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Articles by Katrina Huffstutler
The Price of Protection: Making Options Work for Your Operation
Rain had stopped the work, and Lenny Pecha was sitting in his pickup, watching a steady shower fall. It gave the Oklahoma farmer and cattle producer a few minutes to talk about another uncertainty he manages: what his wheat and feeder cattle will bring when it is time to sell. About 25 miles west of Enid, Pecha raises wheat and corn, runs stocker cattle and maintains a cow-calf operation. He forward-contracts grain and cattle when he can.
Here’s What Cover Crops You Should Plant This Spring
By Katrina Huffstutler Sponsored By: Your context and goals will dictate the warm-season mix you need on your regenerative ranch. Will this cover crop mix grow on my ranch? If a crop won’t thrive in its environment, it’s not going to do you any good. Johnson says that’s why your soil type and climate should determine which cover crop mixes you consider. For example, he explains that sunflowers are good scavengers for water, and their taproots can break compacted soil layers.
Don’t make these regenerative ranching mistakes
(This story was republished from Noble Research Institute. The original story can be found here.) Since transitioning our ranches to a management style that focuses on soil health and profitability, we’ve aimed to be fully transparent. We want to show you the challenges, the lessons we’ve learned and the victories along the way. We know in ranching, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows (or blue skies and green grass).
Work Begins on $19 Million Research Project on Cattle Grazing, Soil Health, Rancher Well-Being
Ground has broken — quite literally — on a $19 million research initiative aimed at understanding how a farmer or rancher’s grazing management decisions impact soil health and, in turn, how soil health can positively impact land and producer well-being. The inaugural field sampling took place on Noble Research Institute’s ranches in southern Oklahoma in April 2022 with a second sampling session completed the last week of June.
5 questions to ask yourself before selling beef direct to consumers
William and Karen Payne always knew agriculture was their endgame. But the first attempt — back in the 1970s — didn’t go well, and they had to take 9-to-5 jobs to support their farming and ranching habit. They vowed they’d return to agriculture full time, even if it took the rest of their lives. The Paynes made it back in 2006, to a place they named Destiny Ranch, and have found success with a regenerative mindset and selling their beef direct to Oklahoma consumers.
South Texas court decision is a victory for cattle producers everywhere
by Katrina Huffstutler Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association When Darrell Franke, an 81-year-old rancher, died in January, he left about 100 head of cattle and the land they ran on to Jorge and San Juanita Padilla. The couple had worked for Franke for many years, helping care for his land and livestock in Goliad County, Texas. The only problem? Franke’s children thought they, not the Padillas, should inherit it.
Shop for a cause
As Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s executive director of communications, I spend a lot of time talking to reporters. Time and time again, I get asked the same questions: Tell me about these special rangers. Does cattle rustling really still happen? What do these guys actually do? It’s a story I love to tell. Not only because we’re proud of the work these men do, but also because I know these journalists’ readers and viewers will enjoy it.
South Texas court decision is a victory for cattle producers everywhere
Previously seized cattle have been returned to owners By Katrina Huffstutler When Darrell Franke, an 81-year-old rancher, died in January, he left about 100 head of cattle and the land they ran on to Jorge and San Juanita Padilla. The couple had worked for Franke for many years, helping care for his land and livestock in Goliad County, Texas. The only problem? Franke’s children thought they, not the Padillas, should inherit it.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
An athlete’s drive to compete at the highest level I was glued to the TV. Sitting cross legged on the living room floor, I held my breath as U.S. gymnast Kerri Strug attempted her final vault. She’d injured her ankle only minutes before, and had to make it one more run for a shot at the gold. Strug nailed the landing, and then collapsed. The Magnificent Seven had done it. They won the United States’ first women’s Olympic team gold medal during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
Staying abreast of animal health challenges
Life is a journey of learning, but sometimes, we fall into the trap of doing things just because it’s the way my daddy ran cattle in 1950. From previous work in the animal health sector, something the company’s head veterinarian impressed upon me is how fast our knowledge of animal health changes. With the exponential gains of insight in human health each year, that information trickles down into what we know about animal health.
Who shot these horses?
Up to $1,000 reward offered for tip leading to an arrest One horse is dead and two others injured after they were shot in a pasture on County Road 264 in Stephenville last week. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Wayne Goodman said the crime happened between July 7 and July 10, and a small caliber weapon was used.
Tackle beef industry challenges with knowledge
Legendary football coach Lou Holtz says, “In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow!” You may wonder how a coach’s advice can relate to you as a cattle producer, but it’s quite simple. Are you investing in yourself to build your knowledge base to be your absolute best? You have an opportunity to improve your skillset at the Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo July 23-25 in Fort Worth.
