TSCRA Talk

When it comes to marketing calves, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the price. But as Dan Childs, senior agricultural economics consultant at the Noble Research Institute, shares in the December 2020 episode of TSCRA Talk, there are several other factors to consider. 

Childs visits with podcast host Kristen Brown about the Livestock Risk Protection program, preconditioning calves and the value of knowing the genetic potential of the calves. Additionally, they talk through learning moments from 2020 including price risk management and other tools  available for cattlemen. 

Links:
noble.org
tscra.org

Amanda Radke joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss beef advocacy and connecting with consumers. Radke discusses the importance of being an authentic and transparent resource for people to learn more about beef. As an author of children’s books that show the factual side of agriculture, she talks about the opportunity to engage with even the youngest of audiences to talk about agriculture. A seasoned veteran of sharing the story of cattle and beef, Radke gives advice on joining the conversation both in-person and through social media. 

Closing out the episode, Katrina Huffstutler, executive director of communications at TSCRA, shares how the association supports members and the beef industry in a variety of ways. With a finger on the pulse of trending topics, the communications team works to share pertinent information with the media as well as connect the media to producers for interviews. Additionally, Huffstutler shares that their team is ready to help provide resources to empower cattlemen and landowners to connect with consumers.  

Links:

https://amandaradke.com 

https://www.facebook.com/authoramandaradke

@AmandaRadke

https://www.tscra.org 

https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

Brian and Morgan Treadwell of Christoval, Texas, join host Kristen Brown to discuss prescribed burning as a management practice. Brian and his dad, John, recently won the Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award at the Cattle Raisers Virtual Convention. 

In this episode, Brian talks about the importance of using the tool of fire to regenerate the land as well as his experience performing prescribed burns across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Additionally, Morgan brings a wealth of knowledge as an AgriLife Extension rangeland specialist. The two also offer tips for cattle raisers who want to incorporate prescribed fire on their own operations.

Next, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Second Vice President Carl Ray Polk Jr. talks about the importance of the upcoming election, from national to local races. He encourages listeners to do their research of the candidates and make personal contact with their offices.

Links:

See a list of candidate the TSCRA Political Action Committee supports here.

Attorney Jim Bradbury shares insight with host, Kristen Brown, into the hot topic of eminent domain. He shares how the process begins, the importance of the landowner engaging and negotiating, and tips during the construction phase. Additionally, Bradbury talks about the role of the state of Texas in eminent domain. 

Closing out the episode, Jeremy Fuchs, TSCRA’s director of public affairs, emphasizes the need to refine the process with the state. He talks about the importance of TSCRA members and landowners engaging with their state representatives to express concern about the current process. Tune in to hear Fuchs’ No. 1 piece of advice if faced with eminent domain. 

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.