Episodes

2d ago

*2026 doesn’t look like a profitable year for corn production. *Free RFID tags are available for hog producers. *Texas rice acreage took a big drop this year. *Weeds can steal a lot of moisture if they get out of control. *China is not fulfilling their Phase One trade agreement commitments. *USDA is making some changes to federal crop insurance. *If you have a gardener in your life, there are some great choices for Christmas gifts. *As the weather turns colder, the chances of BRD get higher.

3d ago

*There may be profitable cotton prices in 2026. *U.S. farmers bought fewer tractors and combines last month. *The American Sheep Industry Association is asking the federal government to investigate lamb imports. *It’s been about a year since avian influenza has been found in a Texas dairy herd. *New cotton varieties will be available for 2026 for the Texas High Plains. *USDA is making some updates to federal crop insurance. *Central Texas is experiencing a typical cool and wet December. *GastroGuard is used to treat stomach ulcers in horses.

4d ago

*2026 could be another good year for Texas weather. *U.S. corn exports are well above last years’ pace. *Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller is asking the Trump administration to consider letting Mexican rodeo calves cross the border. *Feedyards in the Texas Panhandles have very low inventories. *Central Texas cotton farmers have some new varieties to consider for next year. *An important piece of milk legislation has cleared an important hurdle. *Colder weather has arrived in South Texas. *There are several things you can do to help your cow herd endure the Texas winter.

5d ago

*Mexico should begin delivering water to the Rio Grande Valley this week. *Fed cattle prices have been rising recently. *Texas farmers have tested new cotton varieties for 2026. *HPAI has been found in a commercial poultry flock in East Texas. *World wheat production is at record levels. *Regenerative medicine is becoming more popular in horses.

6d ago

*More approved drug treatments are needed to battle screwworms. *The reorganization of USDA is underway. *Highland Dairy’s East Texas plant expansion in Tyler is scheduled to begin operations early next year. *Ag producers in the Texas High Plains have an opportunity to earn a lot of CEUs this week. *New equipment innovations for Texas farmers will hit the market in 2026. *Could lower farm equipment costs be ahead? *Now is the time to prune trees in Texas. *Regenerative medicine is becoming more common in horses.

Dec 12

*Mealybugs are attacking Texas pastures. *U.S. organic farmers will soon receive a letter from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. *Cargill has no plans to close beef processing plants. *It’s a slow time for farm equipment sales. *Trade negotiations continue with China. *Several Texans were in the room when President Trump announced the $12 billion aid package for farmers. *Farmers and ranchers in the Texas Coastal Bend area are hoping for more rainfall this month. *Lice are common in Texas cattle herds during the winter.

Dec 11

*The Texas grain harvest is almost done. *Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is showing up in wild birds. *The Texas Wheat Producers Board presented the Texas Wheat Legacy Award to wheat breeder Dr. Jackie Rudd. *Regaining access to China is good news for Texas sorghum growers. *High input costs continue, with fertilizer playing a major role. *Regenerative agriculture is getting a funding boost. *Many Texas soils are acidic. *Gastric ulcers are a major problem in horses.

Dec 10

*The Livestock Protection Program proved its worth this year. *Texas cotton acreage will continue to be lower than past years. *Silage demand has been growing in the Texas Panhandle, but it may slow down this year. *This was a very good year for grain production both here in Texas and across the nation. *The Trump administration is pushing out 12 billion dollars in financial assistance for the nation’s farmers. *Cattle nutrition is very important as we enter the coldest months of the year. *Fall and winter are the most common times for equine asthma.

Dec 9

*President Trump puts the pressure on Mexico to send water to the Rio Grande Valley. *Drought conditions are improving across Texas. *The Food and Drug Administration has approved another product to treat and control screwworms. *2026 is likely to be another tough year for Texas farmers. *Grain harvest is wrapping up across the country. *The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are investigating the food supply chain. *A national political pundit spoke to Texas farmers and ranchers last weekend.

Dec 8

*President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers. *Texas weather conditions in 2025 were very unexpected. *This has been a volatile year for cattle prices. *A Virginia cattleman will take the helm of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association next year. *The EPA is now accepting comments for its new Waters of the U.S. rule. *Cotton strippers are finding good yields in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Veterinary oversight is helpful when transitioning cattle from fall to winter.

Dec 5

*Cotton harvest is wrapping up in the northern Texas Panhandle. *Rising crop prices and improved export prospects have improved farmers’ outlook. *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is giving over $30 million to educational programming and scholarships. *This year’s Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show was attended by thousands of people, including the famous animal behavior specialist Temple Grandin. *A global sorghum conference is coming to Texas. *The Edwards aquifer in South Texas is at its lowest level in 35 years. *Ensuring an agricultural workforce remains a top priority for ag groups across the nation. *Vesicular stomatitis has been found in two horses in Arizona.

Dec 4

*Strong demand is supporting corn prices. *There are signs that cow herd rebuilding is underway. *The growing importance of beef on dairy calves represents a historic change for Texas High Plains feedlots. *The latest beef and pork export numbers are out. *Another case of New World screwworms has been detected in northern Mexico. *We’ve had a good cotton harvest in the Texas Southern Plains. *There are some specific tests you should ask for when getting a forage analysis on your hay.

Dec 3

*Rio Grande Valley citrus trees are suffering from a lack of water. *Texas A&M is adding a new meat science and technology center in Bryan. *The Trump administration is expected to announce an aid package for farmers next week. *What’s the status of cow herd rebuilding in the Texas Panhandle? *Interest rates are moving lower. *The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids act is moving through Congress. *Central Texas is warmer and drier than usual this year. *Analyzing your hay is important to determine how much hay you will need.

Dec 2

*Texas cotton production is up, but acreage is down. *Money is allocated for electronic ID tags. *Texas feedlot inventories are much lower than a year ago. *A tight cattle supply is one of the biggest issues in the cattle industry. *South Texas harvested an above average cotton crop this year. *USDA is taking several actions to reduce costs for small beef processors. *There’s a new website focusing on screwworms.

Dec 1

*The sorghum industry is struggling. *USDA is estimating an increase in wheat yields and production. *It’s important for farmers in the Texas High Plains to conserve water. *Dry conditions will continue across Texas in December. *Texas Farm Bureau continues to advocate for an updated Farm Bill. *Coastal Bend farmers have something to be thankful about. *The neurologic form of equine herpes virus was recently discovered in Texas.

Nov 28

*Texas Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting is coming up. *An equine virus outbreak has horse owners concerned. *Finding information on the federal government’s efforts to combat New World Screwworms just got a lot easier. *The Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show is just around the corner. *Goat owners should look for minerals that are palatable and affordable.

Nov 27

*A record high corn crop is coming in this year. *Farmers who grow wheat in the Texas High Plains have a wide variety of ways they can market that crop. Unfortunately, none of their options look particularly strong right now. *The Texas Farm Bureau board recently discussed the need for economic assistance with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. *USDA recently released its first Cattle on Feed report since September. *Management and early life conditions are critical to a calf’s success.

Nov 26

*The administration is reportedly considering potential trade aid for farmers. *There are some changes to the Livestock Risk Protection Program. *It’s an unfortunate time for a dry spell on the Texas High Plains. *A global agricultural science company continues to develop tools to help address the ongoing water situation in Texas. *There are a lack of veterinarians practicing on livestock.

Nov 25

*Cattle feeders react to Tyson’s announcement. *The Texas cotton crop is a much smaller one than we've seen in the past. *The new chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation shares his goals. *The Texas Farm Bureau board of directors traveled to Washington, D.C. recently to discuss issues important to agricultural like economic assistance for farmers impacted by low commodity prices. *Antioxidants are one of the supplements available for equine joint health, but all antioxidants are not effective.

Nov 24

*Equine herpes virus has been confirmed in Texas. *The U.S. scrapie eradication program has been very successful. *BASF opened enrollment for the FiberMax One Ton Club. *New corn products and traits are on the way for 2026. *The Waters of the U.S. Rule is getting changed again. *Leaves are falling in Texas. *Prebiotics can help protect the microorganisms that live in a dairy cow’s digestive system.

Nov 21

*Several Texas farmers are affected by a grain company bankruptcy. *Staying profitable remain a challenge for Texas High Plains feedlots. *Beef exports are critical to keeping cattle prices profitable. *Signup for three USDA disaster assistance programs is now underway. *Ryegrass is a used by a lot of Texas cattle producers for winter grazing. *Another foreign cattle disease could be headed our way.

Nov 20

*World wheat supplies are growing. *The La Nina weather pattern is going to stick around in Texas for a while. *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made a $150,000 donation to the State of Texas Agricultural Relief Fund. *The fed cattle market is facing a lot of uncertainty. *Mexico and Canada are preparing for the upcoming review of the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement. *Mergers in the seed and fertilizer business may be contributing to higher prices. *Cotton harvest is underway on the Texas Rolling Plains. *Artificial intelligence is being used in veterinary medicine.

Nov 19

*Cotton harvest is rolling fast through the Texas southern plains and panhandle. *After more than 200 years, the Farmers' Almanac is saying goodbye. *A Texas FFA member earned National Honors at the recent National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. *The U.S. Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is up for review next year, and that was a topic of discussion at the recent U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Fall Conference. *How close is New World Screwworm to the southern US border? *Research and development and tariffs are contributing to higher seed costs. *A CEU program is coming up in Central Texas. *Scour in baby calves is common.

Nov 18

*The outlook for cotton prices is grim. *Signup will begin soon for Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. *USDA is providing funding for the Milk Loss Program and the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program. *We may be able to keep the New World screwworm south of the border. *Protecting free trade agreements around the world is vital to U.S. red meat exports. *Fertilizer prices have gone up. *East Texas has dried out recently, but high cattle prices and deer season have everyone in a good mood. *There are several drugs available to treat arthritis in horses.

Nov 17

*A record corn crop is coming in this year. *Texas continues to dry out. *The deadline to enroll acreage for the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance Program is December 1st. *There are some cold days ahead for Texas Panhandle ranchers. *There is progress in the fight against the New World screwworm. *A Farm Bureau member recently discussed higher fertilizer and seed costs with Congress. *Fall fertilizer has been going into many fields across Texas. *Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are commonly used to treat arthritis in horses.

Nov 14

*The deadline to apply for the Emergency Livestock Relief program has been extended. *There’s news in the fight against the New World screwworm. *Texas wheat growers did well in the National Wheat Yield Contest. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation’s fall meeting was held in Indianapolis, Indiana last week. *Plastic contamination is a continuing challenge for the Texas High Plains cotton industry. *The government shutdown is over. *The Rio Grande Valley continues to suffer from a lack of water deliveries from Mexico. *It’s challenging to add productive heifers to your beef herd.

Nov 13

*The U.S. Meat Export Federation’s fall meeting is this week in Indianapolis. *Agriculture Secretary was back in Texas this week. *The Texas Department of Agriculture is alerting farmers and companies across Texas to verify their delivery and payment status with Hansen-Mueller. *Ranchers in the Texas High Plains continue to prepare for the New World screwworm. *Hurricane season is winding down. *Congress recently heard from the woman nominated to the next chief ag trade negotiator. *Dry weather and low prices have Coastal Bend farmers worried about next year’s crop. *Texas livestock producers are hoping winter will slow the spread of the New World screwworm.

Nov 12

*Wheat planting continues across Texas. *Young farmers and ranchers in Texas are being recognized for their hard work. *Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington will not run for reelection next fall. *Freezing temperatures have helped to terminate the cotton crop in the Texas Rolling Plains. *High production costs are hitting Texas corn producers hard. *Input costs were the topic of a Senate committee hearing in Washington. *November is a transition month for Texas landscaping. *Rehabilitation is a major part of healing tendon and ligament injuries in horses.

Nov 11

*President Trump is calling for an investigation of the meat packing industry. *We are nearing an end to the government shutdown. *West Texas A&M hosted a groundbreaking for their new research feedlot. *Corn is a major crop for the Texas High Plains region. *Spacing and support are important when planting trees to enhance the value of rural property. *Sometimes Bermuda grass stands slowly thin or die over time. *Wildlife can be affected by the New World screwworm.

Nov 10

*2025 was a good year for row crops in Central and South Texas. *The Senate Agriculture Committee has approved the nomination of a Texan to the be next USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture and Food Safety. *President Trump is weighing in on beef prices again. *Cotton harvest still has a way to go in the Texas High Plains. *Trees can enhance the value of rural land. *Two key fertilizer ingredients have been added to a list of critical minerals. *Wheat planting is winding down while cotton harvest is in full swing in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Donkeys are equines, but they are a different species from horses.

Nov 7

*The beef checkoff is bringing in less money. *Drought continues to spread across Texas. *Three senators have introduced a bill to make it easier for beef producers to sell meat directly to consumers. *As one crop season comes to an end, the planning for the next one begins. *Winter wheat is going in the ground in the Texas Rolling Plains. *USDA is expanding its outreach to veterans interested in agriculture. *The cool fall has moved into East Texas. *Salmonella is a serious problem in both humans and animals.

Nov 6

*Texas feedlots have empty pens. *Cattle producers are optimistic, while row crop farmers are not. *Texas sorghum producers took a trip to Asia to expand trade opportunities. *The Texas Panhandle is in a dry spell. *Voters approved all 17 Texas constitutional amendments. *The Trump administration is moving forward with the plan to buy more beef from Argentina. *Cotton harvest is underway on the South Plains of Texas. *Hoof health is important in sheep and goats.

Nov 5

*The U.S. is not ready to open the Mexican border for livestock imports. *The U.S. Department of Labor is bringing employees back to work to process H2A guest worker program visas. *The American Sheep Industry Association is asking for an investigation into lamb imports. *There are a couple of different growing seasons happening in the Texas panhandle. *Texas farmers and ranchers are addressing issues important to agriculture. *USDA is working to improve compensation for ranchers who are affected by predators. *CEU programs are important for Texas farmers. *Trace minerals are commonly deficient in beef cattle.

Nov 4

*The cattle futures market crash had a big effect on sale barn prices. *Daylight Savings Time will continue. *The Texas A&M Beef Sustainability Conference is December 8th & 9th in Dallas. *The Texas A&M AgriLife facilities in Vernon have seen a major upgrade. *The virtual Farm to School Program brings Texas agriculture to classrooms across the state. *The Trump Administration plans to expand access to grazing on federal lands. *Farmers in the lower Coastal Bend have experienced another month of very low rainfall. *Studies are being performed on ways to protect foals from pneumonia.

Nov 3

*Talks continue about reopening the Mexican border to livestock imports. *There is both good and bad news about honey production in Texas. *Tariffs are taking a toll on the sheep industry. *AgriLife is back at work in Vernon. *Fall weather has finally arrived in Texas. *A Texan and Texas Tech graduate has been nominated for a top position at USDA. *Cooler weather has moved into South Texas. *The FDA has conditionally approved a drug for prevention and treatment of the New World Screwworm.

Oct 31

*Cheap corn has helped the cattle feeding industry. *The Mexican border remains closed to Mexican livestock imports. *Members of the Texas congressional delegation are asking the White House to respond to Mexico’s failure to deliver water to the Rio Grande Valley. *Texas peanut growers are competing in a tough global market. *Texas farmers are short on storage options for this year’s grain crops. *The U.S. and China are finally reaching a trade deal. *Talk of buying more beef from Argentina has done some major damage to the cattle market. *Testing horse hair can tell us some things about the horse’s condition.

Oct 30

*Cotton harvest is getting underway in the Texas Panhandle. *Texas Farm Bureau named five finalists for the Excellence in Agriculture contest. *Wheat planting is about half done in Kansas. *There has been a big increase in peanut production around the world. *The Texas State Fair is over, after welcoming millions of people to Dallas. *The woman nominated to be the U.S. Chief Ag Trade Negotiator was questioned about importing beef from Argentina. *Farm Service Agency offices are reopening on a limited basis despite the government shutdown. *It’s important to assign a body condition score to your cows.

Oct 29

*It has been a tough week for the cattle market. *Texas Tech’s School of Veterinary Medicine has reached a milestone. *National Sorghum Producers is welcoming new trade agreements with Asian countries. *It’s important to calculate the appropriate stocking rate when grazing wheat. *The South Texas drought continues into the fall. *A U.S. Senator has a few suggestions for ways to ensure that farmers are paying a fair price for inputs like fertilizer and seed. *It has been a very unusual fall in Texas. *Increased beef imports could threaten the U.S. beef supply. *A new therapy is being used for muscular skeletal problems in horses.

Oct 28

*The cattle market meltdown continues. *Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins acknowledged the rift that has formed between President Trump and the cattle industry. *Many winter wheat farmers in the Texas High Plains plant dual purpose wheat. *Plants can help determine flood plains, but they’re not always accurate. *President Trump has nailed down some new trade agreements on his trip through Asia. *Hay is a high value crop. *Ranched bison have a problem with resistant parasites.

Oct 27

*President Trump vs. U.S. cattle producers *Farm Service Agency offices across the nation are open. *A dairy industry company plans to invest $200 million in East Texas. *Some important cattle numbers have gone missing. *President Trump has more trade talks coming up with China, but he has terminated talks with Canada. *U.S. beef and pork producers are seeking new markets in the United Kingdom. *Cotton harvest is rolling strong in the Texas Concho Valley. *There is a new drug being used in the treatment of laminitis in horses.

Oct 24

*It’s harvest time in the world’s largest cotton patch. *Texas feedyards have a lot of empty pens right now thanks to the Mexican border closure. *The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine has received full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association. *Texas dairies and animal health officials remain on watch for avian influenza. *Texas Southern Plains and High Plains cotton gins are gearing up for another season. *USDA has released a plan to fortify the U.S. beef industry. *Both planting and harvesting are underway on the Texas Rolling Plains. *Many mares cannot get pregnant due to an infection.

Oct 23

*Cattle markets have been volatile over the past year. *The cotton jassid has the potential to do serious damage to the Texas cotton crop next year. *Texas feedlots are enjoying profitable times. *Cotton farmers in the Texas Southern plains are expecting a much better crop this year. *A Texas congressman has introduced a bill to help the cotton industry. *Fall weather has arrived in East Texas. *Early castration of beef calves can pay off.

Oct 22

*The cattle industry has a beef with President Trump. *Senate majority leader John Thune is asking the White House to open FSA offices during the government shutdown. *The Amarillo Farm & Ranch show will be held December 2nd through the 4th. *Sorghum was a good crop on the Texas High Plains this year. *A firefighter and agricultural safety program is coming to East Texas. *Ag groups are not happy with President Trump’s proposal to buy more beef from Argentina. *West Texas cotton producers are defoliating fields to prepare for harvest. *Steaming hay is recommended for horses with asthma, but it may not be effective.

Oct 21

*We are in the last stages of the Texas corn harvest. *Drought conditions are getting worse. *The Environmental Protection Agency has renewed a pesticide exemption to protect the Texas rice crop. *Milk production is going up in Texas. *There are water and tax exemption amendments on the upcoming ballot. *President Trump wants to lower beef prices for consumers. *Young people in the Coastal Bend of Texas are learning more about agriculture. *Most dewormers are ineffective in sheep and goats.

Oct 20

*The lack of Mexican feeder cattle is pushing the cattle market higher. *This is a challenging time for Texas dairies. *Early voting is underway for the statewide constitutional amendments election. *President Trump says he has a plan to lower beef prices. *Dry weather and irrigation water continue to top the news in Deep South Texas. *The government shutdown is taking a toll on farmers. *Intestinal parasites are a serious problem in sheep and goats.

Oct 17

*The Cattlemen's Beef Board has several priorities for promoting beef this fiscal year. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is forecasting a good quail hunting season in Texas this year. *Deere & Co. has opened a test farm on the outskirts of Austin. *What is ahead for next season’s wheat on the Texas High Plains? *The peanut industry is keeping a watchful eye on tariffs and the potential impact they may have on trade. *A dozen U.S. lawmakers from Texas are asking the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate a center at Texas A&M University they say would be helpful in protecting the state and nation against threats like New World Screwworm. *There’s a new approach to cattle deworming

Oct 16

*Record high cattle prices continue. *The Texas Cattle Feeders Association has a new chairman. *The new wheat crop is going in the ground on the Texas High Plains. *An agricultural water sustainability summit was held in Lubbock. *Trade tensions continue between the U.S. and China. *The Texas Family Land and Heritage Celebration recognized farms and ranches that are over 100 years old. *Your bull contributes more to your herd’s genetic makeup than your cows.

Oct 15

*There are some empty pens in Texas feedlots. *USDA is working with Mexico to improve and enhance New World screwworm trapping and surveillance. *National Sorghum Producers took a strong message to Washington D.C. *Bringing livestock back into farming operations may be a way to conserve declining ground water supplies. *The 14th annual Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo will kick off this weekend. *A Texas member of the U.S. House Agriculture committee outlined her priorities for the next Farm Bill. *Broom sedge is in a lot of Central and East Texas pastures. *Tick riders patrol the southern U.S. border protecting cattle from fever ticks and screwworms.

Oct 14

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s annual meeting was held in Ft. Worth. *The size of your cows is a big factor when calculating stocking rates. *President Trump is threatening 100% tariffs on imported goods from China. *Knowing the topography of your land can help you understand flood plain maps. *It’s been a warm fall in Texas. *There are several treatment options for injuries in western performance horses.

Oct 13

*Cotton harvest is underway on the Texas Southern Plains. *The government shutdown continues. *The Texas Animal Health Commission is now accepting Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program applications. *Different ranches have different carrying capacities. *It’s important to understand flood plain maps on rural property. *Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins gave an update on possible financial aid for farmers. *There’s a crop grown in Texas that has red and green seed pods on top of it. *Injuries are common in Western Performance horses.

Oct 10

*The Five States Beef Conference is coming up in a few days. *There is good news for Texas waterfowl hunters. *This has been a good year for growing cotton in most areas of Texas. *There is more than one product a farmer can produce when growing sorghum. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation will hold its fall conference next month. *There is both good news and bad news regarding the Farm Bill. *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers visited a dairy in the Netherlands. *There is a new treatment for horses with liver failure.

Oct 9

*Corn harvest brought good results in many areas of Texas. *Grain storage is becoming a challenge. *It’s time to plant wheat in Texas. *Texas High Plains farmers are adapting to farming with less irrigation water. *A lot of pumpkins are grown in Floydata, Texas. *The government shutdown continues. *The State Fair of Texas is expecting over 2 million visitors this year. *America’s farms are in the middle of a labor crisis. *The New World screwworm is not the only parasite threatening Texas cattle.

Oct 8

*A farm financial assistance package may be coming soon. *USDA has confirmed another case of screwworms in northern Mexico. *Construction is picking up on the Producer Owned Beef packing plant in Amarillo. *The Ogallala aquifer continues to decline. *The State Fair of Texas is putting heavy emphasis on promoting agriculture. *President Trump and the Canadian Prime Minister met to discuss trade. *Corn harvest has wrapped up in Central Texas, while cotton harvest is well underway. *A study shows that some riding school horses can communicate stress through facial motions.

Oct 7

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s annual meeting is this weekend in Ft. Worth. *Drought conditions are getting worse in Texas. *Having a working relationship with your veterinarian will help you prepare for the arrival of screwworms. *Farmers in the Texas High Plains are making changes to adapt to declining ground water supplies. *October is pecan month in Texas. *The Trump administration could make an announcement regarding assistance for U.S. soybean farmers this week. *Cotton harvest is getting underway on the Texas South Plains. *Controlling bird flu is an urgent priority.

Oct 6

*The cotton jassid is a threat to the Texas cotton industry. *U.S. and Canadian officials are preparing for the first review of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement. *International trade is very important to the U.S. sorghum industry. *Farmers are looking for the best marketing opportunities in a time of low prices. *This has been a challenging pecan harvest in Texas. *The Department of Labor is proposing changes to the H2A guest worker program. *Fall has finally arrived in South Texas. *It’s important to use the proper technique when using drenches to deworm cattle.

Oct 3

*The Farm Bill has expired. *The Trump Administration is expected to make an announcement regarding potential aid for farmers. *The nation’s first bale of cotton raised over $24,000 for scholarships. *Some parts of the Texas High Plains are getting dry. *Cotton harvest continues across Texas. *The FDA has approved a drug to prevent and treat screwworms. *Fall is settling into East Texas. *The first generic BRD treatment for cattle has been approved by the FDA.

Oct 2

*The government shutdown is underway. *The shutdown poses a serious risk for the cattle industry. *The FDA has given conditional approval for Dectomax injectable to be used to prevent and treat screwworms. *Pumpkins are an important crop at this time of year. *Fall weather is moving into many parts of Texas. *A Texas congresswoman is asking the U.S. Trade Representatives office to help enforce the 1944 water treaty with Mexico. *The month of September ended very dry in the Coastal Bend. *The Texas livestock industry is actively preparing for the arrival of New World screwworms.

Oct 1

*Cotton harvest is picking up speed across the Cotton Belt. *Senate Ag Committee republicans are asking for a meeting with the White House to discuss the farm economy. *There is talk in Washington of another financial aid package for farmers. *Some farmers in the Texas High Plains are trying a new crop. *An upcoming water summit will address Texas water availability for the future. *The government shutdown will delay important agricultural legislation. *The fall army worm can cause big damage to pastures. *Screwworms are getting very close to Texas.

Sep 30

*Grain storage is a challenge this year. *The Rio Grande Valley sugar industry may make a comeback. *President Trump wants to stop building windmills and solar panels on U.S. farmland. *There are a wide variety of crops grown in the Texas High Plains. *Texas Tech is hosting a national forum on water sustainability. *More economic and disaster assistance for farmers is coming. *Fall is a good time to work on landscapes and gardens. *Screwworms are getting dangerously close to Texas.

Sep 29

*The One Big Beautiful Bill pumped billions of dollars into farm programs. *Farm labor reform is needed. *The sugar industry may be coming back to South Texas. *It has been a good year for farming in the Northwest Panhandle. *The State Fair of Texas is underway. *We are facing a possible government shutdown this week. *It’s time to plant wheat. *The New World screwworm is getting close to Texas.

Sep 26

*USDA does not plan to pay cattle producers to retain heifers. *Texas bankers are concerned about farmers’ ability to repay loans this year. *The Texas corn harvest is now three quarters done. *It is harvest time in the Texas High Plains. *Fall fairs and livestock shows are well underway across Texas. *U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced new plans to help farmers. *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers spent last week in the Netherlands. *Firocoxib is an anti inflammatory drug used in horses.

Sep 25

*Sorghum growers are feeling the effects of tariffs and trade negotiations. *An invasive pest is threatening thousands of acres of rice in Texas. *We may have a record-breaking Texas peanut crop this year. *This week is National Farm Safety and Health week. *Weed pressure is a big problem for Texas High Plains farmers. *USDA released a plan to boost ag exports. *Cotton harvest is getting closer in the Texas Southern Plains. *Fall cattle working time is here.

Sep 24

*Texas feedlots are struggling to keep pens full. *USDA officials are in Mexico this week following the detection of New World screwworms near the Texas border. *The condition of the Texas cotton crop is going down. *Texas Panhandle corn and sorghum farmers have had good growing conditions this year. *Farm safety and health is getting attention this week. *President Trump’s nominees for three undersecretary positions at USDA have been approved. *Central Texas is feeling the changing of the seasons. *Horses can experience exercise-associated sudden death.

Sep 23

*How would a government shutdown affect the cattle industry? *USDA has accepted 1.78 million acres into the Conservation Reserve Program. *The latest Cattle on Feed report is out. *This is shaping up to be a good year for cotton on the Texas High Plains. *New World Screwworms have been detected very close to the Texas border. *It’s fair and rodeo season in Texas. *Fall is officially here, but the Rio Grande Valley is still waiting for that first cool weather. *It’s weaning time for spring born calves.

Sep 22

*Screwworms are getting close to Texas. *The corn leafhopper has become a problem for corn growers across Texas. *This is looking like a good fall season for livestock producers in most of Texas. *The U.S. is preparing for the upcoming review of the U.S. Mexico Canada agreement. *A group of senators has called for legislation to study the fertilizer market. *The 2025 Coastal Bend cotton harvest is finished. *Some horses need colic surgery.

Sep 19

*Cattle futures have been very volatile. *Drought is creeping back into Texas. *McDonalds plans to invest $200 million to promote regenerative agriculture on cattle ranches. *Texas cotton farmers are preparing for the end of the growing season. *An agricultural barnstorming tour is coming to Texas. *USDA’s office of Rural Development was the focus of a congressional subcommittee hearing. *Ranchers who suffered from qualifying floods or wildfires in the last two years can now apply for relief. *Equine stomach ulcers are common, but difficult to diagnose.

Sep 18

*Screwworm educational events continue across Texas. *The chances of La Nina returning are high. *The condition of the Texas cotton crop has declined slightly. *The cotton crop in the Texas High Plains is much better than it has been over the past two or three years. *Fair and rodeo season is underway. *The Farm Bill expires at the end of this month, and the deadline to fund the government is approaching. *As input costs continue to put a strain on farmers’ bottom lines, a concerning trend has emerged for fertilizer prices. *Congestive heart failure can occur in goats.

Sep 17

*The cotton jassid is making its way to Texas. *The FDA has approved a generic injectable solution to treat Bovine Respiratory Disease. *The Texas crop harvest continues to move forward. *Cash cattle prices have been running higher than futures prices. *The Cattlemen’s Beef Board has set ambitious goals for the next five years. *Congress and the Trump Administration are looking for ways to fund economic assistance for farmers. *Another Make America Healthy Again report is out, and it includes input from American farmers. *It’s time to start weaning spring born beef calves.

