Ranch, Rodeo, And Random News Outlet

US confirms case of New World screwworm ** Media Release ** A horse at an equine import quarantine facility in Florida has tested positive for New World screwworm, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says. Lab tests taken of the horse and sent to Iowa confirmed the results, the USDA said Friday.  Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared the New World screwworm a state disaster as a preemptive measure to bring attention to the dangers this insect could bring. South Texas correspondent Sandra Sanchez talks about Abbott’s announced on the latest episode of Border Report Live. The screwworms are flies that lay their larvae in wounds of animals and can infect and kill within weeks. Small pets and humans can even get infected. If it crosses into Texas the screwworm could cause $2.7 billion in damages to the cattle industry. The federal government says sterilized flies will be dropped into Texas, north of the border, as well as in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas where 1...

  Commissioner Miller Calls for Heifer Tax Credit to Bolster U.S. Cattle Supply, Lower Beef Prices * * PRESS RELEASE * *  Commissioner Sid Miller is responding to a recent USDA report that listed the national cattle herd at its lowest level in 75 years. This trend is alarming, but an effective beef policy, including heifer tax credits, will help producers to be more competitive and meet the nation’s food supply demands. The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Sid Miller “The way we lower beef prices and restore affordability is by putting American beef first. That starts with rebuilding our cattle herd. I’m calling for a Heifer Retention Tax Credit, modeled after the Child Tax Credit, that would allow cow-calf operators to receive a tax credit for retaining heifers and expanding their herds. This policy would be the most direct way to help rebuild our national herd, increase beef production, and ultimately bring relief to American families at the grocery...

 Equine Infectious Anemia Confirmed in Wichita County Horses  Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed equine infectious anemia (EIA) in three quarter horses on a Wichita County premises January 21, 2026. These are the first confirmed cases of EIA in Texas this year.   After regulatory testing was performed to meet TAHC requirements, the horses were confirmed EIA positive. The premises has been quarantined and will not be released until the TAHC's requirements are met. TAHC staff are working closely with the owner to monitor potentially exposed horses and implement biosecurity measures.  “EIA cases in Texas continue to rise due to human-facilitated transmissions,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC executive director and state veterinarian. “This blood-borne disease can be prevented by not reusing needles, medical equipment, or other instruments that could transmit EIA from an infected horse to a healthy horse very quickly. Equine stakeholders sho...

* * PRESS RELEASE * *  The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Board of Directors approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding to seriously consider relocating the organization's headquarters, along with the PRCA Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, to Wyoming. The move would bring professional rodeo's premier organization to the Cowboy State, where rodeo is officially recognized as Wyoming's professional sport, by vote of the Wyoming Legislature. The process was thorough and included productive conversations from multiple locations and a proposal from Colorado Springs leadership. In addition to a friendly business climate and no state income tax, Cheyenne offered to build a Hall of Fame and an administrative building to host the PRCA national headquarters with upgraded office space, first class conference rooms and other amenities. The relocation represents a strategic move for the PRCA and underscores Wyoming's deep-rooted connection to west...

  Commissioner Miller Warns Texas as China Sends Mystery Seed Packages To Random Texans Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today urged Texans to remain vigilant as unsolicited packages containing unidentified seeds continue to arrive at their doorsteps. Since February 2025, TDA has collected seed deliveries at 109 locations across the Lone Star State, totaling 1,101 packs of unsolicited seeds. While small in appearance, these packages represent a serious and ongoing threat to the nation’s agricultural biosecurity.  “At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business,” said Commissioner Miller. “The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry. We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly.” TDA first became aware of the issue in early F...

  The National Reined Cow Horse Association  announces the promotion of Taylor Meek to Director of Shows in 2026. Meek has been a member of the NRCHA staff since 2022 and brings extensive, hands-on experience across nearly every area of the Association’s show operations. During her time with NRCHA, she has served as Data Entry Assistant, Membership Coordinator, Shows Coordinator, and Premier Events Coordinator. In 2025, Meek stepped into the role of Premier Events Manager, where she became the sole staff member responsible for managing entries and overseeing the show office operations at all five NRCHA Premier Events. As Director of Shows, Meek will oversee all NRCHA Premier Events and lead the show department staff responsible for managing more than 300 NRCHA-sanctioned events worldwide. Her role will also include oversight of the NRCHA Affiliate program and NRCHA memberships.  “Taylor has been a familiar and trusted presence within the NRCHA family for many years,” said...

  WPRA and PRCA Agree to Three Year Agreement * MEDIA RELEASE *   The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association are pleased to announce a new agreement between the two Associations to continue to bring the best in professional rodeo to members, committees, fans and sponsors. The WPRA and PRCA have been working diligently to craft a new agreement based on today’s circumstances and tomorrow’s challenges that will work to the benefit of all of our respective constituents. This new agreement will continue for the next three years with the option to extend an additional three years in 2028.  “The PRCA is happy to execute this three-year agreement with the WPRA and continue to elevate the profile of PRORODEO moving forward,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. The biggest change in the new agreement is that under the old agreement women’s breakaway roping was a revenue share between the two. Starting in 2026, that discipline will be completely ...