U.S. Drought Monitor 

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for August 25, 2010
8/26/2010
 

Texas Department of Agriculture Announces Workshops to Enhance Food Safety on Texas Farms
8/26/2010
AUSTIN - As consumers become more interested in the production of their food, the Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas AgriLife Extension Service are partnering to help Texas farmers improve food safety. The two state agencies are hosting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) food safety training for Texas specialty crop producers.

"Those agencies that have food safety regulatory responsibilities inspect produce at many levels before it reaches the consumer, and through this training, Texas farmers are adding yet another layer of protection to ensure the safety of the fruit and vegetables we consume," Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Drew DeBerry said. "Further educating producers about the latest technological advances in good agricultural practices is our first line of defense against food-borne illnesses."

TDA does not have food safety regulatory authority, as this resides with the Texas Department of State Health Services and local health agencies. TDA is encouraging farmers to participate in the voluntary training, which provides recommendations and best practices identified by industry, academia and government to help growers produce fruits and vegetables in the safest possible manner.

TDA also is offering grants to producers who complete the GAP training and pass an audit for GAP certification, which is a standard used by retail and food service industries to verify suppliers are conforming to specific agricultural best practices. Reimbursements up to $750 will be awarded to defray the costs of completing a successful audit.

The cost to attend one of the following voluntary GAP and GHP training sessions is $40 per person. Following is the schedule of workshops:

Uvalde Research and Extension Center
1619 Garner Field Road
Uvalde, TX 78801
Sept. 22

Lubbock Research and Extension Center
1102 East FM 1294
Lubbock, TX 79403-6603
Oct. 6

Tyler-Rose Garden
420 Rose Park Dr.
Tyler, TX 75702
For more information and to register for a workshop, please call the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at (956) 968-5581.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for August 18, 2010
8/19/2010
 

Texas Department of Agriculture Awards $414,000 to School, Community Organizations to Combat Childhood Obesity
8/19/2010
AUSTIN - As childhood obesity becomes an increasingly pressing public health concern, nutrition education will play a vital role in Texas schools. Recognizing this, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today announced $414,000 has been awarded to 112 school campuses and community organizations through its Nutrition Outreach Program. The program was created to help fund better health and nutrition practices to prevent obesity among Texas children.

"The nation's staggering childhood obesity statistics are proof that simply providing healthy meals to our youth is no longer enough," Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Drew DeBerry said. "Now is the time to invest in our future by teaching our next generation the value of making their own healthy lifestyle decisions. Partnering with schools and other organizations to adopt and promote the 3E's of Healthy Living - Education, Exercise and Eating Right - is key to securing a better future for our state."

TDA's Nutrition Outreach Program consists of two grant programs - a program that incentivizes the creation of new nutrition education programs in schools and childcare institutions, and a program that rewards the expansion of existing nutrition education programs in public schools. This is the first year for these programs, which were funded by the 81st Texas Legislature.

"Good nutritional habits are formed early in life, which is why teaching children about nutrition is fundamental to their success," Sen. Jane Nelson said. "This grant program will further this goal and reward school districts that are helping students learn how to take care of themselves."

A complete list of the grant recipients can be found here.

TDA will accept another round of applications for the Nutrition Outreach Program this fall. Schools and community organizations that are interested in applying should visit TDA's website at www.TexasAgriculture.gov or contact the Grants office at (512) 475-1615 or Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov.

Transmission Line Seminars Offer Information and Options for Landowners
Seminars scheduled throughout Texas
8/19/2010
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) are teaming up to offer landowners a series of five educational seminars featuring expert information on the electric transmission line process (CREZ) and options for private landowners who may be impacted by the proposed transmission line routes. The first seminar is scheduled for Aug. 30 in San Angelo at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center.

Glen Webb, Abilene attorney and TWA secretary, and Judon Fambrough, attorney, Texas A&M Real Estate Center, will provide presentations at each seminar.

The seminars begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Each seminar is free and open to the public.

