Farm & Ranch

U.S. Drought Monitor 

Announcement from the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
9/26/2011
Attention Cattle Buyers & Shippers

Due to the severe drought, a number of Texas cattle are currently being moved to other states.

Cattle that are being shipped from Texas must meet the animal health entry requirements of the receiving state. These entry requirements are mandated by the state of destination not by the state of origin. Different classes of cattle may be subject to different interstate animal health requirements. It is the owner/shipper responsibility to insure the shipment of cattle have obtained the needed/proper documents, ie. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), entry permit, etc.

It is also the responsibility of the shipper to obtain the services of an accredited veterinarian to complete a CVI (health certificate) for the cattle being shipped interstate.

Violations of interstate animal health requirements by Texas shippers can negatively impact
the marketability of Texas cattle.

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and accredited veterinarians can assist cattle shippers with interstate cattle movement questions. By working together we can insure that Texas cattle continue to be valued by the cattle industries in other states.

Contact your local TAHC region office for more information.
Region 1 Amarillo 806-354-9335
Region 2 Hempstead 979-921-9481
Region 3 Fort Worth 817-244-2597
Region 4 Mount Pleasant 903-572-1966
Region 5 Beeville 361-358-3234
Region 6 Lampasas 512-556-6277
Region 7 Rockdale 512-446-2507

Range and Wildfire Workshop
9/14/2011
The Texas AgriLife Extension Service office in McCulloch County will conduct their McCulloch County Range and Wildlife Workshop at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30.

   The program will begin at the large pavilion at Brady Lake, just north of the Lake Store on Farm-to-Market 3022. Participants will then move to the Ed Davenport Civic Center on North U.S. Highway 87 about two miles east of the Courthouse Square in Brady for a catered lunch and the afternoon program.

   Vance Christie, AgriLife Extension agent in McCulloch County, said the workshop is being held in response to questions by producers who are trying to weather the worst drought in the state’s history. AgriLife Extension’s McCulloch County Ag and Natural Resources Committee has planned this year’s workshop and tour to address these and other issues.

   “Desirable forages on most of our rangelands are gone due to overgrazing as producers try to hang on to their livestock as long as possible,” he said.
“This unfortunate situation has set up a scenario where invasive plant species can easily take over the range.”

   Christie said much of the workshop will be devoted to how best to handle the noxious brush control issue. He said live demonstrations of an excavator, Grub-N-Rake, forestry tractor/mulcher and a skid-steer outfitted with tree shears will be part of the morning program.

   Other morning demonstration topics will include options for rigging all-terrain vehicle spray rigs and rainwater harvesting for wildlife and livestock.
   
   The afternoon’s scheduled speakers are Dr. Charles Hart, AgriLife Extension range specialist, and Will Hatler, AgriLife Extension weed and brush management program specialist. Both specialists are from Stephenville, and they will focus on noxious weeds and other toxic plants, weed and brush control during and after drought and the dos and don’ts of rangeland reseeding and reestablishment.

   Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered–four general and one integrated pest management– for pesticide license holders who attend the entire program.

   Individual preregistration is $20 before 5 p.m. Sept. 27 and $30 thereafter.
For more information and to preregister, call the AgriLife Extension office in McCulloch County at 325-597-1295.

COLEMAN COUNTY FSA REMINDS PRODUCERS
OF NON-INSURED ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NAP)
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 FOR SMALL GRAIN GRAZING DEADLINE
8/30/2011
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when a low yield, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occurs due to natural disasters. To obtain NAP coverage you must apply and pay the applicable service fees at the FSA office by the sales closing date for the crop. The service fee is $250 per crop per county or $750 per producer per county, not to exceed a total of $1875 per producer with farming interest in multiple counties.
September 1, 2011 is the final date to purchase 2012 NAP coverage on small grains for grazing. Coverage may be purchased for grazing and/or haying of the crop. NAP fees must be received at the FSA office by the sales closing date of September 1st. Producers need to remember on the small grains for grazing, NAP benefits do not apply until 30 days after the policy has been purchased. Producers are reminded that current disaster programs require insurance coverage to maintain eligibility.
WAIVER OF NAP FEES
Producers who meet the definition of a limited resource producer are not required to pay the applicable policy fee for NAP coverage. To qualify as a limited resource producer you must meet the following conditions
• The average of your Gross Farm Sales from 2009 and 2010 was less than $146,400.00
• The average of your Adjusted Gross Income for 2009 and 2010 was less than $22,050.00
Please contact the Coleman County Farm Service Agency at 118 North Concho Street in Coleman or call 325-625-4197 extension #2 for more information.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its program and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of Discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
 

Changes to Texas Cattle Trichomoniasis Regulations
8/25/2011
AUSTIN – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) recently adopted changes to its cattle Trichomoniasis (Trich) rules. Trich is a venereal disease of cattle caused by protozoa that can cause abortions and infertility, subsequently causing economic losses for the producer. The cattle program is managed primarily through required testing of breeding bulls for the disease prior to change of ownership or entry into a herd. Interested producers, veterinarians and stakeholders provided suggestions to the TAHC over the previous year to help improve the Trich program. A TAHC Trich working group met in May to review the submitted suggestions and provided recommendations for the TAHC to consider. The working group suggestions that were accepted and recently passed by the TAHC went into effect on August 14.

The following is an overview of rule changes for the Texas cattle Trichomoniasis program.

1. Texas will no longer accept “virgin” bulls for entry from other states. All breeding bulls 12 months of age and older must have a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Trich test prior to entry.
2. Texas will no longer accept a negative culture test(s) for entry of breeding bulls into the state. Only PCR tests will be accepted.
3. Untested out-of-state bulls are now allowed entry into Texas if consigned directly to Trich certified feedyard facilities, and accompanied by a permit issued by an accredited veterinarian from the state of origin.
4. A “Control Herd Plan “option has been created that allows large cattle operations up to three years to eradicate Trich from their herd. The enrolled herds are allowed to test once per year (preferably prior to breeding season) instead of two or more times as normally required, but in exchange they must consult with a veterinarian and enter into a plan designed to remove the disease from the herd. In the interim, all bulls leaving the herd must be sold for slaughter or feeding for slaughter only until their quarantine is released.
5. The TAHC will now allow an approved laboratory to “pool” individually submitted samples (up to 5 samples) for PCR testing, to count as one of the two tests normally required to release a herd from quarantine. Pooled samples will still not be allowed for change of ownership testing however. This change was designed as a cost saving measure for producers, and must be approved in advance by TAHC regional management in consultation with the owner or veterinarian.

Questions about the new regulations may be directed to TAHC regional staff.

Region 1 (Amarillo, TX)
Phone: 806-354-9335
Region Director: Dr. Brad Williams
Supervising Inspector: Bob Young

Region 5 (Beeville, TX)
Phone: 361-358-3234
Regional Director: Dr. David Finch
Effective September 1
Supervising Inspector: Howard Helmers

Region 2 (Hempstead, TX)
Phone: 979-921-9481
Regional Director: Dr. Mark Michalke
Supervising Inspector: Dwayne Easley

Region 6 (Lampasas, TX)
Phone: 512-556-6277
Region Director: Dr. Pete Fincher

Region 3 (Fort Worth, TX)
Phone: 817-244-2597
Region Director: Dr. Max Dow
Supervising Inspector: Bobby Crozier

Region 7 (Rockdale, TX)
Phone: 512-446-2507
Regional Director: Dr. Tommy Barton
Supervising Inspector: Russell Iselt

Region 4 (Mt. Pleasant, TX)
Phone: 903-572-1966
Regional Director: Dr. Greg Hawkins
Supervising Inspector: Chip Nicholson

For more information about Trich visit http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_health/trich/trich.html

Founded in 1893, the Texas Animal Health Commission works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including: cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine animals, and exotic livestock.
 

Registering your brand is the first step to prevent cattle theft
By: Joe Parker, Jr.
8/19/2011
There are 3 things we ranchers seem to deal with on a regular basis: government, Mother Nature and cattle thieves. We can’t always control how the government regulates our industry, and we can’t ever control the hand that Mother Nature deals us. But we can work to protect ourselves against cattle thieves by branding our livestock.

Branding is a tradition in Texas. Since before the 1800s, Texas ranchers have used brands to identify their livestock and help prevent cattle theft—a phenomenon that still happens pretty frequently in Texas today. In fact, in 2010, the number of cattle reported missing or stolen to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) was approximately 7,700, an increase of 220 percent from 2007.

In 1877, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) was created with the objective of preventing cattle theft. While TSCRA has evolved and expanded over the past century, preventing and solving agricultural crimes, especially cattle theft, remains the foundation of the association. Law enforcement is such a priority for TSCRA that the association employees 30 special rangers stationed all over Texas and Oklahoma whose main objective is to protect ranchers from thieves.

Ask any 1 of the 30 special rangers and they’ll tell you the best way to prevent cattle theft is to brand, and in the instance that branded cattle are stolen, they are much more likely to be recovered than unbranded cattle. Last year alone, TSCRA special rangers recovered or accounted for more than $3.6 million worth of stolen property, much of which were stolen cattle.

