Rangers Rounding Up Rustlers

To many Texans today, the talk of cattle thieves, rustlers, and rounding them up may sound like a scene from a John Wayne movie.  Unfortunately for modern day Texas ranchers, rustlers are still active. But the good news for Texas ranchers of today is that they still have good guys to ride to their aid. 

In 2012, more than $4.4 million in stolen livestock and ranch equipment was recovered by the

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Rangers. The 10,400 head of cattle and horses recovered by the rangers in 2012 was up from 7,600 in 2011. The bad guys may be busy, but they’re not without pursuit.

With a focus on Texas and Oklahoma, the TSCRA Special Rangers report convicted thieves received 279 years of prison or other legal punishment while coughing up more than $3.8 million in restitution, fines and court costs. The costs associated with investigations, rangers’ salaries and pursuits are paid not by taxpayers, but rather by the cattle industry themselves through fees and membership dues.

While TSCRA Special Rangers stand ready to help fight crime, ranchers are reminded to brand their cattle, lock gates and mark trailers and other equipment with a driver’s license number or other means of identification to deter thieves and aid in recovery.

We all miss John Wayne, of course, but it’s good to know the TSCRA Special Rangers are still doling out professional justice.

Spring Arrives in Texas

Today marks the first day of spring, which signals the onset of warmer weather, new growth in the form of flowers, crops and animals, and unmatched optimism about the future of our great state.

Mark Twain once said, “In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.” It sounds like Mr. Twain may have been visiting Texas when he spoke those words. Some spring days in Texas can feel more like summer or even a mild winter with the occasional cold front. This spring, I pray we have lots of rain to yield new agricultural growth and to ease the stress being felt by urban Texans with municipal water shortages.

Although spring weather in Texas can change every five minutes, our state is ranked as the fourth warmest state during the spring season. If you plan on planting in your yard or garden, think about choices that can tolerate the stressful heat. Some beautiful spring flower options include verbena, portuluca, Mexican sunflower and periwinkle.

Great home gardening options include herbs and vegetable plants like peppers, peas, parsley, onions and lettuce. Remember, when searching for the perfect plant, look for the Texas Superstar label, you know those plants are hearty and can thrive in the Lone Star State climate.

When I reflect on spring seasons of years past, I fondly recall spending quality family time in the back yard, taking my kids fishing or swimming, participating in the tough but rewarding spring round-up, and enjoying many of the Texas festivals that occur in the months of March, April and May. I hope you and your friends and family will get outside and enjoy the beauty of Texas this spring.  Whether you plan on growing plants, crops, animals or jobs, there is no better day than today to get started.

National Ag Day Celebrates the Goodness of Life

While it’s fair to say National Agriculture Day celebrates cattle and corn, it’s also a day of gratitude for things you may not expect.

Sure, we can thank our farmers and ranchers for produce, cotton and beef, but did you also know agriculture helps supply us with medicine, landscaping and the lumber that shelters your family? Did you know agriculture helps protect us from pests, disease and tainted fuel? Or that agriculture plays a part in tourism, rural economic development and disaster relief?

In Texas, agriculture contributes more than $100 billion to the state economy each year and supports about 1.8 million ag-related jobs, ranging from fishermen, health inspectors, genetic scientists and economists.

Food, of course, is the very foundation of agriculture. In merging modern farming and ranching techniques with today’s technology, American farmers are more productive and efficient than ever before. According to the Texas Farm Bureau, each American producer feeds 155 people in the U.S. and abroad. By comparison, in 1960, that same ag producer fed 46 people.

On National Ag Day and every other day, I’d like to thank our Texas farmers and ranchers for the hard work they do to keep us fed, clothed and healthy. Look for their products when you shop and be mindful that the fruits of their labor are not just at the grocery store, but also all around you.

No Water = No Jobs

The recent announcement by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) about likely outdoor watering restrictions will not just be an inconvenience, it will impact the economy.  

Nursery and landscaping, the original green industry, has an annual economic impact of nearly $15 billion on the Texas economy. With water restrictions, fewer plantings and outdoor activities will occur.  

