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
*Cattle prices are expected to be higher in 2024. *Six Texas farmers are recognized for their sorghum yields this year. *The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution targeting the critical water shortage in South Texas. *Cattle feeders in Texas have been hit with a price slump. *Rural land appraisals can be a real challenge if you don’t know what you’re doing. *Weather in the Central Texas Blacklands is constantly changing. *Winter cow syndrome is common in Texas, but there are ways to prevent it. *Researchers are making strides in detecting and combatting Chronic Wasting Disease.
Dec 19, 2023
*Another Texas based cattle scheme has come unraveled. *A new and improved test for brucellosis could be developed here in Texas. *Governor Greg Abbot appointed two new members to the Texas Animal Health Commission. *The future of cotton in the Texas Panhandle is a big topic of conversation right now. *Texas rice farmers will have a new formulation of a rice herbicide available next year. *Cotton harvest and ginning is wrapping up on the Southern Plains. *Winter cow syndrome is something we see each winter in Texas. *Texas deer breeders are using science to help limit the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Dec 18, 2023
*Texas farmers and ranchers are enjoying nice rain events in many areas of the state following two years of devastating drought. *The National Corn Growers Association is recognizing Texas corn farmers for their outstanding yields. *Texas legislators have been busy all year, with several special sessions. *2023 was another tough year for cotton farmers on the Texas High Plains. *Cotton farmers across Texas tested a lot of potential new varieties. *Coastal Bend farmers are busy preparing for next season’s crop. *Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is showing up in Texas. *Studying deer DNA could be a key to curbing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Dec 15, 2023
*Winter will officially be here in a few days, but spring planting is just around the corner. *A professor at West Texas A&M University has been awarded a grant to study liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. *This was not a good year for cotton in the northern Texas Panhandle. *AgriLife is offering some educational opportunities for farmers on the Texas High Plains. *Texas Christmas tree farms offer several environmental benefits. *The latest trade outlook from the Department of Agriculture forecasts less exports and more imports in 2024. *Early wheat pastures for grazing are looking good thanks to good rains, but supplementation may be necessary at some point. *Youth hunting on MLDP properties could see some regulation changes for the 2024-25 season.
Dec 14, 2023
*This is Career Week for Texas FFA members. *Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller is opposing the decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay. *Will agriculture be a major issue in the presidential race? *Real Texas Christmas trees boost the economy. *Ryegrass is often used for winter grazing in East Texas. *EPM is common in Texas horses. *Changes are coming to the federal duck stamp.
Dec 13, 2023
*The Farm Bill debate continues as we move into an election year. *A Texas congressman is calling for Congress to get the Farm Bill done. *Diesel prices have declined for 12 weeks in a row. *It’s a very tough political environment right now to get things done on behalf of agriculture. *Deltapine is releasing some promising new cotton varieties for 2024. *Mexico is not holding up its end of a water deal with the U.S. *There are a lot of terms describing protein in ruminant feed. *Hunters in part of Texas could see additional doe days in an upcoming season.
Dec 12, 2023
*Strong international demand is supporting sorghum prices for Texas farmers. *USDA wants to know more about Texans involved in aquaculture. *Texas dairy farmers are dealing with forage shortages heading into winter. *Texas A&M AgriLife is ready to rebuild in Vernon. *New cotton varieties are ready to go for 2024. *Fall is now wrapping up as the official start of winter gets underway next week. *Equine liver disease may be more common than we think. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease in a free ranging deer.
Dec 11, 2023
*Texas dairy farmers are ready for winter. *Texas A&M Kingsville is helping farmers and ranchers in South Texas apply for grants and loans for wind turbines and solar energy projects. *Fed cattle carcass weights have reached an all-time high. *Texas A&M AgriLife is preparing for a big move in the Texas Panhandle. *The U.S. is targeting Southeast Asia for red meat exports. Communicating the importance of agriculture to the general public is a top priority of the Texas Department of Agriculture. *Xylazine is an animal sedative that has now become a popular street drug. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering a few changes to turkey hunting regulations for next year.
Dec 8, 2023
*Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington is joining 65 other members of the House and Senate in calling for changes to the latest round of farm disaster aid. *Forage supplies are low across Texas heading into winter. *A Texas A&M economist says farmers should be extra careful with risk management decisions. *USDA’s conservation programs continue to be successful in Texas. *Texas Farm Bureau celebrated its 90th anniversary recently in Frisco. *A new drug is being studied to treat Equine Metabolic Syndrome. *Black bears are out and about preparing for winter.
Dec 7, 2023
*The final wheat seeds are going in the ground for the 2024 crop. *Senator Ted Cruz is working to keep automakers from taking AM radio out of vehicles. *It was an up and down season for sorghum on the Texas High Plains. *We’ll take a look back at the 2023 corn crop and ahead at next year’s crop. *There is a positive attitude in East Texas agriculture right now. *Cattle producers spend a lot of time during the winter monitoring pregnant cows, but you shouldn’t forget about your bulls. *The public has more time to weigh in on a proposal to list two blind catfish in Texas as endangered.
Dec 6, 2023
*The freefall continues in the cattle futures market, and no one can explain why it’s happening. *Drought conditions have improved for the fifth week in a row. *Texas Tech researchers have been awarded nearly $5 million to study climate smart crops. *2023 was a challenging growing season on the Texas High Plains. *One midwestern state is helping Texas deal with the border crisis. *Cool damp weather is hampering most field work in deep South Texas. *Donkeys develop a lot of the same respiratory diseases as horses, but there are some differences. *Texas Parks and Wildlife is considering closing turkey season in four Texas counties.
Dec 5, 2023
*Texas farmers and ranchers celebrated an anniversary and a victory over the weekend. *The state's top young farmers and ranchers were recognized at the Texas Farm Bureau annual convention. *Texas landowners are invited to a couple of meetings this week on potential conservation measures for the Texas kangaroo rat. *Grain prices are not what they were just a year ago. *Balancing crop production with environmental stewardship can be a challenge. *The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture was on hand at the annual Texas Farm Bureau meeting last weekend. *Forage analysis is an important tool for cattlemen. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering a proposal that would make tagging turkeys easier.
Dec 4, 2023
*The first two gene edited Angus cattle are here in Texas. *Texas A&M AgriLife is holding a webinar on minimizing drift on grazing lands. *Cattle groups are praising the introduction of a Senate version of the Black Vulture Relief Act. *The big fall in grain prices is putting pressure on Texas High Plains farmers. *Partnerships and market diversification are important to improving agricultural trade. *The Central Texas Blacklands are seeing some fall-like weather. *Orthobiological products are becoming more common in treating damaged tissue and organs in horses. *Chronic Wasting Disease is now impacting a state research facility.
Dec 1, 2023
*The cattle herd continues to shrink. *Texas corn growers have more time to enter their crop into the National Corn Yield contest. *Now is a great time to deworm cattle. *Farmers and ranchers attending the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show last week got a Farm Bill update from Texas A&Ms Dr. Joe Outlaw. *El Nino is starting to influence Texas weather as December gets underway. *Coastal Bend farmers are considering their options for the 2024 growing season. *Genetics play a crucial role in modern agriculture. *Deer hunters in the north zone may see changes next year.
Nov 30, 2023
*The Texas Association of Dairymen reacts to the recent USMCA dispute panel’s ruling regarding Canada’s dairy import restrictions. *Texas and Oklahoma farmers and ranchers hired less farm labor in the past quarter but paid them more. *Another Texas livestock auctioneer has qualified for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship. *Desalinization is expected to play a major role in Texas’ future water supply. *The largest farm and ranch organization in Texas is celebrating its 90th birthday this weekend. *A new report from USDA says Texas has the highest increase in foreign-owned agricultural land. *Chronic Wasting Disease in deer is a controversial topic in Texas. *Texas Parks and Wildlife is considering a change in desert bighorn sheep hunting regulations.
Nov 29, 2023
*The final Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report of 2023 shows a poor Texas cotton crop, with better looking wheat and peanut crops. *The profit outlook for grain elevators has improved significantly for the current marketing year. *We should see more sorghum acreage in Texas next year. *The State of Texas is committed to strengthening its water resources. *The USDA public comment period on an international trade initiative is open right now. *South Texas ranchers will have to deal with vampire bats in the next several years. *Preventing cattle from getting BRD is a much better option than treating them after they are sick. *Texas Parks and Wildlife is forecasting a below average pheasant season.
Nov 28, 2023
*Some farmers have a tough time during the holidays. *Texas sesame farmers will have crop insurance available for next year’s crop. *The U.S. is planning to allow beef imports from Paraguay. *Water is an ongoing challenge on the Texas High Plains. *Wheat growers are working on priority issues for the Farm Bill. *Winter forages are in the ground and growing in much of Texas. *Omeprazole is used to treat equine stomach ulcers. *Pheasant season opens this weekend.
Nov 27, 2023
*The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association approves of the one-year extension of the Farm Bill. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop is mixed. Feeder cattle sales have been holding strong recently. *Patch burning can reduce the threat of wildfire and increase grass quality for cattle. *An international food trading company is working with Texas meat processing facilities. *The U.S. ag trade deficit reached a record level. *Infectious disease caused by mycoplasma bovis was not an issue in the dairy industry 20 years ago. *Mule deer season in the Trans-Pecos region opens soon.
Nov 24, 2023
*Texas winter wheat planting is almost finished. *Texas A&M is doing research on coronavirus in cattle. *USDA has appointed two Texans to serve on the United Soybean Checkoff’s board of directors. *Wildfires are a big threat to rangelands across Texas. *Companies are developing technology to improve soil fertilization for farmers here in Texas and around the world. *Leaves are falling across Texas. *Cortical steroids are commonly injected into equine joints. *300,000 rainbow trout are being stocked in water bodies across Texas.
