TSCRA News Release - Feb. 12 - Hutchison to Address Cattle Raisers at Annual TSCRA Convention

News Desk

For Immediate Release
February 12, 2009

Contact: Carmen Fenton
512-469-0171/512-673-3906

Hutchison to Address Cattle Raisers at Annual TSCRA Convention

Fort Worth, Texas - U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will address cattle raisers at the Opening General Session of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Convention in Fort Worth. The Opening General Session will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21.

"I am pleased to be addressing the 132nd Annual Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention in Fort Worth," said Sen. Hutchison. "The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers play an important role in protecting and promoting the agriculture industry. I will continue to work hard to ensure that Texas remains a leading beef producing state."

"The Texas agriculture industry is still going strong even though we are experiencing tough economic times," TSCRA President Jon Means said. "Approximately 80 percent of Texas land is used for agriculture. Additionally, our state ranks first in the nation in the number of cattle and calves. To maintain that status, the cattle industry needs strong leaders in Washington, like Senator Hutchison. We must continue to work alongside our elected officials to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Texas cattle industry."

More than 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 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 2,000-plus 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 Blach 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

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 131-year-old trade organization and is the largest livestock association in Texas. TSCRA has more than 15,000 members 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 services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy and educational opportunities for its members.

TSCRA-10-2009