Farm & Ranch
Protecting land and the competitiveness of cattle markets dominate TSCRA convention
FORT WORTH — Members of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) passed four resolutions during the closing general session of the 132nd annual convention in Fort Worth. The resolutions concern inactive well plugging, anti-competitiveness of the cattle industry, non-native and invasive plant species and Hurricane Ike.
The slumping economy and the low price of oil have left tens of thousands of oil and gas wells across the state abandoned and unplugged. Many of these inactive wells reside on the land of TSCRA members. TSCRA passed a resolution that would support legislative efforts to require all operators in the chain of title be held responsible for the timely plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells in the state.
“Many inactive wells trade hands and are allowed to ultimately end up in the hands of bankrupt operators who cannot afford to plug the wells,” TSCRA President Dave Scott said. “These wells pose a serious threat to groundwater and create an unsafe and unsightly mess on the land.”
Efforts are underway in the State Legislature to stop the pattern of allowing thousands of wells to go unplugged for years without recourse to the owners.
Cattle raisers passed an additional resolution that opposes any government policies relative to livestock ownership which threaten to dictate market conditions or negatively impact market prices.
“The ability of an individual or corporation to freely buy and sell their cattle through all available marketing channels is key in any cattle producers risk management strategy,” TSCRA President Dave Scott said. “The more the federal government tries to regulate the free cattle market, the more potential there is to disrupt the current market. Our members are already coping with a slowing economy and an historic drought. The last thing producers need is government interfering with the cattle markets.”
A resolution supporting the planting of native species in highway and pipeline rights-of-way, state parks, oil and gas areas, mines, gravel pits and other reclaimed areas also passed, as well as a resolution commending TSCRA Special Rangers and staff for their efforts during Hurricane Ike.
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Local youth wins Calf Scramble at Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo
FORT WORTH — Jacob Sheffield of Weatherford, Texas, a Perrin FFA member, was among the winners in the Calf Scramble event during the Feb. 4 evening performance of the Rodeo at the 114th edition of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show.
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Harry and the hog
Many of us took a meats course in college or have dressed wild game and have a basic understanding of how it gets from the pasture to the plate. Harry is not one of us, in that regard.
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County fairs, why?
“Most people just don’t get it,” said Ron, bemoaning the urban politicians that continue to whittle away at funding for county fairs and the ag extension service. “It’s all about the kids learning real life.”
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Hark the Herald Angel moments
There is a frequently told story by cowmen and veterinarians since herdsmen discovered fire. As I listened to a Georgia farmer recount his own personal version, I found myself imagining how the cow would feel?There is a frequently told story by cowmen and veterinarians since herdsmen discovered fire. As I listened to a Georgia farmer recount his own personal version, I found myself imagining how the cow would feel?
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Wind power, dairy digesters on tap at renewable energy forum in Stephenville
AUSTIN — Experts on renewable energy from across the state will gather in Stephenville in late January for a forum on how rural communities and agriculture in Texas can benefit from developing wind power, solar power, biomass and other forms of renewable energy.
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Good deeds gone awry
Most of us in our daily lives have occasion to be a good Samaritan
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Winter weather can stress livestock, calves for weeks
USAgNet — Severe winter weather places stress on livestock herds that can dampen their immune response and lead to potential losses.
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A glimmer of hope for the wild horses
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt anything but sadness for the wild horses.
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Texas Department of Agriculture seeks communities to participate in rural internship program
AUSTIN — Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced today the Texas Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals from communities interested in participating in the Texas Rural Internship Program.
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The National Cutting Horse Association announces 2009 Borden Milk/NCHA Futurity Champions.
FORT WORTH — The National Cutting Horse Association’s 23-day Futurity concluded Dec. 13.
The event, sponsored by Borden Milk, began Nov. 21, and more than 1,800 entries sought after a share of the $4 million purse.
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Local youth wins Calf Scramble at Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo
