In
1877, 40 Texas cattlemen joined together out of their common interest to
end unbridled livestock theft and formed what was to become Texas and
Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Today's association is a grass roots organization composed of cattle
producers and operators of all sizes located primarily in Texas and
Oklahoma. Other businesses, all of which are dedicated to the betterment
of the industry, have joined. It's an organization that offers unique
services through its law enforcement and livestock inspection divisions,
which protect those involved in the cattle business.
TSCRA also provides a strong, unified voice for producers and others
concerned with legislation and regulation. It is a classroom for cattle
producers seeking additional knowledge on how to be more profitable,
whether they are just starting out or have been ranching all of their
lives. Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is made up of
many different people and organizations from different backgrounds,
ages, businesses and incomes. Yet for 128 years whenever those
associated with the ranching industry have had a common need, TSCRA has
been there to lend a hand.
Law Enforcement and Livestock Inspection
TSCRA offers 29 highly trained livestock theft investigators
strategically stationed throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Commissioned as
Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, these "field
inspectors" assist in recovering stolen livestock and equipment and
apprehending the thieves.
TSCRA Special Rangers are not only trained in all facets of law
enforcement, but are knowledgeable about the cattle industry. They
frequently provide educational programs on theft prevention and proper
branding procedures.
The law enforcement officers are aided in their efforts by 70 TSCRA
market inspectors who identify 4 million to 5 million cattle each year
at more than 115 Texas livestock markets. They report their findings to TSCRA’s Fort Worth headquarters, where the information is entered into
the largest centralized and computerized brand recording and retrieval
system in the nation. Headquarters support staff distribute information
on missing/stolen livestock to more than 700 law enforcement agencies
nationwide. The inspection program was authorized by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture through an act of Congress in 1942.
Legislative and Regulatory Issues
TSCRA offers representation on legislative and regulatory issues
by effective, articulate, volunteer leaders sensitive to the grass roots
concerns of cattle producers. TSCRA leaders take on key policy- and
decision-making roles with other national and state industry
organizations. TSCRA monitors all of the issues and can act as a
knowledgeable advocate for the cattle producer.
The association also offers support and assistance in the election of
conservative, pro-agriculture policy makers. All of these efforts result
in members receiving action reports and timely fact sheets on
legislative and regulatory issues at the state and national levels.
Texas Beef Quality Producer Program
The kind of beef you want your kids to eat!
That’s the goal of the Texas Beef Quality Producer program, an
educational program to help develop the kind of conscientious management
programs that are bringing a premium in today’s cattle market.
TBQP provides in-depth TBQP training related to beef safety, beef
quality and the relationships between beef production and the
environment. Participating producers will also get assistance in
developing a TBQP management plan customized for their own operation and
support in documenting essential management procedures to satisfy TBQP
guidelines.
The program is a cooperative effort among Texas and Southwestern
Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Beef Council and the Texas
Agricultural Extension Service, with input from the Texas Veterinary
Medical Association.
Information
TSCRA delivers up-to-date information to our members’ doorsteps.
Since 1914, its monthly magazine, The Cattleman, has been a
trusted, reliable resource to help ranchers make sound, informed
business decisions. Easy-to-understand articles explain how to manage
cattle and land to save time, reduce labor, cut costs and improve
profits. Twelve monthly issues keep producers up-to-date on trends,
legislation and technology that could significantly impact the way they
do business.
The association newsletter, TSCRA News Update, provides
members with time-sensitive information related to the cattle industry.
It keeps members on top of current issues; pending U.S., Texas and
Oklahoma legislation; animal health alerts; emergency assistance
programs; government regulations; TSCRA activities; and upcoming events.
TSCRA also has experienced staff members trained to respond to news
media and consumers to inform and educate them about issues that concern
the beef industry.
Insurance Services
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association offers members
access to an insurance benefit package that can usually be found with
employment through large corporations.
The major medical plan for individuals and families offers low annual
deductibles; a prescription drug program; mail-order prescriptions;
preventive care co-pays; dental and vision benefits; access to quality
care in rural areas; fewer claims to file; freedom-of-choice access to
more than 15,000 health care professionals; convenient ways to pay
premiums; and TSCRA’s friendly customer service!
TSCRA members can receive assistance in getting workers' compensation
insurance at a reduced cost through the TSCRA group purchase program.
The purchasing power of more than 300 participating members has resulted
in lower premiums and increased safety awareness. Safety videos and
educational seminars are available to assist members in running a safe
operation.
Eichlitz, Dennis, Wray, & Westheimer, TSCRA’s preferred
insurance provider, offers members access to business and personal
insurance including automobile; property and equipment; livestock
mortality; liability coverage for recreational activities conducted on
ranches for profit; disability; long-term care; and estate planning.
School for Successful Ranching
TSCRA’s School for Successful Ranching is designed to help both novice
and experienced ranchers learn more about range and pasture management,
beef cattle production and animal health. The two-day school is held
each year just prior to TSCRA’s annual convention.
Local Meetings
TSCRA provides ranchers with educational and social opportunities in
their own communities. Each year, educational meetings are scheduled in
different locations in Texas and Oklahoma. Ranch Gatherings provide a
relaxed atmosphere to meet and visit.
Annual Convention
TSCRA’s Annual Convention is where our grass-roots efforts begin to
grow into programs and policy. We listen to what our members tell us and
use it to provide a comprehensive learning experience with the best beef
industry and government speakers.
Open committee meetings provide cutting-edge information on
agricultural research, animal health, labor, legislation, taxes,
marketing, natural resources, environmental concerns and wildlife.
Annual Trade Show
TSCRA’s annual trade show is one of the premier agricultural trade
shows in the nation. If you want to learn more about the products and
services available to help you with your ranch operation, TSCRA’s
trade show is your opportunity to find them all under one roof. There
will be 250 ag-related exhibits staffed by knowledgeable company
representatives to answer all your questions.
TSCRA MasterCard