Texans of the 1950s were faced with similar tough decisions on water. What was their response? Build! Build! Build! Local governments, recognizing the severe economic consequences of a lack of water, were determined to do something about it and created new water capacity that served our state well for decades.  

Today, we have a choice to make: We can ration and restrict our way forward, but this drives away jobs, decreases quality options and slows economic activity. Or, we can Conserve, Collaborate and Construct our way to meeting our needs: Conserving water through smart usage, better plants and improved technology; Collaborating with other communities and states on shared water projects; and Constructing both new capacity and modern delivery systems.

There is no single solution to solve our water woes, but there are multiple ways we can make a difference.

Texans of the 1950s are remembered for making tough decisions and providing solutions for over 60 years. How will Texans of today be remembered in 2070?

For more info on the pending SAWS regulations, go here.

Rodeos Round-Up Texas Traditions

As if Texans needed a reason to grab their boots and hats, Rodeo Austin kicks off today and continues an annual Lone Star tradition that delights millions of families each year.

Steeped in the celebrated customs of family fun, cowboy heritage and agriculture, our action-packed Texas rodeos offer world-class roping and riding, one-of-a-kind fair food, carnival rides, petting zoos and the biggest stars in music. No wonder our Texas pride has a worldwide reputation.

And while they feature more fun than you could hope to corral in a day, Texas rodeos also are very educational. You really do walk away with a new appreciation for agriculture and the hard work of our farmers and ranchers who help make Texas a $100 billion powerhouse of productivity.

The dust may have settled in Fort Worth and San Antonio, but with Austin saddled up and the world’s largest rodeo event in Houston running through March 17, there is still plenty of cowboy culture and agriculture to enjoy with your family and friends. Round ‘em up and rodeo, Texas.

For more Rodeo Austin information, go here. For Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo info, go here.

A Hard Fight for Texas Independence

Imagine the scene 177 years ago. Texas declares independence from Mexico, March 2, 1836, only days before some 150 men committed to the Texas cause died fighting during the final assault of the Alamo and only weeks before more than 300 unarmed Texan prisoners faced execution by the Mexican Army at Goliad. Families across what is now Central and South Texas became refugees as they fled the ongoing warfare.

Safe to say, victory was not a sure thing for the new Republic of Texas. It’s a story that still stirs Texas pride and patriotism.

This Texas Independence Day, an important artifact from the Texas Revolution returns to its point of origin as the famous “Victory or Death” letter written by commander William B. Travis is displayed at the Alamo for the first time since leaving there by courier 177 years ago.

The letter, addressed to “the People of Texas & All Americans in the World,” calls for reinforcements and supplies for the badly outnumbered Texian fighters at the Alamo. Though Travis didn’t receive those reinforcements in time, the 13-day Battle of the Alamo kept Santa Anna from marching into East Texas where delegates, including Sam Houston, were meeting to officially declare Texas a free and independent nation.

Texas Independence Day is our yearly reminder of the bold and even brash ideas and actions that helped build our great state. That can-do, determined spirit still drives Texans today and makes me proud to call the Lone Star State my home.

Honoring Democracy on Presidents Day

The history of our great nation is often remembered in presidential chapters. From Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt to Kennedy, Reagan and Obama, the United States has weathered good and bad under the watches of 44 men.

Regardless of their politics, achievements and shortcomings, each of these men holds the elite distinction of reaching the highest and most powerful office in the world. As citizens, we can choose to agree or disagree with each president’s charted course, but we must do it with the respect and dignity befitting of the Oval Office. We must also recognize that our voice – whether in agreement or opposition – is afforded to us by the democracy that each president is sworn to protect.

As we celebrate Presidents Day on February 18, let’s be mindful and thankful of the political process it represents. Each of our 44 presidents was voted into office by a free citizenry that is constitutionally empowered to do so. That democratic process makes us the envy of the world. Let us also always remember that while we, the people, select a president to lead, we, the people, have a responsibility to participate in the process and demand on accountability and transparency every step of the way. Our responsibility doesn't end with voting.

On Presidents Day and every other day, may God continue to bless democracy and America.