Aug. 30 – San Angelo
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 US Hwy 87 North

Sept. 1 – Wichita Falls
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Clark Student Center, Shawnee Theater, Midwestern State University, 3410 Taft Blvd.

Oct. 8 – Kerrville
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
UGRA Guadalupe Basin Natrual Resources Center, 125 Lehman Dr, Ste. 100

Oct. 13 – Cleburne
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Johnson County Cattle Auction, 3119 N. Main Street

Oct. 27 – Lubbock
3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1102 East FM 1294

For more information visit www.texas-wildlife.org.

The Texas Wildlife Association is a statewide 501(c)4 non-profit membership organization that actively advocates for wildlife and natural resource conservation at the local, state, and national levels. We are absolutely dedicated to educating all persons, especially the youth of Texas, about the conservation, management and enhancement of wildlife and wildlife habitat on private land to ensure the preservation of our cherished rural heritage for future generations.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for August 11, 2010
8/12/2010

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for August 4, 2010
8/5/2010

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for July 28, 2010
7/29/2010

Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program General Sign-up
7/27/2010
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that a general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) will begin on August 2, 2010 and continue through August 27, 2010. During the sign-up period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized USDA to maintain CRP enrollment up to 32 million acres. Jim Miller, Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services, made the announcement on behalf of Secretary Vilsack during a conference call with reporters.

"America's farmers and ranchers play an important role in improving our environment, and for nearly 25 years, CRP has helped this nation build sound conservation practices that preserve the soil, clean our water, and restore habitat for wildlife," said Miller. "Today’s announcement will help us create a greener and healthier America, and I encourage all interested farmers and ranchers to contact their local FSA office to learn more how to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To help ensure that interested farmers and ranchers are aware of the sign-up period, USDA has signed partnership agreements with several conservation and wildlife organizations, which will play an active role in USDA’s 2010 CRP outreach efforts. Additionally, Secretary Vilsack has recorded two public service announcements, which are available to the press and public at www.fsa.usda.gov/psa.

CRP is a voluntary program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers to use their environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolling in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers in exchange for rental payments, cost-share, and technical assistance. CRP protects millions of acres of America's topsoil from erosion and is designed to improve the nation's natural resources base. Participants voluntarily remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production by entering into long-term contracts for 10 to 15 years. In exchange, participants receive annual rental payments and a payment of up to 50 percent of the cost of establishing conservation practices.

By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP also protects groundwater and helps improve the condition of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. Acreage enrolled in the CRP is planted to resource-conserving vegetative covers, making the program a major contributor to wildlife population increases in many parts of the country. As a result, CRP has provided significant opportunities for hunting and fishing on private lands.

Land currently not enrolled in CRP may be offered in this sign-up provided all eligibility requirements are met. Additionally, current CRP participants with contracts expiring this fall covering about 4.5 million acres may make new contract offers. Contracts awarded under this sign-up are scheduled to become effective Oct. 1, 2010.

FSA implements CRP on behalf of Commodity Credit Corporation. FSA will evaluate and rank eligible CRP offers using an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) for environmental benefits to be gained from enrolling the land in CRP. The EBI consists of five environmental factors (wildlife, water, soil, air and enduring benefits) and cost. Decisions on the EBI cutoff will be made after the sign-up ends and after analyzing the EBI data of all the offers.

Those who would have met previous sign-up EBI thresholds are not guaranteed a contract under this sign-up. In addition to the general sign-up, CRP's continuous sign-up program will be ongoing. Continuous acres represent the most environmentally desirable and sensitive land. For more information, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for July 14, 2010
7/15/2010
 

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for July 7, 2010
7/8/2010

CATTLE THEFT DOESN'T PAY IN TEXAS
MOTHER AND SON ARRESTED ON TWO SEPARATE CHARGES OF CATTLE THEFT
7/1/2010
Fort Worth, Texas - A Marquez mother and son were arrested in Leon County on two separate charges of cattle theft. Brent Mast, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) special ranger, and Lt. Kevin Ellis, Leon County Sheriff's Department led the investigations.