Sep 16

*The Mexican border remains closed to livestock imports. *The State Fair of Texas is just around the corner. *The Texas Farm Bureau’s annual meeting is coming up on December 4th-6th in Arlington. *Profit margins are good for Texas cattle feeders. *Texas Tech is hosting the 2nd annual agricultural water sustainability summit next month. *The number of screwworm cases in Mexico is rising. *This is shaping up to be one of the best fall seasons in recent memory in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Back pain is difficult to diagnose in horses.

Sep 15

*U.S. farmers will produce a record corn crop this year. *The Supreme Court will hear President Trump’s tariff case. *Texas Farm Bureau’s “Doorways to Agriculture” exhibit is traveling to several stock shows and fairs this fall. *Texas peanuts will be promoted in Europe. *There can be strategic advantages to knowing your grasses and when to use them. *There is additional disaster assistance available for ranchers impacted by floods or wildfires in 2023 and 2024. *The annual Central Texas harvest celebration is coming up soon. *Vaccine reactions can occur in cattle.

Sep 12

*The Texas Panhandle cotton crop is looking good. *A Texan is now the press secretary for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. *U.S. lamb sales are seeing significant growth. *Livestock Risk Protection coverage may help with the current volatility in the cattle markets. *The Beef Industry Long Range Plan has several goals. *A Texas congressman recently visited an East Texas ranch. *Corn harvest is well underway in the Texas Southern Plains. *There is a new non-invasive method for tracking stomach ulcers in horses.

Sep 11

*Strong cattle prices should hold for the rest of the year. *Texas A&M is building a new research center in the Rio Grande Valley. *The Texas corn crop is shaping up to be a very good one this year. *A new winter wheat season is getting underway. *A new beef industry long range plan has been released. *The Make America Healthy Again report is out. *Foliar fertilizers are becoming more popular. *Beef bulls need rest after the breeding season.

Sep 10

*The Texas harvest season is moving forward. *USDA is forecasting a decline in cash crop receipts this year. *The National Cotton Council is holding three Farm Bill information meeting in Texas next week. *The corn leaf hopper has returned to the Texas High Plains. *There are some forward-thinking valuation options that Texas rural landowners can consider. *Key provisions of the U.S. Grain Standards Act will expire if Congress doesn’t take action. *The weather is starting to change across Texas. *Normal water consumption is critical for horses.

Sep 9

*There are signs that beef cow herd rebuilding is underway. *Texas hunters will have fewer days to hunt teal this season. *The Texas New World Screwworm Response Team held its first meeting last week in Austin. *Less corn being grown for grain has contributed to a decline in the number of grain elevators in the Texas High Plains. *Texas farmers and ranchers continue to share their concerns with their lawmakers. *There are several valuation options for rural Texas landowners to take advantage of. *Harvest and hunting are the highlights of fall in East Texas. *Preconditioning is important for spring born beef calves.

Sep 8

Opinions are split over opening the Mexican border for livestock imports. U.S. farmers are less optimistic about the future. The Texas Wheat Producers Board approved new research funding. Another crop insurance deadline is approaching. The sesame crop on the Rolling Plains of Texas is looking very good. A Texas congressman has introduced a bill to prevent foreign adversaries from buying farmland in the U.S. The cotton crop in the Texas Concho Valley is looking very good this year. Animals can get hurt during storms, and that’s where tetanus can pop up.

Sep 5

*Beef is winning the battle for consumers’ money. *Texas citrus production fell this season. *The Texas sorghum harvest is right on schedule this year. *Hail storms in the Texas High Plains have been kept to a minimum this season. *Football season is here, and tailgate parties are back. *USDA has released a new farm income forecast for 2025. *Coastal Bend farmers are wrapping up the 2025 harvest season. *There are a lot of genetic tests for animals, but they may not be accurate.

Sep 4

*Cheap corn helps boost cattle prices. *A court has ruled against President Trump’s tariffs. *U.S. cotton crop ratings have dropped. *Corn harvest is underway in the Texas High Plains. *A long-time beef industry leader from Texas was honored recently in San Diego. *USDA is ending its farm labor survey. *Several reports have reinforced that farmers are facing economic challenges. *Choosing the best time to calve your beef herd depends on several factors.

Sep 3

*Independent feedlots are dealing with high cattle prices. *USDA says the farm trade deficit is expected to fall this fiscal year. *There’s a new head lawman for the Texas Special Rangers. *The weather in the Texas Panhandle has been kind to corn and sorghum this year. *Twenty years ago, hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast. *New technology can help in the fight against the New World screwworm. *Farm labor is needed year-round on America’s dairies. *Injectable HA is commonly used to treat joint disease in horses.

Sep 2

*Is the cost of beef really that expensive? *Mexico is reporting a big increase in screwworm cases. *The Texas Panhandle wheat crop was a good one this year. *Crops and pastures have benefitted from good moisture this year in the Texas High Plains. *USDA is encouraging more veterinarians to practice in rural areas. *September marks the peak of hurricane season. *South Texas is seeing triple digit temperatures and scattered showers, with an eye on the tropics. *When is the best time to wean calves?

Sep 1

*Sorghum in the Northeast Panhandle is looking great. *Export programs are a big reason farm groups continue to push for a new Farm Bill. *A new month is underway, and that brings a new weather forecast. *Texas lawmakers have introduced several bills in Washington that would benefit farmers and ranchers. *A forage analysis can help you focus on quality instead of quantity in your winter hay supply. *Neck pain is common in horses.

Aug 29

*Volatile cattle prices are tough on order buyers. *Drought conditions continue to improve in Texas. *Governor Abbott has signed a bill that will make it illegal for citizens of hostile countries to own land in Texas. *There are multiple reasons why some Texas High Plains farmers and ranchers are selling their land. *Texas cattle feeders are having to make some big adjustments with the Mexican border closed. *Time is running out to weigh in on a proposed dicamba label. *Oak wilt is a terrible disease. *Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza can infect dairy calves through the milk.

Aug 28

*The current cattle market cycle will look very different than the last one. *There’s good news for Texas dove hunters. *The Concho Valley is having a good crop year. *It’s been a great year to grow grass in the Texas Panhandle. *Peanut harvest is underway in South Texas. *U.S. lawmakers may act on the Farm Bill when they return to Washington after the August recess. *Midwest corn farmers are growing an all-time record crop. *Cortical steroids are commonly injected into horses’ joints.

Aug 27

*The Texas cotton crop is looking better this year, but it’s still the lowest rated crop in the nation. *Texas dairies have more cows and are producing more milk. *Texas feedlot inventories have taken a big drop. *Texas High Plains corn farmers are walking a tightrope. *Texas farmers and ranchers have been talking to their lawmakers. *The EPA has an update on upcoming deregulatory actions. *It is hot and dry in East Texas. *Detecting sickness in sheep and goats can be a difficult task.

Aug 26

*Feedlot inventories are lower for the ninth month in a row. *Most U.S. farms are still family farms. *Registration is open for the upcoming Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s annual meeting. *Texas farmers and ranchers are meeting with their congressional representatives during the August recess. *USDA is implementing recent improvements to crop insurance. *The unpredictable weather continues in Central Texas. *Sheep and goats seem to be less likely to survive an illness than cattle.

Aug 25

*Cattle producers should consider bringing unweaned calves to the sale barn early this year. *There’s new leadership at two USDA agencies in Texas. *The North Texas Panhandle is getting short on grain storage. *The Coastal Bend sorghum harvest has brought mixed results. *Feedlots in the Texas High Plains are seeing a dramatic decline in inventory. *U.S. lawmakers are visiting with farmers and ranchers in Texas. *Farmers in the Texas Southern Plains are running irrigation in the August heat. *It’s time to prepare for transporting animals to fall livestock shows.

Aug 22

*Screwworms can be devastating for local livestock markets. *The challenge to a new Texas law that prohibits the ownership of land by hostile countries has hit a setback. *A bill that would allow the sale of ivermectin over the counter will be included in the current special session of the legislature. *It was a unique wheat season for the Texas Southern Plains. *An East Texan is serving on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. *We now know more about which agricultural products are addressed in the new European Union trade framework. *Cotton farmers are winding down harvest in South Texas. *Foot rot could be a big issue in cattle this year.

Aug 21

*Texas cattle feeders are encouraged by USDA’s screwworm efforts. *New Texas hunting and fishing licenses are now available. *The Coastal Bend Whitetail Deer Symposium is next Friday in Robstown. *The Randall County Ag Day and crops tour is coming up next week. *The Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock held a hearing on New World screwworms. *The U.S. Trade Representative has launched an investigation into Brazilian ethanol. *Coastal Bend farmers are nearly finished with the 2025 harvest. *There are a lot of horses trailering around Texas at this time of year.

Aug 20

*How long with the southern border be closed to imports of livestock? *USDA will no longer support wind or solar projects on U.S. farmland. *Cattle feeders are in the driver’s seat. *Coastal Bend cotton yields are average to better. *The Trump administration is taking additional actions to protect the U.S. from New World Screwworms. *Calf and yearling prices are at record highs. *The August heat is tough on both livestock and ranchers.

Aug 18

*Preparation for the New World screwworm continues. *The EPA is giving the public more time to weigh in on its proposal to register three dicamba products. *Texas corn harvest is moving north. *Texas panhandle corn is entering the final stretch. *The chairman of the Senate Ag Committee is pushing to get the Farm Bill done this fall. *The EPA issued new guidance regarding Diesel Exhaust Fluid systems in trucks and farm equipment. *Applying fertilizer to lawns and gardens during the hot month of August can be tricky. *Pinkeye is a common problem in cattle.

Aug 15

*There’s more money to fight screwworms. *USDA reduced the U.S. cotton production estimate by 1.4 million bales. *There’s still hope for a good cotton crop in the Texas High Plains. *The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course was held recently in College Station. *Fertilizer can help plants look and perform better during the summer. *Antibiotic resistance can be an issue in both humans and horses.

Aug 14

*Choosing the right wheat variety can be a challenge. *Time is running out for Texas 4-H and FFA members to sign up for an opportunity to grow their agriculture advocacy skills. *It has been a quiet hurricane season. *Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington has introduced the No Discrimination in Farm Programs Act. *There’s more than just cotton in the Texas Southern Plains. *The EPA made an important announcement regarding DEF systems. *Consumer beef demand remains high. *Screw worms are a big topic of discussion at farm meetings. *Skin disease can occur in livestock during the summer.

Aug 13

*Texas cotton harvest is underway. *The Trump administration is giving China an additional 90 days to reach a trade agreement. *There are a lot of indication that cow herd rebuilding is underway. *Texas High Plains cotton needs heat units. *Time is running out on a proposal that would bring dicamba back. *The August heat is on in the Texas Southern Plains. *Planting winter pastures this fall can reduce the need to purchase protein and energy supplements. *Skin allergies are prevalent in horses at this time of the year.

Aug 12

*Late season rains were both good and bad for the Texas wheat crop. *Registration is underway for the statewide quail symposium. *The city of Amarillo issued a building permit for the new Producer Owned Beef packing plant. *Summer weather has been good for Texas High Plains corn. *USDA is planning a big announcement on New World screwworms. *It has been an active summer for rural Texas land sales. *Cotton defoliation is underway in South Texas. *Pneumonia is a frequent cause of death in calves.

Aug 11

*The northern Texas Panhandle had a good wheat crop. *More than half of Texas is now drought free. *A new partnership will bring GMO wheat to the U.S. *In the Texas High Plains, a new wheat season is almost here. *U.S. lawmakers are back in their home districts this month. *U.S. pork exports rebounded in June, but beef exports dropped. *It’s been a great summer for hay production in East Texas. *Two Texas A&M experts have recent experience in dealing with New World screwworms.

Aug 8

*The cattle market set new record highs in every segment of the industry. *Texas feedlots are looking for new sources of cattle. *When Congress returns to Washington next month, they will have a lot of work to do. *USDA released the latest report on U.S. farmland values and cash rents. *It’s a hot cotton-picking time in the Texas Coastal Bend. *There are a couple of new drugs being used for laminitis in horses.

Aug 7

*La Niña is affecting Texas weather. *U.S. Fish and Wildlife has withdrawn its plan to expand the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge by obtaining nearby land. *A Texas High Plains farmer grew sterile sorghum this year to serve two purposes. *Is it healthier to live on a farm or ranch or in the city? *We may be able to tell a lot about the health of calves by looking at their saliva. *It has been an unusual summer weather wise. What could that mean for your garden?

Aug 6

*Cattle producers are preparing for the arrival of New World screwworms in Texas. *The Senate has passed the fiscal year 2026 USDA spending bill. *The winter wheat crop appears to have turned out pretty well in the Texas High Plains, but some producers are hoping prices will go up before they sell what they have. *Farm kids and adolescents are less likely to show risks of suicide. *Survey: farmers believe U.S. policy headed in right direction *There are a few things horse owners should consider before giving their horse a supplement.

Aug 5

*Herd rebuilding is slowly underway. *USDA is now accepting comments on its proposed reorganization. *It is shaping up to be a pretty good year for many Texas High Plains farmers. *The Beef Checkoff gives us some important information on protein consumption and overall wellness of people who eat beef. *There are ways to manage heat stress in sheep and goats.

Aug 4

*A coalition has come together to launch a reliable resource for information on New World screwworms in Texas. *New tariffs will go into effect Thursday. *More than 150 groups are asking the administration to fund and build a domestic sterile fly production facility. *A big event for Panhandle cattle producers is coming up. *The tropical weather coming out of the Atlantic has been minimal so far this year, but that could change. *Sheep and goat producers should monitor their animals for heat stress. *Producers should keep an eye out for armyworms.

Aug 1

*A Texan will be the next president of the American National Cattlewomen. *Signup is underway for the Battle Ground to Breaking Ground bootcamp. *The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pulling the plug on its plan to expand the Muleshoe National Wildlife Reserve. *Texas High Plains wheat farmers produced some great yields this year. *The Farm Bill is set to expire in September. *July rains have passed, and the August heat has arrived. *That August heat is moving into the Texas Rolling Plains. *Working donkeys can develop tracheal collapse.

Jul 31

*The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is here. *There’s a new website to help Texans learn more about the New World screwworm. *A Texas ranch has been inducted into the Honorary Angus Foundation. *It was an extra long season for winter wheat in the Texas High Plains. *Congress learned more about USDA’s reorganization plan. *The beef industry stands to benefit from the new U.S. European Union trade deal. *East Texas is producing some excellent hay this summer. *Early pregnancy loss is a costly problem for cattle producers.

Jul 30

*Cattle prices are climbing higher. *Friday’s Cattle on Feed report doesn’t show any signs of herd rebuilding. *Texas Panhandle corn farmers are advised to scout their fields for the corn leafhopper. *A Texas senator is asking Congress to do more to help prepare for New World screwworms. *Recent trade agreements should benefit U.S. beef exports. *The roller coaster weather year continues in Central Texas. *A recent study looked at the effectiveness of hand walking horses with colic.

Jul 29

*Feedlot inventories are getting tighter. *A congressional committee will meet this week to discuss the plan to reorganize USDA. *Unexpected rainfall has wiped out drought in much of Texas. *The Ultimate Beef Trail is back. *There are lots of sources for EPDs on cattle. *The United States has reached a trade deal with the European Union. *West Texas is racking up the heat units needed for a good cotton crop. *Keeping cattle cool is vital during the Texas summer.

Jul 28

*This could be one of the best crop years in a long time. *Solar grazing is a growing industry for Texas sheep producers. *Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is reorganizing the USDA. *Cattle producers can learn a lot by studying EPDs. *Indonesia has committed to double U.S. wheat purchases. *Valley farmers are getting financial help to deal with water shortages. *Summer temperatures are heating up as we move into August.

Jul 25

*Wheat harvest is winding down in the southern U.S. *Australia will now allow imports of American beef. *Texas sheep and goat producers need more tools to control predators. *EPDs can help cattle producers improve their herds. *A provision designed to prevent a patchwork of laws like California’s Proposition 12 could be included in the next Farm Bill. *Consumer demand for beef is at record highs. *Dry conditions continue through most of the lower Coastal Bend. *Equine asthma can occur in all horses.

Jul 24

*Texas has one of the best looking cotton crops in years. *Dicamba is making a comeback. *Dr. David Drake is the Texas Wheat Producers Board’s County Agent of the Year. *Profit margins are looking good for cattle feeders. *President Trump announced some new trade agreements this week. *Beef demand is at a 40 year high. *There should be a lot of hay baled this year. *Dairy cows born in cooler temperatures may live longer.

Jul 23

*The Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association held their annual meeting in Fredericksburg. *Corn growers want a MAHA intervention. *USDA and the Texas Department of Agriculture are reintroducing Swarmlure bait to fight screwworm flies. *Texas ranchers testified in Austin this week on the importance of fighting screwworms. *Fed cattle prices are on a wild ride. *We are one step closer to the reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act. *This has been an unusual year for Texas gardeners. *BVDV is a serious disease in cattle.

Jul 22

*Predation is the biggest challenge for Texas sheep and goat producers. *Texas hunters have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a hunt on public and private lands. *The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is just around the corner. *The paperwork for the latest disaster aid program can be challenging. *Drought assistance is on the way for Rio Grande Valley farmers and ranchers. *The current trade standoff with China is impacting U.S. red meat trade. *The cotton crop and pastures are both looking good in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Botulism is a rare disease in horses.

Jul 21

*Big wheat yields are helping offset low prices. *A chief ag negotiator has been nominated for the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. *The Texas Ultimate Beef Trail is back. *Many Texas farmers and ranchers experienced flooding in July. *The corn leafhopper is back in Texas. *The House Ag Committee has several hearings scheduled this week. *Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller comments on the agricultural impacts of the July floods. *BVDV is a serious disease in cattle.

Jul 18

*The Texas wheat harvest is just about done. *The 104th Texas Pecan Growers Association's Annual Conference and Trade Show kicks-off Sunday in Denton. *A Texas ranch is being recognized for its environmental work. *The corn leaf hopper is on the move. *A national cattle organization is feeling upbeat about changes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. *A bacterial organism that can causes mastitis can be found on almost every day.

Jul 17

We've seen record high prices in every segment of the cattle industry this year. Sign-up is now underway for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program. The Texas sorghum crop is looking exceptionally good. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes funding to prevent and respond to foreign animal diseases like New World screwworm. There have been some crop losses in the Texas High Plains. The Make America Healthy Again movement is shaking up the American food industry.

Jul 17

*The cattle industry is excited about strong beef demand. *New World screwworms are a big threat to Texas wildlife. *We still don't have an agricultural trade negotiator in the U.S. Trade Representatives office. *A congresswoman from Texas has introduced legislation to improve the guest worker program. *Texas agricultural land is being turned into housing and small acreage developments. *Summer temperatures are heating up in East Texas. *Warmer temperatures are affecting the dairy industry.

Jul 15

*For the first time in history, the percentage of prime beef carcasses has surpassed select graded carcasses. *House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson is looking forward to a new smaller farm bill this fall. *Cotton Incorporated is celebrating plastic free. *Urban sprawl continues to impact communities across Texas. *The Texas Animal Health Commission continues to monitor for New World screwworm. *It’s harvest time in the Coastal Bend. *Horse owners should be mindful when choosing an equine calming supplement.

Jul 14

*Corn exports are increasing. *Undocumented farm workers will not be exempt from deportation. *Eight republican house members are asking for expedited approvals of screwworm drugs. *USDA will no longer recognize race or gender based criteria to qualify for farm programs. *Randall County is losing farmland. *President Trump has announced updated reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners. *The Farm Service Agency is accepting nominations for county committees. *Deep South Texas is getting needed rainfall. *There are several supplements that claim to calm horses.

Jul 11

*The Mexican border is closed once again to livestock imports. *Farmers who suffered crop losses in 2023 and 2024 due to natural disasters may now apply for disaster assistance. *The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is supporting a new USDA plan to keep farms and food secure. *The condition of the Texas cotton crop is much better than it has been over the past three years. *Labor issues remain a big frustration for Texas farmers and ranchers. *USDA has unveiled a national farm security action plan. *Texas roadways can get busy with farm equipment during the summer. *This has not been a normal weather year in the Central Texas Blacklands. *Healthy horses can still spread diseases.

Jul 10

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has passed the House. Weather continues to impact wheat harvest. NCBA weighs in on upcoming nutrition guidelines report. Some artificial intelligence tools may be a good starting point for gardeners. The U.S. is closing in on a scrapie free designation.

Jul 10

*USDA is shutting down Mexican livestock imports once again. *There are big agricultural losses from the flooding, but that’s not a priority right now. *The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association has moved their annual convention to Fredericksburg. *The cattle industry summer meeting is underway in San Diego. *Making a profit on cotton is not likely for Texas farmers this year. *American farmers are expected to produce a massive corn crop this year. *This has been a very different summer for much of Texas. *Liver flukes are a common problem in some areas of Texas.

Jul 9

*The flooding in Kerr County is the worst in modern history. *President Trump continues to pressure other nations into better trade deals. *The Texas wheat harvest is running behind schedule this year. *Cotton growing in the Texas High Plains has a lot of potential this year. *USDA has begun its phased reopening of southern ports to livestock from Mexico. *There are a lot of choices when it comes to building fences in rural Texas. *Heavy rainfall has been the top story in Texas this week. *High pathogenic avian influenza has affected many livestock, especially dairy cattle.

Jul 8

*The One Big Beautiful Bill contained several benefits for cattle producers. *A new study reveals farmer sentiment weakened in June. *Record cattle prices are to be expected this year. *There are some good looking cotton fields in the Texas High Plains. *The temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs will expire this week. *Fencing is not needed to enforce trespassing laws in Texas. *Farm chores are slowing down in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Bovine leukemia virus is common in American cattle.

Jul 7

*Cotton will not be a profitable crop in Texas this year. *Feral hogs cause more than $800 million in annual losses in Texas. *Crop conditions are looking good in South Texas. *The continuing decline of the water supply in the Texas High Plains could lead to farmers planting more wheat. *Agricultural trade negotiations continue with Canada. *USDA recently provided an update on its efforts to fight avian influenza. *The weather has been hot and dry in Deep South Texas, but that is changing. *HERDA is a serious skin disease in horses.

Jul 3

The corn leaf hopper is back in parts of Texas, including the Texas High Plains. New duties on some imports of 2,4-D are now in effect. Demand for U.S. beef remains high, in part due to the nutritional benefits of the protein. Hay harvest is underway in East Texas. There is an easy method to help prevent shipping fever in your horses.

Jul 2

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has passed the Senate. The fight against New World screwworms continues in Mexico. Texas panhandle crops are off to a good start. New Dietary Guidelines for Americans are expected by the end of the year. Tracking your beef cattle herds health with a scorecard can be beneficial. May and June rains have been good for crops in the Coastal Bend.

Jul 1

USDA announces phased reopening of southern ports to livestock from Mexico. The first cotton bale in the United States has been harvested in Texas. The shrinking cow herd has caused the supply of feeder cattle to drop over the past couple of years. Texans can expect hot and dry conditions in July. Some farmers on the South Plains of West Texas are having to replant their crops. There’s no silver bullet to stop liver abscesses in cattle. A large number of equine infectious anemia cases were found to have originated from a Texas equine veterinary clinic.

Jun 30

Former U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady of Texas says provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are beneficial for Texas agriculture. Parts of the Grain Standards Act will expire this year unless Congress takes action. A lot of mystery remains for cattle liver abscess researchers. There are more hogs in Texas this year. Texas A&M’s annual Beef Cattle Short Course is just around the corner. Silage chopping has begun in Central Texas.

Jun 27

*Much of the Texas cotton crop is behind schedule. *Registration is underway for the Bennett Trust Women’s Land Stewardship Conference. *A federal court has ordered Texas based AgriDime LLC to pay $1.6 million in restitution in a cattle Ponzi scheme. *Managing cattle in a time of high prices can be challenging. *We could soon see changes to the H2A guest worker program. *An Amarillo company specializes in transporting agricultural products across the U.S. *Times are changing for Texas gardening. *The ability to synchronize heat cycles in cows has gotten less complicated.

Jun 26

*The Texas wheat harvest is winding down. *The Texas Department of Agriculture has issued a statewide warning about a crop fungus. *Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the formation of a New World screwworm response team. *Rains in the Texas High Plains have allowed some ranchers to get more use out of winter wheat. *U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently took a ride along the border on horseback. *The corn crop in the Upper Gulf Coast looks good so far. *The Texas Rolling Plains has full lakes and a full soil moisture profile. *Orphaned foals need proper management for them to grow and be healthy.

Jun 25

*There are not enough sterile flies being dropped in Mexico to keep New World screwworms from moving north. *Texas lawmakers will head back to Austin in a few weeks. *Wheat harvest is back up and running after rain delays. *More rain is falling on the Texas High Plains this week. *A group of men and women patrol the border every day to protect Texas livestock. *The cotton crop in the Upper Gulf Coast is looking good right now. *Farmers are busy with harvest in Deep South Texas. *Providing shade can help cattle perform better.

Jun 24

*Wheat harvest continues to move north. *Recent rains have helped reduce drought conditions across Texas. *USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report contained no surprises. *Farmers in Southeast Texas heard a Farm Bill update at a recent field day. *A month ago Mexico promised to make water deliveries to South Texas. *Researchers at West Texas A&M are making new discoveries about liver abscesses in cattle. *The state’s largest farm organization welcomes the news of a sterile screwworm fly facility in the Rio Grande Valley. *Injecting botulinum neurotoxin in the hock joints of horses can help decrease arthritis pain.

Jun 23

*The state legislative session was good for agriculture. *Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have come together to support efforts to combat New World screwworms. *Summer livestock grazing conditions are good for those areas of Texas that have received spring rainfall. *West Texas A&M is playing a leading role in liver abscess research. *Having full lakes and a full soil moisture profile is making for an optimistic year in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Pinkeye in cattle is a concern this time of year.

Jun 20

*USDA has a multi-point plan to combat screwworms. *Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller supports the USDA plan. *USDA'a plan is getting a positive reaction from the Texas livestock industry. *Farmers in Victoria County have had a good year so far, but that may have changed. *Wheat harvest is underway in Kansas. *Consumers love beef. *Scattered rainfall continues in Central Texas. *West Nile virus is still infecting horses.

Jun 19

*USDA is planning a sterile screwworm distribution facility in the Rio Grande Valley. *Rain has put a big damper on the Texas wheat harvest. *Rain is also slowing cotton planting. *Texas A&M broke ground on a new veterinary hospital. *Nominations are being accepted for local Farm Service Agency committees. *Rains in the Texas High Plains are impacting ranchers’ decision making. *Extreme South Texas is hot and dry. *Flies cause 6 billion dollars each year in damage to the U.S. cattle industry.

Jun 18

*The Texas Wheat harvest is at a stand-still. *The U.S. Department of Labor is hosting a webinar on federal guidelines for agricultural workers. *Growing cotton will be a losing endeavor for most Texas farmers this year. *Texas farmers learned about two new sorghum varieties available this year. *Margins are getting tight for Texas cattle feeders. *Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed concerns over reductions in staff at USDA offices. *Farmers in the Texas Southern Plains are dealing with the aftermath of severe weather. *There have been some positive changes made at the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

Jun 17

*The Texas Panhandle is getting historical rains. *Cow herd rebuilding may be getting underway. *Heavier carcass weights are creating some unique challenges for the beef industry. *Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins shared what it will take to let Mexican feeder cattle back into the United States. *Corn prices are low right now, and the outlook isn’t positive. *Grass is growing in East Texas thanks to great spring rains. *The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners has made some positive changes.

Jun 16

*Cattle herd rebuilding may be getting underway. *Registration is underway for Texas A&M’s Prescribed Burning School. *Winter wheat harvest has come to a halt due to rain. *West Texas A&M is helping the beef industry deal with increasing feedlot cattle weights. *U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins gave the House Agriculture Committee and update on her efforts to improve ag trade. *Cowherd expansion is slow, while cattle prices continue to hit new records. *The lower Coastal Bend of Texas has been in a prolonged drought. *There are aggressive bees in Texas that will attack livestock.

Jun 13

*Texas cotton acreage is expected to fall this year. *Interest in the Livestock Risk Protection program is increasing. *U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales is pushing for a sterile fly facility in West Texas. *Texas farmers attend a field day on the Upper Gulf Coast. *Study examines the response of the equine herpes vaccine given in the nose and muscle. *Range management for livestock grazing can be challenging, but proper management for better production from cattle, sheep and goats can be achieved.

Jun 12

*The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol continues to grow. *The United States and China have reported reached a tentative trade agreement. *Corn planting is wrapping up in Texas. *In the Texas High Plains, crop insurance claims are coming in after last week’s severe weather. *New news on the fight against New World Screwworms is expected soon. *A field day in Southeast Texas gave farmers an opportunity to learn more about the crop varieties they are growing on their own farms. *East Texas hay and pasture growers need to watch for a specific insect pest this year. *A corkscrew claw in cows can be a difficult problem to treat.

Jun 11

*The Texas wheat harvest continues. *Texas Tech is home to a state-of-the-art machine that will enhance the study of crop traits. *Texas cotton acreage may be higher than the current USDA estimate of 5.5 million acres. *Some of the world’s top beef industry minds are in Amarillo this week. *A U.S. lawmaker from Texas has introduced a bill to prevent foreign ownership of American farmland. *We are officially in hurricane season. *Now is the time to prepare plants and landscapes for the Texas summer heat. *Head shaking is a difficult problem to treat in horses.

