About Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) was formed in 1877 and is the largest and oldest livestock association in Texas.
The association represents more than 17,500 beef cattle producers, ranching families, and businesses as members. These members represent approximately 55,000 individuals directly involved in ranching and beef production who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 76 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, but throughout the Southwest.
The organization traces its roots to 1877, when 40 cattlemen joined together out of their common interest to end livestock theft. Their efforts led to the formation of what was to become Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Today, TSCRA offers a broad range of services, including law enforcement, government and public affairs, insurance services, industry news and information on best practices, educational programs, and discounts for ranching supplies and related services to members and the industry.
Theft & Law Enforcement
TSCRA has 30 special rangers stationed throughout Texas and Oklahoma to assist in recovering stolen livestock and equipment and apprehending the thieves.
TSCRA special rangers:
- Investigate thefts of cattle, horses, saddles, trailers, equipment, and even poaching
- Pursue white-collar criminals who commit agricultural fraud
- Inspect livestock to determine ownership and prevent theft after a natural disaster such as wildfire, flood, or hurricane
- Determine the ownership of estray, or stray, livestock
- Educate landowners on how to prevent theft and spoil the plans of thieves
- Keep the peace
Special rangers recover or account for an average of $5 million annually in livestock and property.
The law enforcement officers are aided in their efforts by TSCRA market inspectors, who record brands and other identifying markings on four to five million cattle each year at the more than 100 Texas livestock markets.
They transmit this information to TSCRA’s Fort Worth headquarters, where the information is entered into the nation’s largest centralized and computerized brand recording and retrieval system.
Information on missing and stolen livestock is distributed by TSCRA’s law enforcement division to more than 700 law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Issues & Policy
In the late 1800s, Charles Goodnight and other TSCRA members traveled to Washington, D.C., to oppose increasing railroad tariffs. The association succeeded and, as a result, gained national recognition and helped solve other industry-related problems.
TSCRA continues to advocate for cattle producers and landowners on local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory issues.
TSCRA strongly supports and defends a free enterprise system, the protection of private property rights, and the protection and enhancement of our natural resources.
With these key principles as a guide, TSCRA members develop and vote on policies that direct the association volunteer leaders and staff in their advocacy efforts.
TSCRA leaders also take on key policy and decision-making roles with other national and state industry organizations, providing relevant input and testimony, influencing state and national policy development.
Members receive action reports and timely fact sheets on legislative and regulatory issues at the state and national levels.
TSCRA makes sure the voices of cattlemen are heard and that cattlemen continue to influence policy and politics.
TSCRA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) helps to ensure the election of state, local, and federal candidates who share our beliefs and interests. To learn more about the TSCRA PAC and how you can help in this effort, click the button below.
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Designed by ranchers for ranching families
Cattle Raisers Insurance provides members access to all types of insurance customized for ranching families or small business.
From property and casualty to health, prescriptions, and workers’ compensation, Cattle Raisers Insurance can tailor insurance packages to match your needs, all at a competitive price.
Cattle Raisers Insurance provides personal service from an experienced team of insurance professionals familiar with the unique needs of agricultural operations.
Cattle Raisers Insurance is a one-stop shop when it comes to your insurance needs.
The Cattleman Magazine
TSCRA delivers up-to-date information to members’ doorsteps. Since 1914, its monthly magazine, The Cattleman, has been a trusted, reliable resource to help ranchers make sound, informed business decisions.
Easy-to-understand articles explain how to manage cattle and land to save time, reduce labor, cut costs, and improve profits. Twelve monthly issues keep producers up to date on trends, legislation, and technology that could significantly impact the way they do business.
The Cattleman Update daily email newsletter
The daily electronic newsletter, The Cattleman Update, provides members with time-sensitive information related to the cattle industry. It keeps members current on issues, animal health alerts, government regulations, TSCRA activities, and upcoming events.
Education programs open to all
TSCRA educational programs provide producers with the latest information on animal health, pasture, wildlife management, and marketing.
The annual School for Successful Ranching is one of the largest ranching schools in the nation, attracting hundreds of students to a unique mix of classroom and hands-on demonstrations from leading experts.
The Cattle Raisers Convention, which includes the largest beef cattle industry trade show in the region, brings leading industry experts and the latest products and services to attendees. Held every spring, this event is a can’t-miss event for anyone involved in the cattle business.
TSCRA is also a coordinator for the Texas Beef Quality Producer program, a beef quality assurance program designed to promote good management practices for cattle producers to strengthen consumer confidence in beef as a wholesome food product.
And more member benefits
TSCRA members enjoy exclusive and significant discounts through a number of partner companies offering valuable discounts on computers, vehicles, ranching equipment and supplies, hotel rates, boots, hats, accessories, and more!
TSCRA provides a wealth of services and support to its member families, and we invite you to join to make the association even stronger.