Fort Worth, Texas - Cattlemen across Texas gathered in Austin on Wednesday to discuss important issues critical to the cattle industry with the Texas Legislature.  Members of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers (TSCRA) and Texas Cattle Feeders (TCFA) were recognized in the House and Senate chambers as the Legislature designated April 1, 2009, as Texas Cattlemen at the Capitol Day.  
 
"Every Texan knows the story of the legendary cattle drives of the Chisholm and Goodnight-Loving Trails.  Certainly cattle production has played a prominent role in the culture and heritage of Texas; however that role isn't just in our history," TSCRA President Dave Scott said. 
 
"The cattle industry in Texas is very much alive and well.  Today, cattle in Texas have a direct impact of $15 billion to the Texas economy and provide millions of Americans with safe and healthy beef.  Our issues are not only important to cattle producers, but they are also important to the financial stability of our state."
 
Cattle theft, eminent domain, renewable energy and increasing the maximum allowable truck weight were a few topics discussed with lawmakers.
 
 "One of the most important issues to cattle producers is increasing the penalty for cattle theft, which is on the rise in Texas.  Between 2007 and 2008 theft of cattle in Texas tripled.  The slumping economy and the lack of stronger penalties have enticed thieves to steal more frequently and repeatedly. 
 
"Right now, theft of cattle less than 10 head is a state jail felony.  We are working to increase that to a third degree felony.  We believe that many of those professional thieves will think twice about steeling cattle if they know they can get serious time in prison," Scott continued.
 
Members recognized at the State Capitol were Dave Scott, Richmond, president, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; Monte Cluck, Gruver, chairman, Texas Cattle Feeders Association; Joe Parker, Byers, first vice president, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; Bo Kizziar, Spearman, vice chairman, Texas Cattle Feeders Association; Clay Birdwell, Canyon, second vice president, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; Jason Peeler, San Antonio, member of Legislative and Regulatory Committee, Texas Cattle Feeders Association; Dr. Dick Sherron, Beaumont, past president, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; and Arthur Uhl, San Antonio, director and chairman of Legislative and Tax Committee, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 132-year-old trade organization and is the largest livestock association in Texas.  TSCRA's 15,000 members 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.