Rosario Carrizales, 53, was arrested Wednesday after allegedly stealing six head of cattle from a rancher in Leon County.

The cattle were spotted at the East Texas Livestock Auction by an order buyer who recognized the brand as a local rancher's. The owner of the brand was notified and later identified the cattle as his own. Investigations revealed that Carrizales, a part-time employee of the victim, allegedly stole and attempted to sell the victim's cattle.

The cattle were recovered and returned to the victim.

"Because these cattle were branded, we were able to identify and recover them quickly," said Mast. "The best way to protect your cattle from theft is to brand your cattle and register that brand with the county and TSCRA."

Further investigations revealed that Carrizales' son, Jose Guadalupe Carrizales, 26, allegedly stole one head from the victim in March. Carrizales turned himself in to authorities Friday.

Both were released on bond of $3,500.

If convicted, each could face up to ten years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

Anyone with information regarding this or other cattle thefts should call TSCRA's Operation Cow Thief Hotline at 1-888-830-2333.

TSCRA has 29 special rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma who have in-depth knowledge of the cattle industry and are trained in all facets of law enforcement. All are commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for June 16, 2010
6/17/2010

Statement by US secretary of labor on US farmworkers and their families
6/16/2010
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement in response to the report “Weeding out Abuses: Recommendations for a Law-abiding Farm Labor System” co-authored by Farmworker Justice and Oxfam America:

“This report makes clear that farmworkers face a number of challenges and that for too long the federal government has not taken the steps necessary to empower and protect these workers. When I came into office, I immediately began to change the way the Department of Labor approaches farmworker issues.

“As secretary of labor, I have made a priority of ensuring farmworkers are paid a fair wage, provided safe and healthy working conditions and given the opportunity to update their job skills. We’ve changed regulations, put more investigators in the field, made clear we won’t stand for the exploitation of children in the fields and refocused our efforts on behalf of this important community.

“While I’m very proud of what the Obama administration has accomplished on behalf of farmworkers in the last year, I look forward to continuing to work with the farmworker community on ways to protect the wages, safety and health of this important part of America’s labor force.”

Editor’s Note: A list of action steps taken by the U.S. Department of Labor to improve working conditions for farm labor follows this statement.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for June 9, 2010
6/10/2010

PREPARING RURAL TEXAS FOR REDISTRICTING AND ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION REGULATION
6/10/2010
Fort Worth, Texas - Animal identification regulations and next year's redistricting process are two topics that will be discussed during the breakout sessions at the 2010 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Summer Meeting. The meeting will take place at the Embassy Suites Outdoor World in Grapevine, Texas, June 16-18.

The breakout sessions, hosted by TSCRA committees, begin Thursday, June 17, and will cover a variety of topics critical to Texas cattle producers and landowners.

A schedule of sessions is below.

8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Animal Health Breakout Session
Dr. Daniel Posey, director of special programs at Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), will discuss the CVM's Food Animal Teaching Program, the selection and application process for vet school, and what the school is doing to recruit students that want to become food animal vets. Dr. Dee Ellis, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), will also update the group on animal diseases, treatments and prevention.

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Natural Resources and Environment Breakout Session
Participants will discuss water issues, both local, state and federal, that will affect cattle producers and rural Texans. Issues include groundwater ownership and federal control of water.

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Agricultural Research Breakout Session
Dr. Tyler Campbell, research wildlife biologist with the United State Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) will discuss new feral hog research.

1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Special Session: Animal Identification Update
Hosted by the Animal Health and Marketing Committee
Dr. Dee Ellis, executive director of the TAHC, will discuss the future of the state's animal traceability plan and how ranchers can start preparing for any new regulations.

2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Brand and Inspection Breakout Session
TSCRA Special Ranger Regional Supervisors Hal Dumas and Jimmy Dickson will talk about recent cattle theft cases in Texas. An update on TSCRA's Operation Cow Thief will also be presented.

2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Wildlife Breakout Session
Ross Melinchuk, deputy executive director of natural resources for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), will update participants on wildlife issues that affect landowners as well as TPWD activities.

