For Immediate Release
February 10, 2009

Fort Worth, Texas - The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) announces an exciting opportunity for ranchers to learn valuable tips to help protect their ranching investments. The 15th Annual School for Successful Ranching will take place March 20-21, at the TSCRA Annual Convention in Fort Worth, and will address the importance of protecting ranching operations during tough economical times.

"Fluctuating input costs, constricted financial times, and unpredictable weather patterns have all contributed to ranchers' bottom lines this year," TSCRA President Jon Means said. "We want cattle producers to have all the information and tools needed in order to make critical decisions during difficult times. Ranchers attending this year's school can participate in a variety of educational opportunities that will help them protect their investments in the future."

Headlining this year's School for Successful Ranching is Ann Barnhardt, founder of Barnhardt Capital Management. Barnhardt will present a six-hour marketing program for ranchers enrolled in the school.

Day one of TSCRA's School for Successful Ranching offers two different tracks consisting of four one-hour sessions that can be customized to fit the needs of producers. The second day will focus on preventing ranch asset theft, the new political environment the cattle industry faces, and will conclude with a panel discussion on keeping profit levels stable.

You can register online at texascattleraisers.org.

Over 2,000 ranchers and landowners will gather in Fort Worth for a weekend of programs and educational sessions, a trade show with more than 200 companies, networking and fellowship with fellow cattle raisers.

All members of the press are invited to attend. See weekend schedule and registration information below. Please fill out the registration form and fax it back to Carmen Fenton at 512/469-0017. If you will register after March 16, please call Carmen Fenton at 512/673-3906. 

All members of the media will need press credentials to obtain complimentary admission to the different events.

Friday, March 20
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
School for Successful Ranching
TSCRA provides the 15th School for Successful Ranching to help educate ranchers so they are better equipped to make informed decisions, especially during tough economical times. 
3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Trade Show Grand Opening
More than 200 exhibitors will show their products and services to over 2,000 visitors at the 34th annual trade show.

Saturday, March 21
7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Trade Show
· Breakfast, 7:00 - 8:00

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
School for Successful Ranching

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
General Session
 · Keynote Speaker: Don Reynolds
Economist and futurist Don Reynolds, will take a real-world look at the global market prior to, during and following the financial crisis to help TSCRA members understand the course the U.S. can take on this new roadmap.
12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Trade Show
· Lunch, 12:30 - 2:00

Sunday, March 22
7:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Trade Show
· Cowboy Church, 7:00 - 8:00
· Breakfast, 7:30 - 8:30

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
CattleFax Outlook
Executive Vice President of CattleFax Randy Blanch will give the state-of-the-industry review of the cattle market.

12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Closing General Session Luncheon
· Keynote Speakers: Ron Hall & Denver Moore