Nov 23, 2023
*The 2023 Texas crop harvest is winding down. *The Texas ag and timber registration deadline is coming up. *The state’s largest farm organization will meet next weekend in Frisco. *We now have a one year extension of the Farm Bill. *Seasonable temperatures continue across Texas for fall crops and pastures. *Cattle in East Texas may be a bit thin. *Implanting calves before weaning is one of the most cost-effective practices for cow-calf producers. *The public will soon be able to weigh in on proposed changes to spotted sea trout regulations.
Nov 22, 2023
*Cotton farmers in the northern Texas Panhandle are rethinking their plans to grow the crop. *It has been another tough year for Texas peanut growers. *Friday’s Cattle on Feed Report shows a slight increase in Texas feedlot inventories. *The wheat market is drastically different than it was a year ago. *U.S. pork exports are up sharply this year, but beef exports are down a bit. *Timely rains have picked up farming activities on the Texas Rolling Plains. *Strangles is one of the most contagious diseases in horses. *Texas anglers could see a change to spotted sea trout regulations.
Nov 21, 2023
*Friday’s Cattle on Feed Report did not contain any surprises. *Drought conditions continue to improve across Texas. *A group is studying a potential federal lamb insurance program. *The wheat crop in the Texas High Plains is getting off to a mixed start. *Thanksgiving dinner will cost a bit less this year, but the cost is still much higher than a few years ago. *Cool weather and rain have slowed farm work in deep South Texas. *Now is the time to plan for next year’s lambing and kidding. *Texas anglers could see a change to spotted sea trout regulations.
Nov 20, 2023
*National Sorghum Producers approves of the one-year Farm Bill extension. *It has been another tough year for Texas peanut growers. *Texas has another case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. *Higher production costs have been a major challenge for production agriculture. *Voting is underway across Texas in the Farm Service Agency County Committee elections. *November has been a pleasant month so far in Central Texas. *A lot of interesting research has been done on microbes in the equine intestine. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease in East Texas.
Nov 17, 2023
*Texas is facing a forage shortage due to two years of drought. *The Commodity Classic is headed back to Texas. *The average cost of a classic Thanksgiving in Texas will be slightly more expensive than a year ago. *Learning how to scout fields can help farmers maximize profits. *Texas doctors are learning about the benefits of beef in a healthy diet. *Coastal bend farmers and ranchers are thankful for the recent rainfall. *Internal parasites are a constant problem in horses.
Nov 16, 2023
*The North-South fed cattle premium is gone. *U.S. farmers and ranchers are feeling slightly more optimistic about the agricultural economy. *Texas cotton harvest is now 56% complete. *Supply and demand appears to be working against Texas feedlots. *The Texas Beef Council is taking beef education into the doctor’s office. *Warm season pasture grasses can be killed if it gets cold enough. *One of the most serious horse diseases is a strain of the equine herpes virus that affects the neurological system. *If you plan on having a campfire while hunting this year, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Nov 15, 2023
*Agriculture committee leaders in both the House and the Senate have reached an agreement on a one-year Farm Bill extension. *USDA awarded Texas State University $750,000 to continue its work with new and small farmers and ranchers across Texas. *Winter wheat planting in Texas is now 82 percent complete. *Cattle futures have been on a roller coaster ride recently. *A Central Texas elementary teacher has received a statewide award. *It’s time to put up the lawn and garden equipment for the winter. How susceptible is your horse to laminitis? *Much of Texas has received rainfall recently, but the threat of wildfires still exists.
Nov 14, 2023
*A Farm Bill extension is in the works. *This has been a disappointing year for many Texas cotton farmers. *2023 has been another tough growing season in the Texas Southern Plains. *There is some sticker shock happening at grocery stores and restaurants. *There are five calf health considerations to increase immunity and decrease disease. *Special mule deer antler restrictions remain in place this year.
Nov 13, 2023
*Cotton is not a profitable crop for Texas farmers. *Drought conditions continue to improve across Texas. *Thursday’s USDA WASDE report showed a cut in Texas cotton production. *Artificial Intelligence is playing a significant role in our society today. *Worldwide beef consumption will be limited by the availability of beef supply. *Central Texas has had some helpful rains lately. *Medical grade honey is commonly used to heal wounds in horses. *Mule deer season in the Texas Panhandle opens Saturday.
Nov 10, 2023
*Cattle futures have made volatile moves over the past two weeks. *USDA has reappointed several Texans to the Cotton Board. *H-E-B is expanding its San Antonio dairy plant. *Many West Texas ag producers use the West Texas Mesonet to get important weather information. *The U.S. Meat Export Federation is holding its annual fall conference in New Orleans. *Extreme South Texas has had its first major cool down, while citrus harvest gets underway. *USDA has granted $300,000 to Texas A&M to study BRD in cattle. *Endangered whooping cranes are making their way to the Texas coast.
Nov 9, 2023
*Texas wheat planting is on schedule. *The Texas Farm Service agency is sending out ballots for county FSA committee elections. *Texas peanut producers are right in the middle of the 2023 harvest. *The West Texas Mesonet is an important source of weather information for Texas High Plains farmers and ranchers. *The Texas Beef Council is promoting the role of beef in a healthy and sustainable diet. *West Texas cotton producers are harvesting cotton between rain events. *Johne’s disease is a serious disease in goats. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will soon take public comments on three proposed new Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance zones.
Nov 8, 2023
*Texas voters approved Proposition 1 Tuesday, the constitutional amendment protecting the right to farm and ranch in Texas. *A new report has good news for the growing Texas dairy industry. *Two Texans qualified for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship tournament. *Farmers in the Texas High Plains are hoping to get some snow this year. *Strengthening beef’s reputation with consumers is a top priority for the Texas Beef Council. *Farmers and ranchers from across Texas recently gathered in Waco to discuss policy resolutions for the Texas Farm Bureau. *A new study shows an effective way of treating laminitis in horses. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission recently gave approval to several proposed rules that will impact Texas deer breeders.
Nov 7, 2023
*This has been a tough year for Texas dairy farmers. *Four Texans have been elected to positions on National Corn Growers Association committees. *Texas High Plains farmers are facing the challenge of vanishing ground water. *Animal health is in a pretty good position across Texas, but there are some issues to deal with. *Deer season is in full swing in East Texas. *Now is the time to pregnancy check spring calving beef cows. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission met last week to consider several CWD related rules.
Nov 6, 2023
*Drought conditions are improving in many areas of Texas. *Three agriculture professionals from East Texas have been named finalists for the Texas Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture award. *A federal appeals court has struck down the Environmental Protection Agency’s ban on chlorpyrifos. *Texas High Plains farmers are wrapping up a season that had a promising start, but a disappointing finish. *Texas has a new state veterinarian. *Coastal Bend agricultural organizations have been busy informing elementary students about the importance of agriculture. *ACTH is a hormone that is tested to determine if horses have Cushing’s disease. *Parks and wildlife is gathering input from the public on the future of light goose management in Texas.
Nov 3, 2023
*The Livestock Marketing Association is throwing its support behind the Right to Farm constitutional amendment. *Drought is declining in Texas. *We have run out of time to get the 2023 Farm Bill done this year, but we may get an extension of the current bill. *Weather extremes took a toll on Texas High Plains crops this year. *Online permits are now available for cutting Christmas trees in national forests. *A swing in cattle inventories is coming as the market shifts to rebuilding herds. *The drought we’ve had can lead to high levels of nitrates in forages. *Deer hunters in the Rio Grande Valley can help prevent the spread of cattle fever ticks.
Nov 2, 2023
*Cattle producers are still waiting to expand cow herds. *Sorghum growers have a couple of weeks left to enter the National Sorghum Yield contest. *The number of cattle covered by Livestock Risk Protection policies is growing. *A lot of pastures in the Texas High Plains need rain. *Who is buying the big ranches that have sold in Texas? *The U.S. ag trade deficit reached a record level in August. *Low heels in the hind feet of horses can cause lameness issues. *If you plan to hunt deer in the Rio Grande Valley this year, you may need to have the hide tested before you leave the area.
Nov 1, 2023
*Texas cotton growers are starting the last section of Texas cotton harvest in the Southern Plains and the Panhandle. *Texas corn growers will vote on board members and the fate of corn checkoff amounts. *Texas crop harvest is wrapping up for the year. *Texas A&M AgriLife is offering education on wildfires for Texas High Plains residents next week. *Some huge Texas ranches are changing hands. *Fertilization of winter pastures should be made on soil test recommendations. *Efforts to keep African Swine Fever out of the United States have been successful so far. *We have Chronic Wasting Disease in Texas. So is it still safe to eat deer meat?
Oct 31, 2023
*The Texas dairy industry welcomes fall and winter temperatures. *Scientists have developed a robotic arm that may help harvest cotton. *Texas farm groups are urging voters to approve Proposition 1 during early voting. *Freezing temperatures have hit the Texas High Plains over the past few days. *The calendar says it’s fall, but the temperatures feel like winter in most of our state this week. *It is cold this week and time to prepare plants for winter. *Getting a pre purchase exam before buying a horse is a good idea. *Texas hunters play an important role in preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Oct 30, 2023
*Cotton has not been a profitable crop this year, with prices below 90 cents. *Work to fight avian influenza is underway. *The new Speaker of the House is a fiscal conservative, but it’s uncertain how he will affect ag spending. *The Texas Cattle Feeders Association is helping young people gain a better understanding of beef production. *Congress is running behind on the 2023 Farm Bill, but the ag committees in both houses are continuing their work. *Nice fall rains have finally come to the Rolling Plains. *Weaning and transportation of spring born calves in the fall is stressful. *Deer hunters in more than a dozen Texas counties will be required to have their deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease.