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Legislative and Tax Breakout Session
Professor David Guinn, Baylor University, and Zach Brady, Texas Tech University, will speak about next year's redistricting process and how it will affect rural Texans. Guinn teaches Constitutional Law at Baylor Law School and has an extensive background on the legal side of the redistricting process. Brady, a lawyer from Lubbock, has worked on the political side of the process.

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Labor Breakout Session
TSCRA Director Bennie Bock will give an immigration update. Bill Lacey, partner and managing director of the Plexus Group LLC, will discuss the new health care law, the timeline of what will take place and how ranchers can better prepare themselves for what is to come.

For registration information and a complete schedule, visit www.tscra.org/summermeeting.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest 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.

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day
6/9/2010
Farm Safety Day
Event Date: Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Taylor County Expo Center
Sign up deadline: June 14th

A Progressive Agriculture Safety Day is planned for children ages 9 to 15 on Tuesday, June 29, 2010. This event is being conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension offices from Callahan, Coleman, Fisher, Jones, Nolan, Shackleford and Taylor counties in conjunction with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation. Children often see farm and livestock operations as exciting playgrounds, providing endless hours of fun and adventure. But these facilities and the livestock and equipment on them also can set the stage for tragedy. This safety education and awareness day will provide youth with interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents* safety rules and sharing safety tips with their family and friends. Hands on demonstrations will focus on farm hazards associated with electrical safety, rattlesnake safety, weather safety, ATV safety, fire safety, dog and animal safety, drug awareness, bee awareness and passenger safety.

Registration is $5.00 per child which covers lunch, snacks, speakers, and a take-home bag of safety materials and a safety day t-shirt.

If you would like to attend, come by the Coleman County Extension Office (2nd floor, County Courthouse) and fill out a registration and release and consent form.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for June 2, 2010
5/27/2010

Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

2010 Small Acreage Landowner Seminar
6/3/2010
Dates: Session III – June 4th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

The small acreage landowner is a growing segment in Texas agriculture. Per Ag Census statistics, 33% of all farms and ranches in Texas are ranked under 50 acres in size. The small acreage farm or ranch owner may have purchased their small acreage operation for many reasons – retirement, a source of alternate income, or to impart a life-style change. Small scale farmers/ranchers many times have found themselves in the need for education concerning enterprise choices, basic production guidelines, as well as advice on marketing strategies and agricultural legalities. These seminars are designed to address the issue of Texas rural lands being fragmented into smaller tracts, often involving owners who are interested in maintaining the property but lack the experience in land management.


Session III: Wildlife Management on Small Acre Tracts – June 4th

Session IV: Livestock Management Practices - TBA

For additional information, call the Coleman County Extension office 325-625-4519


Registration: There will be a $5.00 registration fee to fund snacks and printed material.

Make check payable to Ag Day Fund.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for May 26, 2010
5/27/2010

Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for May 19, 2010
5/20/2010
There were 2,029 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the May 19th sale. That compares to 2,290 a week ago and 2,876 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were steady to firm, over 500 lbs were 2.00-3.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were steady to 2.00 lower, over 500lbs were 1.00-2.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls were 3.00-5.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 50.00 lower. Trade good, demand good.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for May 12, 2010
5/13/2010
There were 2,290 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the May 12th sale. That compares to 2,597 a week ago and 2,736 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were steady, over 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were steady, over 500lbs were steady to firm. Slaughter cows and bulls were 1.00-3.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 100.00 higher. Trade good, demand good.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for May 5, 2010
5/6/2010
There were 2,587 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the May 5th sale. That compares to 3,060 a week ago and 2,559 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 lower, over 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 lower, over 500lbs were steady. Slaughter cows and bulls were 2.00-4.00 higher. Replacement cows and bulls were 50.00 lower. Trade good, demand good.

POND MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
Submitted by David L. Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR
5/6/2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010 - Coleman City Park
3 CEU’s Offered

The Annual Pond Management Seminar will be held on Thursday, May 20th at the City Park in Coleman. Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9:00 a.m. A noon fish fry for participants will conclude the program. Three (3) hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) will be awarded to private applicator license holders with 1 hour being in Integrated Pest Management, 1 hour in Laws & Regulations, and 1 hour in General.

