Tony Purcell (Texas State Networks, Dallas, TX) said the blizzard in the Texas Panhandle had a major effect. “Movement of cotton and cattle to market came to a standstill. Fences were knocked down and a lot of cattle were loose and unaccounted for. At one point, about 20 head were tying up traffic on the main loop in Lubbock,” Tony said. There was not much in the way of death loss reported, but that may change as ranchers are able to get into the pastures,” he added. “The Dallas area basically experienced all four seasons in a four-day period. On December 25, it was 73 degrees and sunny. On December 26, it was 81 degrees with a massive tornado outbreak. On December 27, it was 52 degrees with torrential rain and widespread flooding, and on December 28, it was 31 degrees with snow. There is not much agriculture in the areas hit by the tornados, so the impact was minimal,” Tony said. Looking back on 2015, Texans held several national leadership positions, Tony reported. “U.S Congressman Mike Conaway from West Texas assumed chairmanship of the House Ag Committee. U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady from South Texas assumed chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee. Bob McCann of Victoria completed his term as NCBA president. Texas soybean grower Wade Cowan served as American Soybean Association president.” 
A NEW RECORD – The Grand Champion Steer at the State Fair of Texas sold for a record high $130,000. Once again, Tony was reporting live from Cattle Barn #1.