Jun 10

*Texas cotton planting is half done. *Winter wheat harvest results are coming in. *Times are pretty good for Texas feedlots right now. *The future of crop protection products is a concern for Texas farmers. *Lawmakers are pushing for resources to help Texas fend off New World Screwworms. *The Texas Beef Council received an update on beef exports. *The Texas Rolling Plains is getting a lot of rain this spring. *Orphaned wildlife may not be orphaned at all.

Jun 9

*Feedlots have been making money, but that may not last. *Times are tough for Texas High Plains farmers. *USDA is making payments to livestock producers under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program. *International trade adds a lot of value to U.S. cattle. *Extreme South Texas is hot and dry. *Orphan wildlife are commonly found by humans.

Jun 6

*Will Brazil continue to take cotton customers away from the US? *TFB President Russell Boening testified in front of a House Ag subcommittee Thursday on farm bill conservation programs. *The economic situation has influenced how farmers are dividing their acres this year. *Texas legislative session good for Texas agriculture. *Grain is filling out in Coastal Bend. *The disease anaplasmosis is an ongoing battle in the cattle industry.

Jun 5

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association is working with other sectors of the livestock industry in Texas to prepare for New World Screwworms. *A bill that would expand students’ milk options at school has cleared a key hurdle. *What does sustainability really look like in the cattle business? *Grazing conditions in Central Texas have been good for sheep. *CBD is being used on many different animals and people. *The South Plains cotton crop is emerging, and grain sorghum is looking good.

Jun 4

*The Texas Supreme Court recently issued an important ruling that clarifies who owns the pore space beneath land. *Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar expresses concern with reductions-in-staff at USDA and proposed SNAP cuts. *Despite tariff uncertainty, red meat exports are on-par with last year. *It was a rainy spring in the Texas Panhandle. What’s the forecast for this summer? *Summer is the time to watch out for blue-green algae. *The Central Texas Sheep and Goat Conference was recently held in McGregor.

Jun 3

*Cattle markets have been setting new records over the past couple of weeks. *The farm bill’s conservation title was the focus of a recent Senate Ag hearing. *It was a marvelously wet spring for the Texas Panhandle. *US meat exporters are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to tariffs. *Hand walking, icing, stretches and stall rest are all important parts of the rehabilitation and recovery from a soft tissue injury for horses. *The lack of an appropriate fertility program may be the number one cause of bermudagrass decline.

Jun 2

*Cotton futures continue to trade at unprofitable levels in the mid to high sixties. What’s keeping them in that range? *Changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders went into effect Sunday. *Texas is expected to see above-average temperatures and barely average rainfall in June. *The Beef Improvement Federation research symposium and convention is coming up in Amarillo. *Recovery and rehabilitation from a soft tissue injury can be lengthy for horses. *It’s been wet in East Texas recently, and that’s prevented hay harvest.

May 30

*Texas sorghum is looking very good this year. *There’s a possibility the U.S. could lift restrictions on livestock imports from Mexico later this year. *Texas farmers’ input helped shape a bill addressing the MAHA movement. *Grain sorghum farmers should consider the benefits and cost of leaving residue in the field after harvest. *New duties on 2,4-D imports have been set. *Veterinarians are seeing more cases of Johne’s disease in beef cattle.

May 29

*Texas pasture and range conditions are better than last year. *New tariffs on products from the European Union have been delayed. *USDA is investing $21 million to retrofit a facility in Mexico to produce sterile screwworm flies. *Analysis of last year’s Texas Panhandle wildfires is continuing. *An active hurricane season is ahead of us. *USDA issued a series of proposals intended to support small farms. *There are multiple options to identify cattle.

May 28

*A bill to protect farmers from city government overreach is on the governor’s desk. *The state’s largest farm organization is accepting applications for the first-ever Ag Influencer of the Year contest. *There’s a big variation in crop development in the Coastal Bend. *The devastating wildfires that scorched over a million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle last year continue to receive attention from researchers. *USDA has rolled out policies to support small family farms. *The sheep and goat market has fallen from the seasonal spring holiday highs. *The Make America Healthy Again Commission released its first report this week. *Managing pain in performance horses requires a diagnosis to know the source of the pain.

May 27

*There were no surprises in the latest Cattle on Feed report. *Texas farmers impacted by a lack of irrigation water in the Rio Grande Valley have more time to apply for financial help. *The CME Group has reset daily price limits for live and feeder cattle futures contracts. *Wheat streak mosaic virus showed up in the Texas Panhandle late in the season. *The “Make America Healthy Again” report is out. *A strong locking gate is important for rural landowners. *There’s an annual cattle drive river crossing that has been going on for over 100 years. *Umbilical hernias are not uncommon in calves.

May 26

*There’s a big variation in crop conditions in the Coastal Bend. *Registration is underway for the largest beef cattle educational event in the world. *Is cow herd rebuilding underway? *Wheat streak mosaic virus has struck a number of wheat fields in the northern Panhandle. *The “One Big Beautiful Bill” has cleared a key hurdle in Washington. *Rural landowner should take advantage of modern security technology. *Bermudagrass decline is characterized by gradual thinning of stands over time. *Some newborn foals can have difficulty swallowing.

May 23

*Wheat disease pressure was light this year. *The Farm Service Agency is now accepting applications for general and continuous CRP. *Texas cotton gins saw a lot more business last year compared to the previous two years. *The Texas legislature is once again strengthening the right to farm and ranch. *Texas Panhandle wheat suffered from a lack of moisture early in the spring. *The Natural Resources Conservation Service wants employees out in the field. *The hot summer is near and that can affect turfgrass production. *Avian Influenza has been found in many mammal species in the Texas Panhandle.

May 22

*The U.S. Meat Export Federation is meeting in Ft. Worth. *Efforts to bring high speed internet to farmers and ranchers continue. *May is mental health awareness month. *Texas Panhandle crops are showing the benefit of early spring rains. *A report from the Make American Healthy Again commission could target pesticides. *The latest Texas Crop Progress report shows varied amounts of rainfall across the state. *There is a lot of farm machinery running across Texas right now. *It’s important to be able tell the approximate age of a goat by looking at their teeth.

May 21

*Cotton planting is running behind both here in Texas and nationwide. *A new facility in Texas will help livestock researchers better understand livestock reproduction issues. *A potential screwworm infestation could have big effect on the Texas deer population. *Cattle feeders are getting the best prices they’ve ever received. *EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says farmer input was taken into consideration when crafting a final insecticide strategy. *Beef loving Texans will be firing up the grill for the Memorial Day weekend. *The U.S. is clamping down on the import of livestock from Mexico. *Should we be delaying vaccination in high risk calves?

May 20

*The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee defended farm safety net spending. *Drought conditions are improving across parts of Texas. *Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz is asking the U.S. Trade Representative to include the 1944 water treaty in the USMCA. *Memorial Day will kick off the summer grilling season. *Cattle feeders in Texas are enjoying a period of economic strength. *EPA has released a draft insecticide strategy. *Temperatures are heating up on the Texas Southern Plains. *A mare must produce good quality colostrum for the newborn foal to be healthy.

May 19

*We set record highs in the cattle market last week. *U.S. lawmakers from Texas have reintroduced a bill to help ranchers recover from natural disasters like the panhandle wildfires. *The results of the Hard Red Winter Wheat Tour are in. *A dream has become reality for the Texas Tech Vet School. *A Texan went to Washington D.C. to discuss the importance of Farm Bill conservation programs. *Cotton growers will be evaluating new varieties for 2026. *Central Texas has had great rainfall recently. *Equine Herpes Virus is a serious neurological disease in horses.

May 16

*The condition of the Texas winter wheat crop is improving. *A new bill to help fight screwworms has been introduced in Congress. *There is a very high likelihood of screwworms reentering Texas in the coming months. *Texas state legislators are addressing foreign ownership of agricultural land. *The House Agriculture Committee has passed its part of the budget reconciliation package. *Insects are a big issue that farmers have to deal with all the time. *It looks like summer is coming early for extreme South Texas. *A recent study measures pain in foals using facial expression.

May 15

*Texas ranchers should prepare for screw worms. *The comment period for a proposal to list the Monarch butterfly as threatened is closing soon. *Corn planting is ahead of schedule. *Texas High Plains cotton farmers may need some additional strategies to deal with wire worms. *Managing 13 million acres of state land is challenging. *U.S. lawmakers from Texas have introduced legislation to combat screw worms. *Weather conditions have improved in the Coastal Bend. *Copper toxicity can be a concern in dairy cows.

May 14

*New World Screwworms are on their way to Texas. *The U.S. and China have both agreed to temporarily lower tariffs. *The Texas Senate Agriculture Committee has approved a bill that would ban lab grown meat. *Wire worms are a big concern for Texas High Plains cotton growers. *We now know more about planned cuts to Farm Bill programs through the budget reconciliation process. *The cotton industry is watching the Farm Bill process closely. *The southern pasture forage crop improvement conference was held recently in Corpus Christi. *Feeding young horses incorrectly can lead to bone and joint diseases.

May 13

*Texas corn planting is ahead of schedule. *The application process for the disaster assistance portion of USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program is coming soon. *There will be no closures of local Farm Service Agency offices. *The Texas Southern Plains has received a lot of rain recently. *USDA has shut down imports of Mexican livestock due to screw worm concerns. *Should the U.S. be working with competitors to improve cotton demand? *Turfgrass is an important part of landscapes in Texas. *USDA has initiated mandatory testing for Avian Influenza.

May 12

*The southern border is once again closed to Mexican livestock imports. *Higher conception rates can make more money for cattle producers. *Agricultural groups are weighing in on a new trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K. *The outlook for the U.S. cotton industry is challenging. *Spring rains are a welcome sight on the Texas Rolling Plains. *Equine herpes viruses are common pathogens.

May 9

*Tight cattle supplies have given feedlots a lot of leverage over packers. *Legislation relating to the right-to-farm and ranch heads to the governor. *President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom Thursday. *New harvesting equipment could make sorghum silage more useful to dairies. *The sheep and goat industries in the United States are close to eradicating scrapie, but now must face the threat of New World Screwworms.

May 8

*Retaining heifers to rebuild a cow herd is a hard thing to do. *National Sorghum Producers is accepting applications for the 2025 National Sorghum Yield contest. *Fifty-six cotton growers qualified for the BASF FiberMax One Ton Club. *A new technology is coming out that could reduce prussic acid poisoning in sorghum. *The rewrite of the Waters of the U.S. rule is moving forward. *Exceptional and extreme drought continues in Far West and South Texas. *Central Texas has had some drought busting rains this spring. *Working with livestock can be extremely dangerous.

May 7

*Cotton planting is falling behind in the northern Texas Panhandle. *The economic assistance package passed by Congress in December is getting into the hands of farmers. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop is holding steady. *Recent rains on the Texas High Plains are good for sorghum producers. *The budget reconciliation process could impact the Farm Bill. *Bayer Crop Science has a new leader. *Spring planting has wrapped up in South Texas. *Biphosphates are drugs used in horses to treat bone disease.

May 6

*Spring rain is falling in Texas, but most of the state is still struggling with drought. *Recent rain is improving the overall drought picture in Texas. *More than 15,000 USDA employees have voluntarily left the agency. *Two Trump administration cabinet members visited a farm in Central Texas last week. *Texas senators gave farmers an update on the status of the 1944 water treaty with Mexico. *Today’s high cattle prices don’t necessarily translate in a windfall of profits. *Weather in Deep South Texas is hot and dry. *Estrous synchronization can help improve your cow herd.

May 5

*Wheat disease pressure was light this year. *Texas Farm Bureau is providing financial support to high school ag mechanics programs. *President Trump’s nominee for USDA Undersecretary for Trade is defending the use of tariffs. *EPA administrator Lee Zeldin says he plans to address a backlog of pesticide registrations. *Texas Panhandle ranchers are enjoying the record high cattle market. *April was a month of active storms in the northern half of Texas. *Spring rains are setting up East Texas ranchers for a good year. *Colorado has created a new position in veterinary medicine, and it may soon show up in other states.

May 2

*Mexico has committed to help the U.S. fight New World screw worms. *USDA has issued a disaster declaration for Texas farmers along the Red River. *Duties will be placed on imported 2,4-D. *Over three hundred Texas farmers and ranchers were in our nation’s capital last week. *Water legislation is moving through the state legislature. *Hundreds of people showed up for the Hemphill County Beef conference last week. *Coastal Bend farmers and ranchers are hoping the month of May will bring some much-needed rainfall. *Back pain in horses can be difficult to diagnose without a hands-on exam.

May 1

*Texas farmers and ranchers are in Washington D.C. this week. *Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin met with Texas farmers. *Two U.S. cabinet secretaries visited a Central Texas farm. *A good vaccination program is vital for a cattle operation. *The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may get renewed soon. *Texas Congressman August Pfluger is asking the Department of the Interior to remove the dunes sagebrush lizard and the lesser prairie chicken from the threatened and endangered species list. *Rain has been falling on the Texas Southern Plains. *There are several parasites and diseases that can harm sheep.

Apr 30

*Mexico is delivering more water to the Rio Grande Valley. *The U.S. needs to build a sterile fly production facility to fight New World screwworms. *Texas Panhandle farmers are already facing a big battle with weeds. *What do consumers think about cotton? *House Democrats are expressing concerns over USDA layoffs. *The TCU Ranch Management program has a long reputation of educating livestock producers. *Be on the lookout for strangles this spring.

Apr 29

*Mexico is not cooperating in the fight against screw worms. *Bayer may stop producing Roundup. *Spring planting is underway in the Texas Panhandle. *A new bill is under consideration in Congress to make it easier for ranchers to protect their livestock from black vultures. *Angus genetics make up a vast majority of the U.S. cow herd. *Chicken litter is a popular source of pasture fertilizer in Central and East Texas. *It’s very important to clean feeding equipment for dairy calves.

Apr 28

*Feeder cattle prices are at record highs. *The trade war with China is affecting U.S. pork sales. *Five wheat farmers were reelected to the Texas Wheat Producers Board. *Texas Panhandle wheat farmers have been getting some rain to finish off the crop. *The Trump Administration will attempt to address unfairness affecting U.S. rice exports. *Recent tornadoes touched down in North Central Texas. *Spring is one of the best times to fertilize outdoor plants. *Proper sanitation of dairy calf feeding equipment can prevent the spread of diseases.

Apr 25

*Texas has some good wheat and some bad wheat. *Texas milk production topped 1.5 billion pounds last month. *Cow herd rebuilding will be a very slow process. *One half of the Texas legislature has passed a financial assistance bill for farmers and ranchers. *Artificial intelligence may have something to offer the beef industry. *Cuts to food stamps in the budget process could impact the progress of the Farm Bill. *There are a lot of interesting things to see in Texas. *Different fat sources are being considered for use in milk replacers for calves.

Apr 24

*Cotton planting is underway across the cotton belt. *The latest seasonal drought outlook has both good and bad news for Texas. *Mexico has committed to deliver water to the Rio Grande Valley. *Southwest Texas got some well needed rainfall. *The cattle markets could be in for a rocky ride in the months ahead. *Work is underway to once again to rewrite the controversial Waters of the U.S. rule. *Grain crops are going in the ground in the Texas Southern Plains. *A company is offering free Cushing’s testing for your horse.

Apr 23

*A Texas Panhandle farmer is focusing less on cotton and more on cattle. *Drought continues to worsen across parts of Texas. *Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller hopes trade negotiations will get resolved quickly. *Texas High Plains ranchers are dealing with volatile markets. *The U.S. Trade Representatives office has released changes to its port service fees on ships. *The agricultural sector is seeing more influence from artificial intelligence. *The sun is shining and spring is in full swing in East Texas. *BRD is the most serious disease in calves.

Apr 22

*The farm labor crisis is on President Trump’s radar. *Avian influenza is being detected in the Texas Panhandle. *Texas corn producers are preparing to deal with the corn leafhopper again this year. *Texas High Plains ranches are having a pretty good year so far. *OSHA will hold a virtual public hearing on its proposed heat injury rule. *The water infrastructure in our state will require a lot of money to meet the needs of a growing population. *The weather has turned warm and windy in deep South Texas. *Acupuncture can be helpful for several conditions in horses and other animals.

Apr 21

*The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture was in Texas twice last week. *Texas citrus production is expected to go down this year. *The latest Cattle on Feed report was released Friday. *Feedlot inventories are dropping in the Texas High Plains. *The Trump Administration is reportedly willing to work with farm workers who are in the country illegally. *Expanding our water supply is a challenge in our growing state. *The 2025 crop year is off to a rough start in the Texas Coastal Bend. *Acupuncture is being used to treat horses and other livestock.

Apr 18

*Texas animal health officials are working to keep the New World screw worm out of the state. *U.S. Agriculture Secretary was back in Texas for the second time in a week. *USDA is raising its fed steer price forecast. *State legislators are concerned about the high speed rail project. *The expected drop in cotton acreage this year could create opportunities. *Mexico is trying to reach a new tomato agreement with the U.S. *Central Texas needs a rain. *BRD continues to be a big problem for the cattle industry.

Apr 17

*The cattle markets are nervous about the Trump tariff wars. *USDA is allocating money for animal health research in Texas. *Corn and sorghum planting is ahead of schedule, but cotton planting is lagging behind. *The winter wheat crop in Moore County is the best it has been in years. *President Trump is calling on Congress to stop the annual time changes. *2025 is another good year for the cattle producers, but drought is still a problem. *April showers can bring May flowers, but they can also bring weeds. *A severe disease can occur in newborn piglets.

Apr 16

*The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association met last weekend in Fort Worth. *Mexico is delivering some of the water it owes to the Rio Grande Valley. *Texas cattle feeders are seeing good times right now, but there could be troubles ahead. *The U.S. is preparing to levy new duties on tomatoes from Mexico, while China has raised it tariffs on U.S. goods. *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was a record-breaking success this year, thanks to some great partnerships. *Nursery production and sales are strong in the spring. *Thrush is a common horse foot disease.

Apr 15

*The American Lamb Board’s “Lamb Jam” is coming to Texas. *Strawberry harvest is underway in Texas. *Spring planting is moving forward across the state. *The fight over the right to farm continues in the Texas legislature. *A pest concern is altering the planting timeline for some Texas High Plains farmers. *The tariff situation seems to change every day. *A Central Texas small grains field day is coming up soon. *The in-person physical exam is the most important procedure in veterinary medicine.

Apr 15

*New World screw worms are a real threat to Texas livestock producers. *U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the Trump administration will protect U.S. farmers and ranchers when negotiating tariffs. *The economic situation for Texas High Plains feedlots is pretty good right now. *Mexico is sending water to South Texas. *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo raised a record amount for youth education. *The outlook is bright for the Texas FFA. *There are some options for treating small ruminant diseases that have no vaccines.

Apr 14

*Fed cattle weights are bigger than ever. *A Texas farm and a cattle company are both being recognized for their efforts to preserve and protect the environment. *The American Farm Bureau Federation weighs in on the tariff situation. *President Trump is taking on the issue of Mexico not delivering water to the Rio Grande Valley. *This was a record breaking year for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. *Cattle ear tags can be an important source of information. *Two new grain sorghum varieties are available to Texas farmers this year. *There are lots of diseases in small ruminants that do not have vaccines available.

Apr 11

*The agricultural markets are reacting to the tariff situation. *Cattle herd rebuilding will happen slower than expected. *Texas legislators are considering changes in agricultural economic assistance programs. *One Texas High Plains farmer is growing a crop with two purposes in mind. *U.S. lawmakers are expressing both support and concerns over tariffs. *It was a challenging winter for farmers in the Texas Rolling Plains, but an April rain makes things feel a lot better… *Changing cattle diets too quickly can lead to acidosis.

Apr 9

*The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the Trump tariffs. *There are fewer hogs and pigs in the U.S. right now, but the numbers continue to grow in Texas. *A federal judge has struck down a rule that would have listed the Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act. *The Texas High Plains has received some very beneficial moisture. *The Concho Valley needs rain for cotton planting. *The U.S. Trade Representative discussed tariffs and the president’s trade agenda at a recent Senate committee hearing. *Texas Farm Bureau is hosting another Summer Ag Institute for teachers. *Cold weather does not cause laminitis in horses.

Apr 8

*The Secretary of Agriculture says farmers will not be forgotten. *There is good news and bad news for Texas crawfish lovers. *Bayer is taking the fight over Roundup to the Supreme Court. *The Texas Animal Health Commission is urging ranchers to be vigilant when watching their herds. *April has been good to the Texas High Plains. *Lawmakers are working to bring whole milk back to U.S. schools. *Farmers in the Texas Southern Plains need more rain to save the wheat crop. *Is winter laminitis in horses a real issue?

Apr 7

*Consumer demand for beef is at an all time high. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop continues to drop. *Plains Cotton Growers held their annual meeting last week in Lubbock. *The state’s largest farm organization is weighing in on trade and the new tariffs. *Working as a summer field scout can be helpful for those seeking a career in agriculture. *Helena AgriEnterprises has some early weed control advice. *Maintaining cattle after a wildfire can be a challenge.

Apr 4

*President Trump's tariffs are going into effect. *Tariffs hit the ag markets hard last week. *The Texas Senate passed a long-term water security bill. *Texas High Plains corn has always been in demand from Texas feedlots. *Farmers and ranchers in East Texas are enjoying ideal weather. *Pergolide is the treatment of choice for Cushing’s Disease in horses.

Apr 3

*The Texas legislature is considering financial assistance for farmers and ranchers. *The Cotton Board is investing in cotton research projects in Texas. *The Plains Cotton Growers annual meeting was held in Lubbock. *Texas High Plains farmers are hoping one pest won’t make it back to their area this year. *A U.S. Senator from Texas has introduced a bill to make a feral hog program permanent. *It’s the time of year where forage producers are thinking of establishing new pastures and hay meadows. *Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in humans and other species.

Apr 2

*Corn acres expected to increase while cotton acres are expected to drop. *This could be a big year for corn in the Texas High Plains. *The public has more time to comment on a proposal to list the Monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. *Texas corn planting has now reached the half-way mark. *The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture is taking several international trips in the coming months to promote agricultural trade. *It could be another dry spring in much of Texas. *The weather forecast may be calling for a dry spring, but farmers in the Texas Rolling Plains are hoping for a wetter April. *A recent study showed some causes of corneal ulcers in horses.

Apr 1

*Sheep producers are asking for tariffs on imported lamb. *The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Family Land Heritage program. *The deadline to sign up for Farm Bill safety net programs is April 15th. *Ultrasound technology has helped make a lot more prime grade beef available to consumers. *Some U.S. beef exports to China have been stopped. *What does the April weather forecast hold for Texas? *Historically heavy rains have flooded the Rio Grande Valley. *Resistance to dewormers is a major problem for sheep and goat producers.

Mar 31

*Texas leads the nation in agricultural weather losses. *Texas Panhandle topsoils are getting dry. *The American Sheep Industry Association is asking the White House to include lamb imports in the food and agriculture tariff plans. *Extremely heavy rain caused catastrophic flooding in the Rio Grande Valley last week. *The quality of U.S. beef is the best it’s ever been. *A group of U.S. lawmakers from Texas is asking USDA to expand its efforts to prevent screwworms from reentering the country. *The final days of March brought significant rainfall to the Coastal Bend of Texas. *Intestinal parasites are a major problem for sheep and goats due to resistance to dewormers.

Mar 28

*South Texas is getting some badly needed rainfall. *Texas livestock producers should continue to watch out for screwworms. *Corn planting is moving quickly across Texas. *Right to Farm legislation cleared another hurdle in the Texas House. *The 2025 Hemphill County Beef Conference is coming up soon. *The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is asking the White House and Congress to make sure countries importing beef into the U.S. are following regulations. *The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire at the end of this year, eliminating many beneficial provisions for farmers and ranchers. *We may need to rethink vaccination strategies for beef on dairy cross calves.

Mar 27

*Some Texas cities are ignoring the new Right to Farm laws. *The United States denied a water request from Mexico for the first time ever. *The troubles for Bayer’s Roundup herbicide continue. *Texas Panhandle farmers’ planting decisions are influenced by the needs of the Panhandle livestock industry. *A Texas cattle feeder testified before Congress this week. *We’re having some success controlling rangeland brush in Texas, thanks to new technologies. *Confidence is high for April rain in the Texas Rolling Plains. *There is a new product available to treat chronic wounds in horses.

Mar 26

*Higher fertilizer prices will cut into margins again this year. *Texas drought conditions are getting worse. *Dairy farmers have a few days left to sign up for the Dairy Margin Coverage program. *The wheat crop in the Texas High Plains has faced nearly every kind of weather imaginable this winter. *Texas lawmakers say they will continue to push Mexico to deliver the water owed to the Rio Grande Valley. *Africa holds big potential for U.S. red meat exports. *The outlook for the Texas Southern Plains cotton industry is not good. *Veterinarians cannot use telemedicine for an initial visit like human doctors can.

Mar 26

*The fed cattle market is back in record territory. *Plains Cotton Growers is holding its annual meeting next week in Lubbock. *The latest Texas wheat crop ratings show a slight improvement. *Spring planting will begin soon in the Texas High Plains. *USDA has an update on a potential vaccine for avian influenza. *A Southeast Texas farmer testified at the State Capitol in favor of water legislation. *With all the news surrounding tariffs recently, the playing field might seem a bit murky. *Flax has been shown to improve fertility in many animals.

Mar 25

*Feedlot inventories are dropping. *The number of farms in Texas is holding steady. *Cattle prices are back into record territory. *Soil moisture levels are pretty good for spring planting in the Texas Panhandle. *USDA is providing an update on its plan to combat avian influenza. *The second largest continent on Earth hold a lot of potential for U.S. red meat exports. *Farmers and ranchers received welcome news from the Environmental Protection Agency. *Strangles is a very contagious horse disease.

Mar 21

*Rio Grande Valley farmers are getting financial relief. *The row crop economy is not looking very good right now. *Future water availability is a top priority for the Texas legislature. *The July cattle inventory report is back. *Texas corn planting is one-third complete, with sorghum planting is 26% done. *Farmers markets are open in East Texas. *There are two viral causes of liver disease in horses.

Mar 20

*West Texas is suffering from extreme drought. *More wildfires are burning in the state. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop is declining. *There are some empty pens in Texas High Plains feedlots. *The EPA regional administrator dropped by a North Texas farm. *Grazing conditions are good in East Texas but continue to be tough in the west. *Farmers and ranchers on the Texas Rolling Plains got some much-needed rainfall. *The most common cause of sickness and death in baby calves is scours.

Mar 19

*Plains Cotton Growers is welcoming economic aid. *Agricultural engineering is getting a boost at Stephen F. Austin University. *Tuesday was National Agriculture Day. *Cheaper corn continues to help Texas High Plains cattle feeders. *A South Texas congressman is asking USDA to let eggs come in from Mexico. *Now is the time to start your summer fly control program. *Many older horses have Cushing’s disease.

Mar 18

*Cattle futures have rallied over the last 10 days. *The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine is launching a new study. *Signup starts this week for the $10 billion aid package approved by Congress. *Fed cattle prices have been on a roller coaster ride. *The American Farm Bureau is commending the Environmental Protection Agency for redefining the Waters of the U.S. rule. *Spring is in the air as Central Texas corn is up and growing. *The winds we are currently enduring can be devastating to trees and other plants. *Giving electrolytes to baby calves can be tricky.

Mar 17

*The National Cotton Council is pushing for a new Farm Bill. *The Drought Monitor map is getting worse across much of Texas. *USDA continues its work to distribute 10 billion dollars in economic assistance. *It’s a seller’s market for rural Texas land. *One of the keys to America’s energy independence can be found in America’s farmland. *Giving baby calves electrolytes can be critical to their survival.

Mar 14

Legislation has been filed to address foreign ownership of ag land in Texas. The House Ag Committee has hit the ground running. Bee declines can have a significant impact on agriculture. The EU and Canada threaten new retaliatory tariffs. Equine Herpes Virus is a serious cause of disease in horses. Early gardeners are getting things done in East Texas.

Mar 13

EPA to revise the definition of a Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). High winds leads to an increased wildfire risk in parts of Texas. Something is happening to the bees. Texas cotton farmers have new varieties to consider this year. There’s plenty to do and see at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. What is the most important factor that impacts the survival of new born kids and lambs?

Mar 12

The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association’s first stockman’s sale is coming up. The bird flu can impact flocks unaffected by the virus. A new report reveals disadvantages U.S. rice faces globally due to unfair trade practices. Spring is not waiting on the calendar. Navicular disease is one of the most common cause of lameness in performance horses.

Mar 11

*Cattle futures may have hit a bottom. *Eggs are getting a lot of attention right now. A Texas High Plains egg and chicken producer discusses how they are responding to the dilemma. *TFB board member and Valley farmer Brian Jones testifies on Mexico’s water debt and its impact on Texas farmers. *Study examines livestock-related injuries on farm and ranch workers. *Central Texas farmers are making progress planting corn.

Mar 10

*There are several animal health challenges at the world’s largest livestock show. *It’s time for Texas farmers to make some important program decisions. *President Trump has pushed the pause button on some tariffs. *Brush control is a never-ending task. *Tariffs on Mexico and Canada have been an on-again, off-again situation. *You should be on the lookout for Q fever this spring.

