TSCRA Talk

Miranda Skaggs of Bryan, Texas and Emmie Bertoni of Yoakum, Texas join TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to share about their experience this past summer at the inaugural Cattle Raisers Roundup.  The group of – 15 youth from across the state of Texas spent five days touring all aspects of the cattle industry including TCU Ranch Management, R.A. Brown Ranch, Texas Tech University Red Raider Meats, H-E-B, Lubbock Impact, Caviness Packers, Bar G Feedyard, Wrangler Feedyard, Timber Creek Veterinarian Hospital, Snack Pak 4 Kids, WTAMU Caviness Meat Lab, T-Bar Ranch, and Tarleton State University.  Skaggs and Bertoni share about their favorite parts and most memorable experiences from the week. Additionally, each participant drew a speech topic and gathered information throughout the week and gave a presentation to close out the Roundup. Skaggs and Bertoni were selected to each receive a $1,000 scholarship as the top two presentations. 

In episode 34 of TSCRA Talk, host Kristen Brown visits with 92 year-old Jimmie Powell of Fort McKavett. Powell shares stories of working cattle horseback from a young age out of necessity during the war. He tells of riding his pony and training horses as he got older. Additionally, Powell talks of how ranching has changed over the years and the importance of being involved with agriculture organizations and specifically the legislative aspect. Thank you to our sponsor, the Texas Department of Agriculture. 

Chad McNutt, co-founder of Livestock Wx, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, for a high-level discussion on drought.  A biologist by trade, McNutt has experience working for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a livestock background to provide cattle raisers valuable insight on the situation. McNutt shares the duration of a drought is key as it impacts grass production, soil moisture and tank levels.  He offers comments on the current situation in Texas, with a dry spring and summer, reinforcing the drought. According to McNutt, trend of summer temperatures across the country getting hotter, which causes a drought to intensify quickly when there is a deficit of precipitation. Additionally, he says livestock producers should keep in mind that dry conditions are always  operating somewhere, and regardless of duration, they all have different impacts to factor in when managing a ranch. A special thank you to our sponsor - the Texas Department of Agriculture. 

Hannah Fuerniss, manager of nutrition and health with the Texas Beef Council, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the role of beef in a balanced diet. Fuerniss discusses the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a joint report from USDA and the Health and Human Services Department, which is meant for nutrition and health professionals who can then make decisions and recommendations with the intention of improving overall health for individuals and family in the U.S. She shares that there is great news for beef as the report recognizes that lean meat can support a healthy lifestyle, and that the nutrients found in beef are essential at every life stage. The latest guidelines are segmented into life stages with more specific recommendations provided for each group. Fuerniss highlighted that several life stages such as pregnant women, babies and toddlers, teen girls and older adults are at risk of deficiency of many nutrients that are readily available in beef such as iron, zinc, protein, B vitamins and choline. Through the conversations Fuerniss goes into detail about feeding beef to babies as a first food, consuming beef during the adolescent years and the importance of beef for adults as well. 

Coleman Locke and his son, John Locke, of the J.D. Hudgins ranch in Hungerford, TX join TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss operating a multi-generational ranch. As a fifth-generation family member at the ranch, Coleman likens working with different generations of family to a marriage – communication is vital. John, who is part of the sixth generation working on the ranch, says that succession and transition of the business is one of the biggest challenges in agriculture. He encourages listeners to step outside of themselves and into the other persons shoes as each person is in a different stage of life and has had different experiences. Learn the family customs, Coleman encourages; understand the history of the ranch, the things that have worked and the things that haven’t worked, and become very acquainted with what is going on to see how it can be improved upon. Similarly, John shares that with the current challenges to ranching the energy and creativity of the young people can prove beneficial. Additionally, John notes the value of seeking out professional help with lawyers and accountants but also a mediator to help walk through family dynamics.  A special thanks to our sponsor – Redd Summit Advisors. Links: tscra.org mydryranch.com 

