TSCRA Convention Scheduled
March 28-31 In Fort Worth

FORT WORTH — Producing consumer-friendly, competitively priced beef will be the primary focus of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association's 122nd annual convention. The event is scheduled for March 28-31 in Forth Worth.

Speakers will include Jay Poole of Philip Morris Companies, world's largest manufacturer and marketer of consumer packaged goods; Molly Meade of H-E-B Grocery Co., which markets beef through 250 family-owned stores, primarily in Texas; Billy Lloyd of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which promotes beef in foreign markets; Dr. Dell Allen of Excel; and Scott Gates of Sysco Corp., the largest food service distributor company in America.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner and TSCRA director Susan Combs will outline TDA's plans to promote value-added Texas agricultural products; NCBA President George Swan will talk about priorities of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association; and representatives of the Texas Beef Council will discuss industry partnership projects.

The ladies' breakfast will feature a presentation on "Beef: the Forgotten Food," by Tim Cunningham, president of the Eat-Rite Health Promotion Center in Amarillo.

Dr. Ernie Davis, Extension livestock marketing specialist, will lead a question-and-answer session on prices; Robert C. Brown of Farm Credit Bank of Texas will discuss ag credit; George Bomar of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission will present a weather outlook; and Kenneth Webster of Ag Jobs USA will look at the quality of the workforce.

TSCRA attorney Ed Small will discuss water issues, revision of the Texas Constitution and other legislative and tax topics that affect cattle producers.

Animal health experts will discuss brucellosis and state and federal plans to protect cattle from diseases and infestations. Speakers include Dr. Phillip Pickerill with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Dr. Terry Beals with the Texas Animal Health Commission, and Edwin Bowers with the USDA Tick Eradication Program.

Wildlife specialists will discuss how to combine cattle and wildlife for greater economic benefit. Participating in an open discussion will be Dr. Fred Guthery, professor in wildlife ecology at Oklahoma State University; Dr. Fred Bryant of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute; Dr. Gary Graham of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and Joe Coleman, attorney and quail hunting enthusiast. Greg Simonds, former manager of Deseret Land and Livestock, will share his experiences in "Balancing Cattle and Wildlife and Society's Environmental Concerns."

Participants will also be updated on association activities and programs. In the Brand and Inspection Committee Meeting, James Cambier with Iriscan, Inc., will present preliminary test results of a new method to identify horses and cattle. It uses technology based on recognition of unique patterns in the iris of the eye.

Participants will also hear an update on horse theft awareness and prevention from Pete Gibbs, Extension horse specialist; a review of recent horse theft cases from TSCRA field inspectors Butch Davis and Eddie Foreman; and a report on inspecting brands on cattle entering Mexico from Jody Henderson, TSCRA director of brand inspection.

The Association Promotion Committee meeting will feature reports on TSCRA outreach meetings, ranch gatherings, the TSCRA School for Successful Ranching, the Horse Identification Program, the Seedstock Committee and the Corporate Development Council.

Convention-goers will also have the opportunity to participate in the TSCRA School for Successful Ranching; a 250-exhibit trade show, a young cattlemen's leadership meeting, cowboy church, a silent auction, entertainment from Ray Price at Billy Bob's Texas, dancing to the music of Dave Alexander and the Legends of Swing, a young people's party, and beef served up by chuck wagon cook Tom Perini. A childcare center will also be provided.

More information on any of the events is available from TSCRA headquarters at (800)242-7820.