More than 200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services to cattle producers across the state at the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) 35th Annual Trade Show during the cattle raiser convention March 19-21.

"The TSCRA Trade Show is all about making connections between buyers and sellers, between companies and clients, and most of all between friends," TSCRA President Dave Scott said.  "Our trade show is one of the premier agricultural trade shows in the Southwest.  At least 80 percent of our exhibitors come back every year to reach our members.  They come ready to do business with cattle raisers."

Exhibitors will be on-hand at the Trade Show to showcase the latest in ranch equipment and management tools, western wear and jewlery.  Attendees can also learn more about different products and services including animal health products, animal identification, herd management, real estate, veterinary services, seed products and much much more. 

"The TSCRA Trade Show is one of the best shows we attend each year," said returning exhibitor Jim Calhoun with Calhoun Custom Leather.  "It is a great place to network and to talk face-to-face with cattle producers about our latest products."

Trade show hours will be from noon to 6 p.m.on March 19 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 20.  For more information visit www.texascattleraisers.org/convention.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization.  As the largest livestock association in Texas,  TSCRA represents more than 15,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 51.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.  TSCRA provides law enforcement and livestock inspection services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry news and information, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry. 

Obama Administration Names Appointees to
USDA’s Farm Service Agency State Committee in Texas
February 1, 2010
texagnet

The Obama Administration today announced the individuals who will serve on the Texas Farm Service Agency State Committee. The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency, including carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs. 

“These individuals will work with USDA to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our nation’s rural communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “They bring the experience and passion necessary to help continue the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America.” 

The individuals appointed to serve on this committee include:

Jerry D. Glover (Chairperson)

Glover, from Muleshoe, Texas, has over 45 years of experience in Agriculture policy.  Glover is a third generation farmer currently farming in Parmer County. He has received multiple awards, including the Heroes of American Agriculture Award by the American Corn Growers Association in 1996. He served from 1994-1996 as Chairman of Parmer County FSA Committee and served as the Executive Director of the Texas Corn Producers Board from 1996-1999.  From 1997-2001, Glover served on the USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Executive Advisory Committee. He is currently a board member for the Bailey County Farm Bureau.

Debra Barrett

Barrett, from Edroy, Texas, is a fourth generation cotton farmer, and has been farming cotton and grain sorghum since 1981. For the last six years, she has served as a member on the San Patricio County FSA Committee.  In 2005, she received a USDA appointment to the Cotton Board. Ms. Barrett is a Director of South Texas Cotton and Grain Association and has participated in the National Cotton Council’s Cotton Leadership Program.  She currently serves as the president of San Patricio County Drainage District and is a member of the Sinton Rotary Club.

Armando Mandujano

Mandujano, from Coyanosa, Texas, owns Mandujano Brothers, a partnership with his three brothers. The farming operation consists of 4,000 acres producing watermelons, cotton, onions, pumpkins, and peppers in Pecos and Reeves County. Mandujano has served as an advisor to the Pecos County FSA Committee. He was also a member of the Trans Pecos Cotton Growers Association. Mr. Mandujano received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Angelo State University and is fluent in Spanish.

 Wesley Ratcliff

Ratcliff, from Oakwood, Texas, has been involved in agriculture for most of his life, and has owned and operated his current ranch for over 9 years. He served in the Army from 1963 to 1965. After leaving the Army, he worked as an aerospace engineer for NASA for four years. Mr. Ratcliff also was an Assistant Professor of Mathematics for Texas Southern University for several years. He has a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Houston and Bachelor’s of Science degree from Prairie View University.

 Glen A. Rod

Rod, from El Campo, Texas, owns and operates Rod Grass Farm LLC and Jones Creek Farm JV growing rice, row crops, and turf grass. He has served on the boards of the El Campo PCA, Rice Council, Rice Farmers Co-Op, and Turfgrass Producers of Texas. His accomplishments include being named Rice Farmer of the Year, Soybean Farmer of the Year, and Ag Man of the Year. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Texas A&M University.

 USDA’s Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs. 

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.

TDA Receives More than $770,000 to Enhance Biosecurity in Texas
January 20, 2010
texagnet

Agriculture Commissioner Todd staples today announced the Texas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $772,301 in funding from USDA to monitor entry of plant pests at strategic checkpoints and conduct reviews of Texas' plant pest detection and response activities.

"It is essential we protect our $106 billion Texas agriculture industry from dangerous plant pests and diseases, Commissioner Staples said. "These critical biosecurity funds will assist us in our goal of enhancing early plant pest detection and surveillance, threat identification and safeguarding our nursery industry."

TDA will use the funds to conduct roadside and market inspections. Inspectors will search for quarantined products that are infested with pests or carrying dangerous diseases. TDA was awarded $107, 479 to enhance plant pest and disease exclusion, detection and response activities. The agency received an additional $664,822 to survey critical Texas entry points for pests along known-risk pathways.

"We are pleased to see these funds coming to the Texas Department of Agriculture," said Ray Prewett, Texas Citrus Mutual vice president. "TDA's road station inspection program has been very beneficial to the citrus industry, and enhancing the program will protect agriculture production in the Lone Star State."

USDA has allocated $45 million from the 2008 Farm Bill for building and preserving critical plant health initiatives this year. Funding is being provided to state state departments of agriculture, universities, nonprofit organizations and USDA agencies.