8:30 - Registration
9:00 - Welcome - Luther Dunlap CEA- Ag/NR

William Heath - Texas Parks and Wildlife
Water Fowl
Ricky Lenix - NRCS

Jan Hatler - TDA
Laws and Regulations
Curtis Garrett - CED Farm Service Agency
Farm Bill Update and FSA Programs

This year’s seminar could not be possible without the cooperation and sponsorship of area businesses and organizations. Sponsors include: Johnson’s Feed Barn, Purina, Central Texas Farm Credit, First Coleman National Bank, Santa Anna National Bank, Coleman County State Bank, Central Colorado Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Davis Farm and Ranch, Coleman Grain, Dubar Seed and Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Please R.S.V.P. to the Coleman County Extension Office at (325-625-4519) by 5:00 p.m. , Tuesday, May 18th so an accurate head count can be made for the meal.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for April 28, 2010
4/29/2010
There were 3,060 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the April 28th sale. That compares to 1,357 a week ago and 1,424 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 higher, over 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 higher, feeder heifers under 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 higher, over 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady. Trade was good, demand was good.

Beef Demand and Prices May Set Record This summer
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association News
4/29/2010
Cattle prices are on the rise; and, soon, retail beef prices may be, too. Retailers have reduced their margins to keep beef prices low so far this year. While retail beef prices were down 10 cents per pound in the first quarter, retail margins dropped by 20 cents per pound. That can‘t continue for long, says Purdue Ag Economist Chris Hurt. He and others are forecasting higher beef prices this summer, “Beef prices could hit record highs this spring and summer, eclipsing the third quarter of 2008 when the average retail beef price hit a record $4.46 per pound.” American Farm Bureau livestock economist John Anderson says,
“The outlook for meat prices is, from a livestock producer perspective, more positive than it’s been in a long time. We are expecting fairly high livestock prices and that would translate to higher prices at the meat counter. A lot of people are saying that we may see record meat prices in summer of 2010. “

Livestock producers went through some very tough economic times in 2009; and, as a result, reduced the number of animals they were raising. Now supplies are down and prices are going up. “Typically what we see is that supplies of meat get tight and processors and retailers sort of ratchet up their prices in response to the fact that their product costs are going up, and they’re looking for that point where consumers say: ‘You know, that’s too high.’ It remains to be seen where that point is, but that’s kind of what we’re going to be looking for this summer,” said Anderson.

In fact, U.S. beef production is down 1 percent so far this year as somewhat higher slaughter rates have been more than offset by lower cattle weights. In addition, U.S. and international consumers are competing for reduced meat supplies as they feel more confident about the global economy. In the first two months of 2010, U.S. beef exports were up 24 percent while beef imports were down 23 percent, resulting in a 5 percent reduction in U.S. per capita beef supplies. Hurt predicted retail beef prices will remain strong throughout the year, but will peak this spring when supplies are the lowest.
The mainstream media is already howling about record high beef prices, but Anderson says consumers can find good beef bargains is they shop around, “Retailers use meat to feature sales in a lot of cases. So to just say that prices are high really masks the fact that within those high prices there will be a lot of featuring going on from week to week from retailers. So, shoppers who really want to look for a bargain can usually find something that’s cheap, at least cheap relative to other things that are in the meat counter. So shop around, see what’s being featured, and fire the grill up.”