Mar 7

*The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo attracts visitors from 80 different countries. *This is a very stressful time for Texas farmers. *Thousands of USDA employees have their jobs back. *The livestock brand registry system in Texas may be getting a lot simpler. *The nation’s largest farm organization is concerned about the Trump administration’s tariff proposals. *USDA released updated guidelines for battling highly pathogenic avian influenza. *Cattle fever ticks are a continual problem in South Texas.

Mar 6

*The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is underway. *The state legislature is making efforts to protect natural resources. *It has been a dry winter for the Texas High Plains. *Economic assistance payments will soon be making their way to farmers. *The very high winds across Texas this week created a challenge for farmers and ranchers. *Cushing’s disease is common in older mares.

Mar 5

*President Trump told farmers to prepare for tariffs. *Texas farmers may wait until the last minute to make planting decisions. *There are indications that cattle herd rebuilding is beginning in the Southern Plains. *The U.S. levied new tariffs on Mexico and China this week. *The deadline is coming up to apply for an agricultural water grant. *The Trump administration released a freeze on $20 million in funding for conservation programs. *Timing is everything when protecting calves against BRD.

Mar 4

*The upcoming economic and disaster aid package for farmers should be an improvement over the last one. *A pair of lawmakers from Texas have introduced a bill to help Texas wildfire victims. *Winter is just about over. *A lot of Texas High Plains farmers have been adding sorghum silage to their crop mix. *U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed tariffs and agricultural trade. *Applications are being accepted for the Texas Water Development Board’s agricultural water conservation grant program. *What’s the difference between pasture renovation and pasture rejuvenation? *Hoof cracks can cause several problems in horses.

Mar 3

*Economic relief for farmers is on the way soon. *We are right in the middle of peak wildfire season. *South Texas cabbage producers planted less last year, but production was up. *USDA is taking the fight against screwworms to Mexico. *The Hemphill County Beef Conference has reached a big milestone. *A representative of the fresh produce industry in South Texas testified before Congress about the needs of the industry. *Spring begins in a couple of weeks. *It’s time to prepare for spring gardens and landscapes. *Hoof wall defects in horses can be difficult to manage.

Feb 28

*The cattle industry needs Congress to reduce burdensome regulations. *Tarleton State University is establishing a new center to focus on enhancing well being in rural and agricultural communities. *A South Texas rancher was killed by an improvised explosive device near Brownsville. *Texas farmers and ranchers met with state lawmakers at the State Capitol last week. *How soon will Texas Panhandle grazing lands recover after last year’s wildfires? *Another Texan testified before Congress about the new Farm Bill. *The nation’s largest farm organization has a very positive reaction to the appointment of Texan Brooke Rollins as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. *Improving lambing efficiency is important in the commercial sheep business.

Feb 27

*Texas wheat crop conditions improved last week. *The new chairman of the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock outlined his priorities for the committee in the current legislative session. *Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is fully behind the Trump Administration’s effort to downsize the federal government. *Secretary Rollins is also launching a new plan to fight avian influenza. *There are still several weeks to go before peak wildfire season is over. *The winter wheat crop in Central Texas is looking good, while corn planters are rolling. *A shorter dry period may increase rumen function in dairy cows.

Feb 26

*The Trump Administration is addressing the avian influenza outbreak. *The National Cotton Council is pleased with the current direction of agricultural issues in Washington. *Texas wheat grower Koby Dickerson is a National Wheat Yield Contest state winner. *The Texas legislature is addressing water issues for Texas farmers and ranchers. *There’s a good chance of the Texas High Plains getting decent rainfall this year. *U.S. dairy farmers are urging Congress to stand up for dairy producers. *Sand burrs are a big problem for pastures in Central and East Texas. *Oral sedation can be helpful in reducing anxiety in horses.

Feb 25

*The new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture was back in Texas this week to address the avian influenza outbreak. *A Texan will testify before the Senate Ag Committee in Washington this week. *Texas farmers produced more than $19 million worth of cucumbers last year. *Cotton production is falling in Texas because it isn’t a profitable crop to grow. *Planting time is getting near in the Texas High Plains. *New tariffs are expected to go into effect next month. *Growth implants in young calves are an underutilized technology. *Planters are rolling in South Texas. *Beef on dairy cross cattle are more susceptible to liver abscesses in the feedlot.

Feb 24

*We’re not expecting any freeze damage to the Texas winter wheat crop. *Onions are a big crop in South Texas. *Beef production is expected to go up this year. *Cattle feeders continue to produce heavier cattle. *USDA is unfreezing some conservation funding. *Fly season will be here before you know it. *Coastal Bend farmers and ranchers are dealing with the wild February temperature swings. *Liver abscesses are a problem in feedlot cattle.

Feb 21

*Cotton production is growing in Brazil. *Prairieview A&M is conducting research on organic sorghum. *Another case of New World screwworms has been found in southern Mexico. *Committees have been named by the House in the Texas Legislature. *A new bill could make it easier for students from family farms to get financial aid for college. *Silage production has taken a big jump in the Texas Panhandle, but it's not for everyone. *It got cold last week in East Texas.

Feb 21

*The cold weather is shutting down cattle marketing. *USDA has given preliminary approval to a vaccine to prevent avian influenza in chickens. *This is National FFA Week. *There are some indications that cow herd rebuilding may be getting underway. *A bill designed to expand school milk options has been reintroduced in Congress. *Thousands of volunteers help to put on the San Antonio Stock Show. *The past two weeks shows the variation we can see in a Texas winter. *A genetic abnormality has been discovered in Angus cattle.

Feb 20

*The House Budget Committee is calling for a $230 billion cut in ag spending. *A Texas native received a posthumous award at the National Cotton Council’s annual meeting in Dallas last weekend. *Texas farmers planted more watermelons last year. *Texas wheat crop conditions continue to decline. *A Texas federal court has allowed enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act to go forward. *A bill has been reintroduced to reinstate country of origin labeling for beef. *The depressed cotton market is having a major impact on many Texas High Plains farmers planting decisions. *Farmers in the Texas Southern Plains are dealing with this week’s bitterly cold temperatures. *Equine joint injections with steroids are common in horses.

Feb 18

*The National Cotton Council held its annual meeting in Dallas. *Cotton growers are expected to plant nearly 15% less cotton acreage this year. *Cattle feeders are getting historically high prices for cattle, but that doesn’t always translate to profits. *Lawmakers in Washington are making another attempt to eliminate the death tax. *Several factors are causing rural Texas land prices to rise. *Spring planting decisions seem to be tougher than usual this year. *Ear tagging cattle correctly is not as easy as it may seem.

Feb 17

*Brooke Rollins hit the ground running as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. *Rain is good for both crops and weeds. *Land prices in Texas have shot higher over the past few years. *Texas is one of the top four catfish producing states in the nation. *South Texas Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has introduced a resolution to condemn Mexico for its failure to uphold the 1944 water treaty. *A Texas farmer testified before Congress last week. *The equine coffin joint is a common source of lameness.

Feb 14

*A Texan is the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. *Governor Abbot outlined his emergency items for this session of the Texas Legislature. *There is hope for a potential resolution to the water debt Mexico owes the U.S. *It’s unlikely that dicamba will be available for this year’s cotton crop. *Choosing the right cotton variety is very important this year. *Cattle producers should watch out for a retained placenta as spring calving cows start putting calves on the ground.

Feb 13

*A Texan is now running the U.S. Department of Agriculture. *Texas farmers and ranchers may have another dry summer ahead. *This week’s Texas wheat crop ratings showed a small improvement. *Fighting cattle parasites is a never-ending problem. *Texans are raising more goats. *Burning has been used for year to rejuvenate grasslands. *Some planning is required for artificial insemination to be successful in sheep and goats.

Feb 12

*A Texas farmer testified before Congress. *New research shows dairy cattle infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus can build natural immunity to it. *Coast Packing Company broke ground on a new edible fats and oils refinery and packing facility in Amarillo. *With cotton prices so low, controlling production costs will be vital for this year’s crop. *Producing weed free hay is possible, but you need to start that process right now. *The passage of a new Farm Bill could be the first step in healing the ag economy. *Central Texas is getting some beneficial rain during the winter. *There are some things to consider when trying to breed an older mare.

Feb 11

*Texas cotton acreage is expected to stay the same this year. *Texas goat producers saw a decrease in mohair production last year. *A Texas Panhandle ranch was recognized at the recent Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio. *It looks like Texas cotton farmers will be doing without dicamba in this upcoming growing season. *A bill that would help Texas cattle producers fight fever ticks has been reintroduced in Congress. *A new year is a good time for estate planning. *Pastures are soggy, and potatoes are going in the ground in East Texas. *BVD virus is still a concern in beef cattle.

Feb 10

*Things are moving fast in Washington D.C. *Texas wool production was down last year. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop continues to decline. *Last year was a very dry season for Texas High Plains cotton producers. *USDA has released a new farm income forecast. *The San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo is now underway. *Planting time is here for farmers in Deep South Texas. *Equine imports from Mexico are now allowed into the United States.

Feb 7

*Brooke Rollins get the thumbs up at the Cattle Industry Convention. *The NCBA is watching the tariff situation closely. *Texas continues to lead the nation in the number of cattle. *Texas citrus growers are assessing the damage from the recent freeze. *The electric company that serves the Texas Panhandle is using AI technology to help fight wildfires. *The man nominated to be the next U.S. Trade Representative discussed agricultural trade and new markets recently. *The overall condition of the Texas winter wheat crop is declining. *Dairy cows have receptors that make then susceptible to influenza.

Feb 6

*The annual Cattle Industry Convention is underway in San Antonio. *There are new updates to the Beef Quality Assurance program. *Texas dairy farmers produced more milk last quarter. *JBS USA announced a $150 million expansion project at its Cactus, Texas beef processing plant. *Ag groups are urging Congress to pass a new Farm Bill. *Having a diversified operation is an advantage when it comes to dealing with wild swings in the markets. *The Coastal Bend missed out on any significant rainfall over the past couple of weeks. *Injecting equine joints with cortisone is common.

Feb 5

*The Texas beef cow herd grew last year, but the statistics can be confusing. *The number of sheep in Texas increased last year. *Imports of Mexican feeder cattle into the U.S. are getting underway. *There has been some very interesting weather in the Texas High Plains in recent months. *We are one step closer to having a new Secretary of Agriculture. *The trade and tariff situation continues to change. *Managing feral hogs is a never-ending task. *The American Farm Bureau held a Convention workshop at the recent AFBF convention in San Antonio on the upcoming U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement review process. *There lots of antibiotics approved for use in beef cattle.

Feb 5

*The U.S. cow herd continues to shrink. *There drought situation in Texas has improved over the past few months, but some areas of the state are still in extreme drought. *Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cotton Specialist Ben McKnight was named the 2025 Beltwide Cotton Specialist of the Year. *The tariff war is officially underway. *The Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo wraps up this week. *Texas cattle producers should be preparing to deal with the Asian Longhorned tick. *It’s cleanup time for gardens and landscapes across Texas. *Cribbing in horses is a problem that is difficult to control.

Feb 3

*Less heifers are going into feedlots. *Signup is underway for the Dairy Margin Coverage program. *Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington has introduced a bill to reduce the federal estate tax. *The Asian Longhorned Tick is a potential threat to the Texas cattle industry. *The House Ag Committee is making the Farm Bill a priority in this Congress. *A very cold January has turned into a milder early February. *The ag industry was one of the hot topics brought up during Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s first confirmation hearing. *A new product has been developed to reduce the pain of castration in calves.

Jan 31

*Mexican cattle imports should resume soon. *A young Texas couple was recognized for their work on their ranch in Sterling County. *A trailer load of cattle was found abandoned in Houston County. *Texas High Plains corn farmers have been learning more about the corn leafhopper. *The U.S. has a new administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. *A new bill has been filed in the Texas legislature addressing the right to farm and ranch. *The winter months are usually a slower time for farmers. *Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem in both animals and humans.

Jan 30

*Placements took a drop in the most recent Cattle on Feed report. *A group of U.S. lawmakers from Texas have reintroduced a bill to combat interference in American agriculture. *The condition of the Texas winter wheat crop continues to decline. *Several Texas County Farm Bureaus were recognized at the recent American Farm Bureau convention in San Antonio. *The push is on to get a Farm Bill passed in the new Congress. *Texas High Plains farmers are planning for spring planting. *Sometimes Bermuda grass stands will thin out or die over time. *Winter weather can be stressful for sheep.

Jan 29

*Agriculture Secretary nominee Brook Rollins had her hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee. *Rollins continues to get high praise from the agriculture community. *House Agriculture Committee leaders were in Texas this week. *Cattle prices are strong and the outlook for 2025 is positive. *Texas Panhandle wheat is in good condition at the mid-point of the growing season. *The very cold temperatures experienced on the Southern Plains of Texas challenged the region’s water system for agricultural producers. *Slow flow nipples are recommended for baby calves.

Jan 28

*Enrollment is open for the ARC and PLC programs for the 2025 crop year. *Texas soybean acreage was down last year. *The National Cotton Council is pursuing priority issues in Washington. *Two Texas lawmakers will sit on the House Agriculture Committee this session. *Urban sprawl continues to take Texas farm and pastureland. *The winter wheat crop in the Texas Panhandle is about halfway through the growing season. *The second arctic blast of the winter had Central Texas cattle producers busy keeping their livestock safe. *Vitamin E is an important vitamin for horses.

Jan 27

*The American Farm Bureau Convention is underway in San Antonio. *The cotton disease known as verticillium wilt is a big threat to cotton in the Texas High Plains. *The Texan nominated to be the next Secretary of Agriculture is gaining support. *Farmers and ranchers are feeding more people with less resources. *It’s been a cold winter in East Texas. *Knowing the quality of the forage you’re feeding your cows is important.

Jan 24

*Texas Tech University's Livestock Judging Team brought home awards from the annual Cattlemen's Congress. *Lawmakers from Kansas and Oklahoma have introduced legislation to de-list the Lesser Prairie Chicken. *Farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau members and staff from across the nation will be in San Antonio through Tuesday. *What is the optimal date to plant cotton on the Texas High Plains? *Texas' Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has named the State Senate Committees for this legislative session. *Freezing temperatures impacted planting in the Rio Grande Valley.

Jan 23

*Demand for U.S. cotton is decreasing. *A tall perennial plant found on parts of the Edwards Plateau could eventually be listed a threatened. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop has declined over the past two months. *Texas High Plains feedlots experienced a big drop in placements last month. *Several provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire later this year. *Chill hours for East Texas peaches are adding up this winter. *The arctic blast made it into South Texas this week. *Extruded feeds are commonly fed to horses.

Jan 22

*The 2024 Texas cotton crop was an improvement over the previous two years. *Texas rice production was up last year. *President Trump overturned the Green New Deal’s electric vehicle mandate. *Southeast Texas farmers and ranchers are dealing with snowfall. *Texas High Plains cattle feeders are being paid a lot of money for they cattle they are selling. *The man nominated to run the Environmental Protection Agency has an opinion on the controversial Waters of the U.S. rule. *With this latest snowstorm, it’s obvious that winter has arrived in all parts of Texas. *The first human death from H5N1 avian influenza happened recently in Louisiana.

Jan 21

*Mexican feeder cattle imports won’t resume this week. *The National Ranching Heritage Center and the Ranching Heritage Association are accepting nominations for the National Golden Spur and Working Cowboy awards. *A Texas cotton grower is now the chairman of Cotton Incorporated. *Cattle feeders in Texas have seen fed cattle prices climb into record territory. *President Trump’s new Secretary of State says he will work with Texas on enforcing the 1944 water treaty. *The Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo begins the Texas swing of stock shows and rodeos. *Recent analysis of foreign ag land ownership showed rising numbers in the U.S. *Animal eyes are very sensitive to disease.

Jan 20

*Solar grazing offers big opportunities for Texas sheep producers. *Texas peanut production was up last year. *Another cheese manufacturing facility is now open in Lubbock. *Strengthening margins is the purpose of the Master Marketer program. *U.S. Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins will get her hearing before the Senate Ag Committee this week. *U.S. wheat faces several domestic marketing challenges. *The new year brings changes and challenges. *Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem in both animal and human medicine.

Jan 17

*Mexican cattle imports may resume this week. *Texas farmers produced less corn and more sorghum last year. *The National Cotton Council’s annual meeting is coming to Texas next month. *There are still many surrounding the new mandatory use of electronic ear tags in cattle. *USDA has finalized a rule that will affect Texas poultry and hog producers. *The new speaker of the Texas House of Representatives has a strong record of supporting agriculture. *The latest World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates Report shows a drop in U.S. corn and soybean yields. *MRNA vaccines are being used in animals, but some people are concerned about that.

Jan 16

*It’s wildfire season in Texas. *There is assistance available for Texas dairies affected by avian influenza. *Another arctic blast is coming into Texas. *Electronic ID tags for Texas cattle producers are available for free. *USDA has withdrawn a proposed rule change to the Packers and Stockyards Act. *Northeast Texas dealt with some severe weather recently. *Increased nonstructural carbohydrates in the pasture can increase insulin levels in horses.

Jan 15

*It’s wildfire season in Texas. *There is assistance available for Texas dairies affected by avian influenza. *The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is welcoming the withdrawal of a USDA livestock marketing proposed rule. *The loss of dicamba has made it harder to keep cotton fields free of weeds. *A major effort is underway to keep screwworms out of Texas. *Enrollment for Farm Bill safety net programs for the 2025 crop year begins soon. *The annual Blackland Income Growth conference held recently in Waco. *The Beef Quality Assurance program helps make cattle handling easier.

Jan 14

*It’s time for the annual American Sheep Industry convention. *U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will not get her confirmation hearing this week. *Last week was a week to remember in the cattle market. *Opening new world markets is vital to the success of Texas farmer and ranchers. *Protecting property from wildfires is always a concern in the Texas High Plains. *Lawmakers are stressing the importance of trade to President Trump’s pick for Agriculture Secretary. *Youth livestock shows are underway in the Texas Southern Plains, as cattle producers try to manage their hay supplies to get through winter.

Jan 13

*Snowfall is beneficial for Texas pastures and rangeland. *Many Texans continues to feel the effects of La Nina. *The Texas wheat crop should benefit from last week’s snow and rain. *Texas High Plains corn producers are gearing up to fight the corn leaf hopper. *EPA is now accepting comments on proposed changes to the registration for an insecticide. *Bermuda grass plays a huge role in Texas beef production. *Planting time is just around the corner in Deep South Texas. *Disease of the suspensory apparatus us common in performance horses.

Jan 10

*The 2025 Beltwide Cotton Conferences are this week in New Orleans. *Over half of Texas is still feeling the effects of drought. *Variety selection plays a big role in controlling the Hessian fly in wheat. *The 89th session of the Texas Legislature is getting underway this week in Austin. *There’s hope for work on a new Farm Bill this year. *Knowing the status of subsoil moisture can help farmers manage their irrigation output. *Old man winter rolled into East Texas last week. *A breakthrough in research could help control Texas cattle fever ticks.

Jan 9

*Central Texas wheat producers are getting a break from the Hessian fly. *The nation’s first human death due to H5N1 Avian Influenza happened in Louisiana. *Five Texans are set to serve new terms on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. *A Texas Panhandle power company is working on strategies to reduce the potential for downed power lines to ignite wildfires. *An endangered species in Texas could be downgraded to the threatened category. *Identifying customers is key for direct marketing ranch raised beef. *January means it’s time for county junior livestock shows. *Feeding senior horses is different from feeding younger horses.

Jan 8

*There are no signs of cattle herd rebuilding. *The Texas Department of State Health Services is beginning its oral rabies vaccine air drop this week. *The American Lamb Board is hosting a sheep grazing workshop in Texas in May. *Wildfires are burning in California, and we’re hitting peak wildfire season in the Texas High Plains. *More U.S. corn will now be allowed into Mexico. *The outlook for cattle prices is bright for 2025. *New leaders on the Congressional Ag Committees and in the White House mean new opportunities for agriculture. *Controlling respiratory disease in young calves is critical for their survival.

Jan 7

*There is no sign of cattle herd rebuilding. *The Texas Department of State Health Services is beginning the oral rabies vaccine air drop this week. *The American Lamb Board is hosting a sheep grazing workshop in Texas in May. *The Pioneer crop production clinics are begin held around the Texas Panhandle. *We now know more about what House and Senate leadership hope to accomplish in the new Congress. *The beef industry is working to advance sustainability in the supply chain. *With the variable weather conditions we had during hay season last year, producers should keep an eye out for nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning. * Managing insulin resistance in horses is a big challenge.

Jan 6

*A winter freeze hits much of Texas this week. *Wheat prices hit multi-year lows in 2024 and the outlook for this year doesn’t look any better. *A series of crop production clinics in the Texas High Plains is getting underway this week. *Will we see a new Farm Bill in 2025? *New cotton varieties are being launched for 2025. *The Beneficial Ownership Information filing requirement is once again lifted. *Managing insulin levels is one of the most important nutritional considerations in horses.

Jan 3

*Texas ranchers should watch closely for screwworms. *Registration is now open for the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s convention and expo. *Cattle markets are expected to stay strong for 2025. *President Trump will start his second term later this month. *Diversifying nitrogen sources can help increase corn production. *2024 presented quite a few challenges for plants and landscapes in Texas. *Cattle are sometimes on a nutritional roller coaster.

Jan 1

*Should Texas cattle producers be concerned about screwworms entering the state? *President Trump has picked the number two official for U.S. agriculture. *Texas farmers and ranchers will be the biggest beneficiaries of the new economic aid package approved by Congress. *The Texas High Plains silage boom continues. *There will be four new faces representing Texas in Washington D.C. *It’s a new year, a new month, and there’s a new weather forecast for Texas. *Water was one of the top issues in Rio Grande Valley agriculture last year. *The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. *Congenital myotonia is a neuromuscular disease in goats.

Dec 31, 2024

*Bell County farmers and ranchers had a roller coaster ride of a year. *The new Congress will be seated in Washington D.C. this week. *Cotton prices took a nosedive in 2024. *When should you call your veterinarian about problems in your sheep and goat herd? *EPA is proposing a rule that would limit the use of chlorpyrifos. *Geopolitics are having a big effect on U.S. agriculture. *USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a new federal directive on testing raw milk for avian influenza. *Young dairy calves should have access to heated water.

Dec 30, 2024

*Cattle futures were volatile during 2024. *USDA is investing another $300 million to expand food and agricultural exports. *The number of cattle in Texas feedlots is down slightly from a year ago. *The level of cow herd rebuilding in Texas is a big unknown. *There is now more time to comment on the Department of Labor’s proposed heat illness prevention rule. *2024 was a challenging year for Central Texas farmers and ranchers. *We have a record agricultural trade deficit, and it will continue into 2025. *Soaking your horse’s foot is sometimes required, but there is a better option.

Dec 27, 2024

*There has been another change to the Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements. *There were a couple of surprises in the cattle market this past year. *There are some things you don’t want to leave out of an estate plan. *Dairy farmers and cooperatives have until the end of the year to weigh in on proposed changes to the federal milk marketing orders. *The pork checkoff is connecting more consumers with pork consumption. *This has been a good year for farmers and ranchers in Madison County. *There is a new online resource for dairy goats.

Dec 26, 2024

*This was a record year for fed cattle prices. *The deadline to apply for USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program is coming soon. *Texas farms & ranches lose nearly $200 million a year from natural disasters. *Estate planning is an important responsibility for farmers and ranchers. *If dairy farmers vote in favor of a proposed rule, make allowances could rise. *Cattle producers should focus on producing quality beef when it comes time to rebuild their herds. *Winter pastures are growing in East Texas. *There is a new process for diagnosing equine diseases.

Dec 25, 2024

*The Corporate Transparency Act filing deadline is back. *The U.S. won the dispute with Mexico over their ban on genetically modified corn. *Two big farm conventions are coming to San Antonio next month. *The weeks and months ahead of planting can determine the success of a crop. *USDA has proposed several changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders. *There are new ways to improve weed control in 2025. *The Texas Coastal Bend is ending the year with below average rainfall. *A pheromone has been shown to reduce stress in cattle.

Dec 24, 2024

*Brown County farmers and ranchers are preparing for 2025. *The majority of farms in the U.S. are still family owned. *The Texas 4-H Foundation received its largest grant ever. *The Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains are still seeing benefits from rains over the past couple of months. *The public can now comment on a proposal to list the Monarch butterfly as a threatened species. *There are a few things rural landowners need to keep in mind at the end of the year. *Many Texas soils are acidic. *Colic surgery in horses can cause some complications.

Dec 23, 2024

*Congress passed and the president signed a Farm Bill extension and an economic assistance package for farmers. *The December cattle on feed report came in as expected Friday. *Mexico’s demand for U.S. dairy products is growing. *Diverting acreage to dryland production could make sense in the Texas High Plains. *Southern Plains farmers are wrapping up cotton harvest. *Central Texas finally received a general, wide-spread rain. *Colic surgery has come a long way in the last 40 years.

Dec 20, 2024

*Heavy rains didn’t cause much damage to the northern Panhandle cotton crop. *The drought has improved this year, but there is still a big chunk of the state that is dealing with drought. *There will be some new faces leading the agriculture committees in the new congress. *Helping farmers learn ways to save water is the objective of a special program in the Texas High Plains. *The average hourly rate for H2A guest worker employees is expected to rise in 2025. *Winter grazing prospects have improved in many areas of Texas. *As 2024 winds down there is both good news and bad news for Texas Rolling Plains farmers and ranchers. *Liver abscesses are a problem in dairy-beef cross cattle.

Dec 19, 2024

*Congress continues to debate a continuing resolution to keep the government funded for the next few months. *Some Texas High Plains ranchers are expanding into sheep. *Solar grazing is a new opportunity for sheep producers. *A Texas sorghum farmer produced a bin-buster crop this year. *USDA is expanding its National Milk Testing Strategy. *Cut-your-own Christmas trees are popular in East Texas. *It’s poinsettia season. *Researchers are studying parasite resistance in horses.

Dec 18, 2024

*This was a good year for agriculture in Brown County. *A group of lawmakers, including six from Texas, is urging President Trump to pursue trade agreements that boost cotton exports. *USDA is allocating emergency funding to protect the U.S. cattle industry from screwworms. *What kind of year has it been for cattle feeders in the Texas High Plains? *Farmers may be getting a Christmas present from Congress. Jessica Domel tells what’s in the package… *Texas cotton farmers will have some new varieties to plant in 2025. *Cattle vaccines must contain the correct strain of the disease producing organism.

Dec 17, 2024

*The U.S. has lost agricultural export markets. *USDA is providing more free electronic identification tags for bison and cattle raisers. *The Texas Corn Producers Association’s virtual annual meeting will be held January 23rd. *Fed cattle prices have seen a big jump lately. *Congress has tentatively reached a deal to extend the 2018 Farm Bill and provide economic assistance for farmers. *Farmers in the Texas Southern Plains have wrapped up the 2024 cotton harvest. *Cooler weather has finally arrived in Deep South Texas. *Quality sleep is as important for horses as it is for humans.

Dec 16, 2024

*The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture weighs in on how another Trump presidency will affect Texas agriculture. *The EPA has released another proposed rule regarding the use of chlorpyrifos. *Texas cotton farmers can expect more competition from abroad in the coming months. *There are advantages in producing your own sorghum silage to feed livestock. *If Congress doesn’t take action on a Farm Bill by the end of the year, it could cause problems for dairy farmers and consumers. *Protecting stored grain from insects can be a challenge. *Livestock sales are slowing down in East Texas, but deer hunting is still in full swing. *A New World screwworm was recently discovered in a cow in Mexico.

Dec 13, 2024

*A defeat in Denver was a big win for the sheep industry. *Farmers will see higher replant payments in the 2026 crop year. *Another endangered species listing could be coming soon that would affect farmers and ranchers. *If you’re interested in raising sheep and goats, there are some things to think about before you get started. *A technique used to rid the United States of screwworms back in the 1960’s is still being used today. *Red meat exports are expected to stay strong in 2025. *Despite a few days of precipitation, Coastal Bend farmers still have a need for significant rainfall. *An oral vaccine to prevent anthrax in whitetailed deer is being developed in Texas.

Dec 12, 2024

*Animal agriculture was on the ballot last month. *A Texas A&M Aggie could be the next chief economist for the Senate Ag Committee. *The Texas wheat crop is really popping in areas with rainfall. *There are a lot of educational events for farmers and ranchers coming up in the next few weeks. *Officials from the U.S. and Mexico continue working to prevent the spread of New World screwworms. *2024 was a challenging year to grow corn here in Texas and around the country. *Some areas of Texas can get severe winter weather that kills warm season grasses. *Clostridial infections are common in young calves.

Dec 11, 2024

*Estimates of the 2024 cotton crop are getting bigger. *The Department of Labor is giving more time to comment on the proposed heat injury and illness prevention rule. *This has been an interesting year for the beef market. *Prices for winter wheat are very low. *A tax relief bill for cattle producers who are victims of wildfires is moving forward. *The Farm Service Agency is streamlining its operations. *Texan Brooke Rollins is President Trump’s pick for the next Secretary of Agriculture. What does Trump’s previous Ag Secretary think of the pick? *Some dewormers for cattle require drenching.