The rangers have a high success rate partly because TSCRA hosts the nation’s largest brand recording and retrieval system—the first place checked when a special ranger receives a theft call. The database is updated daily by TSCRA market inspectors who collect brands and other identifying marks on 4 million cattle sold at 105 Texas livestock auctions.

While there is no law requiring you to brand your livestock, if you do brand, there is a law requiring that you register your brand with the county clerk’s office every 10 years. Beginning Aug. 31, 2011 and running through Feb. 29, 2012, all Texas brands, whether old or new, must be re-registered in the county or counties where you operate. If you don’t re-register your brand during that time period, then your brand is up for grabs by anyone who may want it. It’s also important to know that it is against the law to use a brand that isn’t registered.

To make the re-registration process a little simpler, TSCRA has put together a website, www.tscrabrands.com, which has all the information and forms needed to re-register your brands. Here you can find lists of brands by county, guides on how to design and read brands and contact information for all the county clerks.

It’s a tough climate for Texas ranchers right now, both literally and politically. We can’t always control the government and we certainly can’t control Mother Nature, but we can work to protect our investment from thieves.

The first step is to re-register your brand.

Joe Parker Jr. is a third generation rancher from Clay County, Texas. He is president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He is also chairman of the board and president of the First National Bank of Byers.

Grants for Agricultural Producers
8/17/2011
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced grants for more than 900 agricultural producers and rural small businesses across the country to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their operations. Secretary Vilsack made the announcement as part of President Obama’s rural economic bus tour in the Midwest where today he highlighted efforts underway to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil, which will increase the economic competitiveness of rural America and promote job creation.

“These investments enable our farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners to develop renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements that will save them thousands of dollars in energy costs each year,” Vilsack said. “This funding is an important part of the Obama Administration’s plan to conserve natural resources, create jobs and lead our country on the path to becoming more energy independent.”

The grants are being provided through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a 2008 Farm Bill initiative. REAP offers funds for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. These federal funds leverage other funding sources for small businesses. In all, USDA announced more than $11.6 million in energy grants today.

The REAP program is helping many agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption. For example, Simpsons Brothers Greenhouses, LLC in Ovid, Mich., was selected to receive an $18,000 grant to make energy-efficiency improvements to its greenhouse operations, including installing greenhouse energy curtains that are designed to reduce energy consumption. These improvements are expected to reduce the company’s energy purchases by 42 percent and save more than $12,000 in annual energy expenses.

A family farm in Scales Mound, Ill. will use an $18,439 grant to install photovoltaic panels that will generate solar electricity for a dairy barn. The farm operates 234 certified organic acres in the rolling hills of Northwestern Illinois to raise corn, oats, hay and 45 milking cows. The solar system will power the lighting in the barn during milking, the vacuum pump, the milk cooler, and the fans. The system will offset about 49 percent of their annual farm energy consumption.

Kraft Fertilizer, Inc. in Princeville, Ill., will use their $13,250 grant to install a geothermal system in new warehouse. The new building is replacing a similarly sized warehouse that is currently heated by a propane furnace. The geothermal system will circulate a water-based solution through a buried loop system that takes advantage of the constant 55 degree ground temperature. The new system will use only about nine percent of the BTUs used by the current system.

In Jackson, Mich., Lindale Farms, LLC was selected to receive a $6,000 grant to assist with the cost of installing a 4.3 kilowatt photovoltaic solar generating system to produce electricity that will be sold directly to the local utility. It is estimated that the new system will produce about 5,000 kilowatt hours annually. The owners expect to recoup the cost of this project in about 3 years.

Funding of each award is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. Grants can finance up to 25 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $500,000 for renewables, $250,000 for efficiency. For a complete listing of Rural Energy for America Program grant recipients announced today, please click here.

Today’s announcement is an example of investments the Obama Administration is making to help create jobs and grow the rural economy. In June, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the first White House Rural Council, chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The White House Rural Council will work throughout government to create policies to promote economic prosperity and a high quality of life in our rural communities.

Yesterday, President Obama hosted the White House Rural Economic Forum at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa. The Forum brought together farmers, small business owners, private sector leaders, rural organizations, and government officials to discuss ideas and initiatives to promote economic growth, accelerate hiring, and spur innovation in rural communities nationwide. The President engaged directly with a variety of rural leaders from across the nation to discuss the importance of growing small businesses and strengthening the middle class in rural America.

Since taking office, President Obama’s Administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities. The Obama Administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access to 10 million Americans, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas, and providing affordable health care. In the long term, these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America’s rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining and thriving economically.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

SPECIAL CONSIGNMENT FOR THE AUCTION
8/17/2011
AUG.24 87 HEAD BLACK, WITH A FEW BLACK BALDY HEIFERS
SHORT TO MEDIUM BRED. BRED TO BLACK CORRIENTE BULLS

Coleman Livestock Auction Anniversary
8/17/2011
AUGUST 24th JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION BAR-B-QUE
10:30 AM – 2:00PM

MARKS AND BRANDS RE-REGISTRATION
8/16/2011
Every ten years, Texas requires that marks and brands be re-registered in the county or counties in which you operate. The next re-registration period begins August 31, 2011, and concludes February 29, 2012. After the conclusion date, all marks and brands that have not been re-registered are automatically available for registration by another party.

The cost of registering brands in Coleman County is $16.00 per location. Payment may be made by cash, check or credit/debit card.

For additional information, contact the Coleman County Clerk’s Office, 100 Liveoak St., Ste. 105, Coleman, Texas 76834, (325)625-2889.
Business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Renewal applications can also be located on our website: http://www.co.coleman.tx.us/ips/cms/countyoffices/countyClerk.html

LEON CO. MAN SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS FOR CATTLE THEFT
6/29/2011
CENTERVILLE, TEXAS – A Leon County man was convicted Thursday of engaging in organized criminal activity and sentenced to 3 years in prison and a $10,000 fine by a Leon County jury.

Sergio Flores, 44, who worked as a ranch manager at the Rainbolt Ranch in Leon County, stole $60,000 worth of cattle from his employer over a 15 month period.

He was originally arrested in October 2010 by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Brent Mast for stealing 3 head of cattle from the same employer. That case is still pending.

“With the assistance of the Leon County Sheriff’s Department we were able to put together a strong case against Flores,” Mast said. “I’d like to especially thank Leon County District Attorney Whitney Smith and his staff for the outstanding job they did presenting this complicated case to the jury.”

TSCRA has 29 special rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma who have in-depth knowledge of the cattle industry and are trained in all facets of law enforcement. All are commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 134-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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 75.9 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. ?

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – June 29, 2011
6/29/2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Receipts: 3,835; Week Ago (actual) 3,622; Year Ago: 1,677

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady to 2.00
higher, over 500 lbs. 2.00-4.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500
lbs. 2.00-4.00 higher, over 500 lbs. 2.00-3.00 higher. Slaughter
cows and bulls 3.00-5.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs
50.00-150.00 lower. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 200 – ? lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 15 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 70 percent.
The feeder supply included 56 percent steers and 44 percent heifers.
Near 22 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

SEE FULL REPORT:
http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/6-29-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – June 22, 2011
6/8/2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Receipts: 3,622; Week Ago (actual) 3,425; Year Ago: 2,855

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 6.00-8.00
higher, instances 15.00 higher on 200-300 lbs., over 500 lbs.
3.00-4.00 higher, instances 10.00 higher on 600 lbs. Feeder heifers
under 500 lbs. 6.00-10.00 higher, instances 20.00 higher on 200 lbs.,
over 500 lbs. 4.00-7.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-4.00
higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm. Trade
good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 15 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 70 percent.
The feeder supply included 44 percent steers and 56 percent heifers.
Near 31 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/6-22-2011%20report.htm

CATTLE RAISERS MEET IN WASHINGTON; WILDFIRES TOP CONCERNS
6/23/2011 
WASHINGTON – Members of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) met with members of Congress yesterday to discuss issues important to cattle raisers and the beef industry. Topping the list of concerns is the Texas wildfires.

“More than 3 million acres of Texas lands have burned,” said Joe Parker Jr., rancher and TSCRA president. “Cattle raisers have lost more than 4,000 miles of fences which equals more than $40 million dollars in rebuilding costs.”

Cattle raisers are urging the Administration to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas in order to open up additional assistance for firefighting services.

“Wildfire season isn’t over yet, and we are concerned that so much of the state’s resources have been used up,” Parker said.

TSCRA is also working to waive the requirement that, in order to be eligible for USDA’s fence rebuilding cost share assistance, fences must be less than 20-years old. TSCRA is working to waive the requirement so that in times of natural disasters, fences of all ages will qualify.

TSCRA is also working to change the federal tax code to allow costs of replacing fences destroyed in natural disasters to be fully tax deductible in the year the costs are incurred, rather than deducting the costs over a period of years.

