facility.“This facility provides the sole de- fense against the spread of NWS across North and South America,” Polk said. “However, flies from this facility have in- consistently been denied access in certain parts of Mexico for dispersal flights.” He adds that TSCRA is championing the creation of a U.S.-based sterile fly production facility in Texas.“We con- tinually advocate for proactive efforts to manage NWS before it reaches the U.S. border,” he said.“We welcome the support and consequences put in place by Sec. Rollins to spur needed action to protect America’s cattle industry, food supply and wildlife populations.” Along with welcoming the NWS control program, TSCRA is celebrating Sec. Rollins for her efforts that helped the Mexican government agree to transfer water from international reservoirs and increase the U.S. share of the flow in six of Mexico’s Rio Grande tributaries. “Mexico finally meeting the water needs of Texas farmers and ranchers under the 1944 Water Treaty is a major win for American agriculture,” Rollins said. “None of this would have been possible without President Trump’s fervent sup- port of our farmers and his work to hold our trading partners accountable.” TSCRA Cited the Value of Special Rangers to its Members While animal health issues like NWS can rob producers of better cattle gains
Polk said it’s encouraging to see more young men and women join- ing TSCRA.“They want to learn more about how to become better producers,” he said, noting that there were 2,500 new members in 2024. The association’s new Gilly Riojas Memorial Internship program was started in honor of the late Riojas, the inaugural chairman of the TSCRA Leadership Development Committee. The committee spear- headed efforts to establish youth and young producer opportunities within the beef industry. “Gilly was a dear friend and an advocate for the industry, especial- ly for youth. TSCRA’s internship program has snowballed,” Polk said, adding that funds raised in the new program go specifically to the new internship. TSCRA considered many other issues during its convention. They included: » Members pledged continued support of State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, chairman of the Texas Legislature’s
and quality, modern-day cattle rustlers have their eye on high-priced, $3,000 calves. TSCRA Special Rangers are a major force in recovering stolen cattle, tack or other ranch property and have been since 1877. The TSCRA Expo featured the annual Special Rangers silent auction. This year’s auction raised more than $100,000 to be used for ranger training and equipment. In 2024, some $7 million in stolen property was recovered through investi- gations led by Special Rangers. TSCRA’s program to register member brands helps immensely in identifying stolen or lost cattle. “There are always going to be bad guys in this industry. There’s always the need for Special Rangers,” Polk said.“We have 30 of them across the state and into Okla- homa to provide that service and work with other local and state law enforce- ment agencies. It’s a unique setup that’s sometimes overlooked. We often take for granted that we have those folks just a phone call away.” Producer Education The convention’s School of Successful Ranching enabled attendees to learn more about combating animal health issues and improving production techniques, cattle marketing and pastures and ranch prop- erty. (Look for more on these subjects in upcoming CALF News i ssues.)
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the committee’s efforts to secure ample water supply sufficient to meet Texas’ future
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TSCRA President Carl Ray Polk says TSCRA is working closely with USDA to assure the safety and health of the U.S. cattle heard.
TSCRA Special Rangers recovered more then $7 million in stolen cattle and ranch property in 2024.
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