Dec 10, 2024

*The competition is tough for forage in the Texas Panhandle. *This has not been a good year for row crop farmers. *It’s been a disappointing year for cotton farmers and gins in the Texas High Plains. *Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley are finally getting some water from Mexico. *The Federal Crop Insurance program is expanding. *USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a new federal directive on testing raw milk for avian influenza. *Winter is stressful for sheep and goats.

Dec 9, 2024

*A big cut in cash receipts is expected for a major Texas crop. *The state of Texas is asking hunters and trappers to report their take of mountain lions. *Farmers and ranchers seem to be very optimistic about the election of President Donald Trump to a second term. *Cotton prices have Texas High Plains farmers operating well below their break-evens. *Time is running out on the 118th Congress. *It is the season of giving. *Texas had a true fall this year. *Forage is the cornerstone of a working ranch horse’s diet.

Dec 6, 2024

*Texas feedlots were surprisingly full in 2024. *The U.S. Grains Council’s annual meeting is coming to the Lone Star State. *Agribusiness giant Cargill is laying off thousands of employees. *Lawmakers in Washington are discussing economic aid for farmers. *A U.S. congresswoman from Texas continues to fight for Rio Grande Valley farmers impacted by a lack of water deliveries from Mexico. *How will a second Trump presidency affect the U.S. Mexico & Canada trade agreement? *With a new president and congress coming to Washington, pushing for action on a Farm Bill is a top priority. *A case of H5N1 virus has been reported in a pig in Oregon.

Dec 5, 2024

*Who is Brooke Rollins, Trump’s new pick for Secretary of Agriculture? *Dairy products remain affordable. *A federal judge in Texas has issued a nationwide injunction against the Corporate Transparency Act. *Silage production has seen massive growth in the Texas High Plains. *The U.S. ag trade deficit is expected to continue to grow. *Cotton farmers are increasing environmental stewardship practices. *Soil testing is the first step in efficient fertilizer use and forage production. *Texas A&M has a new program for the health of mounted patrol horses.

Dec 4, 2024

*This has been an average year for feedlot profitability. *The finalists have been named for this year’s Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher competition. *The U.S. and Mexico continue to work together on the screwworm situation. *Agriculture in the Texas High Plains is evolving. *The top ranking Republican on the Senate Ag Committee is urging congress to approve emergency assistance for farmers. *Beef exports add value for Texas cattle producers. *The dry weather continues in the Central Texas Blacklands region. *It’s the time of year to watch for prussic acid poisoning in cattle.

Dec 3, 2024

*Mexican cattle imports are delayed until after the first of the year. *Texas’ largest farm organization is recognizing four young individuals. *Registration is underway for the American Sheep Industry Association’s annual convention. *Agriculture is the driver of the Texas High Plains economy. *A Texas congressman says it looks like we will see a Farm Bill extension instead of a full Farm Bill in this lame duck session. *Winter isn’t officially here on the calendar, but meteorologists say it’s winter right now. *Rain is the key word in the Texas Rolling Plains. *There are a lot of equine joint supplements on the market, but do they really work?

Dec 2, 2024

*Big numbers of calves have moved through the sale barns this fall, but demand remains high. *It’s time for one of the biggest agricultural events of the year in the Texas High Plains. *Dairy farmers and cooperatives have a few weeks to weigh in on potential changes to federal milk marketing orders. *December is bringing cooler temperatures to most of Texas. *While temperatures are cooler for most of the state, extreme South Texas is still hot and dry. *Equine joint supplements are very common.

Nov 29, 2024

*The Beef Checkoff is investing $40 million to help promote beef. *Even with grain prices being low, it looks like wheat acreage will hold steady on the Texas High Plains this year. *The EPA has released its rodenticide strategy. *The state’s largest farm and ranch organization is preparing for its annual convention. *A study reveals magnesium oxide could help treat ulcers in horses.

Nov 28, 2024

*BASF has improved one of its tools to help farmers fight weeds. *Wheat prices continue to struggle, which is making things tough for farmers looking to make a grain crop. *A new piece of legislation designed to help ensure the safety of American agriculture has passed the Senate. *Pumpkin pie isn’t the only way to enjoy the orange fruit. *Beneficial moisture came just at the right time for East Texas pastures. *Oregano may be helpful in calf diets.

Nov 27, 2024

* Cattle producers in some parts of Texas have had to start feeding hay earlier than normal. *A rainy November has helped been a game-changer for the winter wheat crop in the Texas High Plains. *USDA temporarily restricting importation of animal commodities from Mexico due to New World screwworm discovery. *There's potential for lamb exports to continue to grow. *Coastal Bend farmers and families have things to be thankful for this year. *External parasites can cause a problem in goats.

Nov 26, 2024

*Some areas of Texas could see some light snow this week. And what happened to La Niña? *U.S. pork exports are up in both value and volume this year. *A Texan has been nominated to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. *Winter is fast approaching. There are a few things cattle raisers should be doing now to prepare.

Nov 25, 2024

*USDA seems to be out of touch with reality when it comes to farm income. *Recent rains have improved drought conditions in some parts of Texas. *The EPA is facing pressure to deny applications for the re-registration of dicamba. *What’s the status of soil health in the Texas High Plains? *Ag experts say we can expect to see some regulatory changes in President Trump’s second term. *High quality U.S. beef is key for exports around the world. *U.S. and Mexican officials are discussing the current water situation along the border. *It's time to prepare your cow herd for winter.

Nov 22, 2024

*The Texas winter wheat crop is improving. *An important deadline is coming up for Texas farmers and ranchers. *The Texas Wheat Symposium is two weeks away. *Texas farmers are looking for alternative ways to make money due to weak crop prices. *What does a second Trump presidency mean for the Packers and Stockyards Act? *The cost of a Thanksgiving meal is down slightly from a year ago. *The cool chill of fall will soon turn into the cold temperatures of winter. *Lots of horses need shoes, but many can go barefoot.

Nov 21, 2024

*Cotton harvest is ahead of schedule this year. *More farmers are switching to lower cost generic products. *NCBA doesn’t expect much to happen in the lame-duck session of Congress. *Silage continues to offer economic advantages for Texas High Plains farmers. *Ag groups are pushing for economic assistance for farmers. *The beef checkoff was the subject of a recent presentation by high school students at an ag issues contest. *Frothy bloat is a problem in cattle grazing small grain pastures.

Nov 20, 2024

*The fall of the Texas sugar industry is felt across the nation. *Time is running out for Texas farmers and ranchers to file documents to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act. *Texas cattle feeders are riding through some rough market turbulence. *Another extension of the 2018 Farm Bill may be in the works. *A long time Texas farm broadcaster is inducted into the industry’s Hall of Fame. *Parasites continue to develop resistance to deworming treatments.

Nov 19, 2024

*2024 has been a good year for Texas feedlots. *The South Texas Agriculture Emergency Assistance Act would help Rio Grande Valley farmers. *The cattle markets have been on a rocky ride lately. *Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow released her framework for the new Farm Bill. *The fertilizer industry is in a more stable environment compared to a couple of years ago. *U.S. and Mexican officials are discussing the water issue in the Rio Grande Valley. *Prussic acid poisoning can occur in cattle after a frost.

Nov 18, 2024

*A group of Texas farmers and ranchers called on Washington lawmakers last week. *Texas A&M AgriLife is offering special online events for producers in the Texas High Plains. *President-elect Trump has made his choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. *Manufacturers got a look at the peanut industry in West Texas. *Cotton harvest is winding down in the Concho Valley. *Laminitis is a serious condition of a horse’s feet.

Nov 15, 2024

*The new agreement between the U.S. and Mexico should make it easier for Mexico to pay its water debt to the Rio Grande Valley. *The demand for silage sorghum in increasing in the Texas High Plains. *Washington lawmakers have selected a new leader in the Senate. *There are some important contacts to make after you purchase rural property. *From natural disasters to high input costs and low prices for certain commodities, farmers and ranchers are seeing a lot of red on their financial ledgers. *Hypocalcemia can be a serious issue in dairy cows.

Nov 14, 2024

*Straightening out stocker cattle is a challenge this year. *The Texas Wildlife Association is holding a free webinar on building ponds. *Is there any interest in growing strawberries in Texas? *Recent November rains on the South Plains of West Texas put a temporary hold on the cotton harvest. *The U.S. and Mexico have reached an agreement to help Mexico pay their water debt under the 1944 water treaty. *Better weather has arrived in East Texas. *Treating equine asthma requires a multi-faceted approach.

Nov 13, 2024

*The 2025 Texas legislative session is right around the corner. *Texas pork production rose last month. *President-elect Trump is wasting no time making pics for his upcoming administration. *There may be a future for strawberry production in the Texas High Plains. *The state’s largest farm organization is urging Congress to work on a new Farm Bill and on economic assistance for farmers. *How will the incoming Trump administration affect American agriculture? *A new award recognizes veterans or service members for excellence in farming and positively impacting their communities. *Dental disease can affect a horse’s behavior.

Nov 12, 2024

*The Texas cotton harvest is hampered by the rain. *Honey production in Texas is expected to be higher this year. *The American Farm Bureau Federation honored retired army colonel Joe Richer as the first recipient of the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. *Fighting weeds is an ongoing battle for Texas farmers. *Rumors are circulating about who may be the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. *Winter wheat planting is still underway. *Trees are having a tough time in Texas right now. *The Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Service offers a veterinary certificate program for high school students.

Nov 11, 2024

*Cow herd rebuilding may finally be underway. *A pest that threatens corn yields and grain quality has re-emerged in Texas. The FARM Act has a hefty price tag. *Texas High Plains farmers are having some worries about weeds. *Congress is back in session this week. *The Texas Beef Council was represented at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s fall meeting in Tucson, Arizona. *84th annual meeting of soil and water conservation districts was held in Arlington. *Horses with recurring colic are difficult to manage.

Nov 8, 2024

*The fall run of calves and yearlings is slowing down. *Lower crop prices have let U.S. farmers to take out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years. *The Senate agriculture committee will have a new chairman when the new Congress is seated in January. *A big ranch rodeo is taking place in Amarillo. *The Secretary of Agriculture is urging Congress to pass a Farm Bill. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation is meeting in Tucson, Arizona. *October was a tough month for Central Texas agriculture. *Calves born in the winter are more stressed than calves born at other times of the year.

Nov 7, 2024

*Farm groups are focusing on the lame-duck congress to take action on the Farm Bill. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation is meeting in Tucson, Arizona. *Brazos County voters approved two propositions that will require livestock to be fenced. *Temperatures have taken a drop in the Texas High Plains. *There will be four new faces representing Texas in the next Congress. *Beef plays a critical role in high school athletes' diets. *The fall armyworm is a common pest of Bermuda grass and other forage crops in Central and East Texas. *Managing horses with Navicular disease is difficult.

Nov 6, 2024

*Much of the Texas winter wheat crop received some badly needed rainfall. *Commercial red meat production in Texas fell last month *It’s always good to get a rain in Texas, but it can have both positive and negative effects. *The election is over, and Congress is about to return to Washington D.C. *Cotton harvest continues on the Texas Southern Plains. *The U.S. cattle inventory is at the lowest level in 70 years. *The Texas Animal Health Commission has laid down some rules for hunters in the Rio Grande Valley.

Nov 5, 2024

*A proposed USDA rule may eliminate competition in cattle marketing. *West Texas A&M University is looking for better ways to grow strawberries. *USDA will test milk in states where dairy cattle tested positive for the H5N1 virus. *It was hard to grow grass in the Texas High Plains this year due to a lack of rain. *The Farm Service Agency is issuing CRP and Farm Bill safety net payments. *Fall corn stalk decorations could cause problems for Texas corn growers. *Burn bans, dropping cattle markets and deer hunting are the big topics in East Texas. *A group of horses has tested positive for equine infectious anemia.

Nov 4, 2024

*The final leg of the Texas sorghum harvest will be both good and bad. *Avian influenza has now passed to a pig. *The dispute over Mexico’s ban on biotech corn is expected to be settled by the end of the year. *Texas High Plains farmers may go with more sorghum next year. *If Congress doesn’t take action on the Farm Bill by the end of the year, we could return to permanent law. *Cotton harvest continues on the South Plains of Texas. *Extreme South Texas is still looking for that first significant cold front. *There is a shortage of livestock veterinarians.

Nov 1, 2024

*Cattle carcass weights continue to grow. *Texas commercial lamb and sheep slaughter increased last month. *Cattle thieves are busy this fall. *Water conservation is a major issue for agriculture in the Texas High Plains. *If Congress is unable to complete a Farm Bill in the lame duck session, they will have to start all over in the next Congress. *We had a very dry October in Texas. What does November hold? *The Texas Coastal Bend remains dry, but there is a lot of activity going on in Coastal Bend agriculture. *Diamond skin disease is common in pigs.

Oct 31, 2024

*Beef-on-dairy calves are having a positive effect on the beef industry. *Time is running out for sorghum growers to enter the National Sorghum Yield contest. *Texas feedlot inventories have declined slightly. *Getting into the cattle business is a tough task. *There is very little time to get a Farm Bill completed this year. *Burn bans are in effect all across Texas. *One of the many ways the Farm Bill supports farmers and ranchers is by funding market development programs. *Parasite resistance to deworming product is a major problem for the Texas goat industry.

Oct 30, 2024

*Texas corn and sorghum yields were great in some places and not so great in others. *There is less rough rice and more milled rice in storage in Texas. *A Texan is the new president of the American Hereford Association. *Cattle prices remain strong, but how long with they last? *Almost half of Texas congressional representatives have thrown their support behind a farm disaster aid bill. *New USDA regulations regarding animal traceability will kick in next week. *The ability to grow winter grass can cut the need for stored forages and supplemental feed for cattle. *Coronary band dystrophy is a skin disease in horses.

Oct 29, 2024

*Feedlot inventories remain steady. *This is not turning out to be a good year to grow corn. *Congressman Trent Kelly of Mississippi has introduced the Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation act. *What’s the status of cow herd rebuilding? *Several agricultural groups are expressing concerns over the federal government’s new dietary guidelines. *New traceability rules for cattle go into effect next week. *A very important deadline is coming up for most farmers in America. *Health problems in older horses can be much different from those in younger horses.

Oct 28, 2024

*USDA released another proposed rule dealing with cattle marketing. *Drought continues to spread across Texas. *The American Lamb Board has grant money available for sheep producers. *Halloween decorations could spell trouble for Texas corn farmers. *Farm debt could continue to grow without a new Farm Bill. *Winter wheat planting continues in Texas. *Our dry fall can affect plants ability to survive winter. *Transporting cattle is stressful, but supplementing them with zinc can help.

Oct 25, 2024

*Fall grain harvest is wrapping up in the northern Texas Panhandle. *Texas milk production is increasing. *Farmers from around the country were touring West Texas agriculture last week. *The WRCA World Championship Ranch Radio is coming up next month in Amarillo. *The American Farm Bureau has polled the presidential candidates on where they stand on agricultural issues. *Influencers from Mexico got a look at the Texas peanut industry. *We are well into fall here in Texas, but it just doesn’t seem like it. *Ergotism occurs in horses when they eat a certain type of fungus.

Oct 24, 2024

*Corn basis is high for Texas cattle feeders. *Texas peanut production is growing. *The Texas Animal Health Commission is looking for areas of the state that have a veterinary shortage. *A very big annual ag event is about to take place in Amarillo. *Nearly a dozen ag organizations are weighing in on the EPAs proposed rodenticide strategy. *The meat industry is not happy with the new proposed dietary guidelines, which recommends eating less meat. *The fall fair season impacts communities all over Texas. *Storing hay properly can save time and money.

Oct 23, 2024

*The Texas cotton harvest is nearing the half-way point. *The Texas quail season is here. *A train derailment on the southern border is holding up agricultural shipments to Mexico. *Feedyards in the Texas High Plains are producing heavier cattle. *The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is expressing concerns with tax provisions that expire next year. *Halloween is next week, so how does the Texas pumpkin crop look this year? *Extreme South Texas is hoping for cooler temperatures and some rain. *Telemedicine use in veterinary medicine is a bad idea.

Oct 22, 2024

*There is some good cotton to be found on the Texas High Plains. *Deer leases should pay off this year with a good season. *A West Texas cotton gin is celebrating 100 years in business. *Fed cattle prices took a dip in the summer, but they are coming back strong this fall. *A lawmaker from Texas is making sure that farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley have a voice in negotiations over the 1944 water treaty with Mexico. *The Grand Champion steer at the State Fair of Texas sold for a record price. *Cotton strippers are rolling in West Texas. *Now is the time to pregnancy test your spring calving beef cows.

Oct 21, 2024

*Cheaper corn is causing cattle to stay in feedlots longer. *Drought continues to expand across Texas. *Corn harvest is moving quickly across the U.S. *Silage production is expanding in the Texas High Plains. *An important deadline is approaching for Texas farmers and ranchers. *Farmers markets are thriving in Texas. *East Texas is dry as fall hunting season gets underway. *A new animal traceability rule goes into effect soon.

Oct 18, 2024

*Feeding cattle can be profitable, but it takes some work. *Some Texas universities are getting money from USDA to attract Hispanic students. *Texas cotton crop conditions have improved slightly. *Many Texas High Plains farmers had to deal with an insufficient supply of water during this year’s growing season. *The Texas FFA travel team is crisscrossing the state. *USDA has released its interim report on competition and fair practices in meat merchandising. *Several Texas farms and ranches were recognized for being in operation for over a hundred years. *Low heels and long toes is a common problem in horses.

Oct 17, 2024

*How will the upcoming elections affect Texas cattle feeders? *The EQIP signup deadline is coming up soon. *Texas wheat planting has passed the half-way mark. *The hot, dry August caused a big setback for crops on the Texas High Plains. *Rumors of a last-minute Farm Bill have resurfaced. *It’s fall fair season all across Texas. *Leaders in agricultural organizations are teaming up to educate elementary students in the Coastal Bend. *Fever ticks in cattle have been a problem in South Texas for over a hundred years.

Oct 16, 2024

*A large corn crop helps cattle producers make money. *Registration is underway for Texas A&M’s first ever Beef Sustainability Summit. *Texas Congressman Michael McCaul received the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. *The sugarcane aphid has been a problem for some Texas sorghum farmers in recent years. *EPA is restoring pesticide application exclusion zone requirements. *Texas cotton makes its way into international markets around the globe. *Parts of East Texas are abnormally dry.

Oct 15, 2024

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association held its annual meeting in San Antonio over the weekend. *The sorghum in the Texas High Plains is headed towards the finish line. *USDA recently announced a plan to help improve seed research and development. *Cotton warehouses face both challenges and opportunities in West Texas. *Nutrition is key to top performance in sheep production.

Oct 14, 2024

*Cotton ginning is getting underway in the Texas Panhandle. *An anaplasmosis vaccine is in the works. *The USDA Crop Production and Supply and Demand Report was somewhat bearish for the corn market. *Helping farmers conserve water is a major priority on the Texas High Plains. *USDA is proposing another rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act. *Advancements in cotton ginning technology help to make up for the loss of gins in Texas. *Now is the time to prepare plants for winter. *Adequate nutrition for sheep is critical for top production.

Oct 11, 2024

*Texas Panhandle ranchers continue to rebuild fences destroyed by the spring wildfires. *There is more corn and grain sorghum in storage in Texas this year. *East Texas cattle producers are feeding hay early due to drought. *Texas High Plains corn farmers had an unexpected visitor in their fields this year. *The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging farmers, ranchers and applicators to pay attention to the EPAs new herbicide and insecticide strategies. *Fall is bringing dryer conditions to Texas as harvest wraps up. *Farmers in the Rolling Plains are focused on economic issues. *Ulcers are common in performance horses.

Oct 10, 2024

*The Texas southern plains had the best crop in a decade, but that’s not the case now. ' *The grand champions were auctioned off at the State Fair of Texas last weekend. *McDonalds is suing the nation’s largest meat packers. *Depressed prices are making things tough for Texas High Plains corn growers. *EPA’s herbicide and insecticide strategies could mean extra work and costs for farmers and applicators. *Ag education is front and center at the Texas State Fair. *It’s deer season in East Texas. *Bulls can be the key to a high percentage calf crop.

Oct 9, 2024

*Texas cotton harvest is one-third complete. *Farmers do not have a good outlook for the future. *Halloween is bringing an unexpected scare to the Texas corn industry. *The success of the Texas corn crop this year comes down to where you are. *EPA continues to roll out pesticide strategies. *Texas pecan production is down this year. *Biological therapies are being used for ligament and tendon injuries in horses.

Oct 8, 2024

*The West Texas cotton crop has made a turn for the worse. *Extreme and exceptional drought continues to spread in Texas. *The ending of the port workers strike is good news for agriculture. *Halloween is bringing an unhappy trick for the Texas corn industry. *A Texas congressman and the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee are asking the GAO to review the decision to allow fresh beef from Paraguay. *Cotton harvest is slowly getting underway in the Texas Southern Plains. *It feels like fall in the Central Texas Blacklands. *Now is the time to assign a body condition score to all your beef cows.

Oct 7, 2024

*There was a big field day last week in the world’s largest cotton patch. *The average age of farmers and ranchers in Texas has increased slightly. *The Farm Bill continues to be in limbo. *West Texas A&M will honor Paul Engler later this week. *The Farm Bill has expired, so what is the likelihood we will see another extension or a new bill by the end of the year? *It’s fair and livestock show season in Central Texas. *The tropical season is active and farmers in deep South Texas are watching closely. *Horses can have back problems from kissing spines.

Oct 4, 2024

*Farmers are already feeling the impact of an expired Farm Bill. *Texas farmers have more wheat in storage this year. *A court appointed receivership has entered into a purchase agreement to buy Ft. Worth based Agridime after the owners were discovered running a ponzi scheme. *West Texas A&M is growing its agricultural research programs. *With no Farm Bill in place, we are inching closer to the dairy cliff. *Dairy producers in the Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains are facing water challenges. *The BEST method is recommended to determine the health of pigs.

Oct 3, 2024

*Texas cotton conditions continue to decline. *Texas farmers grew more wheat this past season. *Farms and ranches are devastated in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. *It’s time for Texas High Plains cotton farmers to make decisions about harvesting their crop. *The Farm Bill has expired. *What effect will the port strike have on agriculture? *It’s important to get a forage analysis when purchasing hay. *There are a lot of essential nutrients for cattle, but one nutrient is more important that all the others.

Oct 2, 2024

*Texas wheat planting is nearing the half-way mark. *USDA has made changes to the Farm Service Agency’s loan programs. *American farmers and ranchers are now officially without a Farm Bill. *This may turn out to be another disappointing year for cotton in the Texas High Plains. *EPA announced additional changes are coming for chlorpyrifos labels. *The State Fair of Texas is underway. *The Environmental Protection Agency has been murky at best in outlining how farmers, builders and landowners should comply with current Waters of the U.S. regulations. *Serious complications can develop in some horses when exposed to the bacteria that causes strangles.

Oct 1, 2024

*Some West Texas farmers and ranchers had a wet September. *Texas pumpkin growers have a better crop this year. *The nation’s first bale of cotton brought over $25,000 for scholarships. *The Texas High Plains is reaching the final stretch for this year’s cotton crop. *The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture weighs in on the Farm Bill. *Fall is now here, and the temperatures are finally cooling off. *Trees are important for shade and energy efficiency, but they can be a hassle. *Stocker grazers will are buying calves for winter grazing.

Sep 30, 2024

*Congress continues to kick agriculture down the road. *Drought conditions have improved slightly in Texas over the past week. *Milk demand is strong and prices are high. *USDA is requiring new electronic ID tags for certain cattle and bison. *Lawmakers are urging their leaders to make passing a Farm Bill a priority. *The Federal Milk Marketing Order reform process is continuing. *Researchers are working to develop an anaplasmosis vaccine for cattle.

Sep 27, 2024

*Hurricane Helena had the potential to cause major damage to agriculture in the southeast. *Columbia is lifting its ban on U.S. beef imports. *The United States is no longer the leading supplier of cotton for the world. *There are new electronic ID requirements for interstate movement of cattle. *Congress has passed a stop-gap spending bill. *New sprayer technology is providing big savings to farmers. *There’s a manufacturing operation in a small town in Texas that is making an impact around the world. *Treating pinworms in horses is a difficult task.

Sep 26, 2024

*Cow and bull prices are dropping this fall. *The state of Texas is suing the federal government over an endangered species listing. *Mexico will import less corn over the next year. *When the times comes for herd expansion, it will be important for cattle producers to keep a close watch on the economics of expansion. *USDA recently announced a new network to help financially distressed farmers and ranchers. *The weather is changing as we move into fall. *The outlook is bright for the East Texas livestock and forage business. *Sheep and goat producers should be using the FAMACHA scoring system.

Sep 25, 2024

*The condition of the Texas cotton crop is declining. *Registration is underway for the 2024 Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Women’s Conference. *The latest government funding measure does not contain a Farm Bill extension. *Rainfall has turned things around for the northwest Texas Panhandle. *The Farm Bill helps keep our nation’s food supply safe from foreign diseases. *Wheat variety selection is very important. *Cotton harvest continues in the Central Texas Blacklands. *The most important factor in treating colic in horses is early referral.

Sep 24, 2024

*USDA is piloting a program that will allow cotton bales to be shipped in a four-bale grouping. *Texas peanut farmers will produce more peanuts this year. *The latest Cattle on Feed report came out Friday. *Making a profit will be a challenge for Texas High Plains farmers this year. *The process to reform federal milk marketing orders is coming to an end. *Wheat planting is underway. *Tropical storm activity in the Gulf is active. *It’s time to preg check spring calving beef cows.

Sep 23, 2024

*Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley had a tough summer. *Texas corn farmers may produce less corn this year. *The Environmental Working Group is suing Tyson Foods. *Last week’s interest rate cut will lower borrowing costs for farmers and ranchers. *The Farm Bill extension expires in a week, and lawmakers are urging Congress to get something done. *We are entering a new grazing season in Texas. *September has been a dry month in the Texas Coastal Bend. *Controlling intestinal parasites in foals is much different than in older horses.

Sep 20, 2024

*Both planting and harvest are underway in South Texas. *Registration is open for the Texas New Fruit Growers Conference. *A Missouri judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing large crop seed and input companies of price fixing. *It’s been dry lately in the Texas High Plains, but the weekend brought rain to many areas. *The Senate Ag Committee ranking member is calling on Congress to provide emergency assistance to farmers. *Farming is a dangerous occupation. *For more than 40 years, the American Farm Bureau Federation has asked every presidential candidate for their stance on agricultural issues. *The TMJ joint can lead to decreased performance of a horse.

Sep 19, 2024

*Harvesting hurricane damaged corn is a challenge. *The one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill ends on September 30th. *The condition of the Texas cotton crop is improving slightly. *Fed cattle prices may be headed for a rebound. *A lawsuit and a lack of information from the Farm Service Agency has slowed the review of the controversial 2022 Emergency Relief Program payments. *This is National Farm Safety and Health Week. *Vaccinating cattle is not always easy, but it is necessary.

Sep 19, 2024

*Corn harvest is underway in the northern Texas Panhandle. *Texas rice farmers have a smaller crop this year. *Hiland Dairy is expanding in East Texas. *There has been a drop in the prices Texas High Plains cattle feeders are getting for fed cattle. *EPA is temporarily allowing the sale of a cancelled product. *Farmers on the South Plains of Texas are getting closer to cotton harvest. *Bermudagrass is a tough, long-lasting forage, but sometimes it thins and dies. *Canker is one of the most difficult hoof diseases to treat in horses.

Sep 17, 2024

*There is still no progress on solving the Rio Grande Valley water crisis. *We should have a better Texas cotton crop this year. *The CME Group is lowering the daily limits on cattle futures contracts. *Providing more water for Texas is going to require a lot of money. *A bill dealing with the reporting of U.S. agricultural land sales to foreign adversaries has passed the House. *Agricultural leaders are pushing for a lame-duck Farm Bill. *Fall is the best time to plant trees in Texas. *Needle size is important when working cattle.

Sep 16, 2024

*CattleCon25 is coming to San Antonio in February. *USDA released the latest WASDE report last week. *UT-Arlington has harvested its first climate smart soybean crop. *The oil and gas industry could play a role in providing new water resources for Texas. *The Department of Commerce is recommending tariffs on 2,4-D imports from China and India. *The Tri-State fair and rodeo is underway in Amarillo. *As fall approaches, there seems to be more questions than answers on fall crops. *USDA published a final rule on animal disease traceability in cattle.

Sep 13, 2024

*Cotton harvest continues in South Texas. *We are still transitioning into a La Nina weather pattern. *The Delta cotton crop was susceptible to damage from Hurricane Francine. *Providing enough water for a growing Texas will be a major focus of the next session of the Texas legislature. *The democrat and republican leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees all agree on one thing. *The West Texas Agricultural Chemicals Institute’s annual meeting was in Lubbock last week. *The South Texas water crisis is hot topic right now. *Show and fair season is getting underway, emphasizing the need for strong biosecurity practices.

Sep 12, 2024

*A Texas senator says we could be getting close to a trade war with Mexico. *USDA is investing in two specialty crop projects in Texas. *The Texas cotton crop's condition is getting worse. *Diversity can help farmers and ranchers deal with the ups and downs of agriculture. *The embattled Waters of the U.S. definition continues to cause confusion. *Rural land in Texas continues to bring strong prices. *Central Texas is having a normal transition to fall. *Equine veterinarians played a role in the recent Olympic games.