Oct 27, 2023
*A cold blast is on the way to Texas as harvest is winding down. *Texas A&M AgriLife is hosting a webinar to help landowners prevent wildfires. *Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is laying out a plan to get the Farm Bill passed before the end of the year. *Soils in the Texas High Plains may need a fertilizer boost. *USDA has released the latest orange production forecast, including estimates for the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers recently toured farms in the United Kingdom as part of a global ag education trip. *A muscle disorder called tying up is common in performance horses. *Registration is now underway for a family friendly birding event.
Oct 26, 2023
*A Farm Bill extension is very likely. *USDA is offering additional aid to Texas farmers and ranchers affected by heat and drought. *Dairy research in Texas is focusing on heat and drought challenges. *Ionophores can be an economical option for cattle producers. *Beef production is decreasing in the U.S. and that affects the beef export market. *Cotton harvest is getting underway in West Texas, while dryland producers are shredding failed fields. *Spring born beef calves are being weaned right now. *Quail season opens this Saturday.
Oct 25, 2023
*Texas cotton harvest now stands at 40% complete. *USDA is helping veterans get into agricultural production. *Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in the Corpus Christi area. *If you are using ionophores, there are some guidelines you need to follow. *USDA is providing funding to expand international markets for American farmers and ranchers. *Cool weather, county fairs and squirrel season are all happening in East Texas. *Anheuser Busch, the owner of the Budweiser Clydesdales, has announced it no longer cut the tails of those horses. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is urging game bird hunters to take extra precautions as HPAI is found here in Texas.
Oct 24, 2023
*The recent Cattle on Feed Report contained a big surprise. *Texas milk production fell last month, while national production rose slightly. *Early voting is now underway across Texas. *Ranchers in the Texas High Plains are encouraged to use ionophores to conserve pastures. *Small grains are emerging across Texas. *Extreme South Texas is planting onions and harvesting citrus. *Prussic acid can be a big problem when the first frost arrives. *A proposed rule change would affect Texas deer hunters next season.
Oct 23, 2023
*Researchers are working to improve sorghum silage quality for Texas dairy farmers. *A West Texas cowboy is being recognized for his decades of hard work. *Texas has the worst pasture conditions in the nation. *Pasture conditions in the Texas High Plains are mixed. *The U.S. beef industry continues efforts to protect our nation from foot and mouth disease. *The drought is not over in Central Texas. *Acupuncture has been promoted in horses for years. *Mule deer season is just a few weeks away.
Oct 20, 2023
*The annual Texas A&M AgriLife Southwest Dairy Day was last week in Bovina. *An online CEU program is available for private pesticide applicators. *Texas cotton farmers need market to move above 90 cents to break even. *The wildfire threat in the Texas High Plains is looking high. *TAMA USA and DeltaPine announced a partnership for cotton farmers this harvest season. *Farming activities have slowed down across the Coastal Bend area. *Low rainfall and high heat have left pastures and hay fields nutritionally deficient in Texas. *Texas A&M has received two grants to study Covid 19 in deer.
Oct 19, 2023
*Cotton harvest is getting started in the southern Texas Panhandle. *A Texas university has been awarded nearly $200,000 to enhance drone use in crop farming. *A federal lawsuit in Kansas over the Lesser Prairie Chicken has been moved to a Texas court. *The outlook for winter wheat on the Texas High Plains is encouraging. *The State Fair of Texas is in its final days. *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers recently toured farms in the United Kingdom as part of a global ag education trip. *Corticosteroids have been the major drug used in equine joints for 50 years. *A significant decline in light geese numbers in Texas has the Texas Parks and Wildlife department considering whether or not the light goose conservation order should stay in place.
Oct 18, 2023
*The summer drought took a big toll on Texas cattle producers. *We may be seeing a bottom in the wheat market soon. *There’s one part of Texas where cotton may be losing some acres in the years to come. *The cattle and corn markets have a very close relationship. *The fall armyworm is a common pest in Bermuda grass and other crops in North and Central Texas. *Sheep and goat pox is not found in the United States currently, but we do have diseases with similar symptoms. *Some of the best goose hunting in the nation is right here in Texas.
Oct 17, 2023
*The Texas sugarcane crop is struggling with a lack of water. *The Texas sheep and goat market has seen both ups and downs this year. *USDA is extending the application deadline for the Milk Loss Program to October 30th. *It’s been a tough summer for row crops in the Texas High Plains. *The cattle market looks great here in the fourth quarter of the year. *Texas gardens and landscapes are still dealing with the effects of the high summer heat. *The American Quarter Horse Association requires a five-panel genetic test on all stallions. *Texas goose season opens in early November.
Oct 16, 2023
*USDA released the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report last week. *Texas High Plains ranchers could be looking at an opportunity to strengthen their herds. *Texas has a new State Veterinarian. *A break from the summer heat has arrived in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Treating cattle in the pasture is never ideal, but sometimes it’s the only option. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is asking Texans to report alligator snapping turtle poaching.
Oct 13, 2023
*Texas researchers have received a $300,000 grant from USDA to study one of the most costly disease in the cattle industry. *Harvest continues across Texas. *Parts of the Texas Panhandle have missed out on recent rains. *Animal rights activists are targeting the farm bill. *Recent rains in Central Texas are improving pastures and helping early planted oats. *There’s a new rule for sanctioned horse shows from AQHA. *Duck hunting to open soon on High Plains Mallard Management Unit.
Oct 12, 2023
*The farm bill has expired. What’s going to happen now? *Interested in growing grapes in the Panhandle? The Randall and Potter County Extension offices will host the Panhandle Grape and Wine Tour Oct. 21. * The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction set another record this year. *There are multiple reasons dystocia may occur during the calving process. *Duck population growth mixed as season nears. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 11, 2023
* There’s both good and bad cotton in the Texas South Plains and Panhandle. *The deadline for funding from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program in fiscal year 2024 is approaching. *Will El Niño mean more snow for the Texas High Plains this winter? *Texas cattle feeders met in Grapevine earlier this week. *The calf market steady to strong in East Texas. *No singular explanation for Churchill Downs horse deaths. *Proposed rule would give hunters more flexibility in Chronic Wasting Disease zone.
Oct 10, 2023
*State Rep. DeWayne Burns discusses the Right-To-Farm constitutional amendment that will be on Texas ballots in November. *It’s time for ranchers on the Texas High Plains to start getting ready for winter. *Drought and heat stress have impacted Texas pumpkin production. *A new proposal from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would give hunters three options to dispose of unused deer parts. *There’s a new tool to castrate calves and lambs that may reduce pain.
Oct 9, 2023
*BASF held their annual fall cotton field day in Lubbock last week. *Rain has moved across many areas of Texas recently, but drought still has a hold on the state. *Textile manufacturing executives from 15 countries were in Lubbock touring the local cotton industry. *We are now moving into meeting season for farmers and ranchers. *The Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo is underway in Waco. *The State of Agriculture event in the Texas Coastal Bend proved to be an informative program for agricultural leaders in the area. *October is a good time to test for Cushing’s disease in horses. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proposing a statewide deer disposal rule.
Oct 6, 2023
*Texas Livestock Auction operators were in Washington D.C. recently sharing their stories with elected officials. *The deadline to register to vote in the November 7th election is almost here. *Fall harvest is right on schedule in Texas. *Putting a carbon friendly label on products is a big deal for many companies these days. *Texas pumpkin production is well below average this year. *Hay is in short supply once again this year, so minimizing hay loses will pay off big. *Most spring calving beef cow herds are vaccinated in the fall. *Releasing ocelots on a ranch in the Rio Grande Valley could be the key to helping the ocelot population recover.
Oct 5, 2023
The 2018 Farm Bill has expired, and there is no hurry to get a new one passed. There is more wheat in storage in Texas this year, and less sorghum and corn. Registration is now open for the American Sheep Industry Association’s annual convention. Big rains on the Texas High Plains are a good weather development. The Texas Cattle Feeders Association is getting ready for its annual convention in just a few days in the Dallas area. The first days of fall are here, but it feels like summer in most of Texas. Scratches can be a difficult condition to treat in horses. Ranching and wildlife conservation can go hand in hand.
Oct 4, 2023
*Texas wheat planting is right on schedule. *Registration is now underway for the award-winning Ranch Management University. *NuSeed Caranata is an option for a winter cover crop. *Weeds are always a concern for farmers, that concern is increasing because some herbicides are working like they used to. *Fall harvest and winter wheat planting are moving forward across Texas. *September did not bring the weather change that most Texas farmers and ranchers were hoping for. *Pinkeye is common in the cattle industry around the world. *A South Texas ranch and agricultural research organization is working to improve ocelot numbers in Texas while also protecting their neighbors.
Oct 3, 2023
*Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley are facing serious water challenges. *The number of hogs and pigs in Texas has declined over the last year. *USDA is launching a new insurance product for weaned calves. *Texas High Plains cotton gins are facing some tough times right now. *October may be a wetter and cooler month for Texas. *Texas voters will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 1 in the next few weeks. *EPM is a neurological disease in horses that can be successfully treated in most cases. *There could soon be more ocelots in Texas.
Oct 2, 2023
*The nation’s cattle herd continues to shrink due to the prolonged drought. *Veterans interested in learning more about agriculture can now apply for the “Battleground to Breaking Ground” program. *It has been a very hot and dry fall so far this year in Texas. *A program offered by the Texas Cattle Feeders Association teaches feedyard skills to high school students. *USDA is highlighting its food system transformation efforts. *Hunting season is on farmers and ranchers minds in the pineywoods of East Texas. *The fall is typically cattle working time here in Texas. *The National Park Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Service will spend the next two weeks controlling audad or barbary sheep in Big Bend National Park.
Sep 29, 2023
*2023 was a better year for most Texas farmers and ranchers compared to last year. *Drought continues its grip on our state, despite recent rains. *Cattle feeders are seeing bovine congestive heart failure more often in feedlots. *Are there any takeaways from this very tough summer growing season? *Capturing rainfall is always a priority for farmers in the Texas Panhandle. *It has rained in Central Texas, but the drought is far from over. *Equine rehab has come a long way in the last few years. *Research on Chronic Wasting Disease continues.