Mark your calendars: It’s brand registration time
Re-registration period begins Aug. 31 Once every 10 years, the state of Texas requires all brands to be re-registered in the counties in which the rancher operates. Next month, the re-registration period begins. Michelle Carlile, assistant director of law enforcement, brand and inspection services for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, says the re-registration period runs from August 31, 2021, through February 28, 2022.
Gainesville man indicted in case of stolen cattle
James Paul Woodard faces second-degree felony charges Any small business owner will tell you: It pays to hire the right staff. Unfortunately, hiring wrong can lead to significant losses. A Cooke County rancher experienced the latter last year when an employee sold more than $6,000 worth of his boss’ cattle in his girlfriend’s name and pocketed the proceeds.
Six reasons to attend the Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo
The Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo is fast approaching, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is so excited to bring you this year’s event on July 23-25 in Fort Worth. There’s never been a better time to join your fellow beef producers and industry allies for a thrilling, fun-filled three days. Why should you attend this year? Here’s our top six reasons: 1. Enjoy the fellowship.
Wanted: Young cow hands with creative skills
Do you know a young cattle enthusiast with over-the-top creativity? Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is encouraging youth between the ages of five and 18 to enter art, photography and essay contests that will be displayed at this summer’s Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo. The art and photography categories should be original pieces depicting cattle, horses or the ranching way of life.
The 30×30 plan and the return of WOTUS
To follow up on our last post, we’re still awaiting details on a couple of components of Gov. Abbott’s border security initiative. As soon as we get more information about the online portal to report damage from trespassers and the process to volunteer for border fencing, we will pass that along. Our own Peyton Schumann had the opportunity to speak at a meeting of the Hill Country Cattlewomen this week. He provided an update on the recently concluded Texas Legislative Session.
Sine Die and border security
It’s been a while since our last update. If you’ve ever been privy to a Texas legislative session, you know things can get a little crazy towards the end. This session was no exception. I’ve started four or five of these updates over the last couple of months that I never had a chance the finish. Even on the days we expected to be quiet, inevitably, the phone would ring, or the email would chime, and we’d be off to the races, working the halls of the Capitol well into the night.
Convention preview: Protecting ranches from a catastrophic disease outbreak
As the world was taken by surprise and thrown into turmoil by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s hard not to think about the possibility of an animal disease wreaking the same kind of havoc for American farmers and ranchers. A program to effectively trace animal disease could reduce the number of animals exposed and quicken response time if such a disease struck the United States.
Calvert man indicted in case of stolen cattle
Six cows were stolen in December from Robertson County property Ralph Ballard, a 27-year-old with ties to both Calvert and Dallas, was indicted May 28 in Lee County following an investigation led by the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers. He faces a third-degree felony charge. Hal Dumas, a special ranger from the association, said it all began in December when a Robertson County rancher contacted him after discovering a cut lock and six missing cows.
Plainview man indicted in cattle theft case
Rick Dillon Criswell admitted to stealing livestock from his former boss Just one day after Rick Dillon Criswell was terminated by his employer, he came clean. The 25-year-old called his former boss to confess he’d stolen and sold 15 head of the man’s cattle during his time on the job. The Angus yearlings weighed 300 to 500 pounds and were taken three at a time. The victim reached out to Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Dean Bohannon on April 7.
Convention preview: Secure your ranch against threats from animal rights groups
As a cattle raiser, it’s sometimes hard to imagine the efforts and money being put forth to destroy our livelihood and way of life. To combat the attacks on animal agriculture, it’s critical to try to understand the tactics used by animal rights groups to secure your property and your family’s safety.
String of thefts in Robertson County, reward offered
Truck, skid steers and welder stolen from Calvert properties It’s been a busy two weeks for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Hal Dumas. Since May 8, a Ford F-250, a Bobcat skid steer, a Case skid steer and a Lincoln welder were stolen from properties in Calvert. The truck is white with Texas license plate FWS6391.
Schedule released for Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo
This summer, thousands of cattle raisers and landowners will gather for the Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo. And now, prospective attendees can get a sneak peek at what’s in store. Some highlights include a keynote address by Mike Huckabee, the CattleFax Market Outlook by Randy Blach, more than 30 hours of educational sessions, the region’s largest industry-specific trade show and the Cattle Raisers Dinner and Dance featuring Jake Hooker and the Outsiders.
Suspected thief behind bars following high-speed chase
Texoma man charged with stealing $60k in tack and abusing mother’s debit card He ran, but he couldn’t hide. Kevin Bradley Cook, a 52-year-old from Electra, Texas, was booked into the Comanche County Jail yesterday following a six-day search that culminated in a high-speed chase. Kevin Bradley Cook was arrested for theft.