Jay Evans, chair of the TSCRA water subcommittee, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, with an update on important topics for cattlemen and landowners concerning water. Evans starts by commenting that drought tends to put a spotlight on water and the need for clean, usable water. He talks about the Texas Produced Water Consortium formed during the 2019 Texas Legislative Session, which is focused on studies to use produced water, and the conversations around the ownership of the groundwater.  Additionally, Evans discusses the Texas Supreme Court’s decision around jurisdiction to decide disputes over ownership of water rights, the proposed construction of Lake Ringgold and critical habitat. Closing out the episode, Evans talks about the United States Supreme Court’s decision to hear Sackett v. EPA, allowing the court to re-examine its decision from the Rapanos case in 1986; this could be the final say in the WOTUS definition and simultaneously take WOTUS out of the hands of the Executive Branch. 

In episode 29 of TSCRA Talk, Brent Smith, Kinney County Attorney and third-generation rancher, joins host, Kristen Brown, to share his experience both personally and professionally with the crises on the border.Smith describes the current state in the county as an active invasion with the high-speed smuggling cases, bailouts and helicopters flying day and night trying to apprehend illegal immigrants. He notes that the border patrol’s report for the month of April included 234,000 apprehensions which is estimated to be only 10-12% of the total people who crossed the border.Everyday life of the area ranchers has drastically changed he says as trespassing is a daily occurrence, which means the ranchers must check fence constantly as well as ensure their livestock water has not been vandalized. Additionally, hunting leases have been impacted by the foot traffic and the lack of safety on the ranches.As a solution to the current problem, Smith encourages that Governor Abbott evoke the power of article 1 in the constitution which provides governors the power to protect their own borders when the federal government fails to do so; doing so would force all entries to go through a port as is supposed to be done.Smith shares, “It’s like Texas is on the operating table with a gunshot wound and we are trying to put Band-Aids on it, and we are bleeding out."

Jon DeClerck, a cattle consulting nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the planning that goes into a successful breeding season. DeClerck highlights the fact that reproduction is the number one factor that effects profitability at the ranch. He discusses having the right nutrition available for cows throughout the year to increases the opportunity for the cow to be successfully bred and raise her calf. When it comes to bulls, he encourages a year-round mindset and planning ahead to ensure they are in top shape to do their job during breeding season. Additionally, DeClerck discusses the importance of a defined breeding season of 60-90 days to optimize production efficiency and ensure resources are going to the cows that are most productive. Along those lines, he also mentions the importance of good record keeping as the memory isn’t always reliable. 

AgriLife Extension assistant professor and economist Justin Benavidez joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the ins and outs of selling beef directly to consumers. He shares that there are risks and rewards for producers who engage in the direct selling process, which he goes into detail about through the conversation. Benavidez recommends starting with a business plan that first outlines the goals of the producer in order for success to be measured and to ensure the production model can fulfill the goals. Additionally, the business plan should include the partners to work with throughout the supply chain and specific licenses that will be required, which he discusses in detail. Benavidez says that to be in this business profitably, planning is vital before any steps are taken to execute the plan.  The conversation includes Benavidez sharing his insight on starting small and simple as well as building to a large scale and the considerations that need to be made through the process. Benavidez, along with Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, are in the final stages of producing a book that will cover the legal and economic aspects of direct marketing beef. They will also be hosting workshops on the topic as well later in 2022. 

TSCRA Special Ranger Marvin Wills joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to share a few of his most memorable cases over the last 14 years, as well as tips to prevent cattlemen from becoming the victim of a crime.Wills explains the importance of staying vigilant with livestock and property, which includes keeping a record of all equipment VIN numbers and having contracts on all partnerships. He stresses the importance of knowing your neighbors–have their phone number and contact them if something out of the norm is noticed. As technology has increased so have the crimes committed through online transactions Wills says. He encourages cattlemen to talk to the real person who is selling livestock or equipment online and to not provide payment until it has been delivered and inspected. Wills reminds listeners to brand their cattle. Tune in to hear about the crimes committed by two criminals who devised a plan after meeting in prison.