Sep 28, 2023
*The White House vetoed a bill that would rescind the recent restrictions placed on farmers and ranchers protecting the Lesser Prairie Chicken. *Texas grapefruit is now headed to Vietnam. *A Texas A&M ag economist says prospects are dim for a new Farm Bill anytime soon. *The combination of a very wet spring and a very dry summer has elevated the wildfire threat on the Texas High Plains. *Farming during a drought can be a real challenge. *Extreme South Texas got a short break from the hot weather. *The United States is getting close to finishing the battle against scrapie in sheep. *The Texas fish art contest is now underway.
Sep 27, 2023
*Fall harvest continues in Texas. *The recent Cattle on Feed Report confirms what we already knew. *Texas rice producers will get an additional payment through the Farm Service Agency’s Rice Production Program. *It’s been a season of ups and downs on the Texas High Plains. *The cattle industry has been reducing greenhouse gas emissions for decades. *Coastal Bend farmers are wrapping up harvest of the final crop in the field. *Upper airway issues are common causes of poor performance in horses. *A red tide has been confirmed in multiple regions of the Texas coast.
Sep 26, 2023
*The monthly Cattle on Feed Report did not contain any surprises. *Prairieview A&M University is researching the potential of industrial hemp in animal feed. *Genetic testing is becoming more common in commercial cattle herds. *We are currently in an El Nino weather pattern, but with this summer’s drought across much of Texas, it doesn’t feel like it. *The beef industry is often blamed for damaging the environment, but the Cattlemen’s Beef Board is working to change that. *Farmers in West Texas have been getting good rains recently. *Reducing stress is critical to keeping incoming calves healthy. *The public is invited to weigh in on spotted sea trout management.
Sep 25, 2023
*Texas wheat growers are voicing their needs for the 2023 Farm Bill. *Registration is now underway for a free regenerative agriculture field day coming up this week. *DairyMax is partnering with Gandy’s Dairy to install a refrigerated milk dispenser in the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center. *Keeping good financial records for your farming operation is a vital task. *The effects of the summer drought are lingering into the fall. *A forage analysis can be an important tool to help you stretch hay supplies this winter. *The most common cause of laminitis in horses is related to the level of insulin in the blood. *Archery season for whitetail deer opens later this month.
Sep 22, 2023
*Texas has the worst pasture and range conditions in the nation. *Texas A&M is hosting a webinar to help landowners manage their property for whitetail deer. *The prospects are dim for the Texas cotton crop that has yet to be harvested. *Forage production is on the rise in the Texas High Plains. *Price differences between cotton and polyester create challenges for the cotton industry. *September is an active month for Texas gardeners and landscapers. *It’s time to start thinking about preconditioning spring born calves. *Quail populations are up across the state, but there are a few regions where it will be harder for hunters to bag a quail this season.
Sep 21, 2023
*The Texas harvest season is moving forward. *The State Fair of Texas is just around the corner. *The U.S. Small Business Administration awarded a $500,000 grant to the Texas Department of Agriculture. *Texas cattle producers will get a great price for their cattle over the next year, but risk protection may still be something to consider. *It’s important for cotton farmers to market their product in a competitive fiber world. *Texas AgriWomen is the largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women in the state. *Horses are often given electrolyte supplements to increase water consumption in the summer heat, but are they really needed? *Quail season opens in a couple of weeks.
Sep 20, 2023
*The push is on to pass the Texas Right to Farm constitutional amendment. *Texas milk production went down last month. *Cattle prices are high, but margins are still tight thanks to rising input costs. *Beef prices are at record highs, but consumer demand is still strong. *Keeping kids safe on the farm is one highlight of National Farm Safety and Health week. *It is still hot and dry in deep South Texas. *Hay supplies are short once again this year. *The state plans to stock more than two hundred million fish in Texas waters over the next decade.
Sep 19, 2023
*The first bale of cotton in the nation was auctioned off in the Rio Grande Valley for scholarships last week. *A Texas cowboy will be recognized for his decades of hard work. *Every sector of the cattle production chain is doing well right now. *As harvest gets cranked up around the country, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to put safety first. *Extreme South Texas is still dealing with triple digit temperatures and drought. *X-rays can be a very important part of a prepurchase exam on a horse. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is committed to restoring five species to a portion of their native range over the next five years.
Sep 18, 2023
*The Cattlemen’s Bee f Board approved checkoff funded projects for 2024. *Texas corn farmers can nominate fellow farmers for open board seats on the Texas Corn Producers board of directors. *Farm groups were busy in Washington D.C. last week. *How much is the quality of beef impacted when it’s frozen? *This is National Farm Safety and Health Week. *Most farmers and ranchers in East Texas are thinking about fall hunting. *Many Texas cattle producers are running short on hay, thanks to the drought. *Time is running out for Texans to weigh in on the Texas Parks and Wildlilfe Department’s land and water plan for the next decade.
Sep 15, 2023
*Texas cotton acreage is dropping. *The drought is taking a toll on Texas pecan production. *Winter wheat planting now underway. *Applying fertilizer to wheat at planting can make a big difference in the crop. *Texas pastureland values continue to climb higher. *Coastal Bend farmers are catching up on unfinished field work. *Hock problems are common in performance horses. The turkey population should be higher this year.
Sep 14, 2023
*Texas sheep and goat researchers are busy with lots of projects. *The EPA has approved stronger standards for those who use restricted use pesticides here in Texas. *The Texas Farmer Service Agency is encouraging producers to sign up for several drought relief programs. *Crop insurance claims on the Texas High Plains are expected to be high again this year. *Texas crop and pastureland values continue to climb. *Central Texas has finally seen a break in the hot and dry weather pattern. *Now is the time to check your farm ponds for blue-green algae. *Fall turkey season is just a few weeks away.
Sep 13, 2023
*Texas leads the nation in cotton harvest, but the condition of the cotton that is left in the field is declining. *A Texas company is being recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation. *USDA increased the size of the U.S. corn crop Tuesday, making it the second largest crop in history. *There’s been a big change in Texas High Plains weather this week. *The soybean industry is working to grow sustainable soybeans for animal feed ingredients. *Horses can get a bellyache, just like humans. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding hunters to report any bands they find on doves.
Sep 12, 2023
*Washington lawmakers are looking for more money to fund the Farm Bill. *USDA launched a new program to help dairy farmers who dumped milk over the past three years. *The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association launched The School for Successful Ranching podcast. *The summer crop season in the Texas High Plains is winding down. *Texas South Plains cotton producers are feeling the brunt of the extended drought and heat on the 2023 cotton crop. *A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency shows continued advancements in sustainability by farmers and ranchers. *Fall calving beef cows are beginning to calve. *Dove season in the south zone opens this week.
Sep 11, 2023
*What does the new WOTUS rule mean for Texas? It may be a while before we find out. *Registration is now underway for the Texas A&M AgriLife’s annual Texas Fruit Conference. *The American Lamb Board has launched a new website for the sheep industry. *Lawmakers are going back to work on the Farm Bill. *The Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program is up and running. *Castration of young goats and lambs has a lot of benefits. *Another drawn hunt deadline is approaching.
Sep 8, 2023
*The push to pass Proposition 1, the Texas Right to Farm amendment, is well underway. *A new study shows that a warfarin-based toxicant can be effective in managing feral hogs. *A summer long drought has set the stage for major wildfire potential across Texas. *There are a variety of options for Texas High Plains cattle raisers to consider over the next couple of years. *USDA’s latest trade forecast is out. *With two years of heat and drought, should you risk planting winter forages this fall? *A new technique has been developed to better evaluate embryo health. *There are a few things you should know if you plan to hunt teal this season.
Sep 7, 2023
*There are very few drought-free areas in Texas according to the latest Drought Monitor. *Northeast Panhandle farmers are starting to plant wheat, but they could use a good rain to get it started. *Weights of market ready lambs in Texas are declining this year. *Looking for crops that require less water is a key focus for West Texas A&M in its efforts to strengthen animal agriculture. *The state tree of Texas is the pecan tree. We'll take a look at the potential of this year's pecan crop. *Proud flesh is a major problem in equine lower leg wounds. *There are now dozens of opportunities for Texas youth to learn how to hunt.
Sep 6, 2023
*Farm income will take a big drop this year as rising costs put a squeeze on farm profitability. *Sheep and goat research in Texas is expanding with the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in San Angelo looking for more personnel. *Texas High Plains farmers needed a lot less irrigation water this spring thanks to heavy rains, but the current summer drought has had the pumps running hard. *USDA’s Farm Service Agency is making efforts to help distressed borrowers. *The Central Texas corn crop was excellent this year. *The use of MRNA vaccines in meat animals and the safety for consumers has been a recent topic of discussion in the media. *Early teal season opens Saturday.
Sep 5, 2023
*Choosing the right wheat variety can make the difference between a good crop and a crop failure thanks to Hessian Fly populations in Central Texas. *The Texas A&M Forest Service has funds available to help with prescribed burns. *Deep Southeast Texas is currently one of the driest spots in the entire state. *Trying to buy high priced replacement cattle is a challenge when rebuilding a herd. *The peak of tropical season is near. *The just concluded August recess was a great time to reach out to our Senators and member of Congress about the condition of Texas agriculture. *Beef producers need their veterinarian more during a drought. *Texas anglers could have the opportunity to land the fish of a lifetime.
Sep 4, 2023
*A revised Waters of the U.S. rule is out, and most ag groups are not happy with it. *A case of anthrax was found in a place where we normally don’t find it. *There is some very good looking corn and milo in the northeast Panhandle, but there is also some poor looking corn and milo also. *There’s a workshop coming up that can help cattle producers make decisions on herd rebuilding. *Agriculture faces challenges dealing with the government’s climate goals. *When we think of laminitis, we usually think of horses, but sheep and goats can develop it also. *The public now as more time to weigh in on a proposal to list a species found in Texas as endangered. *It’s time to plant deer plots.
