TSCRA Special Ranger Marvin Wills joins host, Kristen Brown, to talk about catching one of the most notorious cattle thieves of modern times, Willie Rittenbaugh. Wills talks in-depth about bringing Rittenbaugh to justice after a total of five charges ending in 37 years in prison and $588,500 to be paid by Rittenbaugh in restitution to the victims. Later, he provides tips that will keep you from becoming a victim.

Closing out this episode, TSCRA's Michele Woodham talks Cattle Raisers Insurance, including insight about insurance plans as well as those fast-approaching open enrollment deadlines. 

Links:

TSCRA.org

https://cattleraisersinsurance.com

https://tscra.org/what-we-do/the-cattleman-magazine/special-ranger-tips/

Jeff Geider, director of Texas Christian University’s Institute of Ranch Management, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the “portfolio” approach to ranch management. He describes the method as “the art and science of selecting and overseeing a group of assets and resources to meet long-term objectives.” Additionally, Geider discusses natural resource management and grazing systems more in-depth with the TCU Living Laboratory. Basic principles of grazing management, soil management, bio diversity are components that have been a result of the program and can be applied to other ranching operations.  

Stacy Fox, TSCRA's executive director of events and education, wraps up the episode with an update on the virtual Cattle Raisers Convention September 15 and 16. Participants will have access to content leading up to the convention as well as live segments during the convention dates. Fox notes the virtual event has given TSCRA the opportunity to bring in additional speakers. 

Stan Bevers, founder and owner of Ranch KPI and practitioner in Ranch Economics at the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, talks through the importance of keeping accurate, detailed records at the ranch. Bevers and TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, cover accounting systems that include a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, cash flow sheet and projected cash flow. Having a system in place and the operations projected plan is beneficial to make education decisions during times of volatility. 

Additionally, as producers saw with CFAP, it is vital to keep a livestock inventory report and update it annually. Bevers encourages listeners to be diligent in recording information and selecting specific key performance indicators to track trends and progress at the ranch. 

Links: 

tscra.org 

ranchkpi.com

krirm.tamuk.edu

The effects of COVID-19 have raised a lot of questions for cattlemen. Joining host Kristen Brown for the May 2020 episode of TSCRA Talk are Kaleb McLaurin, executive director of government and public affairs; Jeremy Fuchs, director of public affairs; and Peyton Schumann, director of government affairs. They shed light on navigating government programs (no matter how small your cattle operation is!) and funds available as well as relaxed regulations to ensure the supply chain continues to function. Additionally, we discuss how Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association's government relations team is working to help evaluate market concerns and CME trading practices. 

Consumers have many options (and questions!) when it comes to selecting their protein. Rachel Chou, director of consumer marketing at the Texas Beef Council, shares how the producer-funded state checkoff works to tell the story of beef and how it fits into a healthy lifestyle. Chou and TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, visit about BBQuest and the Beef Team, as well how the Texas Beef Council is meeting consumers where they are.  

Additionally, Stacy Fox, executive director of events and education at TSCRA, gives listeners a brief update on how the association is working to keep the educational content flowing to cattlemen and landowners while in-person events are on pause. 

“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” 

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, agriculture law specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, walks listeners through five steps of estate planning. One size does not fit all when it comes to transition planning. Therefore, Lashmet encourages listeners to take the time to sit down and have the important conversations about the direction and future of the business, and then follow through to create the official documents. 

Later, TSCRA's Director of Public Affairs Jeremy Fuchs joins us for a brief update on the legislative front including successes on early 2020, the recent primary elections and coronavirus. 

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Robert E. McKnight joins us to talk about his experience of attending the historic USMCA signing at the White House and the importance of the new trade agreement to cattlemen. Having been in a leadership role with the association since 1989, McKnight is passionate about being a part of the association. He shares his perspective on the importance of membership and engaging to keep the cares and concerns of cattlemen relevant in the changing times. 

Later, Scott Williamson, director of law enforcement and brand and inspection services for Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, shares about the newly established Special Ranger Foundation. He also gives us a preview of items that we will see in the Special Ranger Silent Auction at the upcoming Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo. 

Learn more about TSCRA and join here.

Join us March 27-29 in Fort Worth for Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo. Register now or get more information here.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of TSCRA Talk, a podcast from Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. TSCRA Special Ranger Wayne Goodman joins us to talk about what his role entails, tips for cattlemen and landowners and a few stories about cases he’s investigated. Later, Stacy Fox, the association's executive director of events and education, tells us about the upcoming Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo in Fort Worth March 27-29.