Sep 11, 2024

*The Texas corn and sorghum harvests are now three quarters done. *USDA is providing more funding for conservation easements. *Farm groups continue to push for a new Farm Bill. *The summer growing season is wrapping up on the Texas High Plains. *Pork producers are in Washington D.C. this week pushing for a Farm Bill and a fix for Proposition 12. *What’s the rural land market looking like as we head into fall? *Fall weather is moving into East Texas. *A drought can negatively affect all types of livestock.

Sep 10, 2024

*Texas A&M researchers continue to learn more about avian influenza in dairy cattle. *The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is accepting comments on the proposed heat illness standard. *U.S. beef exports were higher in July. *Pasture management is making a difference on some Texas High Plains ranches. *Congress is back in Washington D.C. and farm groups are pushing for action on a Farm Bill. *The West Texas Fair and Rodeo in Abeline is attracting competitors and visitors from around the country. *Coastal Bend farmers and ranchers are looking forward to better weather this month. *This is the time of year to be concerned about salt toxicity in livestock.

Sep 9, 2024

*Wheat planting is getting near for forage wheat. *Texas citrus growers are forecast to produce more oranges this year. *A vaccine manufacture is testing a vaccine for avian influenza in dairy cattle. *The weather is making things tough for Texas High Plains ranchers. *USDA has released a new net farm income forecast. *Much needed rain fell recently on the South Plains of Texas. *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers toured agriculture in Japan last week. *A new treatment has been developed for infertility in mares.

Sep 6, 2024

*A Texas senator is pushing to get the Farm Bill done. *What does it cost to rent pasture and cropland in Texas? *The American Lamb Board is looking for sheep producers to implement climate smart practices. *As summer winds down, the farmers market season is drawing to a close. *USDA has approved a new drought-tolerant wheat trait. *The Texas Concho Valley got some heavy rainfall last week. *Congress is back in Washington with a lot to do before the November election. *We are approaching fall calving time for beef cattle.

Sep 5, 2024

*The number of beef-on-dairy calves is increasing in feedlots. *USDA announced $300,000 in funding is now available to support the U.S. sheep industry. *Farming without irrigation is becoming more likely on the Texas High Plains. *An extension of the 2018 Farm Bill seems to be the most likely move Congress will make this year. *The Texas fair and rodeo season is getting underway. *It’s time to plant deer plots in East Texas. *Dairy show cows are now required to test negative for avian influenza prior to moving them.

Sep 4, 2024

*Texas farmers and ranchers made the most of the congressional August recess. *Texas grapefruit production is forecast to grow this season. *U.S. corn and soybean exports took a big jump last week. *Groundwater capacity is declining on the Texas High Plains. *Texas farmers and ranchers are stressing the need for a new Farm Bill. *The U.S. is working to increase red meat trade with Columbia. *USDA has released its latest ag trade forecast, and the trade deficit keeps growing. *Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been diagnosed in two horses in Houston County.

Sep 3, 2024

*The summer drought took a toll on the cotton crop. *Three Texas based agricultural organizations have been selected to participate in a trade mission to Southeast Asia. *Texas feedlot inventories are higher than a year ago. *The Ogalalla aquifer is providing less and less water for Texas High Plains farmers. *Congress is running out of time to pass a new Farm Bill or an extension. *We are at the peak of tropical season. *Beef prices are falling after hitting record highs in July. *At least 40 horses have died in Oklahoma.

Sep 2, 2024

*Grain prices have softened over the past several weeks. *Texas citrus growers are expected to grow more grapefruit and oranges this year. *The Livestock Mandatory Reporting Live Cattle Data Dashboard is now available. *What can Texas High Plains farmers and ranchers expect from the La Nina that’s coming our way? *An expected record agricultural trade deficit has renewed the debate over free trade agreements. *August weather is behind us, and we are headed toward fall. *It’s time to start planning for fall gardens. *A recent study looked at the benefits of having radiographs of the neck performed before purchasing a horse.

Aug 30, 2024

*Seed treatments are important when preparing to plant wheat. *Farms in some parts of Texas will be filled with dove hunters over the next few days. *University of Missouri researchers are developing the first-ever vaccine for anaplasmosis. *The recent slump in cattle prices shows the value of Livestock Risk Protection. *The U.S. ag trade deficit continues to grow. *U.S. Senators heard from Rio Grande Valley farmers about the water dispute with Mexico. *Rolling Plains farmers and ranchers are hoping for some Labor Day rain.

Aug 29, 2024

*Texas cotton condition continues to decline. *There is some exciting news for Texas wheat growers. *The Texas corn harvest is well ahead of schedule this year. *The month August has not been kind to crops on the Texas High Plains. *EPA has announced the voluntary cancellation of a herbicide. *Farmers, ranchers and agricultural organizations met with members of Congress about the water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley. *It has been hot in Central Texas. *Researchers are studying the cause of sidewinder syndrome in horses.

Aug 28, 2024

*Cattle prices have been dropping lately, but there are some bright spots in the market. *We are still a transitional weather pattern from El Nino to La Nina. *Cheaper corn is giving Texas cattle feeders an opportunity. *U.S. lawmakers are about to head back to Washington D.C. *Texas farmers and ranchers have been visiting with their members of Congress during the August recess. *Coastal Bend row crop farmers are wrapping up harvest for the 2024 growing season. *Coccidiosis is common in goats.

Aug 27, 2024

*The monthly Cattle on Feed report was released Friday. *Registration is underway for the West Texas Agricultural Chemical Institute’s annual conference in Lubbock. *The 2024 Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s Beef Showcase is set for September 12th on the West Texas A&M campus in Canyon. *Texas High Plains cotton farmers have some important things to take care of. *Will we see a new Farm Bill before the current extension expires? *Wheat planting is almost here. *Cattle producers in Oklahoma are seeing prussic acid poisoning in their cattle.

Aug 26, 2024

*Texas has a better weather outlook this week. *CattleCon2025 is coming to Texas. *Texas High Plains cotton has been under a lot of pressure from the weather this season. *The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to work on tax reform. *The Texas rice harvest is moving forward. *Feeding malnourished horses can be challenging.

Aug 23, 2024

*Fed cattle prices have taken a drop, but higher prices are in the future. *Drought continues to expand across Texas. *Drought is taking a toll on cotton in Southwest Oklahoma. *Texas A&M AgriLife is offering a unique program next month. *EPA has finalized its draft herbicide strategy. *A new video series is now available to help Texas cattle producers sell beef directly to consumers. *Coastal Bend row crop farmers are wrapping up harvest for the 2024 growing season. *The amount of colostrum cows provide to their calves is seasonal.

Aug 22, 2024

*The U.S. cotton crop is feeling the heat. *The Texas hog herd has grown over the past few months. *The South Texas vegetable industry is suffering from a lack of water. *Prescribed burning could help avoid wildfires in the future. *Some farmers and farm organizations have expressed concerns about the EPAs atrazine proposal. *Dryland cotton on the southern plains of West Texas needs rain. *USDA’s recent Land Values Report shows record high farmland prices. *Equine fat tissue is more than just fat.

Aug 21, 2024

*Texas cotton is feeling the heat. *National Sorghum Producers is accepting entries for the 2024 National Sorghum Yield Contest. *The annual Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour is underway this week. *A decline in feedlot inventories in the Texas High Plains could be coming soon. *The EPA announced a proposal that could change the way farmers use atrazine. *Central Texas is harvesting a below average corn crop. *Farming is a stressful occupation, and the pressure is mounting for those in agriculture. *Licensed veterinary technicians can perform some veterinary tasks with supervision.

Aug 20, 2024

*Cotton demand is suffering, bringing lower prices for farmers. *Almost one quarter of farmers don’t have internet access. *Certified Hereford Beef has a new CEO. *The margins have gotten tighter for Texas High Plains cattle feeders. *Texas Congressman Pete Sessions met with Central Texas farmers and ranchers. *Farmland values and rental rates are both moving higher. *Planting winter pastures can reduce the need for purchasing supplements during the winter. *A recent study looked at the sedative effects of cannabidiol in horses.

Aug 19, 2024

*The cattle futures market has been on a roller coaster ride over the past two weeks. *Corn harvest is ahead of schedule in Texas. *Biosecurity is critical for livestock operations. *Is there hope for a Farm Bill before the current extension expires? *U.S. rice production is expected to go down. *Big crops are projected in the latest USDA Crop Production and World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates. *There are four main bacteria that are involved with Bovine Respiratory Disease.

Aug 16, 2024

* Wheat planting is not that far away for Texas farmers, and now is the time to ensure you’re prepared for the next crop. * The ag equipment industry has been hit by falling commodity prices. *Corn and grain sorghum harvest continue in Texas. *Wildfire recovery is still in the early stages in the Panhandle. *Some horses hooves grow faster than others, and there are several reasons why.

Aug 15, 2024

*Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening recently reiterated the organization’s commitment to national security in a hearing on foreign ownership of Texas land. *Grazing availability and market conditions drive cattle herd capacity. *A South Texas hay producer focuses on protein quality in forage for his customers. *Members of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee are calling are USDA to fix the disclosure process for foreign-owned farmland in the U.S. *Hot and dry conditions stress both plants and humans. *Copper is required in a sheep’s diet, but too much can be toxic.

Aug 14, 2024

*Some Texas cities continue to ignore Right to Farm laws. *The American Farm Bureau Federation has launched a new program to recognize veterans in agriculture. *The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association has a new slate of officers for the next year. *A lot of Texas High Plains farmers are celebrating the rain they’ve gotten this growing season, but some have been left out. *A group of lawmakers is asking the Commerce Department to carefully review the facts as it determines duties on the import of 2,4-D. *Hay quality and yields are very good in South Texas this summer. *Treatment of beef calves infected with internal parasites can be difficult.

Aug 13, 2024

*Corn acreage is going down while yield is going up. *A pair of Texans have been named to the first-ever Cottonseed Oil Advisory Council. *More hurricanes are in the forecast. *Texas High Plains producers will have the opportunity to see new agriculture technologies. *USDA is extending the deadline to comment on one of the new proposed rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act. *JBS invests approximately 3 billion dollars each year in their Texas livestock and poultry meat processing business. *Hot temperatures in East Texas have the hay balers rolling. *Young beef calves are at the greatest risk of parasites due to their age.

Aug 12, 2024

*The cattle futures market is rocky, but higher prices may still be ahead. *Farmer sentiment improved in July. *The feral hog problem in Texas continues to grow. *New technology is giving Texas farmers a boost. *A new South Texas water working group has been established. *Texas is the third largest economic platform for meat processing giant JBS. *It’s hot and dry in Central Texas. *Human chiropractors should not be working on animals.

Aug 9, 2024

*Avian influenza isn’t slowing down during the summer months. *Drought is getting worse across parts of Texas. *Farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a new Farm Bill. *USDA has announced changes to its farm loan programs. *More information will be released from the latest Census of Agriculture in the coming months. *Cotton and hay harvest are in full swing in the Texas Coastal Bend. *Asthma is not a common disease in horses.

Aug 8, 2024

*The younger generation is getting involved in the cattle industry. *Ag land values continue to rise here in Texas and around the nation. *The condition of the Texas cotton crop is declining fast. *Winter wheat farmers in the Texas High Plains are hoping for better prices. *EPA has issued emergency orders to prevent future sales of a herbicide. *Rural water taps and and rainwater harvesting can help improve water supplies on rural property. *Recent rains across West Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country have been very beneficial to wildlife, landscapes and pecans. *Hot summer temperatures are here and handling cattle is a big concern.

Aug 7, 2024

*Cattle futures have been melting down thanks to recession fears. *The National FFA Organization has hit a million-member milestone. *Texas corn and sorghum harvest is ahead of schedule this year. *This past season offered mixed results for wheat producers in the Texas Panhandle. *USDA is investing another $300 million to help promote trade. *August is bringing miserable heat across Texas. *The tropics are heating up. *Equine herpes virus causes a severe and sometimes deadly disease in horses.

Aug 6, 2024

*Will wheat be a profitable crop for Texas farmers this year? *The Congressional Budge Office has released its estimate for the House Ag Committee’s version of the Farm Bill. *Fall armyworms are on the march in Texas. *Debt load will be a key factor in Texas farmers’ success this year. *A South Texas congressman says Mexico will deliver the water it owes the Rio Grande Valley. *There is an ongoing battle between modern agriculture and those who oppose it. *The dog days of summer are upon us. *Pinkeye is common in Texas cattle.

Aug 5, 2024

*The corn crop looks good in the northern Texas Panhandle. *Two lawmakers from Texas are working to provide some additional relief for victims of the wildfires that burned more than a million acres earlier this year. *Three Central Texas school districts will be serving locally raised beef this year. *Some timely rains have fallen in the Texas High Plains this summer. *Farm groups and lawmakers continue to press the Senate Ag Committee to release its version of the Farm Bill. *East Texas ranchers are baling hay at a fast pace. *Liver flukes can be a problem in Texas cattle.

Aug 2, 2024

*The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is here. *The EPA is accepting nominations for its Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee. *The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is attempting to expand the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in the Texas Panhandle. *Texas farmers are getting ready for a new winter wheat season. *One of the leaders of the Senate Ag Committee is headed to Texas. *Grain harvest continues across the state as the calendar turns to August. *Corn harvest is underway in the Central Texas Blacklands. *Livestock can develop health issues during hurricane season.

Aug 1, 2024

*The Texas wheat harvest is almost done. *Registration is underway for Beef 706 hosted by Texas A&M. *More drought is coming, so make as much hay as possible this summer. *Texas Panhandle crops are looking promising this year. *Now is a good time to reach out to your member of Congress. *There is the potential for another tropical system to enter the Gulf of Mexico soon. *The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is next week. *Annual wellness exams are important for horses.

Jul 31, 2024

*The transition from El Nino to La Nina continues. *The amount Texas farmers pay for inputs continues to climb. *Texas farmers continue to make progress on summer crop harvest. *Things are looking good for crops in the Texas Panhandle. *A representative of a banking association says a new Farm Bill is needed to help farmers and ranchers. *National legislation for new and improved bridges will greatly enhance agricultural trade with Mexico. *The tropical season is in a slow period, while temperatures in South Texas stay in the triple digits. *Testing is required to determine if your sheep herd needs to be supplemented.

Jul 31, 2024

*Cattle feedlot inventories are expected to drop in the coming months. *State and national milk production fell last quarter. *The Texas Animal Health Commission is requiring H5N1 testing for lactating dairy cattle moving to fairs, shows and exhibitions. *More and more small grains crops are grown for silage in the Texas High Plains. *Hundreds of agricultural and conservation organizations are calling on Congress to finish the Farm Bill. *A new study shows the beef checkoff helps to increase consumer demand for beef. *The Asian Longhorn tick is moving towards Texas.

Jul 29, 2024

*Texas wheat farmers should plan now to deal with potential hessian fly infestations. *The state’s largest farm organization is accepting applications for up to $20,000 in grants for county 4-H programs. *Corn and milo harvest are picking up speed around Texas. *Texas farmers will soon be planting their winter crops. *The EPA has released another strategy it plans to use when reviewing pesticides. *Cotton fields on the South Plains of Texas are looking good for this time of year due to recent rainfall. *Persistent rain showers have slowed harvest across the Coastal Bend. *Horses with allergies can be difficult to manage.

Jul 26, 2024

*Texas wheat growers should plan now to avoid hessian fly problem later. *The state’s largest farm organization is accepting applications for up to $20,000 in grants for county 4-H programs. *Corn and sorghum harvest are picking up speed across Texas. *Some educational opportunities offered by Texas A&M AgriLife are coming up soon in the Texas High Plains. *It’s unlikely that we will have a new Farm Bill before the current extension expires. *Helena Agri-Enterprises agronomist Kevin Meeks has an update on growing conditions. *Gene editing has been used to create calves that are resistant to disease.

Jul 25, 2024

*Signup is underway for the National Water Quality Initiative. *Fertilizer prices remain unseasonably high. *A new state-of-the art grain facility is planned for the Texas Panhandle. *In recent years there has been a major upswing in the number of people who want to buy locally grown food. *Both Texas Senators are taking action to get Mexico to deliver the water it owes the Rio Grande Valley. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation is working to reduce obstacles for red meat exports to Canada. *Hurricane Beryl showed the importance of the placement of new trees. *There have been some advancements in diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine.

Jul 24, 2024

*Preparation is underway for the new Texas wheat crop. *The market for U.S. dairy products continues to grow. *The Texas citrus industry is calling on Congress to take action now before the industry collapses. *Is irrigation necessary to grow potatoes on the Texas High Plains? *The lack of movement on a new Farm Bill is not going unnoticed. *Crop conditions in Gaines County in West Texas are favorable, but rain is needed. *Stable flies are common in cattle.

Jul 23, 2024

*USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report was somewhat positive for the cattle market. *Texas citrus growers are expected to produce more grapefruit and oranges this season. *TSCRA Special Rangers uncovered a complex livestock theft scheme in South Texas. *Potatoes grown in the Texas High Plains find their way to customers well outside of Texas. *USDA is encouraging comments on the proposed changes to Federal Milk Marketing Orders. *Water is a critical component of rural land values. *One of the most common causes of lacerations in horses is barbed wire.

Jul 22, 2024

*Cattle prices are at historic highs. *East Texas will see an increase in horseflies soon thanks to Hurricane Beryl. *The comment period is now open for proposed changes to federal milk marketing orders. *Corn, cotton and sorghum are the main summer crops in the Texas High Plains, but some farmers grow potatoes. *The Environmental Protection Agency has announced changes to how it reviews and approves pesticides. *Recent hailstorms on the Southern Plains of West Texas have damaged cotton fields. *A downturn in prices and higher input costs will put pressure on Texas farmers and ranchers this year. *Trace minerals play an important role in livestock health.

Jul 19, 2024

*There is very little chance of a new Farm Bill getting passed before the November election. *Registration is underway for the 7th annual Texas A&M Ranch Horse Program. *A South Texas congressman says Mexico will begin paying its water debt to the Rio Grande Valley soon. *The Texas High Plains is among the top regions in the country for agricultural research. *EPA’s Waters of the U.S. definition continues to create uncertainty across the nation. *Future infrastructure projects could create better transportation routes for Texas farmers and ranchers. *The fall army worm is a common pest in Bermuda grass in North and Central Texas. *Minerals are required in equine diets.

Jul 18, 2024

*A new study shows a big return on the beef checkoff. *The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is getting higher. *Cattle feeders in the Texas High Plains are making good profits. *The new Producer Owned Beef plant in Amarillo received a $10 million grant from USDA. *Texas farmers are active with mid-summer crops. *Hurricane Beryl brushed by the Rio Grande Valley. *Anemia is common in small ruminants due to parasites.

Jul 17, 2024

Cotton prices have been dropping and the outlook is bleak. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack dismisses claims made about the Environmental Protection Agency during a recent House Ag hearing. High prices are impacting beef imports and exports. Post-breeding management of heifers after artificial insemination can have an impact on the number of cows that calve. We’ll have those stories and more on Texas Ag Today .

Jul 16, 2024

*As hundreds of FFA students from across the state gathered in Houston, Hurricane Beryl made landfall, brining with it 100-mile-an-hour winds and massive flooding. *A U.S. Congresswoman from Texas recently shared with the House Ag Committee how EPA’s slow pesticide approval process is impacting Texas farmers. *What are record high cattle prices telling producers? *Texas pork producers are benefitting from lower grain prices. We’ll have those stories and more on Texas Ag Today.

Jul 15, 2024

*The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association’s annual convention is this weekend. *Cattle prices are at record highs, and the outlook is very positive. *Pork prices are low right now. *EPA’s pesticide registration and review process came under fire in a House Ag Committee hearing. *Farmers in the Coastal Bend dodged a bullet with Hurricane Beryl. *Nutrition can impact a horse’s hooves.

Jul 12, 2024

*Cotton demand is dropping, and that means there is a poor outlook for U.S. cotton exports. *Angus Convention 2024 is headed to Cowtown. *Is it time for Texas High Plains wheat farmers to try something new? *Farmers and ranchers recently testified in front of Congress about the impact EPA’s new regulations have had on their operations. *Biosecurity on farms is an important part of combatting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. *During hot dry summers, grasshopper can become a big problem for forage producers. *Researchers are looking a methods to detect sick calves earlier.

Jul 11, 2024

*Cotton may not be a profitable crop this year. *It’s time for Texas High Plains cotton farmers to do a good examination of what’s happening in their fields. *The American Farm Bureau is asking the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Agriculture to address the shortage of farm labor. *The Farm Bill hasn’t gone anywhere in the United States Senate. *It’s another hot summer in Texas and that has a big effect on gardens landscapes. *Goats can develop stones in their bladder.

Jul 10, 2024

*The remnants of Beryl are beneficial for farmers outside of Texas. *The economy continues to weigh on farmer sentiment. *Harvest season is well underway in South and Central Texas. *Cattle prices are very high right now. *Political sparring over the Congressional Budget Office’s scoring of the Farm Bill may be getting in the way of any Farm Bill action. *HPAI or Avian Influenza in dairy cattle caused quite a stir in the industry when it was discovered in Texas dairy herds back in March. *Wildlife can be a source of disease for your cattle herd.

Jul 9, 2024

*Texas farmers and ranchers are assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. *The Texas A&M AgriLife’s annual sheep and goat field day and expo is coming up in a few weeks. *Texas cowboy Joe “Buzz” Thorpe is this year’s winner of the Ranching Heritage Association’s Working Cowboy Award. *The weather in other parts of the country is helping create a tough market situation for Texas corn and cotton farmers. *Texas officials are fighting back against the Endangered Species Listing of the Dunes Sagebrush lizard. *Medical grade honey is effective in treating some equine wounds.

Jul 8, 2024

*Hurricane Beryl is plowing through Texas agriculture. *The Texas Animal Health Commission is now accepting applications for its Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program. *McDonalds is giving up on meatless burgers. *Cotton prices are very low right now. *USDA is proposing changes to the federal milk marketing order. *Texas pecan growers are preparing for their annual conference. *Wheat harvest has wrapped up and cotton is planted in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Intestinal parasites are the most significant health risk in meat goats.

Jul 5, 2024

*Farmers and ranchers in South Texas and the Coastal Bend worked non-stop over the weekend to prepare for Hurricane Beryl. *Texas farmers have more wheat and corn in storage this year. *The Texas FFA convention kicks off this week in Houston. *The recent droughts have made things tough on Texas High Plains farmers and ranchers. *There was a recent hearing on the Mexican ban on GMO corn. *Texas citrus growers can now sell grapefruit to South Korea. *Cloud based digital agriculture is helping farmers to make climate smart decisions. *A recent Supreme Court decision gave U.S. agriculture a big win. *Blue-green algae can be found in farm ponds this time of year.

Jul 4, 2024

*The battle against the boll weevil continues on the Mexican border. *The winter wheat season is wrapping up on the Texas High Plains. *Financial assistance is available for dairy farmers impacted by avian influenza. *Williamson County just north of Austin is a high growth area of the state. *This is the time of year to watch for pinkeye in cattle.

Jul 3, 2024

*The Texas wheat harvest is winding down. *Officials from the United States and Chile have signed letters of agreement to protect market access for U.S. meat and cheese products. *The condition of the Texas corn crop remains the same as last week. *Grazing conditions have improved in the Texas High Plains. *The Texas congressional delegation continues working to get Mexico to deliver vital water to the Rio Grande Valley. *Drought continues for farmers and ranchers in far West Texas. *After an extremely wet spring, farmers in Central Texas are looking forward to summer weather. *It’s important to make sure your horse is vaccinated for mosquito borne diseases.

Jul 2, 2024

*The northern Texas Panhandle is having a great wheat harvest. *There are fewer hogs and pigs in Texas. *Friday’s USDA acreage report was negative for the corn market. *Texas High Plains farmers are having a good year with row crops. *The United States Supreme Court has good news for Texas farmers & ranchers. *Cattle producers are very optimistic in the geographical center of Texas. *The summer hay season is rolling in East Texas. *Heat stress can be a problem in cattle.

Jul 1, 2024

*USDA’s acreage report released Friday shocked the cotton market by increasing U.S. cotton acreage by nearly one million acres. *Milk production fell in Texas last month. *Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz took to the House floor last week to shine the spotlight on the Rio Grande Valley water crisis. *It’s hot in Texas, and that’s tough on cattle. *Is the Farm Bill at a stalemate? *The July forecast for Texas is hot and dry. *The recent tropical storm brought good rains to Deep South Texas. *A new study indicates horses with Cushing’s disease have lower bone density.

Jun 28, 2024

*The condition of the Central Texas corn crop depends on the planting date. *The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is just over a month away. *USDA is providing disaster aid to Texas dairies with lost milk production due to the H5N1 virus. *Corn farmers in the Texas High Plains should be thinking about some pest control issues right now. *The U.S. House of Representatives will soon vote on a spending bill that will withhold foreign aid funding for Mexico until the Mexican government delivers the water it owes to Texas. *The president of the Fertilizer Institute addressed a group of Texas farmers and ranchers last week. *Texas Bermudagrass fields are susceptible to a pest that can cause a lot of damage. *Summer can cause heat stress in dairy calves.

Jun 27, 2024

*Central Texas farmers continue to bring in the wheat crop following a lot of rain and storms this spring. *Nearly one-third of Texas is still dealing with drought conditions. *Texas has signed onto USDA’s voluntary dairy herd testing program. *Demand for corn silage in the Texas High Plains has been going up for years. *Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has released a fourth proposed rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act. *Heavy spring rains have had a negative impact in Central Texas. *Summer is here and it’s bringing hot dry weather to Texas. *Soft tissue injuries in a horse’s foot can be difficult to diagnose.

Jun 26, 2024

*Wheat producers in Central Texas are struggling to get this year’s crop out of the field. *A new smart phone app designed by Texas A&M AgriLife can help farmers optimize their water use. *The condition of the Texas corn crop is declining slightly. *The weather is always going to be a challenge for cotton growers in the Texas High Plains. *Several lawmakers from Texas are asking USDA to make sure ranchers have access to the predator control tools they need. *Chinese tariffs are having a long-term impact on U.S. pecans. *The tropics are getting active with Tropical Storm Alberto bringing both good and bad news for farmers in Deep South Texas. *Salmonella Dublin is a bacteria that causes disease in dairy calves.

Jun 25, 2024

*Central Texas corn is getting too much of a good thing. *A water agreement between Texas and New Mexico has been rejected by the United States Supreme Court. *There is optimism about the new start of the cotton season on the Texas High Plains. *American farmers and ranchers will be affected by a proposed national heat standard. *El Nino is moving out while La Nina is moving in. *Farming season is in full swing in North Central Texas. *Sheep and goats are good at hiding sickness.

Jun 24, 2024

*Texas corn and sorghum growers have new weed control tools available. *The Farm Bill debate is moving very slowly through the Senate. *Things are looking good for winter wheat in the Texas High Plains. *OSHA is moving forward with its proposed national heat standard. *The Ultimate Beef Trail digital pass is now available for consumers to experience Texas’ wide array of beef restaurants. *Tropical Storm Alberto moved across the Coastal Bend last week. *Prevention of disease in sheep and goats is a better alternative that treating disease.

Jun 21, 2024

*A Texas congressman is asking USDA to allow the use of M-44 predator control devices. *The chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee says the House version of the Farm Bill uses “magic math.” *Tio Kleberg of the King Ranch will receive the National Golden Spur award. *There have been some big rains around the Texas High Plains recently. *The agricultural trade deficit continues to grow. *It’s been a good year for sheep and goat producers in Central Texas. *Triple digit temperatures have arrived in Deep South Texas. *Registration is open for the annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.

Jun 20, 2024

*Texas wheat producers are happy to see the recent action on the Farm Bill. *USDA is looking for farmers and ranchers to serve on local FSA committees. *Fed cattle prices are expected to continue rising into 2025. *Cattle feeders in the Texas High Plains are making money. *The pecan industry is looking for a bit more fairness when it comes to trade promotion funding. *At a recent field day in Southeast Texas, farmers learned more about protection crops from insect pressure. *Respiratory disease in horses is difficult to diagnose.

Jun 19, 2024

*Overregulation is hurting Texas farmers and ranchers. *Rio Grande Valley farmers and ranchers are still waiting for Mexico to deliver the water they owe the U.S. *Texas spring crops are looking very good compared to a year ago. *High interest rates are a challenge for Texas cattle feeders. *Results are in from the Central Texas wheat trials. *Both Senators from Texas are expressing concerns over trade promotion funding that favors other nuts over U.S. pecans. *Symptoms of ergotism have been found in Texas cattle.

Jun 18, 2024

*The northern Texas Panhandle cotton crop is off to a good start. *The cotton market is struggling with futures at the lowest levels of 2024. *Texas High Plains sorghum farmers are having a better time getting the supplies they need. *A year-end Farm Bill may be in the works. *The weather is still the hot topic in East Texas agriculture. *Overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding vehicle emissions standards have led to a lawsuit. *There are potential side effects when using Altrenogest in pregnant mares.

Jun 17, 2024

*Wheat harvest continues to roll across Texas with variable harvest conditions. *The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has awarded more than $700,000 to Texas A&M to combat animal disease outbreaks. *The Texas High Plains sorghum crop is off to a good start. *The U.S. Trade Representatives office is working to promote our agricultural goods abroad. *Farming practices vary from one region of Texas to another. *Sorghum harvest is underway in the lower Coastal Bend. *It’s important to use the correct medications on pregnant mares.