Cattle raisers are also concerned about overregulation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to Parker, the EPA is proposing to regulate agriculture dust at more stringent levels and private surface water through a guidance document.

“Each of these regulations will place unnecessary and costly burdens on ranchers who simply want to make a living and provide a safe and healthy food source to consumers around the world,” Parker said. “The combination of overregulation on top of the taxes they will require to implement will undoubtedly be a financial disaster for ranchers, putting many of us out of business.”

Other issues of concern include U.S. corn-based ethanol policies that continue to increase feed costs for livestock producers; the listing of many endangered species, including the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, in Texas without sufficient data to verify a listing; and the passage of pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 134-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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 75.9 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.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – June 15, 2011
6/8/2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Receipts: 3,425; Week Ago (actual) 3,849; Year Ago: 2,055

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady to 4.00
higher, over 500 lbs. steady. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. steady,
over 500 lbs. steady. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-5.00 lower.
Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm. Trade good.
Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 200-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent.
The feeder supply included 57 percent steers and 43 percent heifers.
Near 19 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

See entire report:

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/6-15-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – June 8, 2011
6/8/2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Receipts: 3,849; Week Ago (actual) 2,673; Year Ago: 2,245

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00
higher, over 500 lbs. 2.00-3.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs.
steady to firm, over 500 lbs. steady. Slaughter cows 2.00-3.00
lower, bulls 1.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 150.00
lower. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 200-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 15 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 70 percent.
The feeder supply included 54 percent steers and 46 percent heifers.
Near 21 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/6-8-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – June 1, 2011
6/1/2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Receipts: 2,671; Week Ago (actual) 1,989; Year Ago: 2,246

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00
lower, over 500 lbs. steady to 4.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500
lbs. 1.00-3.00 higher, over 500 lbs. steady to firm. Slaughter cows
and bulls steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 150.00
higher. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent.
The feeder supply included 48 percent steers and 52 percent heifers.
Near 32 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/6-1-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – May 25, 2011
5/25/2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Receipts: 1,989; Week Ago (actual) 1,775; Year Ago: 3,062

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 1.00-3.00
lower, over 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs.
3.00-5.00 lower, over 500 lbs. 3.00-4.00 lower. Slaughter cows and
bulls 2.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady.
Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent.
The feeder supply included 40 percent steers and 60 percent heifers.
Near 46 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/5-25-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – May 11, 2011
5/4/2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Receipts: 2,534; Week Ago (actual) 1,764; Year Ago: 2,290

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00
lower. Over 500 lbs. 3.00-4.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs.
3.00-5.00 lower. Over 500 lbs. 2.00-4.00 lower. Slaughter cows and
bulls 2.00-4.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady.
Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent, and feeders 80 percent.
The feeder supply included 58 percent steers and 42 percent heifers.
Near 28 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/5-11-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – May 4, 2011
5/4/2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Receipts: 1,764; Week Ago (actual) 2,293; Year Ago: 2,597

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady, over
500 lbs. 1.00-3.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. steady to
firm, over 500 lbs. 1.00-2.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls
steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm.
Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent.
The feeder supply included 58 percent steers and 42 percent heifers.
Near 31 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/5-4-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – April 27, 2011
4/27/2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Receipts: 2,714; Week Ago (actual) 2,900; Year Ago: 1,357

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 2.00-3.00
higher. Over 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs.
steady to 3.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Slaughter cows
and bulls 2.00-3.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs
steady to firm. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent, and feeders 80 percent.
The feeder supply included 48 percent steers and 52 percent heifers.
Near 33 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/4-27-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – April 20, 2011
4/25/2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Receipts: 2,900; Week Ago (actual) 2,515; Year Ago: 2,765

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 4.00-7.00
lower, over 500 lbs. steady to firm. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs.
3.00-5.00 lower, over 500 lbs. 3.00-4.00 lower. Slaughter cows and
bulls 1.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 125.00
lower. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and
heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter
bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent.
The feeder supply included 53 percent steers and 47 percent heifers.
Near 34 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Click here or visit the banner above: http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/4-13-2011%20report.htm

2011 Small Acreage Landowner Series
4/21/2011
Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be hosting a Small Acreage Landowner Series. The first session of the series will take place on May 5th, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall beginning at 5:30p.m. In Session 1 we will discuss Forage and Plant species identification Resources. We will also have the opportunity to get out in the field and look at some common plant species that are in Coleman County.

The small acreage landowner is a growing segment in Texas agriculture. Per Ag Census statistics, 33% of all farms and ranches in Texas are ranked under 50 acres in size. The small acreage farm or ranch owner may have purchased their small acreage operation for many reasons – retirement, a source of alternate income, or to impart a life-style change. Small scale farmers/ranchers many times have found themselves in the need for education concerning enterprise choices, basic production guidelines, as well as advice on marketing strategies and agricultural legalities. These seminars are designed to address the issue of Texas rural lands being fragmented into smaller tracts, often involving owners who are interested in maintaining the property but lack the experience in land management.

Session I : Forage and Plant Species – May 5th
Session II: Water Resource Management – May 26th
Session III: Horticulture/ Landscape species – June 9th
Session IV: Agronomy/Adapted Crops and Forages – TBA
For additional information, call the Coleman County Extension office 325-625-4519.
Registration: There will be a $15.00 registration fee to fund snacks and printed material.

We look forward to seeing you there
Luther Dunlap
CEA-Ag/NR
Coleman County

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – April 13, 2011
4/14/2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Receipts: 2,900; Week Ago (actual) 2,515; Year Ago: 2,765

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 4.00-7.00 lower, over 500 lbs. steady to firm. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 lower, over 500 lbs. 3.00-4.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls 1.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 125.00 lower. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent. The feeder supply included 53 percent steers and 47 percent heifers. Near 34 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Click here or see their banner above: http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/4-13-2011%20report.htm

USDA REMINDS PRODUCERS TO APPLY FOR 2011 LIVESTOCK DISASTER ASSISTANCE
4/12/2011
Coleman County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Curtis L. Garrett, reminds eligible ranchers and livestock producers of the January 30, 2012 deadline for applying for benefits under the provisions of the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for losses incurred during the 2011 crop year. In addition to the counties that became eligible earlier in the year, the following counties triggered after April 1, 2011.

The following counties met the LFP trigger requirements for native and improved grasses:
Blanco Cooke Garza Lampasas Scurry
Borden Cottle Gonzales Lavaca Starr
Brooks Dawson Grayson Lynn Terry
Burnet Dewitt Hall McCulloch Throckmorton
Cameron Dickens Hays McMullen Travis
Childress Donley Hidalgo Menard Webb
Coleman Duval Jackson Mitchell Wharton
Collin Eastland Jim Hogg Montague Willacy
Collingsworth Fisher Jones Motley Yoakum
Comal Fort Bend Kenedy Nolan Zapata
Concho Gaines Kent San Saba

The following counties met the LFP trigger requirements for small grains:
Borden Dawson Grayson McCulloch Throckmorton
Brooks Dewitt Hall McMullen Travis
Burnet Dickens Hays Menard Webb
Cameron Donley Hidalgo Mitchell Wharton
Childress Duval Jackson Montague Willacy
Coleman Eastland Jim Hogg Motley Yoakum
Collin Fisher Jones Nolan Zapata
Collingsworth Fort Bend Kenedy San Saba
Concho Gaines Kent Scurry
Cooke Garza Lavaca Starr
Cottle Gonzales Lynn Terry

“We anticipate more counties may become eligible between now and the end of September, so livestock producers should stay tuned,” said Garrett.

LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers that have suffered livestock grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. Fire losses apply only to federally managed rangeland. Eligible livestock under LFP include beef cattle, alpacas, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep and swine. For losses due to drought, qualifying drought ratings are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor located at http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html.

“It is imperative that livestock producers meet this deadline for disaster assistance as there are no late file provisions for LFP,” said Garrett. “To ensure a smooth application process, producers should have all required supporting documentation with them at the time they visit our office to apply for benefits,” he said.

In order for an LFP applicant to qualify for program benefits, the applicant must have purchased insurance coverage through FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance-Rainfall Index for Grazing (PRF-RI) program offered through the Risk Management Agency (RMA).

Producers who meet the requirements of a socially disadvantaged, limited resource, or beginning farmers or ranchers, as defined in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 2501 (e) (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)), do not have to meet this Risk Management Purchase Requirement (RMPR).

LFP program applicants should note that in addition to risk management provisions, certain payment limitation and adjusted gross income eligibility requirements must be met in order to qualify for livestock disaster program benefits.

For more information, county eligibility questions or to apply for LFP and other USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs, please contact the Coleman County FSA office at 325-625-4197 Extension 2. Information can also be obtained on line at http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

Beef Cattle Herd Health Management
4/5/2011 – By Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR
Texas AgriLife Extension service in Coleman County will be hosting a Beef Cattle Herd Health Management Program on Thursday, April 14th, 2010. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Bill Franklin Center. The purpose of this workshop is to help beef cattle producers in Coleman County maintain a healthy beef cattle operation. Additionally there will be an update on the new laws and regulations for trichomoniasis. Dr. Mike Edington with the Coleman Vet Clinic will be the featured speaker for the program. Beef Cattle is one of the top agriculture commodities in Coleman County. One factor affecting profitability is herd health management. Beef cattle producers must continue to adopt herd health management practices to improve profitability and sustainability of the beef cattle industry.

