special Bull Sale

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

GKB Cattle: Annual Fall Bull Sale Where: Desdemona When: 12 p.m.

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Westhoff When: 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 11

Thomas Charolais: 24th Annual Bull Sale Where: Raymondville When: 1 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 12TUESDAY, OCT. 14

Texas Cattle Feeders Assoc. Annual Convention Where: Fort Worth

TUESDAY, OCT. 14

Powell Ranch Herefords: 28th Annual Production Sale Where: Fort McKavett When: 12:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 14

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: San Angelo When: 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15

12th Annual Hill Country Youth Heifer Sale Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 11 a.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 16

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Fredericksburg When: 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 20

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Buffalo Gap When: 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 21

Ranching 101: Disease DefenseRecognizing and Treating Common Illnesses Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 25

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

Fall “Best of the Best” Replacement Female Sale Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

South Texas Hereford Assoc.: Fall Bull Sale & Pride of Texas Female Sale Where: Beeville Livestock Comm., Beeville When: 12 p.m.

Oak Creek Farms: Fall Brangus Bull Sale Where: Chappell Hill When: 12:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 26TUESDAY, OCT. 28

Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference Where: Waco Convention Center, Waco

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29

TSCRA Ranch Gathering Where: Leonard When: 5:30 p.m.

WeedMaster ® XHL Herbicide is an innovative premix powered by Dual Salt Technology ™ and DGA dicamba to put pasture problems behind you. Control more than 90 types of weeds and brush with reduced volatility, low odor and enhanced tank-mix compatibility—and more treated acres with every jug.

See how modern 2,4-D makes a difference at nufarm.com/uscrop/weedmaster-xhl

SEPTEMBER 1925

On the cover is J.H. White, a pioneer stockman of McCulloch County, as he appeared in the Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association Parade held in Brady July 28-30, 1925.

Later in the issue, an author further explored the role of pioneers: “Pioneering is always fascinating and romantic, in whatever form we find it. Pilgrims come to the eastern coast of our country; ox teams pull covered wagons on to new homes, until the West is conquered.

“Along with these people, in every case, have gone their domestic animals — dogs and horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. These creatures have done pioneering for themselves, even while their owners were choosing new locations.” T C

after Planting fter Planting

after Planting

“Several years ago I made the switch to Nelson Tetraploid Ryegrass from Gulf ryegrass. NO WAY I’m going back to Gulf... Nelson increases forage production and extends grazing days.

With Nelson, the ranch is producing more Beef, and that means more dollars to our bottom line ... with only a little extra seed cost. The extra production from this switch to Nelson really helps to reduce our costs. (fertilizer and fuel costs)

I’m staying with Nelson Ryegrass! NO WAY I’m going back... My cattle like it... and so do I!”

Carlos Bonnot - DVM

Bonnot Ranch • La Ward, Texas