Dr. Ben Espy, a veterinarian with an extensive equine-focused practice, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss equine wellness tips. In addition to being the King Ranch veterinarian, Espy cares for professional roughstock and timed event horses. For 25 years, he has served as  the head of veterinary services at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. He was awarded the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association's Veterinarian of the Year award for 2021.Espy discusses the importance of a vaccination program for all horses at the ranch, especially if some horses are leaving for competitions and then returning without a quarantine period. Hoof care and teeth floating are also discussed, with Espy suggesting that a variety of factors be considered when it comes to human intervention. When it comes to equine nutrition and body condition he shares that a horse can only gain three pounds per day and it takes about 100 pounds of body weight to see a change in the horse; therefore, time must be given to the horse for the change to happen. Wrapping up the episode, Grace Dunham, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association's executive director of events and partnerships, joins Brown to discuss the upcoming Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo. The event will be held March 25-27 in Fort Worth. Dunham shares President George W. Bush will be the keynote speaker in a fireside chat with Red Steagall. Additionally, there are new components being added to the convention including a graduate research poster showcase and a learning lounge where speakers from the School for Successful Ranching will be available to answer additional questions. Another new event is the After Party Saturday night for the young and young at heart to continue to visit and two-step. To learn more about the Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo, visit cattleraisersconvention.com. 

Sustainability expert Myriah Johnson joins TSCRA Talk host Kristen Brown to discuss three components that make up the broad scope of sustainability — environmental, economics and social. Later in the conversation, Johnson shares about ongoing research to continue to strive for improvement in terms of sustainability.Digging deeper into the environmental pillar of sustainability, Johnson explains it includes greenhouse gases, water, ecosystems but, often, each topic overlaps with another pillar. The economic pillar focuses on the financial viability of each level of the industry but also includes how the local economy is impacted by the beef industry as well as the generational transfer of cattle operations which keeps working lands working. The social pillar encompasses health and nutrition of beef as well as the mental health component of beef producers.Johnson shares that a lot of current research is focused on the social pillar as that has been an under-studied area. Community security is a specific topic that is being evaluated as researchers look at the ways in which ranchers contribute to their communities and, in turn, what ranchers need from a community.Wrapping up the episode, Johnson says that continued conversations about sustainability are important because consumers are asking questions and it is also a great way to continue to improve the industry. Resources to learn more include beefitswhatsfordinner.com and beefresearch.org.

Jeremy Fuchs, director of policy communications and government relations at Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joins TSCRA Talk host Kristen Brown to discuss the legislative happenings in 2021. Fuchs shares that the second and third special legislative session in Texas produced productive funding for border security and COVID relief funds to help with rural broadband infrastructure and rural hospitals. Redistricting was an important component and Fuchs says with the growing populations of Texas in urban areas it’s important for rural communities to keep their voice. Additionally, Fuchs discusses the government relations team’s work monitoring state and federal agencies rules and regulatory framework that has been proposed. Two significant items include the infrastructure bill that passed and has been signed by President Biden and the Build Back Better plan, which, as of recording time, had not yet moved to the Senate. Fuchs debunks a tax myth about the Build Back Better plan and says that the bill has already been cut down to about half the original cost which eases a lot of concerns about taxes. With the change in administration this year Fuchs talks about a variety of other issues that they have been monitoring. Closing out the episode, Brown asks Fuchs to share two topics that cattlemen and landowners need to be aware of in 2022. Tune in to hear his response. 

Justin Sexten, farm boy turned ranch tech expert, joins TSCRA Talk host Kristen Brown to discuss utilizing technology at the ranch. Sexten says the best advancements provide the user with a simpler experience, saving them time. He says technology offers a lot of opportunity in converting data points into usable information to visualize in a valuable way, ultimately leading to making fact-based decisions no matter the size or scope of your operation. For cattlemen who are already collecting data and information digitally, Sexten encourages continued development of the data by evaluating what questions cannot be answered about the cattle and what data is needed to meet that need. Additionally, he shares insight into the latest and greatest technology that producers are currently using and what he anticipates will be the next advancements. 

