Contact: Burt Rutherford 

                                           Cattle Feeders' Convention Heads To Amarillo

             Cattle feeders are heading home in 2002 as they make plans to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) Oct. 18-19 in Amarillo, the place where it all began. 

            "Thirty five years ago, 10 forward-thinking cattle feeders met in Amarillo , put $500 each in a hat, and TCFA was born," according to Richard McDonald, president and CEO.  "Since then, TCFA has grown from an upstart organization representing a new and very small segment of the cattle industry to one of the largest cattle organizations in the nation representing a significant segment of our economy."

            The economic impact from cattle feeding is significant, McDonald says.  "Cattle Feeding Country of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico produced 7.1 million fed cattle last year, 30% of the nation's fed cattle production.  Sales of those cattle generated $6 billion for our economy.  By the time that money circulates through the economy, the total economic impact is $16.5 billion." 

            While feedyards in the area generate more than 2,500 jobs directly, that's just the tip of the iceberg, according to Dr. Steve Amosson, Extension ag economist in Amarillo.  "The cattle feeding industry has brought satellite industries such as IBP, Con Agra and Excel, which are all major employers in the area," Amosson points out.  In addition, the industry's presence in the area results in price premiums for local cow-calf producers, stocker operators and grain farmers. 

"Probably the best example of the immense magnitude of the cattle industry in the area is the realization that approximately 730,000 semi-loads of feed and cattle have to be moved annually to support the industry in the area at its current level of production," according to Amosson. 

            To recognize the strong partnership the cattle feeding industry enjoys with the many communities in the area, TCFA will recognize area leaders during lunch on Saturday, Oct. 19.  "We invite the mayors and other civic leaders from the area to be our guests on Saturday.  This is our chance to thank them for the important role they play in helping keep a strong economic and civic partnership with the cattle feeding industry," McDonald says. 

            The TCFA 35^th Anniversary Convention will bring a wide variety of speakers to town.  Don Powell, former Amarillo banker and now chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, will address cattle feeders and area mayors and civic leaders at lunch from a Washington insider's perspective.  In addition, speakers will discuss biosecurity, the changing nature of beef production and the personal and professional challenges facing cattle feeders.  The Convention will wrap up with a first for cattle feeders-top executives from all four major packers will be in the same room to share their thoughts on issues affecting the beef marketing complex. 

            "Cattle feeders have had a rough year, but our industry is resilient and our commitment to the area is strong," McDonald says.  "We're proud to have been a major part of the area's economy for the past 35 years and we plan to still be creating jobs and making things happen 35 years from now."