Cost of this event will be $10.00. To register for the event please call the Coleman County Extension Office at (325) 625-4519 with your name and phone number. A meal will be served during the event, so please help us out by preregistering for the event by April 12th.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Local Projects to Help Kids Get Outdoors
4/5/2011
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2011– Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $1 million in cost-share funding for children’s programs in 18 states and Puerto Rico, furthering USDA’s commitment to connect young people around the country with America’s great outdoors. The two programs receiving funding through this announcement will reach tens of thousands of young people this year, and support the goals of both President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative.

The funds will be divided between “Children’s Forest” programs and “More Kids in the Woods” projects. Combined, they build on long-term partnerships and at least 25,000 more children will be able to participate in outdoor activities and expanded opportunities to make first-time and long-term connections between kids and the outdoors.

“America’s children should have the opportunity to experience our great outdoors and gain first-hand knowledge about our magnificent natural resources, which are important to this country’s wealth and health,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Now more than any other time in history, our children are losing their connection to nature and our hope is to reverse that trend while instilling a curiosity about nature and a life-long commitment to conservation and stewardship.”

Each year, the Forest Service conducts thousands of programs that reconnect kids with nature – from nationwide, year-round programs that reach large numbers of children, to local events that are designed to address local needs. Collectively, conservation education, recreation and other programs reached more than 25 million children in 2010 and engaged thousands of partners across the country.

The More Kids in the Woods program, now in its fifth year, is a competitive funding program for partnership projects that get kids outside and engaged in active, meaningful learning experiences. Projects focus on serving diverse youth and reaching under-served populations, using outdoor activities and nature-based learning to establish meaningful and lasting connections to nature and to improve children’s health. Projects funded in 2010 reached more than 15,000 youth. This year, selected projects range from a mentoring program, to outdoor camps, to science education and experiments, to discovery and stewardship adventures, to programs that reach at-risk youth.

Today’s announcement expands a growing network of Children’s Forests in every Forest Service region. Forests designated as Children’s Forests will receive additional funds as they work with partners to connect kids and families with outdoor activities and the forest, support communities by creating new education and career opportunities, connect kids with education and mentorship programs, foster climate change understanding and solutions, and expand citizen stewardship of the nation’s public lands.

“The value of these programs and partnerships for youth must not be underestimated,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Young people are tomorrow’s stewards of our public lands, and we must invest in building lasting and meaningful connections between our youth and America’s great outdoors.”

The recipients of the cost-share funding, selected from 174 agency submissions, include 21 More Kids in the Woods projects and nine Children’s Forests. Awards were made to projects in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Hawaii, Montana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

A full list of projects, descriptions, and funding is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2011/releases/04/mkiw-recipients.shtml.

Providing greater access to recreation in outdoor spaces is a priority of the Obama Administration. Let’s Move!, a comprehensive initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, has set a goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles. This Obama administration priority is fundamentally changing the conversation about how we eat and stay active, helping to ensure future generations are ready to win the future. Learn more by visiting www.LetsMove.gov.

The Obama Administration’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative is a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda to create partnerships between the federal government and American communities on locally led conservation initiatives that protect our outdoor spaces and make them accessible to American families. Learn more by visiting www.AmericasGreatOutdoors.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – March 30, 2011
3/31/2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Receipts: 1,515; Week Ago (actual) 2,416; Year Ago: 2,377

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady to firm. Over 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. 4.00-6.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls steady to 4.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to 1.00 higher. Trade good.?Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 5 percent of the offering, Slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent, and feeders 85 percent.

The feeder supply included 54 percent steers and 46 percent heifers. Near 33 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/REPORTS/3-30-2011%20report.htm

COLEMAN RODEO WORKDAYS ARE BACK!
3/31/2011
Bobby Rushing, a foreman for J. H. Strain & Sons out of Tye, Texas, is leading efforts to build new box seats for the East Side Stands. In the past months, his crew has formed up, reinforced, and poured the cement for the base. They are now constructing the square tubing that defines each box seat seating and will eventually complete the project with a pipe railing for safety. The other project, headed by President Heath Hemphill, is the final installation of aluminum on the East Stands. Once these two projects are completed, general maintenance and clean up will be required prior to the rodeo. Coleman Rodeo is June 16, 17, 18.

FSA ACCEPTING EMERGENCY LOAN APPLICATIONS
3/30/2011
Callahan, Coleman, Eastland, Jones and Shackelford Counties were declared eligible for Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster emergency loans on March 28, 2011. Generally, that means that farmers who have lost at least 30 percent of their production due to the Drought, May 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 are eligible for FSA loans. Proceeds from crop insurance are taken into consideration when determining eligibility.

FSA Farm Loan Manager, Richard G. Young, is urging farmers who are interested in receiving an emergency loan to submit their applications into FSA as soon as possible. Richard G. Young said, “We hope farmers will get their applications in early rather than waiting until near the deadline, which is November 28, 2011. The longer they wait, the more chance there is for long delays. If the applications come in early, we can avoid backlogs and speed up the process.”

The FSA office is at 2303 Commercial Avenue in Anson, Texas. The telephone number is (325)-823-3269.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – March 23, 2011
3/24/2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Receipts: 2,416; Week Ago (actual) 2,469; Year Ago: 2,750

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady to
firm, over 500 lbs. 4.00-8.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs.
steady to firm, over 500 lbs. 4.00-6.00 higher. Slaughter cows and
bulls steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 150.00
lower. Trade good. Demand good.

USDA Expands Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Schools Across the Nation
Investment Aims to Improve Nutrition and Provide Economic Opportunities to Producers
3/24/2011
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2010 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that, as authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), USDA will expand assistance to state agencies for schools operating USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) in the 2011/2012 school year. The investment is part of the Obama administration’s efforts to improve the health of our children by providing access to nutritious meals in schools and also serves as a valuable resource to schools that continue working to improve the health and nutrition of the foods they serve. The assistance will provide free fresh fruit and vegetables to children throughout the school day.

“Improving the health and nutrition of our kids is a national imperative and by providing schools with fresh fruits and vegetables that expand their healthy options, we are helping our kids to have a brighter, healthier future,” said Vilsack. “Every time our kids eat a piece of fruit or a vegetable, they are learning healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.”

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, authorized and funded under Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and expanded in recent years as a result of the 2008 Farm Bill, operates in selected low-income elementary schools in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This year, USDA plans to provide $158 million in assistance to state agencies. States then select schools to participate based on criteria in the law, including the requirement that each student receives between $50 and $75 worth of fresh produce over the school year.

“The program is highly successful in introducing schoolchildren to a variety of produce they otherwise might not have the opportunity to try,” said Kevin Concannon, USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. “I am pleasantly surprised when children tell me it was their first time trying a particular fruit or vegetable. Fortunately children are learning fruits and vegetables are healthy choices and tasty alternatives to snacks high in fat, sugar, or salt.”

In January, USDA published a proposed rule to update the nutrition standards for meals served through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, signed into law by President Barack Obama. The proposed rule, based on the latest science, will make the first major improvement to the nutritional quality of school meals in 15 years, and is an important component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to solve the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation. The standards will significantly increase fruit and vegetables provided at lunch and for the first time, both fruits and vegetables will be served daily.

Depending on enrollment and the allotment spent on each child, USDA estimates the expanded assistance could help schools serve additional 600,000 to 950,000 students in school year 2011-2012.

Based on funding levels provided by the 2008 Farm Bill, subject to Congressional action, the school year 2011/2012 FFVP planned allocations by State are:

Texas – $7,804,444

Improving child nutrition is the focal point of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act signed by President Obama in December 2010. The legislation authorizes USDA’s child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Summer Food Service Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The Act allows USDA, for the first time in over 30 years, the chance to make real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children, and help a new generation win the future by having healthier lives. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is the legislative centerpiece of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative to end childhood obesity in a generation.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs.

Fraser Passes Water Rights Measure
3/23/2011
Austin – - Senate Bill 332 by State Senator Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, was adopted by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. Under SB 332, the Texas Legislature recognizes that a landowner has a vested ownership interest in the groundwater below the surface as an interest in the landowner’s real property.

“The right to produce groundwater from beneath your property is one of the most basic of all property rights,” Fraser said. “This right was reaffirmed in 1904 when the Texas Supreme Court ruled that groundwater was the private property of a landowner and that a landowner could not be held liable for harming a neighbor’s well by exercising their right to capture the groundwater.”

“For over 100 years, landowners have believed that the Texas Supreme Court gave them a vested private property right in the groundwater beneath their land,” said Fraser. “And, that the ownership interest gives them a constitutionally-protected right to drill a well and produce groundwater for their use.”

