New beef alliance group organizes in region

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Cattle signed on with the new CenTex Beef Alliance are in the growing process. Signs of the recent heavy rainfall were evident throughout the pastures at the McGee Ranch near Kingsbury. - Staff photo by Taylor

July 15, 2004 - South Central and Central Texas producers have the opportunity to be a part of a new beef group, and President Lou McGee of Kingsbury is trying to get the word out about the CenTex Beef Alliance.

The "organizational" meeting was held in January of this year, and according to McGee, the new alliance is an unincorporated, nonprofit organization, formed under the Texas Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act.

The new organization is made up of independent cow/calf producers and other agribusiness representatives with an interest in the beef industry. Although there are various organizations for producers, McGee said the new alliance wants to work to "enhance the beef industry and the entire Central Texas economy."

Membership is open to anyone in Central/South Central Texas who is eager to raise better cattle that will give safer, better beef for public consumption and provide more money to the producer. McGee said there is no "size of herd" requirement or breed restriction.

Board members for the CenTex Beef Alliance are (from left) Bill Cheshire, Craig Barnhart, Lou McGee, Lytle Archie, and Lura Bain. McGee serves as president of the group. - Courtesy photo

McGee emphasized ... several times ... that the bylaws and health requirements for membership in the alliance are "under revision." He said the "primary function" of the organization will include: "improving the genetic make-up of Texas commercial cattle operations; improving management practices that will comply with the National Quality Assurance (NQA) program and help to enhance the performance of calves from birth until they have furnished the consumer with a nutritious and enjoyable eating experience." Other functions of the group will be to "enhance the reputation of Texas beef and reward commercial producers, financially, for the added value of their product."

McGee noted the CenTex Beef Alliance is not controlled by any auction facility, supply company or drug company, and is open to everyone. Plans are already under way for the first sale by the members, next year, and the location will be determined by the members.

One of the most important functions of the group is to educate producers concerning vaccinations. McGee stated an example about giving an "open" cow a Modified Live Virus (MLV) vaccination. When the cow later becomes pregnant and calves, the calf should be able to be vaccinated while still nursing it's re-bred momma without any problems. If the cow is not vaccinated while open, vaccinating her nursing calf with a MLV, if the cow is re-bred, can cause an abortion. He said this information isn't "common knowledge," but can certainly make a difference in herds.

At this time, with "revisions" always possible, McGee said the "plan" of the alliance will be to have all members making sure their cattle are bred so they will all calve within a two- to three-month period, and vaccinations will all be certified. This should help insure sales with truckloads of animals at the correct/expected weights.

Presently, other recommendations (prior to any revision) for the health program of the alliance include: deworming, castrating, dehorning (although complete dehorning is recommended, tipping is acceptable), tagging in the left ear with a CenTex Beef i.d. ear tag, utilizing the official CenTex Beef processing map, and weaning at a minimum of 45 days before a sale.

Other services that are planned for members of the new alliance include the hiring of cowboys to help with branding, vaccinating, etc; availability of portable pens, information on pre-conditioning, and contact information of other members who will raise another member's calves until they reach the selling size (if the owner cannot or does not want to raise the animals). All of these services are up for discussion, and McGee said there are a number of possibilities that can work for the members.

While making sure all members work together is high on McGee's list of necessities for CenTex Beef Alliance to be successful, he said he "really enjoys helping people ... and is eager to call more attention to the area and middle of Texas."

(For more information on Centex Beef Alliance: 512-488-2523 or 512-558-2585 or email y2k@bcsnet.net.)