Texoma man on the run after stealing $60k in tack
$1,000 reward for information leading to arrest Kevin Bradley Cook, a 52-year-old Electra man, had until 10 a.m. yesterday to turn himself in to authorities. Instead, he ran. Kevin Bradley Cook is wanted for theft. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Jay Foster said it all began in 2017 when $60,000 worth of saddles and tack were stolen from a trailer in Wilbarger County.
5 ways to celebrate Beef Month
To cattle raisers, there’s no better sound than a steak sizzling on the grill. (Although, rain hitting a tin roof sure comes close!) While beef is a mainstay on our menu year-round, Beef Month provides a fun opportunity to encourage our neighbors and friends add more beef to their plates and join us in celebrating the ranching way of life. Here are five ways to celebrate the beef industry a little extra this month. 1.
$6,000 reward still up for grabs in case of missing goats
Special Ranger says no one has come forward — but someone knows the truth Rewards are known for bringing tipsters out of the woodwork. Sometimes, if the there’s enough cash, a witness may even turn on their friend or significant other. But in a case of 307 Angora goats stolen from a Crockett County ranch last year, even $6,000 hasn’t enticed anyone to come forward. The missing goats are branded with a “Z” on the right ear and had ear tags inscribed with the word “Mayfield” and a phone number.
An unexpected partnership
Living and working on a ranch in West Texas, my husband and I are no strangers to the call about cattle out on the highway. Inevitably, it’s at the worst possible time. Much like your pet getting sick on a Friday evening just as the vet’s office is closing, it never fails those calls come just as you’ve laid your head down to go to bed after a particularly long day. But that is the nature of the game, and we are always grateful to receive the alert.
Mike Huckabee to headline Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo
Event to be held July 23-25 in Fort Worth Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced Mike Huckabee will give the keynote address at its Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo, to be held July 23-25 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Mike Huckabee will speak at the Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo. Huckabee is the host of “Huckabee” on TBN each weekend, a Fox News contributor and a New York Times best-selling author of 12 books.
$1,000 reward offered in case of missing UTV
Polaris Ranger stolen off ranch near Timpson Stock photo of similar Polaris Ranger. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is offering a $1,000 reward for information about a missing Polaris Ranger, according to Special Ranger Larry Hand. Hand says the green 2021 Polaris Ranger model 1000 four-wheel drive was taken off a ranch north of Timpson in Shelby County on or around April 16. The UTV is equipped with side-by-side single row seating and an aluminum toolbox.
5 reasons you can feel good about choosing beef on Earth Day
For 51 years, April 22 has been designated as Earth Day. But for even longer, cattle raisers have loved this land and worked to leave it a little better than they found it. Here are five reasons you can feel good about choosing beef today (and every day). We’re not competing with cows for food. Cattle generate more protein for the human food supply than would exist without them because their unique digestive system allows them to convert human-inedible plants into high-quality protein.
New ideas, ventures diversify ranch income
Treadwell Cattle Company embraces opportunity. Staying in operation for more than a century requires a great deal of business savvy. Just ask John and Brian Treadwell, the fourth and fifth generations to manage Treadwell Cattle Company near Christoval. Through the years, the Treadwell family has been willing to take on new ideas and ventures to diversify ranch income. Brian’s great-grandfather once raised polo ponies for the U.S. Army.
TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund Distributes Aid
Thanks to contributions from individuals and businesses across the U.S., Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund mailed checks totaling $112,750 to cattle raisers financially burdened by February’s Winter Storm Uri. The organization began fundraising February 18, just days after the storm hit Texas and Oklahoma with record-breaking low temperatures and snowfall, along with widespread power and water outages.
How Did the Pandemic Affect HR Practices in Agriculture?
By Bonnie Johnson, AgCareers.com Staffing, competition, culture and flexibility were important considerations for agricultural organizations in 2020. The pandemic impacted almost all aspects of daily work life across the country. For 14 years, AgCareers.com has collected annual data from agribusinesses to document emerging industry trends and developments in human resource management practices in the AgCareers.com Agribusiness HR Review.
$3,000 reward offered in case of missing UTV
Thief cut multiple locks to access Polaris Ranger San Saba County, Texas — Information on a stolen Polaris Ranger just got a lot more valuable. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger H.D. Brittain said the association is offering an $1,000 reward through its Operation Cow Thief program. This is in addition to an up to $2,000 reward offered by the Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers.
Details announced on rancher relief fund
Applications will be accepted through March 14 For cattle raisers financially burdened by February’s devastating winter storm and resulting power and water outages, help is on the way. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association today opened the application phase of its TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, March 14. The short timeline will allow funds to be distributed as soon as possible, said association president Hughes Abell, a rancher from Austin.
Coryell County man behind bars in felony cattle theft case
Repeat offender turned himself in James Anthony “Tony” Manning, 36, turned himself in to the Coryell County Jail Monday on two counts of theft of livestock, according to Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Marvin Wills. Both counts are third-degree felonies. Wills said Manning was a day worker for the victim, who ranches in Coryell County. On two occasions, Manning delivered cattle to public livestock markets, at the direction of his client.