Sep 1, 2023
*Cattle prices will set new records next year. *Texas sheep and goat producers reduced herds this summer. *Cotton producers in the Concho Valley are struggling with drought and heat. *Grazing conditions on the Texas High Plains are looking much better than they were at the beginning of the year. *August was a very hot month, and September will continue to be hot and dry. *That hot and dry pattern has been a consistent problem in Central Texas. *Moving livestock from state to state happens every day, but there are some requirements that must be met to move these animals across state lines. *Fire danger remains high across much of Texas.
Aug 31, 2023
*A Dallas Cowboy supports Proposition 1 on the November ballot. *USDA is awarding a grant to a Texas university to recruit more young people into agriculture. *Cotton harvest is wrapping up in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend. *Are there profits to be made on this season’s crops on the Texas High Plains? *It has been a tough summer for Texas sheep and goat producers. *Extreme South Texas got some much-needed rain from Tropical Storm Harold. *Forage is in short supply due to drought. *Red snapper season in federal waters will soon come to a close.
Aug 30, 2023
*Drought is affecting the wettest part of Texas. *The latest Texas crop and pastureland rent report is out. *BASF's new Axant Flex technology will be available for farmers next year. *There have been several challenges for Texas High Plains agriculture this year. *Keeping water sources full for cattle is more important than ever. *Itching in horses is not uncommon, but it can get bad enough to make a horse miserable. *Dove season is finally here, bringing in valuable income for Texas rural landowners.
Aug 29, 2023
*Much of Texas received rainfall over the past week. *Drought is keeping cattle producers from rebuilding cow herds. *Texas will be home to a state-of-the-art animal reproductive biology and technology. *USDA is expanding livestock disaster payments for extreme heat and humidity. *The Texas Beef Council plays an important role in promoting beef to consumers. *Weed control is a big challenge in the cotton fields of West Texas. *East Texas farmers and ranchers are dealing with heat and drought, but they are making plans for fall. *Vitamin A may be the most important vitamin to supplement in beef cattle. *Time is running out for Texas landowners who are interested in enrolling in the managed lands program.
Aug 28, 2023
*Heat and drought have taken a toll on agriculture in the Concho Valley. *Texas wheat growers should prepare to fight the Hessian Fly before they plant the new crop. *The Farm Bill can be made stronger by fighting fraud. *Managing dry cows is essential to a dairy herd health program. *The Coastal Bend cotton harvest was interrupted by Tropical Storm Harold. *A new test has been developed that may determine which horses are predisposed to osteoarthritis. *Hunters in additional Texas counties will be required to have their deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease this hunting season.
Aug 25, 2023
*Boll weevil eradication efforts continue in the Rio Grande Valley. *Anthrax has been detected in Edwards County. *The State of Texas Agriculture Relief or STAR fund is available to farmers and ranchers affected by wildfires. *Fighting weeds has been a big task on the Texas High Plains this year. *Pasture and range conditions in Texas look awful. *This hot summer can get you thinking about ways to cool things off with your landscaping. *The vaccine company Medgene has received a USDA license to produce the first prescription platform vaccines for cattle. *U.S. Fish and Wildlife is considering adding three species found in Texas to the Endangered Species list.
Aug 24, 2023
*A group of cotton farmers from the Mid-South and Southeastern U.S. toured the cotton industry in the Rio Grande Valley this week. *Tropical Storm Harold brought much needed rain to the Texas Coastal Bend and the Rio Grande Valley. *One of the biggest threats for Texas High Plains wheat growers is wheat streak mosaic virus. *Hot weather and wildfires have been bearing down on Texas in the month of August. *Prebiotics and postbiotics may be helpful in horses. *Texas dove hunters have until the end of the month to enter this year’s Banded Bird Challenge.
Aug 23, 2023
*Friday’s Cattle on Feed Report showed a larger than expected drop in placements. *A fertilizer plant in Central Texas burned to the ground. *The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association has a new Executive Secretary. *Farmers who grow winter wheat are getting ready for a new season on the Texas High Plains. *Row crop farmers in Central Texas are running out of storage space. *Cotton in the Texas Southern Plains is struggling. *Texas hunters can now enter to win a once in a lifetime hunting opportunity.
Aug 22, 2023
*Texas A&M AgriLife held the 50th annual Sheep and Goat Field Day in San Angelo last weekend. *The Texas Sheep and Goat Expo was also held last weekend. *Pasture cropping may be a help to ranchers who need to increase their winter forage. *Cotton farmers are encouraged to practice climate smart management as part of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. *Some racehorses do not handle the stress of training well. *A record number of people attended the recent statewide quail symposium in Abilene.
Aug 21, 2023
*It’s been a rough summer, but Texas cattle producers are hanging on. *Pasture and range conditions in Texas are rapidly deteriorating. *It has been another challenging season for cotton on the Texas High Plains. *Central Texas agriculture is grappling with high heat and a lack of rain. *Developing a beef herd health program with your local veterinarian is critical to being successful. *Additional hunting opportunities are now available through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s drawn hunts program.
Aug 18, 2023
*The Texas cotton crop continues to decline. *The nation’s cow herd is shrinking, and there is no evidence of herd rebuilding in the near future. *The writing of the new is proving to be a challenge. *The biotech corn dispute with Mexico continues. *East Texas farmers and ranchers are drying out, just like everyone else. *Horses have bony projections on their back that can lead to back pain. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s annual public hearing is coming up.
Aug 17, 2023
*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association supports the transition to electronic identification for cattle. *The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed a second case of vesicular stomatitis this year. *The Texas Sheep and Goat Field Day and Expo is this Friday and Saturday. *There was a lot of sorghum planted on the Texas High Plains this year. *The summer drought is forcing a lot of Texas cattle producers to feed hay to keep their cattle alive. *The Texas Sheep and Goat Field Day and Expo gets underway today in San Angelo. *Dairy farmers across the country are facing a new kind of pandemic with immature heifers entering the milking herd. *What happens if we allow chronic wasting disease to go unchecked?
Aug 16, 2023
*Dryland cotton is running out of time in the Southern Plains. *Texas farmers and ranchers are paying more to stay in business. *It’s time to test your wheat seed before planting this fall. *The Texas High Plains corn crop is nearing the finish line. *U.S. Pork exports have had an outstanding year so far. *The hot and dry conditions are causing pastures in the Coastal Bend to suffer. *The dog days of summer are barking loudly across Texas. *There’s a new product that is being used for arthritis in horses. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing more information on Chronic Wasting Disease on its website.
Aug 15, 2023
*USDA cut the U.S. cotton crop production forecast by 2.5 million bales. *The wheat market did not get any support in last week’s WASDE report. *There is a 95% chance that El Nino is moving into Texas. *The pace of fed cattle sales has gotten slow in Texas recently. *A USDA trade mission to two southeast Asian countries will take place this fall. *Triple digit temperatures have settled into extreme South Texas. *Recent changes to antibiotic sales and growth implant use are causing a lot of confusion. *New Texas hunting and fishing licenses are on sale now.
Aug 14, 2023
*A cooler, wetter forecast for this winter is giving farmers optimism for the new wheat crop. *USDA is forecasting the second largest corn crop on record this year. *A big corn crop and continued drought liquidation will keep cattle prices high for the next two years. *West Texas A&M in Canyon is expanding its work in animal agriculture. *We are approaching the most active period of hurricane season. *The hot and dry summer is probably not the best time to apply herbicides on pastures. *Wildfire smoke can have an effect on livestock. *Now is the perfect time to take a hunter education class.
Aug 11, 2023
*The Right to Farm constitutional amendment will be Proposition 1 on the November ballot. *Farm and ranch land values keep rising both nationwide and in Texas. *We’ve been seeing drought cycles in Texas for over 100 years. *Texas High Plains farmers have had a big problem with weeds this year. *The cotton industry is continuing to weigh in on the 2023 Farm Bill. *Landscaping and gardening in August are challenging. *Not all horses have the same anatomy when it comes to their backbone. *More Texas hunters and anglers will be able to get a digital license and digital tags this year.
Aug 10, 2023
*Drought is holding back cow herd expansion. *Virtual fencing is becoming a reality for Texas cattle producers. *Two Congressmen representing the Texas High Plains are holding a listening session on the Farm Bill next week. *The risk for wildfires is very high right now across the state. *Artificial Intelligence is moving onto the farm and ranch. *Heat stress in cattle is caused by a combination of environmental factors. *It’s time to buy your annual hunting and fishing license.
Aug 9, 2023
*The El Nino weather pattern is moving into Texas, but it won’t stick around for long. *A special educational opportunity for women in agriculture will soon be offered in Amarillo. *There’s a new trait available to help Texas corn farmers in the 2024 growing season. *Summer heat is taking a toll on crops in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Sheep may need a calcium supplement. *Dove hunting may be better in some parts of Texas than others this year.
Aug 8, 2023
*The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is looking at the next 40 years in the beef industry. *Consumers continue to buy beef despite record high prices at the grocery store *Texas High Plains farmers are looking for the right marketing opportunity at a time when there’s uncertainty in the markets. *USDA’s Risk Management Agency is making improvements to better serve American farmers and ranchers. *A nail entering a horse’s foot could be deadly. *The Texas dove season is just a few weeks away.
Aug 7, 2023
*The largest beef cattle educational event in the world is now underway in College Station. It’s the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. *The El Nino weather pattern is expected to be improving Texas weather soon. *The Texas rice crop is a mixed bag of yield and quality due to the weather. *It’s a good time to be in the cow calf business in the Texas Panhandle. *The outlook calls for more winter wheat in the Texas High Plains in the coming season. *The summer heat is not letting up, and that’s making for dangerous conditions for Texas farmers and ranchers. *As the quality of native grass declines for stocker cattle, feeding extruded grain could be the answer. *Online registration for the statewide quail symposium ends soon.