Finished cattle prices are also expected to be at their yearly highs this spring. Summer prices are expected to be in the low-to-mid $90s per hundredweight. Hurt forecast that, in 2010, finished cattle prices may average about $93, dramatically above the $83 of 2009. Prospects for 2011 should remain strong as well, perhaps moving close to $95 for the year.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for April 21, 2010
4/22/2010
There were 1,357 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the April 21st sale. That compares to 2,765 a week ago and 2,115 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were steady, over 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 higher, feeder heifers under 500lbs were steady to 5.00 higher, over 500lbs were 3.00-4.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were 1.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady to 50.00 lower. Trade was good, demand was good.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for April 14, 2010
4/15/2010
There were 2,765 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the April 14th sale. That compares to 2,283 a week ago and 2,118 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs steady to 2.00 lower, over 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were steady to 3.00 lower, over 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls were steady. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady to firm. Trade was good; demand was good.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for March 31st, 2010
3/25/2010
There were 2,377 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the March 31st sale. That compares to 2,750 a week ago and 2,340 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were 3.00-5.00 higher, over 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were 2.00-4.000 higher, over 500lbs were 3.00-5.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls steady to 3.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady. Trade was good; demand was good.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for March 24th, 2010
3/25/2010
There were 2,750 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the March 24th sale. That compares to 2,491 a week ago and 2,101 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were steady to 3.00 lower, over 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were 2.00-3.00 lower, except for 550lbs were 2.00-3.00 higher, over 500lbs were steady. Slaughter cows and bulls were 3.00-5.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 50.00-100.00 higher. Trade was good; demand was good.

Learn How to Prevent Livestock Theft at Meeting in Breckenridge, TX at Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Ranch Gathering
3/22/2010
Fort Worth, Texas - Come join the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) for a ranch gathering on Thursday, April 8 at the Stephens County Ag Barn and Community Center in
Breckenridge. The gathering will begin at 5:30 p.m. with registration followed by a free steak dinner.

"These ranch gatherings are a great way for folks in the community to get together, and it's not just for TSCRA members. Anyone who would like to come out and enjoy the evening is invited, "TSCRA President Dave Scott said. "Additionally, TSCRA Special Rangers Larry Gray and Scott Williamson will be on hand to discuss how to protect your valuable assets from agriculture theft. TSCRA Government Affairs Director Jason Skaggs will discuss what is going on in Washington and Austin and how that will affect cattle raisers."

Please RSVP by April 2 to Brooke Boddy at 1-800-242-7820, ext. 192, or rsvp@texascattleraisers.org.
The Stephens County Ag Barn and Community Center is located at 146 County Road 245 in Breckenridge.
All members of the press are invited to attend. Please see schedule below.
5:30 p.m. - Registration Opens
6:30 p.m. - FREE Steak Dinner Served
7:00 p.m. - Larry Gray, TSCRA Exec. Director of Law Enforcement;
Scott Williamson, TSCRA Special Ranger Supervisor Theft Prevention Presentation
7:15 p.m. - Jason Skaggs, TSCRA Exec. Director of Gov. and Public Affairs Legislative Update and Discussion

The ranch gathering is sponsored by Agricultural Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Company, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Bayer Animal Health, Helena Chemical Company, and Texas Range Minerals, Inc. 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.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for March 17th, 2010
3/18/2010
There were 2,491 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the March 10th sale. That compares to 2,667 a week ago and 1,600 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were steady, over 500lbs were steady to 2.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were steady to firm, over 500lbs were steady to 4.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were steady to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were also steady to firm. Trade was good, demand was good.

COMMISSIONER STAPLES SALUTES FARMERS, RANCHERS DURING NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK
Ag industry brings more than $100 billion to Texas economy
3/16/2010
AUSTIN — As the agriculture industry takes center stage during National Agriculture Week, March 14-20, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples asks Texans to join him in honoring the state’s hardworking farmers and ranchers for making Texas a powerhouse of productivity.

“Our producers are responsible for the most abundant, most affordable and safest food supply in the world,” Commissioner Staples said. “The Texas agriculture industry employs one in seven working Texans and brings more than $100 billion a year to the economy of our great state. I ask all Texans to take time, especially on March 20 - National Agriculture Day - to celebrate and thank our farmers and ranchers by buying Texas-grown and raised products, and choosing those with the GO TEXAN brand.”

American farmers are more productive and efficient than ever before. According to the Texas Farm Bureau, each producer today feeds 155 people in the U.S. and abroad. In Texas, about 1.8 million people work in agriculture-related jobs, ranging from journalism and advertising to commodity trading.