The vested ownership interest outlined in SB 332 entitles the landowner to a fair chance to produce the groundwater below the surface of real property but would not entitle a landowner to the right to capture a specific amount of groundwater. It also would not affect the existence of common law defenses or other defenses to liability under the Rule of Capture.

The legislation is intended to work in conjunction with local groundwater conservation district regulation. The substitute language adopted by the committee clarifies that groundwater districts continue to have the same authority granted to them under Chapter 36 of the Water Code to regulate and conserve groundwater.

“Landowners recognize that locally elected groundwater conservation districts play an important role in helping manage water to ensure it is available for future generations,” said Fraser. “But there is a big difference between managing how much water is pumped and denying property owners the right to access the water beneath their land.”

“This was an important step forward,” Fraser said. “The management of this important asset is key to developing the State Water Plan and ensuring that water is available for the future.”

SB 332 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

Senator Fraser represents a 21-county region in the geographic center of the state. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. He also sits on the following standing Senate Committees: Economic Development, Nominations, State Affairs, and International Relations and Trade.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – March 16, 2011
3/17/2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Receipts: 2,469; Week Ago (actual) 1,904; Year Ago: 2,491

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady, over 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 lower, over 500 lbs. 2.00-3.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 150.00 higher. Trade good. Demand good.

For the full report, click here!

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – FEB/MARCH IN REVIEW
3/9/2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Receipts: 1,904; Week Ago (actual) 2,226; Year Ago: 2,667

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 5.00-8.00 higher, over 500 lbs. 4.00-7.00, instance 15.00 higher on 600 lbs. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 3.00-4.00 higher, over 500 lbs. steady to 5.00 higher on 600 lbs. Slaughter cows and bulls steady to 2.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 100.00 lower. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent and feeders 80 percent. The feeder supply included 55 percent steers and 45 percent heifers. Near 28 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Receipts: 2,226; Week Ago (actual) 2,402; Year Ago: 2,805

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 4.00-8.00 higher, over 500 lbs. steady. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs.

6.00-10.00 higher, over 500 lbs. 2.00-4.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-6.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 5 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent and feeders 85 percent. The feeder supply included 57 percent steers and 43 percent heifers. Near 35 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Receipts: 2,402; Week Ago (actual) 2,979; Year Ago: 1,144 Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady to firm, over 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher, over 500 lbs. 2.00-4.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-5.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent and feeders 80 percent. The feeder supply included 59 percent steers and 41 percent heifers. Near 38 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Receipts: 2,979; Week Ago (actual) 610; Year Ago: 2,582

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 5.00-10.00 higher, over 500 lbs. steady to 5.00 higher over 600 lbs. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 6.00-10.00 higher, over 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls steady. Replacement cows and cow/ calf pairs steady to firm. Trade good. Demand good.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent. The feeder supply included 58 percent steers and 42 percent heifers. Near 35 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Receipts: 610; Week Ago (actual) 425; Year Ago: 445

Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers not enough to test market due to winter storm. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-6.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady. Trade light. Demand moderate.

Bulk Supply Medium & Large 1-2 300-600 lb. feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent and feeders 75 percent. The feeder supply included 60 percent steers and 40 percent heifers. Near 10 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

USDA Rural Development Invites Applications For Rural Economic Development Funding
Investing In Rural America Essential to Job Creation and Business Growth
2/16/2011
TEMPLE, TEXAS, Feb. 15, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for loans and grants to create jobs and spur economic development. Funding is provided through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

“In his State of the Union address, President Obama laid out a vision for ‘winning the future,’ with a call to ‘out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world,’” said Vilsack. “These investment opportunities will promote business expansion and entrepreneurship by helping local businesses get access to capital, technical assistance and new markets for their products and services.”

REDLG provides loan and grant funding for rural projects through local utility cooperatives. Under the program, USDA provides zero-interest loans and limited grant support to utilities. The funds are re-loaned to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. For more information on this program, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_redlg.html.

“Our mission at USDA Rural Development includes the creation and preservation of jobs in rural Texas,” said State Director Paco Valentin. “The REDLG program supports this mission by promoting entrepreneurship and stimulating business expansion.”

Applications from the utility cooperative must be received by March 31 for 3rd quarter funding and June 30 for 4th quarter funding. Completed applications must be postmarked and submitted to the Texas USDA Rural Development Office, 101 South Main, Suite 102, Temple, Texas 76501 or submitted electronically at http://www.grants.gov by the provided deadlines. An application must contain all of the required elements to prevent negatively impacting the overall score. For further details about eligibility rules and application procedures, see the February 14, 2011 issue of the Federal Register, page 8334.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $146 billion in loans and loan guarantees. For additional information or an application package, contact Billy Curb at (254) 742-9780. For further information regarding USDA Rural Development Programs, visit our web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Texas Department of Agriculture Seeks Texans Who Have Kept Family Farms and Ranches in Operations for 100 Years or More
2/10/2011
AUSTIN – In continuing a tradition of honoring hardworking generations of Texas farmers and ranchers, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is encouraging families to apply for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage Program. The program recognizes family farms and ranches that have been in continuous agricultural production by the same family for at least 100 years. Applications are due May 1, 2011.

“These families, who have operated their farms and ranches for 100 years or more, are strengthening Texas agriculture through their commitment to hard work and their love of the land,” Commissioner Staples said. “This land stewardship is the foundation on which Texas agriculture is built, and thanks to their perseverance, the Lone Star State is today a powerhouse of productivity and the producer of the finest food and fiber in the world.”

This year’s Family Land Heritage ceremony will be held in the fall at the Texas Capitol in Austin and will recognize farms and ranches established in 1911 or earlier.

Eligible farms and ranches must still be owned and operated by the descendants of the founder, either through blood, marriage or adoption. At least 10 acres of the land must have remained in agricultural production for 100 years. There is no cost to apply for the recognition.

Applications are available for download at www.TexasAgriculture.gov by clicking on Family Land Heritage, which is under popular links. For more information, e-mail Lance.Williams@TexasAgriculture.gov“> Lance.Williams@TexasAgriculture.gov.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION – JANUARY IN REVIEW
1/26/2011
Auction: Coleman
Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Receipts
3,036
Week Ago
4,617
Year Ago
3,020

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 lower. Over 500 lbs. steady to 4.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. steady to 1.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. 1.00-2.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 50.00-100.00 higher. Trade good. Demand good.

1/19/2011
Auction: Coleman
Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Receipts
4,617
Week Ago
1,113
Year Ago
3,396

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. steady to 2.00 lower. Over 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. steady to 3.00 lower. Over 500 lbs. steady to 3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 1.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm. Trade good. Demand good.

1/12/2011
Auction: Coleman
Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Receipts
1,113
Week Ago
3, 040
Year Ago
3,790

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. steady. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 2.00-3.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. steady. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-5.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady to firm. Trade good. Demand good.

1/5/2011
Auction: Coleman
Date: 1-5-2011
Receipts
3040
Week Ago
No sale
Year Ago
2491

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Feeder steers under 500lbs steady 5.00-7.00 higher, over 500lbs 3.00-6.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 6.00-10.00 higher, over 500lbs 3.00-5.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-6.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 100.00 higher. Trade good, demand good.
COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Bulk supply medium and large 1-2 300-600lb feeders steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent, and feeders 75 percent. The feeder supply includes 54 percent steers and 46 percent heifers. Near 35 percent of the run weighed over 600lbs.

FFA AND 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW DONATIONS NEEDED
12/16/2010 – A letter from the chairman
Throughout its history, the Coleman County FFA and 4-H Livestock Show has become quite well known, mainly because the entire county works together to make it successful.

Again, this year we have around 400 entries, and the premium list and other cost of the show will be about $4,000.00. This cost has been met in years past by individuals and firms like you who take pride in the youth of the county and in the magnitude and quality of the show. We’re depending on your support again this year!

Your assistance will be appreciated. Contributions range from $5.00 to $50.00 from individuals and $25.00 to $150.00 from businesses and professional concern.

The show and sale will be on January 16 & 17, with the sale on January 18, 2010. Since time is drawing near, we have enclosed a self-addressed envelope for your convenience. Please make checks payable to Coleman County Livestock Show Association.

The 2011 show will have a few changes to keep up with the times. We have purchased software to set up classes, break weights, make reporting results quicker and more efficient, and help to set up the sale order. This same software is used in the major stock shows. We have purchased panels for the steers, as we have been borrowing panels for several years. We have moved the rabbit show to Saturday night so the rabbit exhibitors can get the weight classes as we have a large number of rabbit pens. Lastly, we have added a new Hair sheep class in the lamb division because these are being shown now at the major stock shows. We strive to offer a quality show for our student exhibitors.

Please help us maintain the reputation of this very worthwhile youth activity.