Aug 4, 2023
*The Texas cotton crop continues to struggle. *The Executive Director of the South Texas Cotton and Grain Association says the cotton crop in his area started well, but it has gone downhill fast. *Two Texas students won scholarships from the National Sorghum Foundation. *The U.S. House passed a resolution that would nullify the endangered species listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. *Some of the corn in Texas High Plains fields are encountering a problem this season with short roots. *Fall cover crops can help to control erosion and add nitrogen to the soil. *It is time for the annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, one of the largest beef educational events in the nation. *We need to be careful feeding horses treats containing sugar. *What happens after Chronic Wasting Disease if found in a deer breeding facility?
Aug 3, 2023
*We have a good-looking corn and sorghum crop in Texas this year. *Texas wheat flour production was down last quarter. *Two “Owning Your Piece of Texas” workshops will be held this fall. *August is a critical month for crop development on the Texas High Plains. *Agricultural competition from Brazil and Russia is strong on the world market. *Summer heat is taking a toll on summer crops on the Texas Rolling Plains. *Creep feeding calves is common, but creep grazing is another option. *Chronic Wasting Disease and regulations regarding the disease have taken a toll on deer breeders across Texas.
Aug 2, 2023
*The driest spot in Texas lies in the Hill Country. *Drought is creeping back into Texas as temperatures soar. *Hot weather is taking a toll on the Texas cotton crop, and Oklahoma cotton is suffering too. *Sorghum has long been known as a good source of nutrition for livestock, but it’s becoming a good food source for people. *China is the largest importer of corn, soybeans and wheat in the world. *Cattle producers in East Texas are enjoying high cattle prices and good hay production this summer. *CBD seems safe to use in horses, but the benefits are not clear. *The Texas Deer Association weighs in on the new Chronic Wasting Disease emergency rules.
Aug 1, 2023
*The future is bright for cattle prices, with a higher market predicted for 2024. *If you are new to land ownership or ranching, Texas A&M AgriLife has a course for you. *High temperatures across Texas are tough on humans and livestock. *More and more Texas farmers and ranchers are being offered carbon contracts. *Will the excessively hot temperatures continue into August? *The Southern Plains cotton crop is feeling the effects of the heat. *Invasive brush can reduce forage production for livestock. *Texas adults interested in learning how to hunt can now apply for an educational hunting experience.
Jul 31, 2023
*A south Texas cattlemen testified before a congressional subcommittee last week on the damage illegal immigration is causing to his cattle operation. *The outlook for Texas pork producers for the rest of this year is not very bright. *Texas cotton crop ratings are slowly declining. *If you’re a farmer, it’s likely that someone is going to offer you a carbon contract. *Range and pasture conditions across Texas are suffering due to the heat and drought. *It is still hot and dry in Central Texas. *It’s common for horses to develop lacerations on the back side of the pastern. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has implemented emergency rules to address Chronic Wasting Disease.
Jul 28, 2023
*The 2023 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meetings were held last week in San Diego. *West Texas A&M University in Canyon is getting six million dollars to continue establishing the Center for Advancing Food Animal Production in the Texas Panhandle. *Texas A&M AgriLife’s Beef 706 course will be held August 14th and 15th in College Station. *Sorghum is finding success in the pet food arena. *Wildfire danger is increasing across Texas. *The American Farm Bureau Federation has submitted proposals to USDA to modernize Federal Milk Marketing Orders. *Weaning stress is a serious problem in all animals, including sheep and goats. *The first of several deadlines for the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s drawn hunts is coming up.
Jul 27, 2023
*The Texas corn harvest is now moving through Central Texas. *The hot, dry weather is elevating the risk for wildfires across Texas. *Commodity checkoff programs are coming under attack in Congress. *The big increase in U.S. pork exports is good news for Texas pork producers. *National Sorghum Producers is pushing hard to get a good Farm Bill. *Hot and dry weather can bring on the grasshoppers. *Getting a pre purchase exam is critical when buying any horse. *Parts of Texas may be impacted by a new proposal from U.S. Fish and Wildlife and NOAA.
Jul 26, 2023
*Drought is still shrinking the cow herd. *The upcoming Texas Pecan Growers conference will host a Mini Pecan Short Course. *A Farm Bill extension is very likely, according to the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. *An opportunity to protect farming and ranching in the Texas constitution is coming up this fall. *International economics are affecting U.S. beef exports. *Cotton harvest is underway in the Texas Coastal Bend. *A Texas A&M researcher is working to improve beef cattle systems in South Texas. *The first deadline for Texas Parks & Wildlife’s drawn hunts program is approaching.
Jul 25, 2023
*The U.S. cattle herd continues to shrink. *Congress may vote this week on a bill that would overturn the recent endangered species listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. *Exports of U.S. beef are down this year. *The hot dry summer across much of Texas has increased the chances of wildfires. *The lack of rainfall and triple digit temperatures are taking a toll on garden and landscape plants. *Deworming horses can be a challenge due to parasite resistance. *A deer in a breeding facility southwest of Corpus Christi has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.
Jul 24, 2023
*This has turned into great year for Texas sorghum with spring rains resulting in a bumper crop in many areas of the state. *The final cotton production numbers for last year show 3 million bales of cotton produced in Texas. *USDA is increasing the beef production and price forecast. *If you’re a Texas High Plains farmer with a playa or two on your property, there’s an organization that may want to work with you. *Various agencies within the US Department of Agriculture are working together to provide better services to farmers and ranchers. *Russia will not renew the Black Sea grain deal which allowed Ukraine to export agricultural goods. *As we get further into the summer, dry weather and short pastures may force cattle producers to make another round of tough culling decisions. *Research on Mako sharks off the coast of Texas will once again be featured on Shark Week.
Jul 21, 2023
*The heat continues and drought returns to Texas. *There is a new guide to help landowners understand carbon contracts. *Texas farm groups endorse a bill that supports checkoff programs. *There are some very full playa lakes in the Texas High Plains right now. *This has been a very good year for agriculture here in Texas, especially when compared the last year. *The heat is on in Deep South Texas, with water in high demand. *Blister beetles are common in some alfalfa fields. *An owl found in parts of South Texas has been listed as threatened.
Jul 20, 2023
*There is still some Texas wheat left to harvest. *There is a new way to access and analyze prices from livestock auctions. *A big hurdle has been jumped in the Farm Bill debate. *The rising cost of feeder cattle is putting pressure on Texas High Plains feedyards. *The Texas rural land market is cooling off a bit. *Deep South Texas is hot and dry. *Cattle need a lot of water in this Texas summer heat and humidity. *Several Texas lakes have been ranked among the best in the nation for bass fishing.
Jul 19, 2023
*Cotton crop ratings look good beltwide, except for our crop here in Texas. *The Texas dairy industry continues to grow. *The sheep and lamb market has moved higher recently. *The cash fed cattle market here in Texas all but dried up last week, with only around 500 head sold on negotiated cash trade. *The Texas electric grid has been holding up through the brutal summer heat. *Farmers and ranchers in Northeast Texas continue to clean up from spring storm damage. *Equine piroplasmosis is a bloodborne disease caused by parasites. *The new director of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation has some specific goals.
Jul 18, 2023
*It’s time to prepare for the new Texas wheat crop. *A new Texas Ag Teacher of the Year was named at last week’s Texas FFA Convention in Dallas. *The American Lamb Board is surveying lamb producers and feeders about their sustainability practices. *The sorghum checkoff is working to create more opportunities for sorghum farmers. *The Texas winter wheat harvest is almost complete. *Coastal Bend farmers are wrapping up this year’s grain harvest. *There are several ways to control flies on cattle. *There’s a new leader at the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation.
Jul 17, 2023
*The Hessian Fly is getting worse in Texas wheat. *The Texas Beef Council’s Bar-B-Quest television show is a very successful way to promote Texas beef. *The Texas legislature passed an 18 billion package to reduce property taxes. *The sorghum checkoff is helping farmers to grow the crop on the Texas High Plains. *Bermuda grass pastures are now dealing with a new pest. *We are in the middle of fly season in Texas. *If you find a fawn that appears to be abandoned, there’s one thing you can do that might help save its life.
Jul 14, 2023
Recent rains have led to a dramatic recovery for some grazing lands in the Texas Panhandle. Some farmers in Williamson County in Central Texas could see much higher corn yields this year. Texas A&M AgriLife continues its research on some of the best ways to use dogs to protect sheep and goat herds. Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in two additional deer breeding facilities in Texas. Texas Farm Bureau scholarships to help bring veterinarians to rural areas.
Jul 13, 2023
*U.S. corn farmers are expected to produce a record crop this year. *The Texas corn and sorghum crops are looking great. *We could have a good year for row crops on the Texas High Plains, but farmers there do have challenges to address. *The Central Texas corn harvest is getting underway, while cotton and pastures need a good rain. *It’s a good idea to have a biosecurity plan to prevent animal disease outbreaks. *A new study reveals that some deer can carry the virus that causes Covid in humans.
Jul 12, 2023
*The Texas wheat harvest is just about done, but in the northern Texas Panhandle farmers are struggling to wrap up harvest. *The 75th annual Texas A&M rice field day is coming up Thursday in Beaumont. *The American Lamb Board is spending extra money promoting lamb to consumers. *There has been a large amount of rain received in the Texas High Plains recently, but irrigation is still a big factor there. *Wheat harvest is done on the Southern Plains of Texas, while row crops there are looking great. *The Speak Out for Agriculture Challenge polishes communications skills of High School students in Texas. *It’s critical that your equine veterinarian and farrier can work together to help your horse. *Wildlife, hunting and conservation enthusiasts will gather in San Antonio this week.
