TSCRA Talk

A USDA survey revealed Texas landowners lose more than $200 million annually in crop damage and livestock production due to feral hogs. The 87th Texas Legislature tasked Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to determine the effectiveness of warfarin-based toxicant on feral hog; John Tomeček, associate professor of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Texas A&M and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, joins TSCRA Talk to share the findings of the study.  

Episode 57 is brought to you by Invora Rangeview. Learn more at Invora.com.  

A USDA survey revealed Texas landowners lose more than $200 million annually in crop damage and livestock production due to feral hogs. The 87th Texas Legislature tasked Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to determine the effectiveness of warfarin-based toxicant on feral hog; John Tomeček, associate professor of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Texas A&M and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, joins TSCRA Talk to share the findings of the study.  

Episode 57 is brought to you by Invora Rangeview. Learn more at Invora.com.

Dagan Lynn, executive chef for the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner brand, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, with fresh insight when it comes to cooking beef. He shares the versatility of beef as consumers re-create meals from around the world at home. And he touches on a classic recipe that sparked online debate as every family has their special touch which they feel quite strongly for.  

Tune in for inspiration and visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com for recopies as well as nutrition information. 

As the Texas Beef Checkoff celebrates 10 years of establishment, TSCRA Talk host Kristen Brown gleans the history of the state Checkoff from former executive vice president of the Texas Beef Checkoff, Richard Wortham. Wortham worked for the Texas Beef Council for 30 years, 23 of which he served in the role of executive vice president. He shared the initial spark of conversation of a state Checkoff that took place in 2004, which then led to state organizations moving forward to create and establish the additional assessment. Wortham discussed the impact the increased funding has had over the past 10 years.  

In the second half of the special episode, Molly McAdams, the current executive vice president of the Texas Beef Council discussed current programs and initiatives that are possible due to the additional funds generated by the Texas Beef Checkoff. McAdams shared about the research that has impacted the quality of beef that is produced in the United States as well as research in the areas of nutrition and ongoing consumer preferences.   

To learn more about the Texas Beef Checkoff, visit https://www.texasbeefcheckoff.com and also check out https://beeflovingtexans.com.  

Gilly Riojas, board member of the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown to discuss the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation Working Grant Program.  

As the application is open May 1-31 and November 1-30, Riojas shares the importance of investing in the future of the beef industry and providing working capital to do just that. Texans and Oklahomans who are involved in ranching, from veterinary clinics to packing plants, are invited to apply.  

Additionally, Riojas talks about the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation encompassing educational opportunities and professional development for youth and college students through internships and summer programs.   

To learn more and view the application, visit https://tscra.org/what-we-do/leadership-development-foundation/.  

Carl Ray Polk, TSCRA President, from Lufkin, Texas, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss his insight in the current challenges of ranching and the future of TSCRA. 

Polk’s passion for providing educational opportunities for cattlemen to thrive in the industry is evident. Two top priorities for Polk during his two-year tenure is to provide value for members is number one, keeping a close eye on numbers – both cattle inventory numbers and TSCRA membership numbers.  

Additionally, Polk shares about the TSCRA Disaster Relief Program that is currently accepting applications to support the recent wildfire victims as well as the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation Working Grant Program.  

The latest research shows that consumers love beef! Jessica Finck, Ph.D., who works in the value chain and consumer affairs area of Merck Animal Health, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the latest trends with consumers and beef.  

Finck discusses key factors that impact consumer buying decisions and how they have shifted in the current economic climate. She also breaks down top label claims that different generations look for at the grocery store. Specifically looking at the price of beef, consumers are seeking out cost-saving opportunities.  

In the comparison of beef and other proteins, Finck says that beef is still king. Wrapping up the episode, they discuss the market share of plant-based meats and eating styles including vegetarians and vegans.  

View the latest consumer research at https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/about-us/value-chain-and-consumer-affairs.  

Frank McLelland, vice president of the executive committee at the National Ranching Heritage Association, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to share about the museum and the latest addition – the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center.  

The museum encompasses 19 acres and includes 55 historic structures that capture the history of ranching for the past 200 years. McLelland shares that John R. Erickson and Hank the Cowdog serve as tour guides in the Ranch Life Learning Center, which gives visitors a hands-on experience of ranching.  

 
Additionally, McLelland shares a variety of events hosted by the National Ranching Heritage Association throughout the year that bring awareness to the ranching way of life as well as honoring ranchers and cattlemen who have significantly impacted the industry.  

Dr. Nathan Canaday, 6666 ranch horse division manager and resident veterinarian, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the importance of properly caring for horses at the ranch which includes routine vaccination programs as well as hoof and teeth care. He emphasizes the value of working with a trusted veterinarian to make a management plan tailored to the work and goals of the ranch.   

Additionally, Canaday shares insight into cold and warm weather care which both include keeping horses well hydrated. Closing out the show he talks about tips for traveling with horses such as taking a vet bag of supplies and ensuring the pickup and trailer are in proper working order.  

Scott Williamson, TSCRA Executive Director of Law, Brand and Inspection Services, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss opportunity and awareness around the upcoming total solar eclipse taking place on April 8, 2024. As some ranches will open their gates to welcome visitors, he explains the importance of properly communicating expectations as well as having liability forms signed and the proper insurance in place. For those who do not plan to have guests at their ranch, Williamson discusses securing the property.  

While Williamson stresses the importance of not being fearful, he does share about the importance of having an emergency management plan that is communicated to employees and family, which can be put into place during weather emergencies or events that put a strain on resources.  

Additionally, Williamson encourages listeners to stay up-to-date on specific information from their area through their local city and county officials.