Sincerely,
Sarah Beal
Coleman County Stock Show
Chairman

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT FOR WED., DEC. 15
12/16/2010
Receipts: 2.804; Week Ago: (Actual) 3,519; Year Ago: 2.198
Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. 2.00-4.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 2.00-4.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 50.00-100.00 lower. Trade good. Demand good.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT FOR WED., DEC. 8
Receipts: 3,519 Week Ago: 3,383 Year Ago: 3,388
Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 1-2 lower. Over 500 lbs. steady. Packers steady, stocker cow and pairs 50.00-100.00 higher. Trade good. Demand good.

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COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT FOR WED., DEC. 1
12/6/2010
Receipts: 3,383; Week Ago (Actual) No Sale; Year Ago: 1,116. Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500 lbs. 2.00-3.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. 6.00-8.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500 lbs. 2.00-3.00 higher. Over 500 lbs. 3.00-6.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 3.00-5.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs steady. Trade good. Demand good.

For more market reports, click the banner above or click here: http://www.colemanlivestockauction.com/Market%20Report.htm.

2010 tax planning: Confusing, yet similar, system in place Ag producers may benefit from some tax considerations
12/6/2010 – By: Blair Fannin and Paul Schattenberg of the Texas AgriLife Extension
http://agnews.tamu.edu/
COLLEGE STATION – Year-end tax planning for agricultural producers and general taxpayers must be done by “what is known” regarding current federal tax code, even though there’s uncertainty about extending certain tax cuts, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists.

Jose Pena, AgriLife Extension economist-management at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Uvalde, said it’s currently unknown if Congress will extend tax cuts that are part of the 2001 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act.

If the tax cuts imposed under the Bush administration are not extended, all tax rates will rise for all individual taxpayers, including those subject to the lowest tax rates, he said.

“Year-end tax planning appears confusing as the political climate in Congress changes and Congress remains in a stalemate over extending the tax cuts, which are scheduled to expire Dec. 31,” Pena said.

A hot-button item among agriculture producers is the estate tax, which was repealed in 2010. Under current law, there is no federal estate tax, but heirs who sell appreciated assets may face capital gains taxes.

“In 2011, the estate tax is set to return with a $1 million exemption and a top rate of 55 percent on the largest estates,” Pena said. “But it appears some Congressmen are pondering a $3.5 million exemption with a 45 percent top rate, which over the years would evolve into a $5 million exemption and a maximum tax rate of 35 percent. It appears, however, that the estate tax is not going to disappear.”

Meanwhile, he said, agricultural producers and small business owners may be able to take advantage of some extended tax cuts as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 signed into law in September.

“This extended some of the business tax cuts which had expired in 2009,” Pena noted.

He said some of extensions and allowances from which agricultural producers may derive a tax benefit include:

– Extending and increasing the Section 179 expensing option for depreciable property used in business (computers, office furniture, equipment, vehicles or other tangible business property) to a maximum of $500,000 for tax years 2010 and 2011 only.

– Extending the 50 percent bonus depreciation for 2010, which was set to expire at the end of 2009 for new property as long as the property is placed into service before Jan. 1, 2011.

– Allowing the deduction of cell phone business use without documentation.

– Temporarily increasing the amount of start-up expenditures that small businesses can deduct from their taxes in 2010 from $5,000 to $10,000 (with a phase-out threshold of $60,000 in expenditures).

– Allowing a deduction for the cost of small-business health insurance premiums in calculating self-employment taxes.

The increased Section 179 expensing option and the 50 percent depreciation provision can give agricultural producers a great ability to manage income and Social Security taxes for 2010, said Dr. Wayne Hayenga, Texas A&M University professor emeritus and AgriLife Extension agricultural economist.

“Some producers who bought equipment in 2010 may be able to almost eliminate taxable income for the year,” Hayenga said. “And cash-basis producers can use expensing to avoid tax on income carried forward from prior years. They can also use it to avoid income and Social Security taxes on much of their 2010 income.”

He added that current discussions in Congress regarding cutting the tax rate for 2011 also likely will have an impact on agricultural producers.

“It probably wouldn’t make sense for producers to lower their taxable income, missing out on otherwise allowable personal exemptions and deductions,” Hayenga said. “Also, some producers may want to report sufficient income to qualify for an earned-income credit.”

Pena said tax breaks that expired at the end of 2009 included deduction for classroom expenses for educators; tuition and fees deduction for college; additional standard deduction for property taxes; additional standard deduction or itemized deduction for sales taxes paid on a new vehicle; itemized deductions for state and local sales taxes in lieu of state income taxes; tax-free exclusion of the first $2,400 in unemployment benefits; and tax-free exclusion of IRA funds donated directly to charity.

“In addition, required IRA payments from IRA plans resume this year,” Pena said. “Congress also did not extend last year’s waiver of required IRA distributions for those age 70 ½ or older.”

He added that the $1,000 child tax credit available through 2010 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the 2009 stimulus package will be reduced to $500 in 2011.

“And cost-of-energy efficiency improvements may be entitled to a tax credit of 30 percent of the purchase price up to a maximum credit of $1,500,” he said. “But that credit will be offset by the alternative minimum tax in 2010 unless Congress changes the rules.”

The AgriLife Bookstore has several publications on agricultural taxes and general tax issues (https://agrilifebookstore.org) or visit the Internal Revenue Service website (http://www.irs.gov).

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT SUMMARY – 11-18-2010
11/18/2010
Auction: Coleman
Date: 11-10-2010
Receipts
2639
Week Ago
2696
Year Ago
2174

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Feeder steers under 500lbs steady 3.00-5.00 higher, over 500lbs 2.00-3.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 3.00-6.00 higher, over 500lbs 2.00-4.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 1.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 150.00 higher. Trade good, demand good. No sale next week for Thanksgiving.
COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Bulk supply medium and large 1-2 300-600lb feeders steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent, and feeders 80 percent. The feeder supply includes 58 percent steers and 44 percent heifers. Near 45 percent of the run weighed over 600lbs.

Commissioner Staples Announces More Than $1.8 Million in Federal Grants to Benefit Producers of Fruits, Vegetables, Other Specialty Crops
11/18/2010
AUSTIN – Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced the Texas Department of Agriculture has secured and awarded more than $1.8 million in federal funding to farmers for promoting and developing Texas-grown specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. The grants, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, are an investment in Texas agriculture and will help grow the industry.

“Specialty crops play a vital role in the diversity of our agricultural economy,” Commissioner Staples said. “The Texas Department of Agriculture is using these federal grants to fund projects that will give consumers increased access to locally-grown Texas crops. These grants will also help producers improve their products while increasing competitiveness.”

With these federal funds, TDA is funding 17 projects covering several key areas, including: improved food safety; increased development of the specialty crops industry; increased marketing and promotion of Texas-grown produce; increased promotion and consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of produce consumption; and increased protection of Texas specialty crops from plant pests and diseases.

The Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 authorized USDA to provide this state assistance for specialty crops to enhance competitiveness through research, marketing, trade, safety, education, product development and more.

Specialty crops comprise a significant portion of the Texas agricultural economy, with Texas ranking among the national leaders in production of many specialty crops like citrus, onions, watermelons, pecans, grapes and others.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grants or to view a complete listing of the projects, visit the TDA website.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT SUMMARY – 11-10-2010
11/11/2010
Auction: Coleman
Date: 11-10-2010
Receipts
2696
Week Ago
2564
Year Ago
2930

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Feeder steers under 500lbs steady 2.00 higher, over 500lbs 2.00-3.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 3.00 lower, over 500lbs 1.00-3.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls 1.00-2.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 100.00 higher. Trade good, demand good.
COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Bulk supply medium and large 1-2 300-600lb feeders steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 5 percent, and feeders 80 percent. The feeder supply includes 58 percent steers and 42 percent heifers. Near 37 percent of the run weighed over 600lbs.

Reforming the estate tax must happen now
11/11/2010
Texas cattlemen call on Congress to work together before tax cuts expire

As Congress prepares to head back to Washington, one thing is on the minds of Texas cattlemen – the urgent need for estate tax reform. Without reform by the end of the year, estate tax rates will rise to 55 percent on estates worth just $1 million.

“A million dollars sounds like a lot of money, but when you are talking about ranchers, very few of us are millionaires. While most ranching assets have increased in value, margins in the ranching business are thin and cash isn’t readily handy,” said Dave Scott, rancher and president of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA).

“If Uncle Sam comes knocking on my door and demands millions in taxes, I have no choice but to sell off my family’s assets to come up with the cash. Piece by piece, my family’s culture and heritage is sold off to pay the tax bill,” he said.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), 97 percent of American farms and ranches are owned and operated by families. The estate tax is considered to be one of the leading causes of the breakup of multigenerational farms and ranches.

Farm and ranch estates are five to 20 times more likely to incur estate taxes than other estates. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, one in 10 farm estates (farms with sales of $250,000 or more annually) were likely to owe estate taxes in 2009.

Other taxes that could potentially harm Texas ranchers include capital gains taxes, and income and dividend tax increases.

If Congress continues to sit idle on these taxes, the 33 percent income tax rate could return to 36 percent. The 35 percent rate would return to 39.6 percent. These increased tax rates would affect small business, including ranching families, earning at least $200,000 annually. The current 15 percent capital gains tax will increase to 20 percent. The dividends tax rate will increase from 15 percent back to income tax rates, which means up to 39.6 percent.