Jul 11, 2023
*The 95th annual Texas FFA convention kicks off this week in Dallas. *The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association is holding their annual meeting this week in Kerrville. *Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington is working closely with House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to fund a 2023 Farm Bill that strengthens the farm safety net. *The Texas High Plains have gone from one of the worst droughts in history to flooded fields in just one year. *The triple digit temperatures just keep coming across Texas. *Those super high Texas temperatures can also take a toll on turfgrass this summer. *Vaccines to protect pigs from the deadly African Swine Fever virus are being tested in Vietnam. *A group of stakeholders has been researching mountain lions in Texas.
Jul 10, 2023
*Wheat harvest is wrapping up with some surprising results. *The Texas Farm Service Agency is now accepting nominations of farmers and ranchers to serve on local committees. *44 Farms of Cameron, Texas received the Beef Improvement Federation’s Seedstock Producer of the Year award. *This has already been a challenging year for growing cotton on the Texas High Plains. *The latest technology for corn, sorghum and cotton was on display recently in Southeast Texas. *The 95th annual Texas FFA convention gets underway this week in Dallas. *The summer heat can have a big effect on cattle. *The Texas Youth Hunting Program is booking hunts for 2023 and 2024.
Jul 7, 2023
*The Texas corn, sorghum and rice crops look very good, but cotton is a different story. *The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is just a few weeks away. *Texas farmers and ranchers should apply for the Emergency Relief Program and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program by July 14th. *Researchers in the Texas High Plains are studying the use of manure based fertilizers alongside chemical fertilizers. *Livestock transportation issues have been a priority in Washington recently. *There is a new congressional effort to look into the farm labor crisis affecting U.S. agriculture. *Cattle, sheep and goats are susceptible to hoof scald and hoof rot with all of the rain we’ve had recently. *With a growing population, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is working to insure that both urban and rural Texans outdoor recreation needs are met.
Jul 6, 2023
*Two grain elevators collapsed in South Texas, killing one and injuring two others. *Texas farmers and ranchers now have more time to sign up for a program that will improve migratory waterfowl habitat. *No till farming is paying off for one Texas High Plains farmer. *We produce a lot of milk in the state of Texas. *The right to farm and ranch in Texas will be on the ballot this November. *Wheat harvest is about wrapped up on the Texas Rolling Plains. *Summer pneumonia can be a problem in calves. *It has been a good year for quail nesting at the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch.
Jul 5, 2023
*Farmers and ranchers need to protect themselves from the high Texas heat and sunshine. *Texas corn and sorghum acreage is up this year while cotton acreage is down. *The EPA is not giving up on its Waters of the U.S. rule, despite the recent Supreme Court ruling against it. *The huge rainfall over the Texas High Plains this spring has brought in a bumper crop of weeds. *The Texas Rolling Plains had a decent wheat crop this year. *Central Texas had some great spring weather, but as summer has set in temperatures are hot and it’s getting dry quickly. *Twelve horses have died in a recent 30-day period at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. *The Texas Private Lands Summit is coming up soon in San Antonio.
Jul 4, 2023
*USDA’s Planted Acreage report shows a big increase in U.S. corn acreage and a drop in cotton acres. *The first case of anthrax has shown up in Southwest Texas. *An animal health company is helping to provide scholarships for veterans’ families. *There has been a big jump in Texas sorghum acreage this year. *New technologies and seed varieties were on display at a recent field day in Southeast Texas. *Spring storms have caused a lot of disruption to Northeast Texas agriculture. *Arlington National Cemetery in Washington is suspending the use of horses in funeral processions. *There is good news in the fight to protect Texas lakes from invasive plants.
Jul 3, 2023
*A Texas wheat farmer is facing a unique harvesting challenge thanks to illegal immigration. *A small Texas meat processor is getting a grant to expand. *A coalition of trade associations is asking a Texas court to put an end to the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule. *The acreage report put out by USDA Friday provided quite a surprise on corn acreage. *June was a very active weather month, and we’re now into one of the hottest months of the year. *Milo harvest is underway in the Texas Coastal Bend. *The first case of vesicular stomatitis virus in Texas horses was confirmed recently. *Big cats may be helpful is controlling the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Jun 30, 2023
*The Texas wheat harvest has been challenging, but there is some good news to be found. *A Texas Tech Veterinary School professor has received a grant to study ways to improve immune responses in cattle. *The summer 4th of July cookout will cost slightly less this year, but still much higher than two years ago. *The two largest cities on the Texas High Plains are teaming up to win more jobs in food production. *The Texas Department of Agriculture is working to expand the Farm Fresh Initiative. *Bermuda grass can last in pastures for decades, but there are some cases where stands die out. *Vaccination is important in dairy calves. *USDA is investing 500 million dollars in wildlife conservation.
Jun 29, 2023
*The wheat market is experiencing a lot of volatility thanks to uncertainty in the Black Sea region. *The annual Southwest Dairy Day will be held in October in the Texas Panhandle. *Texas watermelons will be available for the 4th of July. *Cotton is facing challenges in the Texas High Plains this year. *USDA is examining animal raising claims used on labels. *The triple digit heat is having an effect on gardens and landscapes. *Multi species grazing can provide benefits for a ranch. *The statewide quail symposium is back.
Jun 28, 2023
*The Texas wheat harvest is now 75% done. *The Texas corn and milo crops are looking very good, but that’s not the case for cotton. *Weed pressure is intense this year, thanks to good spring rains. *This is a hard time for the Texas dairy industry, but new dairy plants opening on the Texas High Plains are helping the situation. *South Texas cotton and grain farmers have several priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. *The summer grilling season is now in full swing, and beef is once again in the spotlight. *Horses with insulin problems require diets low in carbohydrates. *Registration is underway for Wildlife 2023.
Jun 27, 2023
*Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report contained a surprise, with placements much higher than expected. *A South Texas university received a federal grant to help bring more Hispanic students into agricultural careers. *Dallas will turn blue and gold in two weeks as FFA students from across Texas attend the 95th annual Texas FFA Convention. *We have had an abundance of rain on the Texas High Plains recently, but more will be needed as the growing season progresses. *One year has made a huge difference for Texas farmers and ranchers. *There’s a new congressional effort to look into the farm labor crisis that is impacting U.S. agriculture. *As we enter the summer months, Anthrax can become a problem. *New federal duck stamps are on sale now.
Jun 26, 2023
*The Texas cotton crop is struggling with weather challenges. *USDA is asking Texas farmers to file their crop acreage reports soon. *One Texan was chosen for the National Cotton Council’s 2023 Emerging Leaders Program. *There’s a lot of milk produced in the Texas High Plains, and it would be nice if more kids were drinking it. *The United States Department of Transportation is trying to reduce the number of railroad crossings in rural America. *There is a lot of agricultural activity happening in North Central Texas. *The suspensory ligament is a common cause of lameness in horses. *Research is underway in far West Texas to see if reducing Aoudad numbers can help Big Horn sheep.
Jun 23, 2023
*The Texas wheat harvest is now 63% complete, but rain is still causing a lot of harvesting headaches. *Triple digit temperatures are causing major heat stress on livestock. *There are four openings for Texas beef producers on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. *The Texas High Plains should be seeing some dryer weather soon. *There are two corn diseases that Southeast Texas farmers need to watch for. *A new law passed by the Texas legislature will provide improved liability protections for Texas landowners and lessees. *A beef cow at a slaughter plant in South Carolina tested positive for an atypical case of BSE. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been studying how Aoudad or Barbary sheep can impact our native Big Horn sheep.
Jun 22, 2023
*Harvest is underway on a great corn and sorghum crop in Central and South Texas. *Texas high school students have a few more days to nominate their agriculture teacher for the Texas Ag Teacher of the Year award. *The first bale of cotton in the United States has been harvested in the Rio Grande Valley. *Severe weather has caused tragedy in another small town on the Texas High Plains. *There are four openings on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for Texas beef producers. *It is hot in East Texas. *A recent study out of Japan indicates that older mares are less fertile, but not always because of their age. *Research shows that Aoudad in far West Texas can carry bacteria that can threaten Desert Bighorn sheep.
Jun 21, 2023
*Cotton insurance deadlines have passed, so what will farmers plant now? *Over 1,500 high school 4-H members attended the annual Texas 4-H Roundup in College Station. *New water legislation will help find alternative sources of water in Texas. *Cattle feeders on the Texas High Plains are experiencing are enjoying a level of profitability they haven’t seen in almost a decade. *We’ve had a wet spring in most of Texas, but not everywhere. *Central Texas farmers have had favorable weather so far this year. *Label changes have occurred on growth implants used in cattle. *A fishing trip could land you a brand-new truck, boat and trailer, or a college scholarship.
Jun 20, 2023
*An Oklahoma congressman is pushing back on the recent regulation requiring a prescription for all animal antibiotics. *Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett sends a warning to the Biden administration on a Taiwan trade deal. *There are a lot of people in need following the devastating tornado that hit the northeast Panhandle town of Perryton last week. *The heat is on all across Texas, with triple digit temperatures bearing down on our state. *New Right to Farm protections passed by the Texas legislature will benefit Texas agriculture. *Heart issues can cause a decrease in the performance level of a horse. *Texas hunters can enter to win one of 10 premium hunting experiences.
Jun 19, 2023
*Texas corn growers are happy to see the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office challenge the Mexican biotech corn ban. *The cotton market may stay in its current trading range for the rest of the growing season. *A Texas congressman wants to see the 2023 Farm Bill address predation of sheep and goats. *The Texas Panhandle town of Perryton is picking up the pieces after a devastating tornado hit the town last week. *It’s a tough time for Texas pork producers. *Extreme South Texas is still seeing some spring storms. *If you have a horse that is not performing as well as you would expect, there could be several things causing the problem. *We tend to see more turtles on the road at this time of year.