Mexican Drug Kingpin is ‘Public Enemy No. 1’

Anyone who still thinks Texas and other southern border states are crying wolf when pleading for additional border security may be interested to know Mexican drug cartel kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has been named Chicago’s “Public Enemy No. 1.”


Yes, Chicago – as in Chicago, Illinois. The nation’s third-largest city and some 1,400 miles away from the Mexican border. The same city that is home to President Obama and an escalating homicide rate that counted more than 500 murders last year. Coincidence? I doubt it.

Perhaps more telling is the fact that “Public Enemy No. 1” was the distinction first – and last -- held by notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone during the days of Prohibition. The Chicago Crime Commission has not used the label since. That is, until today. In fact, according to this news report, the DEA claims Guzman is actually more dangerous than Capone. Cause for concern? It should be.

If you’re asking yourself how a ruthless criminal hiding in Mexico can be Chicago’s “Public Enemy No. 1,” allow me to shed some light. The U.S. border with Mexico stretches 1,969 miles, yet according to the General Accountability Office, only 44 percent of that entire border is under operational control. In other words, our porous border is an open invitation to thugs like Guzman and his merciless henchmen.

Washington has been patting itself on the back of late by propping up statistics showing an increase in border protection resources over the past few years. Just because 10 agents is more than nine doesn’t mean 10 is enough. Closing a door halfway does not allow it to be locked.

While I am eternally grateful to the federal, state and local men and women who risk their lives to protect our border and citizens, I cannot rest easy knowing Washington deprives them of maximum backup and fortification. I also find it deplorable that our border region citizens are subjected to these heavily armed narco-terrorists who brazenly trespass and threaten violence while trafficking drugs and humans across our border and deep into Middle America.

And while Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano tours the southern states proclaiming our border is more protected than ever, USAToday tells us January was the deadliest month Chicago has seen in a decade.

So what’s the president’s solution to the rising crime rates in his hometown? Take away self-defense abilities from law-abiding citizens by restricting gun ownership. I’ve got news for the president – criminals don’t obey laws.

When Chicago’s most dangerous criminal is a known Mexican drug cartel kingpin, it should be impossible to pretend our porous border has nothing to do with the skyrocketing murder rates taking place in our president’s hometown.

Are we crying wolf in the southern states? Not when real tears are being shed as far away as Chicago.

Congratulations to our Partners in Ag

Agriculture is big business in Texas made possible thanks to longstanding partnerships like the ones we share with the newly appointed 83^rd Legislative Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, and the Texas Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security.

The Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee is chaired by Rep. Tracy King (D-Batesville) and composed of Vice Chairman Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco), Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington), Rep. Drew Springer (R- Muenster), Rep. Mary Gonzalez (D-Clint), Rep. Kyle Kacal (R-Bryan) and Rep. James White (R-Houston).

The Texas Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security is chaired by Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls), and composed of Vice Chairman Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio), Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-Katy), Sen. Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen) and Rep. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown).

These committees and the Texas Department of Agriculture will continue working together to prioritize agriculture for rural, suburban and urban Texans.

I look forward to working with these new committees to ensure Texas agriculture continues leading the nation while also fortifying our economy, empowering rural communities and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Congratulations to our new committee members and my thanks to each of you for your dedication to Texas agriculture. 

Remembering Columbia 10 Years Later

Today we remember the seven astronauts who lost their lives 10 years ago when Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas during re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. The mission was 16 short minutes from landing safely at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Many in Texas recall hearing the explosion and seeing the white line of destruction cut across the clear, blue sky. I remember the tragedy vividly. As a state senator, I spent much of the days and weeks following Feb. 1, 2003 in East Texas (photo lower left) mourning the lives of the Columbia crew and working with volunteers and state, local and federal officials to facilitate recovery and search for answers.

As they did 10 years ago, my heart and prayers still go out to NASA and the families and friends who continue to mourn the loss of the Columbia crew. Those seven astronauts, like the ones before and after, were pioneers who inspired us all.

As we remember the tragedy of a decade ago, I’d like to also thank the men and women of the space program for their courage, ingenuity and patriotism. Though today the space shuttle program is shuttered, I hope the mystery and adventure of space will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.