Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association

06/17/2026

The New World Screwworm producers meeting has been moved to the Gillespie County Fairgrounds. The program is tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17th @ 6:00 pm.

06/15/2026

Efforts to keep AM radio in new vehicles continue on Capitol Hill as lawmakers push back against plans by some automakers to remove the receivers. Several large manufacturers have argued that AM radio is becoming less necessary, citing rising costs and declining listenership.

Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts says that AM radio remains an important source of information for rural communities across the country. His new bill, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, would require automakers to keep AM radio receivers in all new passenger vehicles.

“AM radio stations in Nebraska and around the country are still the lifeblood of rural communities,” Ricketts said. “In the Senate, I am working to preserve this important service. Every vehicle sold in the U.S. should be equipped with an AM broadcast radio at no charge. In Nebraska, we know this is common sense. My ‘AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’ would do that.”

Ricketts’ proposal would also require the Department of Transportation to ensure AM radio is available at no additional cost to consumers.

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Be aware deadline is June 30 and the year minimum of ownership has been lowered to 50 years. Celebrate your family’s land heritage as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday!

As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced a special expansion of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage Program to recognize qualifying 50- and 75-year family farms and ranches in 2026, alongside the program’s traditional century-old honorees.

“For over half a century, the Texas Department of Agriculture has been proud to honor the heritage and spirit of our Texas family farms and ranches.” Commissioner Miller said. “Their faith, self-reliance, and grit helped shape our nation and continues to inspire us all today.”

Since 1974, the Family Land Heritage Program has recognized more than 5,000 Texas farms and ranches that have remained in continuous agricultural operation by the same family for 100 years or more. In honor of America250, TDA will expand eligibility during the 2026 recognition year to include farms and ranches with 50 and 75 years of continuous agricultural operation, honoring a broader range of Texas families whose dedication reflects the enduring spirit of American independence.

Applicants must trace and substantiate continuous family ownership and agricultural operation through deeds, affidavits, or other historical documentation. Honorees receive a certificate from Commissioner Miller and are recognized during an annual ceremony.

To accommodate new applicants, TDA has extended the application deadline by one month. Eligible families seeking recognition must submit applications by June 30, 2026.

“America’s independence was not secured only on battlefields,” Commissioner Miller said. “It was built and sustained by generations of farmers and ranchers who worked the land, fed their communities, and passed down both property and values from one generation to the next. As our nation marks 250 years of independence, those families deserve to be honored as part of America’s story.”

Families interested in applying or learning more about the Family Land Heritage Program may apply online or download a printable application at the TDA Family Land Heritage webpage: https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Family-Land-Heritage

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Competitive Events Exhibitors and specifically Livestock Exhibitors:

Please see information regarding the New World Screwworm and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo below.

06/11/2026

Stay informed! See ya there next week.

06/11/2026

Come join us for ICE CREAM and cookies!!

06/11/2026

The branding crew may be gone... but the real calf check starts now. 👀

A lot can happen in the first 7 days after branding. Small issues like heat stress, fly pressure, swelling, or a calf that suddenly hangs back can turn into bigger health and performance problems if nobody catches them early.

The good news? Most calves will tell you something is wrong before it becomes expensive. A quick daily walk through the herd can save a lot of headaches later.

🐮 What's the first thing you check after branding day is over? Drop your answer in the comments or tag a rancher who's probably checking calves right now.