Jun 14, 2024

*The Senate is now the key to getting a new Farm Bill. *Texas deer hunters are now required to dispose of unwanted carcasses in one of three ways. *We may have the best U.S. wheat harvest in five years. *What’s ahead for Texas High Plains cattle producers? *A bill that will put pressure on Mexico to deliver the water it owes South Texas is moving forward. *A Southeast Texas field day provided farmers with the latest technology updates. *Choosing the best mineral supplement for cattle can be confusing.

Jun 13, 2024

*It will be difficult to get a Farm Bill passed before the November election. *USDA is urging farmers to report their planted acreage. *Texas Farm Bureau distributed more than 1.8 million to ranchers impacted by the spring wildfires. *Some Texas Panhandle farmers and ranchers are enjoying spring rains. *Concerns with the agricultural trade deficit and trade agreements will likely continue into next year. *There is some cautious optimism about the prospects of a new Farm Bill. *Weed management in warm season hay meadows can be a challenge. *It’s important to know how much your horse weighs.

Jun 12, 2024

*A Texas judge has put a temporary stop to a USDA disaster aid program. *Texas farmers and ranchers continue to wait for a new Farm Bill. *The condition of the Texas cotton crop is declining. *Animal rights activists are continuing their efforts to undermine the livestock industry. *The Senate Ag Committee’s ranking member released his Farm Bill priorities. *Crop conditions vary across Texas depending on location and the impact of the weather. *The White House announced steep tariff increases on some Chinese imported goods. *Fatigued cattle syndrome is something that is seen in feedlots and stocker operations.

Jun 11, 2024

*Last year’s drought is still affecting Texas cow herds. *Crawfish producers in 14 Texas counties are eligible for USDA aid. *Panda Biotech is holding a grand opening of the new hemp gin this week in Wichita Falls. *Livestock producers can make a very important contribution when it comes to advocating for animal agriculture. *U.S. lawmakers from Texas continue their work to get Mexico to comply with the 1944 water treaty. *Texas pecan growers are facing some challenges this year. *Texas trees have taken a beating from spring storms. *More disease prevention products need to be developed for the sheep industry.

Jun 10, 2024

*The national debt is affecting farmers and ranchers. *Wheat harvest is starting early in the Texas Panhandle. *The agenda of animal rights activists is a concern in the Texas High Plains. *American farmers, ranchers and business owners could pay more in death taxes. *Far West Texas leads the state in pecan production. *Wheat harvest is underway in North Central Texas. *New research was discussed at the American Sheep Industry convention.

Jun 7, 2024

*The House version of the Farm Bill contains measures that will add money to the farm safety net. *Drought conditions continue to improve across much of Texas. *Wheat harvest is running early this year. *Limited irrigation capacity is a major issue for all Texas High Plains farmers. *New and young farmers told the Senate Ag Committee they need a new Farm Bill. *Heavy spring rains in Central Texas have impacted sheep producers there. *It is important for horses to get good sleep.

Jun 6, 2024

The Ogallala aquifer continues to decline in the Texas Panhandle. An increasing number of U.S. farmers say they expect farmland values to continue to rise. Corn planting is almost done in Texas. The winter wheat season is coming to an end in the Texas High Plains. The Senate Ag Committee is sharing details on how to help new farmers in the Farm Bill. Another hot Texas summer is ahead, and that means we should be prepared for wildfires. East Texas is wet and rainy. Cows can have twins from time to time.

Jun 4, 2024

Is the July Cattle Inventory report gone for good? Technical and financial assistance is available for Texas farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by recent flooding. Registration is now open for the 2024 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. Cattle prices have taken some wild swings in recent months. OSHA is looking at a possible heat standard for workers. A very active tropical season could be ahead. Central Texas farmers are having to work around Mother Nature this spring. Recent rains in Central Texas may increase the number of cattle with foot rot.

Jun 3, 2024

*Areas of South Texas are dry, but conditions are improving. *Texas A&M AgriLife is hosting a vulture management webinar. *The World Livestock Auctioneer Contest is coming up in a couple of weeks with three Texans competing. *The Texas Beef Council is working to expand demand for beef products that aren’t very popular in our country. *USDA has released another proposed rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act. *June is National Dairy Month. *The lack of rainfall has taken a toll on crops in the Texas Coastal Bend. *Exhaustion in horses can be an issue during the hot Texas summer.

May 31, 2024

*Spring planting is on schedule for most crops in Texas. *The Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission has approved a trap check standard on mountain lions. *USDA has proposed allowing dairy farmers to bulk test milk for H5N1 before they can ship cattle across state lines. *The Texas A&M Forest Service is encouraging Texans to prepare for summer wildfires. *Another La Nina is headed our way. *A provision to prevent future legislation like California’s Proposition 12 has been included in the House version of the Farm Bill. *Hurricane season is officially underway. *Hay is an expensive crop to produce. *This is the time of year that most ewes are lambing.

May 30, 2024

*Crop conditions vary across Texas, depending on the weather conditions. *Farmers and ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma hired fewer workers last month. *Texas feedlots inventories are down slightly compared to a year ago, with placements taking a big drop. *Spring planted crops are in the early growing stages in the Texas High Plains. *USDA is allocating millions of dollars to promote ag trade. *A wide cross section of both urban and rural students are competing in high school barbeque competitions. *Cases of West Nile Virus in horses has dropped, but the disease is still present in Texas.

May 29, 2024

*The number of cattle in feedlots is finally dropping. *Egg production in Texas fell last month. *Wheat harvest continues across the state. *A partnership between the Texas Tech Vet School and the Hereford Veterinary clinic will provide a lot of opportunities for both students and researchers. *The Farm Bill continues to move forward, so what’s next? *Texas is one of the only states to have high school barbeque competitions. *The high temperatures of the Texas summer are just around the corner. *USDA is requiring electronic id tags for interstate movement of dairy cattle, some beef cattle and bison.

May 28, 2024

*How many acres of cotton will be planted in Texas this year? *Several provisions crafted by Texas lawmakers were included in the House version of the Farm Bill. *Texas Tech veterinary students are receiving a special opportunity from a clinic in Hereford. *The DeltaPine New Product Evaluator program is kicking off its 17th year. *Crops are growing and farming is in full swing across Texas. *Castration is one of the most common surgical procedures on horses.

May 27, 2024

There’s a new leader at the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. The House version of the farm bill has been voted out of committee. Cattle placements are currently down, but that could change. Strong rural land sales continue across Texas. Pneumonia is a serious and common problem in sheep and goats.

May 24, 2024

*There are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of cattle and equipment theft in Texas. *Crop insurance options for silage production varies. *Storms brought high winds, rain and even a tornado to Central Texas Wednesday. *The House Committee on Agriculture spent hours Thursday marking up its leadership’s version of the 2024 Farm Bill. *Two men were imprisoned in Pennsylvania for using ultrasound on dairy cows to check for pregnancy.

May 23, 2024

*This spring has brought some much-needed rainfall to parts of Texas. *Cattle feeders are looking at various strategies to export more meat around the globe. *When producing forage, it’s important to consider irrigation capacity, wells and ability for wells to recover. *The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture is expressing his concerns with the House GOP farm bill. *There are new regulations regarding horse soring.

May 22, 2024

*Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley are still waiting on water from Mexico. *There are both pros and cons to silage production. *A small lizard found in parts of far West Texas is being added to the endangered species list. *Efforts to rebuild the nation’s cattle herd continue. *The U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies are taking additional action to protect livestock and people from H5N1.

May 21, 2024

*Although drought conditions continue to improve across much of Texas, some areas could still use a rain. *An investigation into imported 2,4-D, and potential duties on those imports, will continue. *Rural agricultural land sales are strong. High interest rates and input costs are putting pressure on cattle feeders’ margins. *There are a limited number of drugs approved for use in sheep.

May 20, 2024

*Final results are in from the 2024 Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Red Winter Wheat Tour. *A Texas ranch has been honored for its conservation efforts. *The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is filing a civil suit in Texas against Agridime, LLC. *The majority of Texas is now drought free. *There has been a big increase in silage production in the Texas High Plains. *The new Farm Bill could include language to help farmers and ranchers impacted by a lack of water in the Rio Grande Valley. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation is having its spring conference this week in Kansas City. *It has been a bit dry in the Southern Plains of West Texas, but recent rainfall is helping to get the cotton crop in the ground. *Equine Infectious Anemia is still present in the United States.

May 17, 2024

*Recent rains were welcome in the Texas Coastal Bend. *Cotton could be a profitable crop in Texas this year, but the margins will be thin. *Burned out Panhandle wildfire victims need fencing materials. *There’s reason to be optimistic about the wheat crop on the Texas High Plains. *A U.S. congresswoman from South Texas is fighting to get help for farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. *May is Beef Month, and grilling season is getting underway. *The Southern Plains of Texas has gotten a bit dry as planting is getting underway. *Early embryonic loss is one of the major causes of a decreased calf crop.

May 16, 2024

*The Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Red Winter Wheat tour is underway across Kansas. *An invasive pest that is killing ash trees is spreading across Texas. *The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is taking applications for the new Leadership Development Foundation’s Working Grant Program. *If a landowner leases property to a solar company, can the landowner still farm on that land? *USDA is providing financial support for dairies impacted by the H5N1 virus. *The Environmental Protection Agency has updated a strategy it plans to use before approving herbicides. *Bermudagrass decline is characterized by the thinning and loss of bermudagrass stands over time. *Many intestinal parasites in cattle are resistant to the dewormers currently available.

May 15, 2024

*Planters continue to roll in Texas. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will decide next week if Texas should be required to check traps regularly for mountain lions. *This year’s Texas wheat crop is expected to be smaller than last years. *Lease offers from solar energy companies is becoming more common across Texas. *Senate Agriculture Committee leadership is outlining their goals for the 2024 Farm Bill. *Severe storms in Central Texas have caused damage to crops. *Another new regenerative therapy is being used to treat joint disease in horses.

May 14, 2024

A bipartisan group of the Texas congressional delegation is demanding Congress withhold federal funding for Mexico because of their unwillingness to abide by the 1944 water treaty. The House Agriculture Committee will mark up the Farm Bill next week. More money was raised for Texas wildfire victims last week. It’s a busy time for farmers in the Texas High Plains. The current extension of the Farm Bill expires at the end of September. May is Beef Month. Strong storms have wreaked havoc in spring gardens across many areas of Texas. Horn flies are a major problem for cattle.

May 13, 2024

*USDA announced the launch of financial assistance for dairy farmers affected by the H5N1 virus. *Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz introduced the Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance Act. *The volatility in cattle futures continues as cash prices remain strong. *Producing and selling beef on dairy calves has been beneficial for both feedyards and dairies. *Two Texas lawmakers are working to help ranchers who lost unborn cattle in the wildfires. *Texas cotton gins are facing both challenges and opportunities. *Spring rains are being well received in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Feeding grain to sheep and goats is controversial.

May 10, 2024

*Texas spring crop planting is right on schedule. *The 2024 Oklahoma Wheat Crop Tour forecasts more than 2 million harvested acres this year. *Forage is not always enough when it comes to the nutritional needs of cattle. *Officials discussed cyber attacks and the threat to U.S. agriculture at a recent Senate committee hearing. *Central Texas farms are waterlogged after a string of heavy rains. *There’s a lot going on in agriculture on the Texas Rolling Plains. *An unusual respiratory disease has been found in Arabian foals.

May 9, 2024

*A new threat to U.S. beef and dairy cattle is spreading. *Texas farmer and ranchers along the Mexican border continue to face the consequences of illegal immigration. *Texas agriculture has lost a legend. *The Environmental Protection Agency Committee has created a new subcommittee on animal agriculture water quality. *The state’s largest farm organization is increasing its investments in scholarships. *Storms continue to move through East Texas, making it hard to bale spring hay. *There is an emerging cattle disease in Missouri that could find its way to Texas.

May 8, 2024

*Wildfire recovery continues in the Texas Panhandle. *The biggest rebuilding cost for many burned out ranchers will be rebuilding the ranch infrastructure. *Three U.S. Senators are calling for enhanced interagency coordination in response the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle. *Texas is the number one horse state. *Flood waters are covering many counties in Texas after heavy rainfall. *There have been several changes to the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule over the past year. *A cool and wet weather pattern has covered the Central Texas Blacklands recently. *Intestinal parasites are a major issue for meat goats.

May 7, 2024

*The Panhandle wildfires caused $123 million in agricultural losses. *Will there be any type of loss program for dairy farmers affected by H5N1? *It’s time to plant cotton in the Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains. *Farmers and ranchers on the South Plains of West Texas could use some rain. *House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders have release dualling frameworks for the Farm Bill. *Controlling pests properly will help produce safe food from your garden. *It’s the time of year for rain rot to occur in horses.

May 6, 2024

*Texas wheat conditions are improving. *This is a good time to lock in a price on your calf crop using the Livestock Risk Protection program. *A good mineral supplementation program is vital for cattle in the spring. *Lawmakers are asking USDA to reconsider cutting reports that are vital to agriculture. *Farm Bill markup is expected to start later this month. *A common pasture management problem faced by most Texas hay and livestock producers is controlling weeds and brush. *Checking the temperature of a calf’s nose help you determine if they are sick.

May 3, 2024

*Action is happening on the Farm Bill in Washington. *El Nino is on the way out, while La Nina is on the way in. *No live H5N1 virus has been found in tests of retail ground beef. *Providing beef consumers with a positive dining experience was a topic at the recent Hemphill County Beef Conference in Canadian. *USDA recently announced cuts to several livestock and crop reports. *Southeast Texas is getting flooded from two weeks of heavy rains. *Extreme South Texas is warm and dry. *Bovine tuberculosis costs the cattle industry big money worldwide.

May 2, 2024

*USDA is testing retail ground beef for the H5N1 virus in states without breaks of the virus in dairy cattle. *There is a lot of optimism this year for growing cotton in Texas. *The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is taking applications for the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation’s Working Grant Program. *Cattle prices are expected to get stronger this year, but we could still see some wild swings in the market. *Lawmakers from Texas continue to stand up for Rio Grande Valley farmers. *Crops and pastures in the Texas Coastal Bend are at a critical turning point. *Many farmers or ranchers are very interested when their neighbors land comes up for sale. *Cattle parasites are becoming resistant to current deworming medications.

May 1, 2024

*USDA is making another move toward an electronic identification system for livestock. *Corn stunt disease is showing up in Texas, but it’s not expected to affect yields much. *The outlook for cattle prices remains optimistic. *The closure of Texas’ only sugar mill is getting a lot of attention from lawmakers. *Spring is bringing optimism to farmers in the Texas Rolling Plains. *May is expected to bring more rain and severe weather to Texas. *The Food and Drug Administration is proposing new regulations for animal drug labeling.

Apr 30, 2024

*Strong storms brought big rain to some parts of Texas. *The state’s largest farm organization is now offering grants to agricultural mechanics and metal technologies educators. *The Texas Department of Agriculture is thanking other state agriculture departments for their help during the Panhandle wildfires. *The State of Texas is looking for ways to reduce the wildfire threat. *The U.S. Trade Representative addressed concerns that the administration isn’t doing enough for agricultural trade. *April was a good month for rainfall in many areas of Texas, and more is on the way. *Anthrax has been reported in a sheep in Schleicher County.

Apr 29, 2024

*Herd rebuilding may be getting underway according to the latest Cattle on Feed report. *The area of Texas impacted by drought rose slightly over the past week. *The wildfires damaged a lot of water wells in the Texas Panhandle. *Getting better control of wildfires was a big topic at last week’s Hemphill County Beef Conference. *A very good winter wheat crop is progressing in the Central Texas Blacklands. *Agricultural organizations are asking the White House to do more for agricultural trade. *USDA has developed some recommendations to prevent the spread of avian influenza. *The U.S. milk supply is still safe to drink.

Apr 26, 2024

*The condition of the Texas wheat crop is declining. *South Texas citrus may be under attack from an invasive pest. *Applications are open for the American Sheep Industry Associations annual Sheep Heritage Foundation scholarship. *The outlook for herd rebuilding in the Texas High Plains is unclear for now. *If Congress want to pass a new Farm Bill this year, members say it must be bipartisan. *We'll visit with a Texas Panhandle farmer about the condition of his wheat crop. *The Texas Animal Health Commission released the latest update on avian influenza in Texas dairy cows.

Apr 25, 2024

*There are new restrictions on moving dairy cattle across state lines. *The state’s first anthrax case of the year has been detected. *Recovery continues for Texas ranches burned out by wildfires. *The battle over beef imports from Paraguay takes an interesting turn. *A U.S. Senator from Texas is fighting for fair disaster payments through USDA. *Tight U.S. beef supplies are challenging red meat exporters. *Corn planters are rolling in Lubbock County. *Deworming calves prior to weaning is a good idea.

Apr 24, 2024

*Cotton planting is moving forward in Texas. *The aftermath of the Panhandle wildfires can cause mental health issues that need to be addressed. *Beef on dairy has become a very big deal for dairies and feedyards in the Texas Panhandle. *EPA recently took action to save drivers money at the pump and help ethanol production. *A North Texas cattle ranch was named the National Environmental Stewardship Award winner. *The onion harvest is underway in Deep South Texas. *Lots of horses develop laminitis in the spring.

Apr 23, 2024

*There will be no more sugarcane grown in Texas. *Orange production in Texas fell last year, while grapefruit production increased. *BASF recognized 56 farmers in Lubbock for making the FiberMax One Ton Club. *A change in the weather could a strategic consideration for Texas High Plains farmers. *Agricultural trade was one of the many topics Texas farmers and ranchers addressed with their lawmakers last week in Washington D.C. *Central Texas farmers and ranchers are experiencing a totally different spring this year. *There is a lot of dewormer resistance in sheep and goats.

Apr 22, 2024

*A Texas ranch is suing power companies over the recent wildfires. *Texas landowners have more time to apply for funding and technical assistance to improve water quality. *A North Texas ranch won a national award for environmental stewardship. *The number of cattle in Texas feedlots remains high. *Lawmakers from Texas are working to resolve the Rio Grande Valley’s water dispute with Mexico. *The Texas rice crop is being planted. *East Texas has been getting wet recently. *It’s time for spring vaccinations for your horses.

Apr 19, 2024

*Texas ranchers and landowners got a unanimous victory from the Supreme Court. *A bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken about the lack of water payments from Mexico and the effect it’s having on the Rio Grande Valley. *Getting a Farm Bill passed this year won’t be easy. *A groundwater conservation district in the Texas Panhandle is researching ways to produce good crops while conserving water. *Persistent winds and increasing temperatures are quickly drying out the Texas Coastal Bend. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation has set goals for red meat exports for 2024. *It is critical that all newborn calves drink colostrum.

Apr 18, 2024

*Texas has the best wheat crop in several years. *USDA is now accepting nominations for farmers who would like to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Board. *Cotton planting nationwide is 8% done. *Students in the West Texas A&M Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter are preparing to hold a special event for students with disabilities. *Texas farmers and ranchers are meeting with lawmakers in Washington D.C. *USDA released the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand report last week. *The food and agriculture sector is making huge economic contributions to our state and to our country. *Bot flies are common in all Texas horses.

Apr 17, 2024

*USDA is cutting several cattle reports, and that could cause a problem for the Texas cattle industry. *Registration is now underway for the virtual South Texas Agriculture Symposium. *Industrial hemp processing is underway in Wichita Falls. *West Texas A&M University is getting a boost in its effort to build new feedlot research facilities. *Texas farmers and ranchers are heading to Washington D. C. *This has been a good spring for wheat and cattle in the Concho Valley. *With spring here, it’s time to think about establishing a new pasture or hay meadow. *Preweaning scours is a common concern in the beef and dairy industry.

Apr 16, 2024

*Texas Panhandle ranchers are recovering from the wildfires. *National Sorghum Producers is accepting entries for the National Sorghum Yield Contest. *The Texas NRCS announced an additional signup for the National Water Quality Initiative. *Fed cattle prices remain strong, but Texas feedyards are finding it challenging to make a profit. *Agriculture cybersecurity was the topic of a recent House Ag Committee hearing. *The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be strong. *The Rolling Plains wheat crop is heading, and it looks pretty good. *Cortical steroids are the most common drugs injected into the joints of performance horses.

Apr 15, 2024

*Corn planting is getting underway in West Texas. *Early registration is underway for the Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog field day. *Texas strawberry growers have enjoyed an early start to their season, and the crop looks excellent. *Selling wheat as hay may be the most profitable option for wheat growers in the Texas Panhandle. *USDA is cancelling the July Cattle Inventory report. *Plains Cotton Growers are working on some priority issues. *April is a good gardening month in Texas. *There are two different areas of the equine stomach.

Apr 12, 2024

*USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is cancelling the July Cattle Inventory report. *Nominations are being sought for Texas representatives on the Cattlemen’s Research and Promotion Board. *The likelihood of getting a Farm Bill passed this year is slim. Another crop season is getting underway in the Texas Panhandle, and farmers will once again try to make the most out of limited water. *Southern Plains farmers are getting ready for another cotton growing season. *Lawmakers say there has been some movement on the Farm Bill. *Extreme South Texas continues to warm up while weather patterns have been dry. *Recent studies have found better methods of milk feeding calves.

Apr 11, 2024

*Texas farmers are suing USDA over disaster aid discrimination. *Time is running out for Texas dairy farmers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage program. *The King Ranch has acquired a 50% stake in Cobalt Cattle, which is the nation’s 4th largest cattle feeder. *Farmers can find both economic and agronomic benefits by diversifying their crop mix. *Senate Ag Republicans say they are working to put more "farm" in the Farm Bill. *USDA released a study on the past 60 years of American agriculture. *There is some new research on improving the success rate of AI in sheep.

Apr 10, 2024

*The American Association of Bovine Practitioners released a new name for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in cattle. *Drought conditions continue to improve across Texas. *Livestock producers should be careful when restocking drought stressed rangelands. *We’re getting very close to spring planting time on the Texas High Plains. *Rio Grande Valley farmers are preparing to harvest watermelons. *The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has released a new report outlining barriers to agricultural trade. *Spring activities are getting underway in East Texas. *There’s a parasite that can cause a contagious infection in young dairy calves.

Apr 9, 2024

*Dairy cattle are recovering from HPAI. *There is more corn in storage now than at this same time last year. *Texas is losing a livestock sale barn. *When weather forecasters in the Texas High Plains are trying to assess the potential for severe weather, a key issue is determining where the dry line is. *U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says we are focusing too much on our top four markets for agricultural exports. *Water challenges continue for farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. *A good timely rain is always welcome in the Central Texas Blacklands. *There are multiple new devices to monitor human heart function and some of these can be used on horses.

Apr 8, 2024

*Agriculture is an integrity-based industry, but farmers and ranchers need to be careful about who they do business with. *The weekly cash fed cattle price is very important to cattle marketing. *Texas cotton growers are watching the Farm Bill debate closely. *When severe weather situations develop, getting the earliest possible warning is critical. *The American Farm Bureau Federation is asking Congress to update reference prices. Things are green and growing around the Coastal Bend area of South Texas. *Many veterinarians believe the drug dexamethasone can decrease a horse’s response to vaccination.

Apr 5, 2024

*The political environment in Washington D.C. is getting tougher for agriculture. *The Texas Bankers Association held its Agriculture and Rural Affairs conference last week in Ft. Worth. *What was behind the recent run up of old crop cotton to over one dollar a pound? *Texas High Plains will be getting the new crop season underway very soon. *Cotton acreage is projected to be higher this year, but well under expectations. *A group of lawmakers is asking House and Senate leadership to consider adding seafood to the Farm Bill. *There are some nontraditional products out there that claim to improve forage production at a lower cost than traditional fertilizers. *Bovine Respiratory Disease is the most common disease affecting cattle.

Apr 4, 2024

*A Texas ranch is on the cutting edge of gene editing. *A group of Texas lawmakers has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State asking for enforcement of the 1944 U.S.-Mexican water treaty. *Texas corn planting has passed the halfway mark. *Most are quick to point to Avian Influenza when it comes to the mysterious disease affecting Texas Panhandle dairy cattle, but there’s still more to be determined about the actual cause. *Senate Democrats have introduced a bill to reform the H2A guest worker visa program. *Texas hog and pig numbers are down, but the total U.S. herd is up slightly. *This time of year offers some early opportunities for Texas gardeners. *Joint injections are one of the most common treatments for arthritis in horses.

Apr 3, 2024

*Preserving the Livestock Risk Protection program is a top priority for cattle feeders. *There are fewer hogs and pigs in Texas right now. *A poultry facility in the Texas Panhandle has contracted Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. *The Texas wheat crop is now in the home stretch. *Texas cotton farmers are looking forward to another growing season. *The United States is losing farmers and farmland. *Planters are beginning to roll in North Central Texas. *It’s lambing time for many sheep herds.

Apr 2, 2024

*A new vaccine for bovine respiratory disease has been developed at Louisiana State University. *Texas ranchers who use traps may have to check them every 36 hours for mountain lions. *USDA’s Prospective Plantings report released last week shows a big drop in possible corn acreage this year. *The Texas Panhandle wheat crop has very good potential this year. *A U.S. Senator says California’s proposition 12 is already taking a toll. *Livestock in some areas of West Texas are still suffering the effects of drought. *Genetic testing is becoming a more widely accepted tool for improving cattle herds. *Equine piroplasmosis was recently diagnosed in a Hood County horse.

Apr 1, 2024

*Cotton has a demand problem. *Our time with El Nino is coming to an end. *There are new tools to help Texas ranchers control mesquite. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop is improving. *Forage sorghum is proving to be a good fit for the Texas High Plains. *The chances for getting a new Farm Bill are going down by the day. *April is expected to bring higher temperatures and more rainfall across Texas. *The weather has been a bit confusing in East Texas. *Livestock respiratory disease is a possibility following the Texas Panhandle wildfires.

Mar 29, 2024

*Texas cow-calf producers have a positive future ahead. *The recent cases of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas are not the only cases of the disease crossing over into mammals. *Corn planting is nearing the half-way point in Texas. *Spring planting is getting close in the Texas Panhandle. *Farm organizations are asking the EPA to allow E-15 use in the summer. *There are some internet access options to consider when purchasing rural Texas land. *The sun is shining, and corn is growing in the Central Texas Blacklands. *We are in the middle of kidding and lambing season.

Mar 28, 2024

*Lufkin cattleman Carl Ray Polk was elected as president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association at their recent annual convention. *USDA recently authorized landowners enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program to donate their grazing or haying rights to help ranchers impacted by wildfires. *Cotton may be a profitable crop in Texas this year. *There is a lot of good looking wheat around the Texas High Plains. *A Texas congressman visited a Texas farm, a dairy and Texas agribusinesses this week. *High speed internet access is an important factor in choosing a rural Texas property. *Hay season is just around the corner. *Earlier this week, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was found in Texas dairy herds.

Mar 27, 2024

*We are seeing record cattle prices in 2024, thanks to a shrinking cattle herd and strong demand. *Helena AgriEnterprises has an update from the TSCRA convention in Ft. Worth. *The Texas Panhandle wildfires are out, but the need for relief will continue for a long time. *USDA is forecasting lower net farm income this year. *A donation of cotton blankets to a Texas children’s hospital emphasizes the cotton industry’s dedication to communities. *Hay season is just around the corner. *The Texas Animal Health Commission has recently reported a positive case of equine herpes virus in Travis County.

Mar 26, 2024

*Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was discovered in milk samples from two Texas dairies. *This year's first case of HPAI in birds was detected a few weeks ago. *The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has a new president. *Prescribed burning may help prevent future wildfires. *U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack clarified comments he made recently on use of the Commodity Credit Corporation funding. *Beef can be an important source of nutrition for infants and young children.

Mar 25, 2024

*Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been found in Texas dairy cows. *Cattle traceability is a hot topic in the cattle industry right now. *Texas High Plains feedlots are staying full. *USDA is looking to increase its budget by over $2 billion. *Farmers are busy with field preparation on the Texas Southern Plains. *Coastal Bend farmers are experiencing a great start to the 2024 crop year. *USDA is accepting applications for veterinary repayment programs in Texas.

Mar 22, 2024

*Cotton traders are watching Texas closely. *Texas honey production fell last year. *Farmers in the Texas Panhandle are preparing to roll the planters. *There are many stories about ranchers who survived the wildfires. *China’s threat to U.S. agriculture was the topic of a recent hearing in Congress. *The deadline for agricultural water conservation grant applications is coming up soon. *Soil acidity is caused by several things.

Mar 21, 2024

*There could be a long-term benefit following the tragic Panhandle wildfires. *Burned out ranchers have some important decisions to make. *Cattle producers may be thinking of a herd rebuild. *The House Ag Committee heard about the threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to U.S. agriculture. *Corn is looking very good in South Central Texas. *Extreme South Texas is cool and dry has spring officially arrives. *There are two equine degenerative neurologic conditions affecting horses.

Mar 20, 2024

*Texas Teachers and students are celebrating agriculture this week. *The area of Texas impacted by drought has risen slightly. *Texas corn and sorghum planting are on right on pace this year. *Cattle feeders are getting very strong prices for their animals, but that doesn’t translate into big profits. *Letting a tax cut expire could hurt American farm families. *Winter wheat in the Texas Rolling Plains looks very good right now. *Turf grass is an important part of landscapes in Texas. *Spring calving beef cows are dropping calves across Texas.