In this episode, Radale Tiner joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss  buying and selling at seedstock cattle sales. For cattlemen in the market for bulls, Tiner recommends knowing what your end goal is with the calves that will be produced and make a game plan accordingly. Tiner also recommends communicating with the seedstock producer as they will want to help their customers be successful in finding the bull that is going to best fit the operation and the producer's goals. On the producer side of the sale, Tiner encourages good customer service by being available to answer questions but also proactively reaching out and staying in touch with buyers. 

Jeff Goodwin, conservation stewardship leader and senior pasture and range consultant with the Noble Research Institute, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss regenerative ranching. Goodwin explains it is the process of restoring the degraded grazing lands using practices based on ecological principles. He shares how both ecology and economics flourish jointly on the ranch. Additionally, Goodwin explains the importance of the right mindset —  seeing opportunities where a challenge once might have been perceived.   

Risk management analyst Casey Mabry joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss basics of risk management for cattlemen. On the episode he discusses tools for managing risk looking at both the downside and the upside of the market. A key factor he says is building a plan and then working through the plan with a long-term vision in place, which helps keep emotions from taking over. Mabry goes on to explain Livestock Risk Protection insurance, which is underwritten by USDA, protect downside risk but it doesn’t limit upside growth. Closing out the episode Kaleb McLaurin, TSCRA's executive director of government and public affairs, joins Brown with a brief update on the 87th Texas Legislative session. McLaurin shares that quite a few pieces of good legislation passed this session. “Anytime the legislature comes to town and doesn’t do harm that is a good thing,” McLaurin says. He touches specifically on the eminent domain reform bill says they are considering it a “net zero bill” because it didn’t change drastically but it does set minimum easement terms with the passage of the bill. Two special sessions called by Gov. Abbott are expected this year to address winter storm Uri legislation and redistricting. 

Texas Beef Council Executive Vice President Molly McAdams joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss consumer trends over the past 15 months (and share which ones are sticking around). McAdams shares that during the pandemic consumers were learning to cook at home and turned to their online platforms for information. She explains how the Texas Beef Council  team focuses on meeting consumers where they are with the information they are seeking. As sustainability continues to be top-of-mind for both producers and consumers, McAdams shares the importance of producers sharing their story to build trust and transparency. Have you ever heard of a flexitarian? Tune in to find out what it is. Thanks to LANDVisor by Corteva Agriscience for sponsoring this episode. Links mentioned:landvisor.corteva.combeeflovingtexans.comtexasbeefcheckoff.comtscra.org 

Texas AgriLife Extension Agricultural Law Specialist Tiffany Lashmet joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the importance of properly setting up a hunting lease. Lashmet shares a variety of topics that need to be included in the written hunting lease as well as who needs to sign the lease. Landowner liability protection is another important factor when it comes to having people on the land, according to Lashmet. "You never think it will happen to you.” Lashmet says, “And the odds are probably that it won’t. But if it does, taking the time to really prepare ahead of time ... is money really well spent." Later, Grace Dunham, TSCRA's executive director of events and partnerships, joins Brown to discuss Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo, which will be held July 23-25 in Fort Worth. The event will include 30 hours of educational opportunities, live cattle demonstrations, more than 250 trade show exhibitors, evening receptions and a dinner and dance featuring Jake Hooker and the Outsiders. Registration is open now with early bird pricing available until June 1. This episode of TSCRA Talk is sponsored by LANDVisor from Corteva Agriscience.     Links:tscra.orgcattleraisersconvention.com agrilife.org/texasaglawlandvisor.corteva.com

More than 7,000 bills have been filed for the 87th legislative session in Texas this year. Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Director of Government Relations Kaleb McLaurin joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss top priorities for TSCRA as well as how COVID-19 has shifted many aspects of the session. The conversation covers eminent domain, rural broadband, animal import/export facilities, truth in labeling, farm animal liability act as well as other legislation. Additionally, McLaurin shares about how producers can stay up-to-date and the importance of engaging with their local representative.This episode of TSCRA Talk is sponsored by LANDVisor from Corteva Agriscience.