5 ways to a beef lover’s heart this Valentine’s Day
I love giving gifts. But the pressure of finding the right gift at the right time can take the fun out of it. It seems when I’m looking for something, there’s nothing out there. And yet, when there’s no looming deadline, perfect presents are everywhere. I know I could purchase gifts when I see them and save them for the special occasion. Seems logical, but presents two problems: When I find a great gift, I don’t have the discipline to hold on to it more than a couple of weeks.
House committee assignments announced
It’s been a quiet week since both the House and Senate were adjourned, but business has continued behind the scenes even though they haven’t been on the floor. Thursday, Speaker Dade Phelan released committee assignments for the Texas House. You can check those out here. Senate committees were announced previously and are available here. Committee assignments are an important milestone in the legislative process, especially this year with a new Speaker.
The Texas legislative session begins
Well, the long-anticipated 87th Texas Legislative Session finally began on Jan. 12. The session goes for 140 calendar days and ends on May 29. During that time, they are constitutionally required to pass a budget for the next two years, but everything else is optional. That means any business left on the table at the end of May will be null and void. Anything not passed by then will have to wait until the next session, in 2023, or Gov.
Rancher indicted for theft of neighbor’s cow
Hudspeth County man faces third degree felony charges for branding animal that wasn’t his In the fall of 2019, ranch hands were gathering a bull when they noticed something out of place. One of their employer’s cows was freshly branded, with someone else’s brand. It wasn’t the first time this had occurred, and the victim reached out to the Hudspeth County Sheriff’s Office for help.
The view from Austin: An apprehensive welcome to 2021
Within the world of government and politics, we have had an eventful start to the new year. You undoubtedly have seen and heard plenty about chaos on Capitol Hill surrounding the ballot certification process last week. Fallout from the rioting continues to dominate the political news cycle, especially after the U.S. House of Representatives this week voted to impeach President Trump for a second time.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers
Ready, Willing and Abell Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s newly elected president brings fresh perspective, unique background to role. Story by Katrina Huffstutler | Photos by Jerod Foster When Hughes Abell was a young boy, he’d often tag along with his father. The family’s fertilizer business was thriving, and there was no shortage of farms and ranches to visit. It didn’t take him long to figure out exactly who he wanted to be — and what he’d wear when he did it.
Gatesville man arrested for cattle theft
Defendant confessed to selling $50,000 worth of stolen cattle A 40-year-old Gatesville man was arrested Saturday for selling 46 head of a former client’s cattle, worth $50,000. Christopher D. Cockrell began running cattle for the victim, a Bangs man, in the spring of 2016. Over time, the victim grew suspicious. He demanded Cockrell gather and sell his cattle for him and terminate their business relationship. Cockrell never gathered the cattle.
Sulphur Springs woman arrested in case of stolen show steer
Animal was purchased in online auction, but payment never received Mason County, Texas — It’s often said, “buyer beware,” but sellers should, too. Especially when the goods are worth thousands of dollars. On April 4, Kelsie Jordan Wright, 31, purchased a show steer for $3,001 in an online auction. She arranged for another buyer to pick up the steer and meet her in Canton. What she didn’t arrange was payment.
Restaurants need us. And we need them, too.
I got my first job when I was 11 years old. My best friend’s dad, Jim Kibler, recruited me to work alongside his girls, helping out when his restaurant had a big catering job. We started small — filling cups with iced tea, helping with cleanup and other age-appropriate tasks. While I’m sure we were about the cheapest help you could find, I still remember that feeling of satisfaction as I stuck a little cash in my pocket at the event’s end.
Reward climbs to $6,000 in case of missing goats
307 Angora goats taken from Crockett County ranch Information about the theft of hundreds of goats just got a lot more valuable. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Marty Baker said rancher Ed Mayfield has added $5,000 of his own money to the $1,000 reward offered by the association. The reward will be paid to an individual or divided between individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or indictment of the responsible party.
For old times’ sake
TSCRA member bids farewell to the ranch that raised her in successful opening weekend By Katrina Huffstutler 28-year-old Jordan Burchett has been deer hunting for more than two decades. But the 2020 season opener will be hard to top for the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association member, who lives near Victoria. “I’m going to apologize in advance if I get emotional,” she says, her chipper voice suddenly turning somber. Jordan Burchett with the eight-point buck she took over opening weekend.
The view from Austin: Election recap edition
As promised, I have some thoughts to share on the election outcome. Of course, the presidential election is still undecided, but trending towards former Vice President Joe Biden as of Friday morning. Regardless of your political views or your opinion on President Trump, it’s hard to deny that his administration has been good for cattle producers.
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