Frequently Asked Questions - TSCRA
What is the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and when was it founded?
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a trade organization for cattle raisers and landowners. It is the largest and oldest livestock association in Texas and among the oldest in the U.S.
TSCRA is comprised of cattle producers, operators and businesses of all sizes, all of whom are dedicated to the betterment of the industry.
The association was founded in 1877 by 40 cattlemen who wanted to end unbridled livestock theft.
Today, the association has grown to offer a number of services; however, preventing and investigating agricultural theft still remain a large part of TSCRA.
How many members does TSCRA have?
TSCRA represents more than 17,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses that manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 76 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.
Can I join TSCRA even if I don't have cattle?
Yes, anyone with a vested interest in the cattle industry or own land can join the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. For more information on how you can become a TSCRA member click here.
What services does TSCRA offer its members?
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.
What role do the TSCRA special rangers play in solving crimes in Texas?
TSCRA provides highly trained livestock theft investigators strategically stationed throughout Texas and Oklahoma. All are commissioned as special rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
TSCRA special rangers are aided in their efforts by TSCRA market inspectors who identify around 4 million cattle each year at more than 100 Texas livestock markets. They report their findings to TSCRA’s Fort Worth headquarters, where the information is entered into the largest centralized and computerized brand recording and retrieval system in the nation.
Headquarters support staff distribute information on missing or stolen livestock to more than 700 law enforcement agencies nationwide.
TSCRA special rangers are not part of a government agency and are not paid for with taxpayer dollars.
For more on the TSCRA special rangers, or to contact your local ranger, click here.
Is cattle theft still a problem in Texas?
Yes, cattle theft, also known as cattle rustling, still happens in Texas. The TSCRA special rangers investigated an average of 1000 cases each year in Texas and Oklahoma, primarily involving stray or stolen livestock. Working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement officers, the special rangers recover or account for approximately $5 million in assets for members & non-members each year.
Where does the association stand on certain policy and regulatory issues?
TSCRA strongly supports and defends a free enterprise system, protecting private property rights, and protecting and enhancing our natural resources. For more information on specific state and federal issues, including policy fact sheets, please visit the TSCRA Issues and Policy page by clicking here.
Does the association offer representation and advocacy on behalf of ranchers and landowners?
TSCRA remains dedicated to providing advocacy on local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory issues. TSCRA has a government and public affairs office in Austin, which represents cattle raisers in Austin as well as Washington, D.C. TSCRA works around the clock to make sure the voices of cattlemen are heard and that cattlemen continue to influence policy and politics. For more information on TSCRA representation and advocacy, click here.
Does the association offer legal representation to its members?
No, the association does not offer legal representation for individual members.
Does TSCRA support political candidates?
The association’s Political Action Committee, TSCRA 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 here.