Mar 19, 2024

*Planters continue to roll across Texas. *The U.S. House Ag Committee wants to know more about the potential threat China poses to U.S. agriculture. *The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory is asking ranchers in wildfire affected areas to watch livestock for respiratory issues. *One way to fight trichomoniasis in cattle is to prevent it. *The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has pressed pause on its plan to retire drought sensors across Texas. *Most of Texas is enjoying a more normal springtime season this year. *Spring conditions are greening up the Texas Rolling Plains. *Lots of horses are shod on the forefeet and not on the hindfeet.

Mar 18, 2024

*A National Ag Day celebration is hosted at the Ft. Worth Stockyards. *Researchers are looking for ways to improve the diagnosis of trichomoniasis. *A new report outlines way to improve the H2A guest worker program. *USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is giving $24.7 million in grants for local agriculture. *Warm season pastures and hay meadows are waking up. *There is a lot of new information coming out on gastrointestinal bacteria in dairy cattle.

Mar 15, 2024

*Spring planting continues to move across Texas. *A professor at Prairieview A&M has received a grant for an organic cotton project. *Texas rice farmers aren’t very optimistic heading into the 2024 crop year. *The cattle disease trichomoniasis, or trich, can cause significant losses for ranchers. *Poultry production is expanding in East Texas. *Future nutritionists are being instructed in culinary medicine. *There are many equine muscle diseases that impact a horse’s performance.

Mar 14, 2024

*Wildfire aid is pouring into the Texas Panhandle from all over the nation. *Gary Joiner is in the Panhandle with an update on relief efforts in Gray County. *All of the donations for Texas Panhandle wildfire relief have been welcome, but more will be needed. *A quarter horse in Hood County has tested positive for equine piroplasmosis. *Nominations are open for the National Golden Spur Award and the Ranching Heritage Association’s Working Cowboy Award. *USDA has finalized a rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act. *Single use plastics are being produced from agricultural byproducts.

Mar 13, 2024

*The Texas Panhandle wildfires may have a long-term effect on the cattle market. *USDA has launched a new program designed to help landowners improve quail habitat. *The latest Texas wheat crop ratings show 44% of the crop in good to excellent condition. *The corn market needs stronger demand to push prices higher. *USDA is finalizing a rule on what products can bear a “Made in the USA” label. *One billion pounds of agricultural byproducts have been used to make bioplastics. *Central Texas temperatures are warming up as we near the official start of spring. *There are some new therapies for lameness in horses.

Mar 12, 2024

*There will be no help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Texas Panhandle wildfires. *Texas farmers have just a few more days to sign up for Farm Bill safety net coverage for the 2024 crop year. *Walmart is planning to build a milk processing plant in Central Texas. *What effects have the wildfires had on beef production in the region? *A shortage of farm labor has been a problem for decades. *A Texan has developed a way to use agricultural byproducts to produce plant-based plastic. *Spring has arrived in Extreme South Texas, with citrus trees blooming and planters rolling. *It is important to have a dry calving area for your cows.

Mar 11, 2024

*Farm groups are pushing for a new Farm Bill to be passed this year, but the chances are low. *There are more than 230,000 farms in Texas spanning more than 125 million acres. *Texas Panhandle feedlots didn’t lose any cattle in the recent wildfires, but they may suffer some longer term effects. *A U.S. Senator is questioning foreign ownership of farmland in the United States. *The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo is underway. *March is always a challenge for Texas gardeners. *Stem cells from horses’ teeth are providing insight into tooth health.

Mar 8, 2024

Texans are working together to help those impacted by the wildfires that burned over a million acres in the Texas Panhandle. The dairy and beef industries are benefitting from beef on dairy calf production. Youth from across Texas and beyond are in Houston competing for scholarships at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The SEC has removed a provision that could hurt farmers and ranchers. Researchers have evaluated dietary starch in dairy diets and the link to inflammation in cattle.

Mar 7, 2024

Although fire crews are making progress, wildfires continue to take their toll on farmers, ranchers and communities in the Texas Panhandle. Texas isn’t the only state seeing declining dairy production. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas was one of the lawmakers who traveled to the Panhandle this week to see the devastation first-hand. Experts say as farmers, ranchers and landowners begin to sift through the aftermath of the record-breaking wildfires, they should be extra cautious. There is a new medical device for treating arthritis in horses.

Mar 6, 2024

*A small Texas cow herd is now smaller following the largest wildfires in Texas history. *The Joplin Regional Stockyards is raising money for Texas wildfire relief. *The Texas Panhandle will always be vulnerable to wildfires. *As the wildfire recovery effort begins, it’s important to keep good records and document everything. *The EPA has launched a new office focusing on agriculture and rural residents. *The weather is the hot topic during winter in East Texas. *There are multiple nutrition related diseases that can affect sheep.

Mar 5, 2024

*Wildfires continue to burn in the Texas Panhandle while ranchers are evaluating their losses. *The Texas Farm Bureau has established the Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund. *Texas A&M AgriLife is organizing a major supply effort to help burned out ranchers. *A U.S. Senator says a new Farm Bill and action by the administration could help ease farmers concerns. *Corn planters are rolling in Central Texas. *A ridden horse checklist can help determine if your horse is lame or in pain.

Mar 4, 2024

*We have more coverage of last week’s Commodity Classic in Houston. *The National Wheat Foundation honored the nation’s top wheat growers. *Timing could mean a lot of farmers looking for pricing opportunities for 2024 cotton. *Leaders of the Senate Ag Committee are discussing their Farm Bill priorities. *March means spring weather is near. *Extreme South Texas is wet and cool. *Coccidiosis can be difficult to control in young calves.

Mar 1, 2024

*Texas farmers were hard at work at the Commodity Classic in Houston. *The largest wildfire in Texas history has burned a massive swath through the Texas Panhandle. *A final rule from USDA could put the U.S. cattle herd at risk for foot and mouth disease. *Cotton prices have once again hit a dollar a pound on old crop contracts. *Using antibiotics to help improve conception rates in horses was thought to be effective. *High interest rates are adding more expense to rising input costs for agriculture.

Feb 29, 2024

*The Commodity Classic is underway in Houston. *The Texas winter wheat crop is showing improvement. *There are fewer sheep and lambs in Texas compared to a year ago. *A group of Polish farmers is touring Texas this week. *We could be headed for an active tornado season in the Texas High Plains. *A Texas congressman is fighting a rule that would allow fresh beef imports from Paraguay. *The Texas Beef Council is looking for restaurants that serve great Texas beef. *Coastal Bend farmers are busy planting corn. *Extended-release deworming medication may be a more cost effective product.

Feb 28, 2024

*Wildfires are burning in the Texas Panhandle. *Obtaining an agricultural guest worker visa will cost more in a few weeks. *The Commodity Classic is back in Texas. *The month of February will go down as a warm one for the Texas High Plains. *Interest rates have risen, but how has that affected rural land sales? *Several members of Congress recently took a trip to Mexico City to discuss several issues about the U.S.-Mexico border. *Laminitis is common problem in horses.

Feb 27, 2024

*Placements took a drop in Friday’s Cattle on Feed Report. *Texas sheep producers sheered more than 200,000 sheep and lambs last year. *Texas dairy farmers can sign up for the Dairy Margin Coverage program this week. *A big change in the weather is coming for farmers and ranchers in the Texas High Plains. *Mexico’s failure to comply with a water treaty has caused Texas’ only sugar mill to close down. *The winter wheat crop in Texas is looking good this year. *Spring-like temperatures have kept farmers busy in Central Texas. *Calving time is underway for spring calving cows.

Feb 26, 2024

*The only sugar mill in Texas is closing. *There are fewer goats in Texas than one year ago. *Texas Congressman Ronnie Jackson is opposing USDA’s decision to import fresh beef from Paraguay. *Rising cattle prices are good for a lot of cattle producers, but the rise in beef prices for consumers can be a concern. *The state’s largest farm organization is working with lawmakers on a state and national level to resolve water issues with Mexico. *Grazing will be a topic of discussion of an upcoming regenerative ranching workshop in Southeast Texas. *This is a good time to plant trees in Texas. *Equine asthma is a common problem in horses.

Feb 23, 2024

*The Texas winter wheat crop is looking good. *Texas horse owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity to protect their horses against Equine Infectious Anemia. *Rice production in Texas is declining due to two years of severe drought. *Farmers in the Texas High Plains are getting ready to plant sorghum. *Several lawmakers are concerned with USDA allowing imports of fresh beef from Paraguay. *Pork is an effective way to deliver nutrition to the human diet. *A strong cattle market is bringing lots of cattle to the feedlots, and that could be slowing down the rebuilding of the beef herd. *There are some things you can do to help prevent disease in pregnant does during the winter.

Feb 22, 2024

*Texas cattle producers are getting record prices for calves and yearlings. *The Texas mohair industry brought in more than 2.8 million dollars last year. *Five Texas farmers are suing a manufacturer of biosolid fertilizer made from sewage sludge. *Forage production is increasing in the Texas High Plains thanks to the growth of the dairy industry. *California’s new rule on pork production could create chaos in the national marketplace. *Supplemental cattle feeding continues as winter temperatures warm up. *The control of insulin levels in horses is related to the amount of carbohydrates in the diet.

Feb 21, 2024

*Two Texans were honored at the recent National Cotton Council annual meeting in Orlando. *Texas A&M broke ground on a new facility dedicated to veterinary research and outreach in the Rio Grande Valley. *Texas corn farmers will soon have another herbicide to fight resistant weeds. *Male sterile sorghum is becoming more popular in the Texas High Plains. *We’re moving closer to a vaccine for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. *Stock shows across Texas depend on thousands of volunteers. *Good rainfall and high cattle prices are making for a good winter in East Texas. *There is a concern about nutrition in spring calving beef cows.

Feb 20, 2024

*Texas cattle producers are getting cow herds through the winter. *Registration is underway for the Hill Country Land Stewardship Conference. *Texas farmers and ranchers will have access to Kaput feral hog bait this spring. *We’ve seen some big swings in the fed cattle market lately. *Democrats in Congress have released their Farm Bill priorities. *Livestock show season rolls on. *The wet winter in Central Texas has saturated soils and filled stock tanks. *Internal parasites in horses are developing resistance to the deworming products currently on the market.

Feb 19, 2024

*Texas rice farmers face a water shortage again this year. *Over half of Texas is now drought free. *This is National FFA Week. *Cattle prices are at historic highs, but there are still opportunities to add value to calves. *Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are stressing the need for a Farm Bill. *Vertical tillage can pay off in higher yields. *Cattle producers on the Southern Plains of West Texas have good winter grazing this year. *Scours and pneumonia are the biggest challenges for raising calves in the winter.

Feb 16, 2024

*Texas crawfish are in short supply due to the summer drought. *Cotton and soybean growers across the country will be able to use existing supplies of over-the-top dicamba formulations this growing season. *The Texas Panhandle wheat crop is one of the best in the past two decades. *To implant or not to implant? That can be a big question for Texas cattle producers. *Members of the House Agriculture Committee are questioning the inequality of the latest disaster aid program. *The beef checkoff continues to boost beef sales and consumption. *A warm February has corn planters rolling in Deep South Texas. *Neurological disease can cause lameness in horses.

Feb 15, 2024

*The number of farmers and ranchers in Texas is dropping. *USDA farm loan borrowers will now be able to make payments online. *More lambs are hitting the market early this year. *Texas High Plains ranchers are encouraged to boost the profitability of their cattle sales through value-added programs. *The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accused of picking winners and losers in the most recent disaster relief program. *Soil health is the focus of regenerative agriculture principles. *Farmers in the Coastal Bend are ready to plant corn. *The winter is the time of year young calves develop respiratory disease.

Feb 14, 2024

*Corn planting is underway in Texas. *A bumblebee found in Texas could be granted protection under the Endangered Species Act. *The U.S. trade dispute with Mexico over genetically modified corn is expected to be resolved by the end of the year. *The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo has been in operation for about two and a half years. *Four Texas congressmen have co-sponsored a bill to help ranchers deal with predators. *Farmers and ranchers in Texas can learn more about regenerative agriculture at an upcoming seminar in New Braunfels. *It’s time to prepare for spring gardening in Texas. *There are three times a year when we see the most colic cases in horses.

Feb 13, 2024

*Texas sugarcane acreage is dropping because of an irrigation water shortage. *Political pressure is needed to solve the water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley. *There is a critical shortage of veterinarians in Texas. *We may not see a completed Farm Bill this year. *Rural child care may help reduce farm accidents involving children. *Cold winter weather can be tough on livestock, including sheep.

Feb 12, 2024

*Rio Grande Valley vegetable growers are struggling with drought and irrigation water shortages. *Texas Farm Bureau leaders are helping Rio Grande Valley farmers bring attention to Mexico's refusal to live up to its water treaty promises. *The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo will soon achieve a major milestone. *A lizard found in Central and West Texas will not be added to the endangered species list. *Farm income is expected to take a record drop this year. *Equine Infectious Anemia has been found in a Harris County horse.

Feb 9, 2024

The Texas citrus industry is still recovering from Winter Storm Uri three years ago. Rio Grande Valley row crop farmers may not be able to plant a crop this year due to a severe lack of irrigation water. A federal court has vacated registrations of dicamba. Top dressing wheat is an important consideration for many Texas wheat farmers. There are promising opportunities for U.S. red meat exports. Creep feeding young lambs can help develop their digestive system.

Feb 8, 2024

A group of Texas farmers and ranchers is touring the Rio Grande Valley. Rio Grande Valley farmers want Mexico to hold up their end of a decades old water treaty. Wheat in the Texas High Plains is moving towards a critical development stage. The state’s largest farm organization is fighting for farmers and ranchers in Washington D.C. Japan is a big trading partner for U.S. agriculture, but that trading partnership can get a bit complicated. Handling animal health products correctly is very important.

Feb 7, 2024

The El Niño weather pattern has brought a lot of rain to Texas, but it is now on its way out. Getting the timing right for fertilizing wheat can affect yields. Lawmakers have introduced a bill requiring labels for imitation meat and poultry. Chain stores across Texas provide a good market for locally grown vegetables. Burning has been used for years to rejuvenate grasslands. Using beef bulls on dairy cows is becoming more popular.

Feb 6, 2024

Texan is telling the story of the beef industry as a Beef Trailblazer. A leading figure in the Texas High Plains cotton industry is making a big career move. More than 20 lawmakers from Texas are working to permanently kill the Death Tax. The application period for the Texas Water Development Board’s agricultural conservation grants is now open. There’s good news and not so good news for agriculture in the Texas Rolling Plains. Horses commonly develop joint injuries, but rehab can help to heal those injuries.

Feb 5, 2024

*Texas cattle producers are taking full advantage of USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection program. *Texas A&M AgriLife is offering online resources to help Texas farmers with their planting decisions. *Getting a new Farm Bill is one of the priorities for the state’s largest farm organization. *The National Pork Board is making strategic investments on behalf of Texas pork producers. *East Texas is enjoying the wintertime rains. *Multiple antibiotics are approved for use in cattle.

Feb 2, 2024

Animal identification and traceability topped the list of issues discussed at the Cattle Industry Convention in Orlando. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association launched the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation. The recent cold blast affected cattle performance in Texas Panhandle feedlots. A lot of Texas High Plains ranchers are looking at the potential for herd rebuilding. Weather related disasters have cost farmers and ranchers big money over the last year. The ability to better diagnose stress fractures in performance horses can lead to less catastrophic injuries. Trappers and landowners may soon be required to check their traps more often for mountain lions.

Feb 1, 2024

We currently have the least productive U.S. Congress since reconstruction. Cattle producers are working to get their priority issues addressed in the new Farm Bill. The Cattle Inventory Report shows the U.S. cow herd continues to shrink. The number of cattle you are running can have a big impact on how much grass you are growing. Good rain in January will be a big help for early planting in February. Tall fescue is present in some areas of Texas, and it contains a fungus that can cause sickness in cattle. A stakeholder working group has recommended that the Texas Parks and Wildlife department come up with a management plan for mountain lions.

Jan 31, 2024

Cattle producers and beef industry representatives from across the country are in Orlando this week for CattleCon24. Keeping the ground covered can help ranchers grow more grass. Students are learning more about agriculture at the Ft. Worth Stock Show. Farmers are preparing ground in the Southern Plains. Horses can get dental caries. The Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas Deer Association both presented comments on Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance and containment zones.

Jan 30, 2024

The Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show is underway in Orlando. Replacement heifers are a major investment for Texas cattle producers looking to rebuild their herds. Precision agriculture technology continues to improve. Winter finally made its way to Deep South Texas. Horses’ eyes are more susceptible to injury than the eyes of many other animals. Several Texans are questioning the size and purpose of Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance and containment zones.

Jan 29, 2024

Emergency management officials are advising landowners in five Texas counties to move livestock to higher ground. The Texas dairy herd got smaller last quarter, but milk production increased. Economic uncertainty may keep a lid on cotton prices this year. The winter wheat crop in the Texas Panhandle has been riding a roller coaster when it comes to the weather this season. The Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is underway. Central Texas has been blessed with abundant rainfall. Feeding cows at night can bring more calves during the day. Several Texans are questioning the size and purpose of Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance and containment zones.

Jan 26, 2024

*Wheat farmers in East and Central Texas have seen an increase in Hessian Fly infestations over the past couple of years. *Cattle prices are expected to climb this year. *The Texas Beef Council is partnering with Texas based Brookshire Brothers grocery stores to promote beef purchases. *The Texas High Plains has seen some very cold temperatures so far this winter. *The rainy days across much of our state have caused flooding in some areas. *The Coastal Bend area of Texas is experiencing the wettest January in several years. *How much water do sheep and goats require? *For the first time since 2019, there will be a waterfowl symposium in Texas.

Jan 25, 2024

*The biannual Cattle Inventory Report is coming next week. *Researchers at the Texas A&M Vet School has been awarded more than a half million dollars to study sterility in horses. *The Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers committee is working to support young people in agriculture. *Animal health is important no matter what species you are raising. *The American Farm Bureau convention wrapped up in Salt Lake City this week with several policy victories for Texas. *Many senior horses have arthritic symptoms at this time of year. *Snapping a photo of your fish or sending in a scale can help improve bass fishing in Texas.

Jan 24, 2024

*The recent Cattle on Feed Report did not contain any surprises and had a neutral effect on the cattle market. *Dairy cattle genomic testing is improving sustainability in the dairy industry. *More Texas cotton gins are closing or merging with others. *Sheep and goats are becoming more popular on the Texas High Plains. *Caring for livestock in the cold, wet weather is a big challenge. *This winter’s cold weather is having an effect on plants and landscapes. *Spring calving season is just ahead. *There’s a surprise development in the Chronic Wasting Disease outbreak at the Kerr Research Facility.

Jan 23, 2024

*The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention just wrapped up in Salt Lake City. *More than 40 percent of Texas is now totally drought free. *A Texan is in a leadership position on the American Lamb Board. *The Texas High Plains is cattle country, but there are more sheep and goats being raised in that part of the state. *The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture spoke at this week’s American Farm Bureau convention. *2024 is bringing new challenges for Texas farmers and ranchers, including some very cold weather. *Many horses today do not need shoes. *Texas anglers have a change to win a $5,000 gift card.

Jan 22, 2024

*The sheep industry wants a Farm Bill. *Work on a new Farm Bill may start in March. *U.S. lawmakers are cautioning against listing the world’s largest meat packer on the New York Stock Exchange. *Farmers in the Texas High Plains are being advised to watch out for a newly discovered corn disease. *Corn growers are working to increase the use of ethanol and promoting sustainability. *The discussion of mental health issues on the farm are becoming more open. *Horseshoes became a necessity back in the 19th and 20th centuries, but things have changed since then. *An angler recent reeled in the catch of a lifetime from J.B. Thomas reservoir.

Jan 19, 2024

*The 2023 Cotton Marketer of the Year is Jason Moss of Pringle, Texas. *The National Potato Expo was held last week in Austin. *Two cases argued before the U.S. Supreme Court this week could have an impact on America’s farmers. *Getting the most out of your irrigation system is one of the topics being covered at producer education meetings this winter. *The beef checkoff program is helping support beef exports. *Two cases argued before the U.S. Supreme Court this week could have an impact on America’s farmers. *One method of treating cattle is using a dart gun loaded with darts that contain medication. *After a brief hiatus due to Covid, the Texas Waterfowl Symposium is back.

Jan 18, 2024

*Cotton production is dropping in the U.S., mainly due to last year’s drought here in Texas. *Texas farmers, ranchers and landowners now have more time to sign up for the continuous Conservation Reserve Program. *Stock show season is officially underway in Texas, with the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo happening now. *Texas feedlots are full. *The latest Census of Agriculture will be out in just a few weeks. *Veterinarians have used various methods of restrain to treat unruly horses. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will hear from the Mountain Lion Working Group next week.

Jan 17, 2024

*Texas sheep producers traveled to Denver last week for the American Sheep Industry Convention. *The Texas International Produce Association will induct five people into the Texas Produce Hall of Fame. *The Mexican government is extending zero duty access for imports of beef, pork, poultry and other food products. *Texas High Plains feedlots are finding it difficult to keep their margins in the black. *Vegetable seed producers are releasing new varieties for 2024. *Central and East Texas saw record low temperatures along with snow and ice this week. *Last summer’s drought can cause this winter’s hay to have low levels of vitamins. *Mule deer harvest declined across the nation in 2022.

Jan 16, 2024

*The nation’s winter wheat crop is smaller this year. *Corn and soybean stocks are increasing due to big crops in 2023. *There is less wheat, but more sorghum and corn in storage in Texas. *Single digit temperatures have dominated the last few days in the Texas Panhandle. *Seed companies are releasing new traits available for the 2024 crop. *Central Texas is getting good rainfall this winter. *With the cold temperatures we are now facing, it’s important to winterize your horse. *The special late deer season in the south zone opens later this month.

Jan 15, 2024

*Texas ranchers are working hard to keep livestock comfortable during the cold. *Texas A&M AgriLife Research is now taking applications from farmers and ranchers who are interested in joining their climate smart initiative. *Remote monitoring of irrigation systems has been around for a while, but the technology keeps improving. *The Texas High Plains winter wheat crop is looking good. *It is important that farmers get soil nutrients prepared for planting the 2024 cotton crop. *It is meeting time in East Texas. *With the cold weather that has moved into Texas, we need to winterize our horses. *A pair of deer hides were denied entry into the United States earlier this month.

Jan 12, 2024

*Colder weather is here. *Texas A&M researchers have been awarded more than $5.2 million from USDA to study ways to improve onion harvest. *Texas Congressman Vincente Gonzales of Brownsville is introducing a bill to help farmers and ranchers along the southern border. *The concluding round of Pioneer crop production clinics in the Texas High Plains is coming up. *Cattle producers in the Texas Southern Plains have buckled down for the cold. *South Texas is getting a break from the bitter cold that most of Texas is facing. *Death of the embryo in early pregnancy is common in beef cattle. *The National Deer Association has released their annual deer report.

Jan 11, 2024

*The uncertain economy has a big effect on the cotton market. *The Commodity Classic is coming to Houston. *USDA appointed four Texans to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. *Farmers in the water-challenged Texas High Plains need to think about how to get the most out of all available sources of moisture. *Controlling cattle parasites is an ongoing problem. *Burning has been used for years to rejuvenate grasslands. *The lifestyle of performance horses puts them at a greater risk for developing stomach ulcers. *New Chronic Wasting Disease containment and surveillance zones now encompass a two-mile area around where the disease is found.

Jan 10, 2024

*The American Sheep Industry Convention is underway in Denver. *Drought levels in Texas are much better than they were a few months ago. *The Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO TEXAN program is celebrating its 25th birthday. *Introducing young bulls to your herd can require some patience. *2023 was a good year for soybeans. *Livestock show season is underway. *Spring calving season is just around the corner. *Oral rabies vaccines are being airdropped across the Texas-Mexico border this week.

Jan 9, 2024

*A Texan is at the helm of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. *The drought has financially stressed farmers in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. *The American Lamb Board is holding a grazing workshop in Temple on May 8th-10th. *Body condition scores are an important part of evaluating bulls. Interest rates have added to the cost of doing business. *Now is the time to plan your landscape for the coming year. *There are some new techniques that will help veterinarians diagnose dental disease in horses. *More captive deer than free range deer are tested for Chronic Wasting Disease in Texas.

Jan 8, 2024

*Cotton acreage is expected to stay about the same as last year. *A Texas rancher’s property rights case will be heard by the United States Supreme Court. *Proper management of bulls is one topic livestock producers have been hearing about during winter meetings. *Farm income costs have come down a bit for the 2024 crop, but so have prices. *Texas 4-H and FFA members are preparing for stock show season. *Cold weather is moving into Texas, and that can have a big effect on beef cattle performance. *What is the state doing to combat Chronic Wasting Disease?

Jan 5, 2024

*Pasture and range conditions still look poor across Texas. *Recent rainfall continues to ease drought conditions across our state. *The recent prescription requirement for certain animal antibiotics seems to be transitioning well. *Higher interest rates are having an impact on Texas farmers and ranchers. *Recent rains across Texas have helped improve conditions for Texas ranchers. *The American Farm Bureau Federation is focused on the passage of a new Farm Bill in 2024. *Equine Metabolic Syndrome is a major cause of laminitis in horses. *A new proposal would require all Texas turkey hunters to report their harvest.

Jan 4, 2024

*The first cotton acreage estimate for the 2024 crop is out. *The number of hogs and pigs in Texas has dropped. *Fuel prices are declining following a slight holiday increase. *The Pioneer crop production clinics are getting underway next week in the Texas Panhandle. *This should be a better year for precipitation in Texas. *Congress can strengthen the partnership between farmers, ranchers and food banks by investing in a program in the new Farm Bill. *Managing dry cows through the fresh period pays dividends down the line. *The special late deer season for part of the state opens Monday.

Jan 3, 2024

*Texas cattle herds continue to shrink. *Registration is open for the Winter Garden Row Crop Conference. *The largest beef cattle show in North America is now underway at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. *The winter meeting season has arrived in the Texas High Plains. *The farm economy outlook for 2024 is a cloudy one with high inputs and lower prices. *Ranchers in East Texas are getting 2024 off to a good start. *The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that helps fight the illicit use of Xylazine by humans. *TPWD is proposing a small change in the language in the duck section of the Outdoor Annual.

Jan 2, 2024

*This should be a year of cooler, weather thanks to El Nino. *Farmers can now enroll or change their Farm Bill safety net program for the upcoming crop year. *Registration is now open for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s annual convention and trade show. *There are several things to consider when getting your farm or ranch back in order after a wildfire. *Soil tillage for the 2024 crop is already underway. *It’s time for the 62nd annual Blacklands Income Growth confererence. *Winter is the time of year that cattle can be infested with lice. *A new year means a new Toyota Sharelunker loaning period is now underway.

Jan 1, 2024

*Deworming cattle can pay back big returns. *There is a strong potential for wildfires on the Texas High Plains right now. *We should have the results of the latest Census of Agriculture soon. *2023 was a year of ups and downs in the Rio Grande Valley. *One of the most common causes of infertility in mares is early embryonic loss. *There will soon be additional wildlife crossings in Deep South Texas.

Dec 29, 2023

*Forage supplies are low across Texas as winter gets underway. *There are a lot of youth programs in agriculture. *Family farms still make up a big part of American agriculture. *Farmers and ranchers in the Texas Coastal Bend are gearing up for 2024. *The equine microbiome is the type and number organisms involved in certain systems of the horse. *The public can now weigh in on a proposal to create several new Chronic Wasting Disease zones.

Dec 27, 2023

*2023 was a great year for some Texas farmers, and not so great for others. *Silage demand is growing on the Texas High Plains. *El Nino should reduce tropical activity in the Gulf next year. *Winter is now officially here. *Joint injections are very common in performance horses. *Youth hunters may have an additional day to hunt Turkey, deer and squirrel next fall.

Dec 26, 2023

*Producer profitability is a very important goal for the Livestock Marketing Association. *Texas Panhandle farmers are considering their planting options for 2024. *We may see more snowfall in Texas this year. *This is a week to look back at 2023 and look forward to 2024. *Most cattle will need extra nutrition for the upcoming winter. *The public can now weigh in on a proposal to change the spotted sea trout bag limit.

Dec 25, 2023

*A hemp fiber processing facility will begin operations in Texas soon. *It has been a tough year for crop prices. *This is supposed to be an El Nino winter. *East Texas could use a shot of rain. *Arthritis can become more of a problem as horses live longer. *The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service is proposing additions to two national wildlife refuges in Texas.

Dec 22, 2023

*It’s the 20th anniversary of the cow that stole Christmas. *The weather is creating some issues for wheat growers in the Texas Panhandle. *Microbes play a big role in soil health. *Baby calves may need some extra protection from the cold this winter. *Researchers are looking for a way to clean up the infectious agents that could spread Chronic Wasting Disease. *Memories of Christmas on the farm

Dec 21, 2023

*The 2024 beef cow inventory will likely be lower than 2023. *Two years of drought and poor cotton prices may boost sorghum acreage. *Fed cattle prices have slumped recently, but the Texas Cattle Feeders Association expects a rebound. *Having a current appraisal of your land can be helpful. *Extreme South Texas has seen its coolest temperatures of the season. *There are some new options for preventing and treating laminitis in horses. *What is the future of Chronic Wasting Disease management?

Dec 20, 2023