“Win or lose, members of Congress must come together during the Lame Duck session to reform taxes that are scheduled to expire at the end of this year,” said Scott. “If they fail to do so, Texas ranchers will pay the price.”

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT SUMMARY – 11-3-2010
11/4/2010

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT SUMMARY - 10-27-2010
10/28/2010
Auction: Coleman
Date: 10-27-2010
Receipts
2,500
Week Ago
2,289
Year Ago
1,387

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Feeder steers under 500lbs 3.00-5.00 higher, over 500lbs 3.00-6.00 higher. Feeder heifers 3.00-7.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls 2.00-3.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs 20.00-50.00 lower. Trade good, demand good.
COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Bulk supply medium and large 1-2 300-600lb feeders steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 5 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent, replacement cows 10 percent, and feeders 80 percent. The feeder supply includes 57 percent steers and 43 percent heifers. Near 43 percent of the run weighed over 600lbs.

EPA’S ETHANOL WAIVER HARMFUL TO TEXAS RANCHERS
BY TSCRA, ON OCTOBER 14TH, 2010
10/13/2010
FORT WORTH, Texas – The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) expressed strong disappointment today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their intent to grant partial waivers to increase the allowable amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent, also known as E15. This increase represents a 50 percent increase from the current level of 10 percent ethanol, a jump that will have a negative impact on ranchers and would dramatically increase the cost of livestock production.

“The high level of corn-based ethanol is one of the key factors driving price increases in corn products, including feed for cattle,” said Dave Scott, rancher and TSCRA president. “Over the past few years it has become very clear that putting our food and fuel in competition with one another is bad for cattle producers and consumers.”

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS), in 2008, feed costs for livestock, poultry and dairy reached a record high of $45.2 billion-an increase of more than $7 billion over 2007 costs. In 2008, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report that stated that the dramatic increase in livestock production costs were attributed to feed.

“Texas cattle producers support renewable energy and a lessened dependence on foreign oil; however such an investment should not sacrifice our nation’s food supply,” Scott continued.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT SUMMARY - 10-13-2010
10/13/2010

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

STEERS: MEDIUM & LARGE 1

TAHC Adopts Revisions to Texas’ Cattle Trichomoniasis Program
10/14/2010
AUSTIN – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) adopted revisions to Texas’ cattle Trichomoniasis (Trich) program during the quarterly Commission Meeting on October 5.

Bovine trichomoniasis is a venereal disease found in cattle, but does not affect humans or other livestock. Infected bulls carry the organism and transmit it to female cattle through breeding. Cows may abort early in their pregnancy and become temporarily infertile. Cows, given sexual rest, may clear the disease, but infected bulls are considered lifetime carriers and transmitters of the “Trich” organism. Cattle producers can lose valuable income from the resultant extended breeding seasons and diminished calf crops. Infected breeding bulls continue to appear and act normal. Only testing by a veterinary practitioner will confirm the presence or absence of the disease.

Revisions to the current regulations are:

• A negative cattle trichomoniasis test will now be valid for 60 days provided that the bull is kept separate from female cattle during that time. Additionally, the test may be transferred within that time frame with the original signature of the consignor.

• A virgin certificate is now valid for 60 days provided that the bull is kept separate from female cattle. A virgin certificate may now also be transferred within that timeframe with the original signature of the consignor.

• Revised entry requirements now exempt out-of-state breeding bulls from an entry trichomoniasis test, if they come from a Certified Semen Service (CSS) artificial insemination facility, where they are isolated from female cattle. The bulls must be accompanied by documents with an original signature by the veterinarian or manager of the facility.

• Revised regulations now allow untested, non-virgin Texas bulls to be sold and moved to a trichomoniasis certified feedlot prior to slaughter. Under previous regulations, untested, non-virgin bulls were allowed to be sold only for direct movement to slaughter. This change does not apply to non-Texas origin bulls. Producers may also still purchase untested bulls for movement under a TAHC-issued hold order /permit to a location away from female cattle, where the bull is to be tested for Trich.

• Commission veterinarians will now notify producers by letter when an infected bull is identified on an adjacent premise. Neighbors will not be required to test however, only informed of the situation.

Herd owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian to discuss management of “Trich” infected herds. Producers may also call their Regional TAHC offices, or visit the TAHC website at www.tahc.state.tx.us for more information.

Founded in 1893, the Texas Animal Health Commission works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including: cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine animals, and exotic livestock.

LANDOWNER GROUPS LAUNCH GROUNDWATEROWNERSHIP WEBSITE
BY TSCRA
10/8/2010
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Landowner groups across the state have launched a new website, www.groundwaterownership.com, to help landowners and the public better understand current groundwater ownership issues. The site is part of a growing effort to ensure groundwater continues to be recognized as a vested, real private property right.

Groundwaterownership.com is a one-stop shop where landowners, elected officials and the public can locate information on groundwater ownership rights and regulations, legal reviews and facts, and important events and dates.

According to Texas landowner groups, groundwater is and always has been an integral part of the land and is owned by private landowners. The Texas Constitution and more than 100 years of case law support this position. The groups have joined forces to reaffirm this right in groundwater, while supporting reasonable, science-based regulation for the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources.

Estimates by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) predict that by 2060 Texas’ population will more than double, increasing its water demand by 27 percent. Because groundwater from Texas aquifers supply more than half the water for the state, it is critical that groundwater resources be managed appropriately to provide for current and future use.

The effort, currently supported by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA); the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA); the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB); the Texas Poultry Federation (TPF); the Exotic Wildlife Association (EWA); the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association (TSGRA); the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA); the Texas Association of Dairymen (TAD); the South Texans’ Property Rights Association (STPRA); the Riverside and Landowners Protection Coalition; the Texas Forestry Association; and the Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association (TLMA), brings together more than 400,000 Texans who own more than 50 million acres of private property.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT SUMMARY - 10-6-2010
10/6/2010
Auction: Coleman – Date: 10-6-2010
Receipts 2,190 – Week Ago 1,995

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:
Steers and Heifers under 500 lbs steady, calves over 500 lbs steady to 1.00 lower, 500 lbs yearling 2.00-4.00 higher, packers steady, stocker cows and pairs steady to 50.00 higher

Click here for the full report or see Coleman Livestock Auction’s banner!

Texas crop, weather
Feral hogs hammer peanut growers
By: Robert Burns, 903-834-6191
10/6/2010
COLLEGE STATION — Fall weather arrived, bringing cooler temperatures and, for most of the state, an improved agricultural situation, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Servicepersonnel.

With the exception of some East Texas counties, soil moisture ranged from adequate to surplus, and producers were taking another cutting of hay, finishing up harvests, and planting winter pastures.

If there are any dark shadows falling on this pretty fall picture, it would be feral hogs, said Wes Utley, AgriLife Extension agent in Haskell County, north of Abilene.

Peanuts are an important crop in his area, representing a big investment with a potentially big payoff of $800 or more per acre at harvest. But feral hogs are increasingly putting the crop at risk, he said.

“They can be very, very expensive for peanut growers,” Utley said.
The trouble with wild hogs begins with spring planting, he said.
“The hogs will smell the seed in the ground and they’ll come right to it, and root those seeds right out the ground,” he said.

Count about 90 to 100 days later, and it’s harvest time, Utley said. Rows are turned up so the peanuts, which finish growing underground, can dry out before being combined.

It’s during this drying time that the peanuts are again at high risk.
“That’s just easy pickings for the hogs to come right down the row and demolish them,” he said. “Two or three hogs will go down a row, and if you get a herd of 20 out there, they can wipe out two or three acres in a night.”

Hogs are nocturnal so farmers often hire farm hands or high school students to watch their fields.

“But of course, whatever fields they are sitting on, that’s the one where the hogs won’t come to that night.”

East Texas AgriLife Extension agents in Shelby, Titus, Trinity, Nacogdoches and Henderson counties also reported increased feral hog damage to crops and pastures.

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

WEST CENTRAL: Days were warm and mild; nights were cool. Scattered showers fell in a few counties. Producers were either preparing fields or already planting. Hay growers continued cutting and baling hay. Armyworms were reported. Early planted cotton was being harvested. Rangeland and pasture conditions were good. Stock-tank water levels were dropping. Livestock remained in good condition. Livestock producers were working cattle. Pecan growers were irrigating orchards. The apple harvest was under way.

Texas Department of Agriculture Announces Statewide County Challenge to Tackle Costly Feral Hog Problem
10/6/2010
ARLINGTON – With as many as 2 million feral hogs causing millions of dollars in urban and rural property damage across the Lone Star State each year, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today challenged all 254 Texas counties to step up efforts to curb the ongoing problem and decrease the state’s feral hog population.

Today in Arlington, which has been seriously impacted by feral hogs, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples read a proclamation declaring October “Hog Out Month – Get the Hog Outta Texas!”