“Many of us take our readily accessible and safe food supply for granted, which is a testament to the high standards and strong work ethic of those who work in our agriculture industry,” Commissioner Staples said. “National Ag Week is an occasion to recognize those who contribute so much to the health, well-being and prosperity of this country.”

For a list of local farmers markets, Texas products and information about the GO TEXAN Program, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture Web site at www.TexasAgriculture.gov.

3/16/2010
Check out this week's newspapers for Ag Week
articles and salutatory displays

Jansen Merrill participated in the 2010 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He is pictured with his third place Middle Weight Maine-Anjou steer. Jansen is the son of John and Sherri Merrill of Coleman.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for March 10th, 2010
3/11/2010
There were 2,667 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the March 10th sale. That compares to 2,805 a week ago and 1,565 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were 2.00 to 4.00 higher, over 500lbs were 3.00-5.00 higher. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were 3.00 to 5.00 higher, over 500lbs were steady to 2.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls were 1.00-2.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 50.00 higher. Trade was good; demand was good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for March 3rd, 2010
3/4/2010
There were 2,805 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the March 3rd sale. That compares to 1,144 a week ago and 2,611 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were 2.00-5.00 higher, over 500lbs steady to 2.00 higher, and feeder heifers under 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 higher, while over 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were steady, and replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady to firm. Trade was good; demand was good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for February 24th, 2010
2/25/2010
There were 1,144 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the February 24th sale. That compares to 2,583 a week ago and 2,413 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs were steady, over 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 lower. Feeder heifers under 500lbs were steady, while over 500lbs were 1.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were 2.00-4.00 lower. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 50.00 lower. Trade was good, demand was good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for February 17th, 2010
2/18/2010
There were 2,582 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the February 17th sale. That compares to 445 a week ago and 2,502 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs 6.00-10.00 higher, whereas feeder heifers under 500lbs were 6.00-10.00 higher, and over 500lbs were 4.00-6.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were 3.00-5.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 150.00 higher. Trade good. Demand good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for February 10th, 2010
2/11/2010
There were 445 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the February 10th sale. That compares to 998 a week ago and 2,222 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers were steady to light test due to the wet conditions. Slaughter cows and bulls were steady. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were not enough to test. Trade light; demand good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for February 3rd, 2010
2/4/2010
There were 998 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the February 3rd sale. That compares to 3,020 a week ago and 2,950 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs steady to steady, whereas feeder heifers under 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 lower, and over 500lbs were steady to 1.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls were 2.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady on light test. Trade light. Demand good due to wet weather. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for January 27th, 2010
1/28/2010
There were 3,020 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the January 27th sale. That compares to 3,396 a week ago and 1,591 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs steady to 2.00 higher, whereas feeder heifers under 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 lower, and over 500lbs were steady to 2.00 lower. Slaughter cows and bulls were stead to firm. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were stead. Trade good. Demand good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for January 20th, 2010
1/21/2010
There were 3,396 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the January 20th sale. That compares to 3,790 a week ago and 3,093 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs 2.00-3.00 higher, whereas feeder heifers under 500lbs were 1.00-2.00 lower, and over 500lbs were 3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were 1.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 50.00 higher. Trade good. Demand good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for January 13th, 2010
1/14/2010
There were 3,790 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the January 13th sale. That compares to 2,491 a week ago and 4,146 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs 1.00-3.00 higher, whereas feeder heifers under 500lbs were 3.00-6.00 higher, and over 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were 2.00-5.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady to firm. Trade good. Demand good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Market Summary for January 6th, 2010
1/7/2010
There were 2,491 cattle on offer at the Coleman Livestock Auction for the January 6th sale. That compares to none a week ago (off for the holidays) and 2,688 a year ago.

Compared to last week: Feeder steers under 500lbs 2.00-4.00 higher, whereas feeder heifers under 500lbs were steady to firm, and over 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls were 1.00-3.00 higher. Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were 100.00 lower. Trade good. Demand good. Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner for a full market report.

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