Breakout session schedule is below:
Saturday, March 20
2 - 3 p.m.
2 - 3 p.m.
How Will We Pay for Federal Spending?
Fighting Back Against Animal Diseases
For a century TSCRA members have held the line against animal diseases in the U.S., saving American beef producers millions of dollars in livestock losses. Hear Texas State Veterinarian Dr. Dee Ellis discuss how private ranchers and the state animal health agency will cooperate to continue to fight against fever ticks, brucellosis and cattle tuberculosis.
Health Care Reform at the Ranch
Phyllis Brasher, assistant general counsel with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, will lead a discussion on the thorny issue of providing more Americans wider access to health care. Many citizens wish for improvements without breaking the bank. In March we'll look at the facts we know about the attempt by Congress and reform health care and interpret what it means for the ranching community. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
It's Your Land, Until Someone Else Wants It
Texans voted on an amendment to the state constitution in November to limit the government's eminent domain authority. This is just the first step in a continuing battle to push for even stronger laws. Come hear about the latest eminent domain issues and how those laws can be reformed during the 2011 state legislative session.
Animal Welfare
How are animal activist groups using legislation, law, religion and the media to advance their agenda? A panel of industry experts will explore the latest techniques being used against animal agriculture and identify things the industry can do to fight back.
The Future of Futures Markets
New Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations have been proposed by the federal government that may limit the effectiveness of futures markets as a risk management tool. Many risk managers are concerned about position limits and how to ensure continued liquidity in futures markets. Come learn what changes are being discussed and what effect they could have on commodity markets and prices.
Optimizing Fertilizer Rates to Maximize Farm and Ranch Profits
Daren Harmel with USDA's Agricultural Research Service will discuss the findings of a research project designed to optimize fertilizer rates on Texas farms and ranches. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is supporting this study to understand and mitigate agricultural impacts on water quality and to support agricultural profitability.
Water for Our Neighbors and Ourselves
For a century TSCRA members have held the line against animal diseases in the U.S., saving American beef producers millions of dollars in livestock losses. Hear Texas State Veterinarian Dr. Dee Ellis discuss how private ranchers and the state animal health agency will cooperate to continue to fight against fever ticks, brucellosis and cattle tuberculosis.
Health Care Reform at the Ranch
Phyllis Brasher, assistant general counsel with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, will lead a discussion on the thorny issue of providing more Americans wider access to health care. Many citizens wish for improvements without breaking the bank. In March we'll look at the facts we know about the attempt by Congress and reform health care and interpret what it means for the ranching community.
It's Your Land, Until Someone Else Wants It
Texans voted on an amendment to the state constitution in November to limit the government's eminent domain authority. This is just the first step in a continuing battle to push for even stronger laws. Come hear about the latest eminent domain issues and how those laws can be reformed during the 2011 state legislative session.
Animal Welfare
How are animal activist groups using legislation, law, religion and the media to advance their agenda? A panel of industry experts will explore the latest techniques being used against animal agriculture and identify things the industry can do to fight back.
The Future of Futures Markets
New Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations have been proposed by the federal government that may limit the effectiveness of futures markets as a risk management tool. Many risk managers are concerned about position limits and how to ensure continued liquidity in futures markets. Come learn what changes are being discussed and what effect they could have on commodity markets and prices.
Optimizing Fertilizer Rates to Maximize Farm and Ranch Profits
Daren Harmel with USDA's Agricultural Research Service will discuss the findings of a research project designed to optimize fertilizer rates on Texas farms and ranches. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is supporting this study to understand and mitigate agricultural impacts on water quality and to support agricultural profitability.
Sunday, March 21
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
The inevitable increase in Texas' population in the coming decades will cause urban water users to look far afield for water supplies. Some of that water will be beneath your land. Come for a discussion on latest water issues and learn about the role landowners play in this important process.
A Continental Perspective on COOL
Beef producers on the North American continent are evaluating the effects and consequences of the U.S. law on country-of-origin labeling. Come hear about the positive or negative impacts of this law on our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and trading partners.
Can Quail Decline Be Stopped and Endangered Species Update
Wildlife biologists and landowners spend countless hours studying one of the most intriguing wildlife resources on the ranch - quail. This tiny bird that scurries among the bunch grasses makes the hearts of enthusiasts and hunters pound at the explosive flushing of a covey. What's happening to the state's quail population? What can landowners do to support this fascinating species?
Beef producers on the North American continent are evaluating the effects and consequences of the U.S. law on country-of-origin labeling. Come hear about the positive or negative impacts of this law on our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and trading partners.
Can Quail Decline Be Stopped and Endangered Species Update
Wildlife biologists and landowners spend countless hours studying one of the most intriguing wildlife resources on the ranch - quail. This tiny bird that scurries among the bunch grasses makes the hearts of enthusiasts and hunters pound at the explosive flushing of a covey. What's happening to the state's quail population? What can landowners do to support this fascinating species?
For a complete list of topics please visit www.texascattleraisers.org/convention and click on breakout sessions.
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest livestock association in Texas, TSCRA represents more than 15,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 51.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement and livestock inspection services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry news and information, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.