“Wild, feral hogs are causing tremendous damage across the landscape of Texas,” Commissioner Staples said. “With more hogs coming to Texas October 9, in the form of Arkansas Razorbacks, all Texas landowners are encouraged to step up and do their part to reduce the number of feral hogs and protect our state from further damage. Texas Aggies will try to do their part at Cowboys Stadium this Saturday. The Aggies may have their hands full with the Arkansas Razorback variety, but just like Texas landowners, we all must keep fighting until we defeat these depredating animals. Go Texas landowners, Go Aggies, and let’s all work to Get the Hog Outta Texas during Hog Out Month.”

Commissioner Staples kicked off a county challenge to reduce the number of hogs by legal means. The challenge, which has recruited nearly 60 counties so far, will run through Oct. 31. A grant will be given to the counties with the most hogs removed. More details about the county challenge for Hog Out Month – Get the Hog Outta Texas! can be found at www.TexasAgriculture.gov under Most Popular Links. TDA is also hosting a “Hog Out Tailgate Party” at Cowboys Stadium on Oct. 9 for the Texas A&M vs. Arkansas football game. The event will rally Texans to Get the Hog Outta Texas!

“Not only are feral hogs a costly nuisance to agricultural operations and wildlife habitats, but they are increasingly finding their way into urban areas and destroying residents’ yards, public parks and golf courses,” Commissioner Staples said. “On my ranch in East Texas, I have eliminated a number of hogs and I am asking Texans around the state to step up and join the county challenge to learn about feral hogs and how best to legally hunt and trap them in their area. These hogs, which number in the millions and are capable of breeding twice a year, wreak havoc on property and also can pose a health threat to humans through disease and automobile accidents.”

TDA works with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to reduce the number of feral hogs in Texas, and in turn, save Texas landowners millions of dollars. Participants in educational programs on feral hog management reported a savings of $1.7 million in the past year. Additionally, feral hog management efforts in just five months in 2010 resulted in further savings of $1.58 million in damages averted, reflecting a conservative estimated return of $20 in savings for every $1 invested.

According to Billy Higginbotham, Texas AgriLife Extension Wildlife Specialist, feral hog damage can be successfully managed and significantly reduced. Through vigilance and by working together, both urban and rural landowners can initiate efforts at first signs of feral hog damage, thereby making a noticeable difference.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service provides landowners information on the best feral hog management practices available. Landowners are encouraged to call their local AgriLife Extension Agent for information on feral hog control measures.

For questions regarding your local county’s participation in this the statewide county challenge, contact your county office.

Texas Feral Hog Facts (source: Texas AgriLife Extension Service)
-Feral hogs cause an estimated $400 million in damages annually.
-There are an estimated 2 million feral hogs in Texas.
-Feral hogs are predators of lambs, kid goats, baby calves, newborn fawns and ground-nesting birds, and compete for food and space with many native species of wildlife.
-Feral hogs commonly destroy urban yards, parks and golf courses, as well as rangeland, pastures, crops, fencing, wildlife feeders and other property. -Additionally, they contribute to E. Coli and other diseases in Texas streams, ponds and watersheds.
-Vehicle collisions with feral hogs cause an estimated $1,200 in damage per collision, and create safety hazards for those involved.

AG COMMISSIONER TODD STAPLES TO DISCUSS ECONOMY AND PROPERTY RIGHTS AT TSCRA FALL MEETING IN AUSTIN
BY TSCRA, ON SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2010
9/28/2010
Fort Worth, Texas – Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples will discuss the economy and property rights during the Thursday luncheon of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Fall Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 30, from noon until 1:30 p.m.

The TSCRA Fall Meeting is a three-day event where cattle raisers from across the state gather to participate in educational sessions and fellowship with fellow cattle raisers. The meeting will take place at the Omni Austin Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

“The free enterprise system and individual responsibility built our economy, not government,” Staples said. “Each generation has a duty to remind voters and elected officials alike of this timeless principle. Those who built Texas knew it well.”

“Nothing is on the minds of cattle raisers and landowners in Texas more than the fragile state of our economy and private property rights,” said Dave Scott, rancher and TSCRA president. “Todd is a friend of the industry and we are excited to have him come speak on these important topics.”

For registration information and a complete schedule, visit www.tscra.org. The Omni Austin Hotel is located at 700 San Jacinto in downtown Austin.

All members of the press are invited to attend. For media registration, please contact Carmen Fenton at cfenton@tscra.org.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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.

Think Texas: Cattle Rustling – A Threat To Texas Ranchers
By: Drew DeBerry
Texas Deputy Agriculture Commissioner
9/17/2010
Cattle rustling, a crime many people associate with outlaws from the days of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, is on the rise in 21st century Texas. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) reports that in 2009, approximately 7,400 head of cattle were stolen in Texas – 1,000 more than the previous year.

With steer and heifer calves worth as much as $650 or more, cattle losses to rustling can devastate a rancher’s livelihood. Although Texas doesn’t require livestock branding, it can go a long way in identifying stolen cattle. Brands can be recorded at the county clerk’s office and are helpful to law enforcement when tracking stolen cattle. Common sense measures like locking gates and building pens away from main roads can also help deter thieves.

If you are the victim of cattle rustling, contact your local sheriff, then call the TSCRA Special Rangers at (800) 242-7820. TSCRA offers a cash reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and grand jury indictment of rustlers through its “Operation Cow Thief” hotline, (888)-830-2333.

COLEMAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION REPORT SUMMARY – 9/15/2010
9/16/2010

TCEQ to Collect Agricultural Waste Pesticides in Eden, TX At Miller Ag Service & Supply Next Tues. (Sept. 28)
9/16/2010
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is offering rural Texans the opportunity to dispose of banned or unwanted pesticides, properly rinsed plastic pesticide containers, used motor oil, oil filters, and lead-acid batteries  free of charge, rain or shine.

Tuesday, Sept. 28 – Miller Ag Service and Supply, 1157 US 83 North, Eden, TX. Collection Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Agricultural wastes and chemicals we WILL ACCEPT  include agricultural supplies, such as plant pesticides, insecticides, harvest chemicals, pesticides used on livestock, herbicides, growth regulators, rat poison, as well as paint, tractor brake and transmission fluids, and up to two 55-gallon drums of oil filters for recycling per participant. Filters and oil will not be accepted from businesses that change oil for a fee.

Agricultural chemicals we will NOT ACCEPT include fertilizers or nutrient materials that are neither hazardous nor contain pesticide admixtures. Also NOT ACCEPTED: tires, explosives, propane/butane compressed-gas cylinders larger than 20 pounds, or wastes from chemical dealers, school chemistry or biology labs, or applicators regulated by the Texas Structural Pest Control Service.

Empty, plastic pesticide containers must be clean and triple or high-pressure rinsed to be accepted. For large quantities of plastic pesticide containers, please contact USAg Recycling at 1-800-654-3145 to arrange pick up at no cost or visit http://www.usagrecycling.com/.

Agricultural Waste Pesticide Collections are co-sponsored by the TCEQ’s Small Business and Environmental Assistance Division, Texas AgriLife Exten-sion Service, Texas Depart-ment of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension?Program Prai- rie View A&M University, and USAg Recycling.

For more information about these collections, please contact County Extension Agent Michael Palrmer, 325-732-4304 or visit the TCEQ’s Web page at <www.tceq.state.tx.us/Assistance/AgWaste/schedule.html>.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for September 8, 2010
9/9/2010

COMPARED TO LAST WEEK:

Bulk supply Medium and Large 1-2 300-600 lb feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 10 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 5 percent replacement cows 10 percent, and feeders 75 percent. The feeder supply included 57 percent steers and 43 percentheifers. Near 28 percent of the run weighed over 600 pounds.

GARZA COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF FELONY LIVESTOCK THEFT
BY TSCRA, ON AUGUST 30TH, 2010
9/9/2010
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – A Garza County man turned himself into authorities Wednesday after admitting to stealing between 30 to 35 head of cattle from a Randall County rancher on two different occasions. TSCRA Special Ranger Dean Bohannon led the investigation along with TSCRA Special Ranger Harold Dempsey.

Noel Ken Young, 46, was charged with two third degree felonies. Bond was set at $50,000 per charge. Young bonded out Wednesday.

If convicted, Young could face up to ten years in prison for each charge and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

Bohannon noted that Young was caught because he sold branded cattle.

“The number one way to protect your cattle is to brand them,” said Bohannon “Because the victim’s cattle were branded and that brand was registered with TSCRA, we were able to trace the sale records back to Young.”

TSCRA has 29 special rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma who have in-depth knowledge of the cattle industry and are trained in all facets of law enforcement. All are commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

TSCRA market inspectors aid the special rangers by collecting brands and other identifying marks on 4 to 5 million cattle sold at 115 Texas livestock markets each year.

Market inspectors report their findings to TSCRA’s Fort Worth headquarters, where the information is entered into the nation’s largest brand recording and retrieval system. This database is the first source checked when a special ranger receives a theft call.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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.

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