Jun 16, 2023
The bottom fell out of the clouds last month, as the Texas High Plains saw the second wettest May on record. The Texas legislature has approved 1.5 billion for rural broadband across the state. Texas High Plains cattle producers are seeing dramatic improvement in grazing lands, thanks to the recent rains. It has been a great year so far for grain sorghum in South Texas. The Texas AgrAbility Project serves farmers and ranchers with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and functional limitations. The Texas Animal Health Commission recently adopted some rules that went into effect last month. Ticks are out and about across Texas during these hot months of summer.
Jun 15, 2023
*The Texas wheat harvest is challenging, with rain showers causing constant delays. *The Texas Panhandle is slowly drying out as farmers are finally getting back into the fields following a massive amount of rainfall in a short period. *The last thing Texas Panhandle farmers need is hail, but that's what many of them are getting. *An animal traceability system is a big priority for the cattle industry. *Coastal Bend farmers have gotten a lot of rain so far this year, but things are drying out a bit now. *There are advantages to having a short calving season. *Research to study barbary sheep in West Texas is underway, but there are a few things we already know about the exotic species.
Jun 14, 2023
*This is a great year for the Texas corn crop, with 77% of the crop rated good to excellent. *The El Nino weather pattern is bringing rain to Texas, but it may take a while to completely break the West Texas drought. *The Texas Pecan Growers Association’s annual conference and trade show is coming up next month in Denton. *Many Texas Panhandle hog farms are starting to convert their facilities to meet California’s proposition 12 requirements. *There are a lot of things to consider when buying Texas land for hunting. *There are some non-traditional products on the market that claim to improve forage production at a lower cost than traditional fertilizers. *Equine rehabilitation is becoming more common. *How many aoudad is too many?
Jun 13, 2023
*Cotton ground is going to other crops now that insurance deadlines have passed. *A one-in-a-million albino calf has been born in East Texas. *Registration is now open for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s annual convention. *Corn farmers in the Texas Panhandle are trying to make some progress on planting. *Hunting property is in high demand across Texas. *June is considered a fertilizing month for Texas gardens and landscapes. *There are some new bottle calf feeding nipples on the market. *The number of aoudad sheep in far West Texas is growing.
Jun 12, 2023
*Over the counter animal antibiotics are no longer available. *The corn crop is looking great in Central Texas. *The Texas Cattle Feeders Association estimates 4,000 cattle are dead due to recent flooding in the Hereford area. *The Texas High Plains corn crop is very important for both the farmers who grow it and the livestock producers who buy it. *2023 is turning out to be a good year for pork exports, while beef exports are down. *There’s some good news about the Texas bee population. *Lots of performance horses receive joint injections for joint disease, but these injections may cause laminitis in some horses. *Help is on the way for Texas landowners who may be struggling to manage the fish in their ponds.
Jun 9, 2023
*Texas cotton planting is running behind this year. *Some cotton acreage will be planted in grain and forage crops due to insurance deadlines. *Texas Senator John Cornyn has introduced the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act. *The weather outlook is promising as Texas High Plains feedyards continue to work their way through the effects of recent heavy rains. *Wheat export programs in the Farm Bill are very important to the wheat industry. *Wheat harvest and spring planting are moving forward in the Texas Rolling Plains. *Most cattle producers castrate their bull calves, but some do not. *Oklahoma has just confirmed their very first case of CWD in a wild deer.
Jun 8, 2023
All segments of the cattle market have set new record highs this week. A lot of Texas High Plains farmers are exploring prevented planting. Recent rains have brought on a lot weeds this spring. 2023 is turning into a great year for agriculture in East Texas. Injecting steroids into horses joints is very common for arthritis. Time is running out for Texas landowners to sign up for a program designed to improve migratory bird habitat.
Jun 7, 2023
*Wheat harvest is nearly one third complete in Texas. *Registration is now open for the Texas Sheep and Goat Expo and field day. *A former Loredo USDA animal inspector is sentenced to five years in prison for accepting bribes from Mexican cattle brokers. *Grazing lands are coming back strong due to recent rains on the Texas High Plains. *A Texas congressman gives his input on the 2023 Farm Bill debate. *Scattered rain showers continue over extreme South Texas. *It is time for check for ergot in the seed heads of grasses. *Time is running out to enroll in the Texas Managed Lands Deer Program.
Jun 6, 2023
*The United States is stepping up the pressure on the Mexican biotech corn ban. *The 13th annual Central Texas Stocker Program is coming up soon. *A Texas senator is teaming up with a Midwest Senator to take on the EPA. *Texas High Plains cotton growers are challenged with the lack of cover to plant into. *Heavy rains continue to disrupt the crop situation on the Texas High Plains. *Texas cotton farmers have some new technology to help fight insects. *Coastal Bend farmers have a very good crop in the making. *There are several ways to treat Moon Blindness in horses. *Texas deer hunters will need to be mindful of several new Chronic Wasting Disease zones when deer season starts in the fall.
Jun 5, 2023
*Texas has a new law on the books to address confusion in the labeling of meat. *There is more upside potential in the cotton market. *The wool industry is still dealing with the effects of Covid 19. *First it was drought. Now it’s flooding as the rain keeps falling on the Texas High Plains. *May brought a lot of rainfall to just about every corner of Texas. So what does the month of June have in store for us? *Moon blindness is reported to affect up to 10 percent of horses. *A few of the state’s chronic wasting disease zones will become smaller in the coming months.
Jun 2, 2023
*Wheat harvest is moving forward, but there’s much less wheat to harvest this year. *It’s estimated that about 70 percent of the Texas wheat crop has been abandoned. *The cattle industry is taking issue with a bill introduced in Congress that targets the checkoff. *Making money could be a little more difficult this year for Texas High Plains farmers. *The 88th session of the Texas legislature was a good one for Texas agriculture. *A group of forage professionals recently toured Texas and Oklahoma. *Many cattle producers tend to focus on their herd bulls when trying to improve the genetics of their herd. *Texas is known as the home to any critter that can sting or bite. The tick is one of those critters.
Jun 1, 2023
*Cotton planting is a bit behind thanks to the big rains in the Panhandle and Southern Plains, but cotton is South Texas is looking great. *Heavy rains and hail are finishing off what's left of the Texas Panhandle wheat crop. *Feedlots in the Hereford area are dealing with flooding from the recent massive rains. *Timely rains over the Central Texas Blacklands have been a big help for row crops, pastures and stock tanks there. *Weaning is very stressful for foals. *More than 500 whooping cranes called the Texas coast home this winter.
May 31, 2023
*It was a great legislative session for Texas agriculture, especially for efforts to strengthen Right to Farm laws. *Farmers on the Texas High Plains have finally received the rains they’ve been waiting for, but they could use a break in the rainfall to finish planting. *A shortage of ag labor continues to be a huge issue. *There are some new plants available to Texas gardeners. *A new genetic defect has been found in Holstein calves. *A new case of Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in Texas.
May 30, 2023
*Cotton exports are up while domestic stocks are down. Both of those are positive for the cotton market. *Wheat farmers continue to benefit from the efforts of Texas A&M AgriLife wheat breeders. *Rising interest rates are having a big effect on farmers and ranchers bottom line. *With the month of May wrapping up, Texas agriculture is moving full speed ahead. *Some horses do not do well when confined in a stall, but there are medications that can help. *The digital tagging programming in Texas is expanding.
May 29, 2023
*West Texas sheep producers are enjoying recent rains. *The United States Supreme Court ruled that private property rights take precedent over the EPA’s Waters of the US rule. *The northern Texas Panhandle has gotten a lot of rain recently, but it probably won’t change the outlook for cotton there. *The end of the school year brings on the FFA banquets across East Texas. *Early weaning of lambs is controversial, but it can have some benefits. *Ticks are out all over Texas at this time of year.
May 26, 2023
Recent rains have helped South Texas crops progress. A pair of landowner bills have passed through the Texas Legislature. What’s the future for the cattle contracts library? The dry gap in Central Texas finally received some rain. It is important to have a working relationship with your veterinarian. There are new opportunities for landowners interested in improving habitat for migratory birds.
May 25, 2023
Grain marketing specialist Dr. Mark Welch discusses what’s impacting the price of corn. One of the negotiators who helped iron out the North American Free Trade Agreement looks back on the deal. Recent rains may mean more dryland sorghum on the Texas High Plains. Weed control is an important aspect of forage management. Low stress cattle handling can lead to improved herd health.
May 24, 2023
Record fed cattle prices have set the stage for more high prices to come. Recent rains have been beneficial for both farmers and ranchers on the High Plains of Texas. The majority of agricultural machinery sold in the United States is now covered by memoranda of understanding allowing for farmers the right to repair their equipment. Storms have brought a series of high winds, heavy rains and even a tornado to extreme south Texas. There are always new therapies coming along in equine medicine, but evaluating the evidence for a theory may be lacking.
May 23, 2023
Corn and grain sorghum are progressing on the South Plains as cotton planting continues. Recent rains have been a godsend for the Panhandle and South Plains. A program that allows farmers to tests seed before they hit the market is entering its 16th season. Spring storms are beneficial, but high winds and hail that sometimes accompany them can cause trauma to crops and plants. A false claim on social media says livestock owners must vaccinate their cattle with mRNA vaccines. The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Texas’ annual STAR Fishing Tournament kicks-off Saturday along the coast.
May 22, 2023
U.S. farmers are expected to plant more than 11 million acres of cotton this year. Is the cattle contracts library working for cattle producers? The U.S. House Budget and Agriculture committees will work together to forge a new farm bill. Rains across the Coastal Bend have improved crop prospects. It is critical for horse owners to work with their veterinarian to determine what is normal for their horse. A project designed to help restore the playa lakes in the Texas Panhandle and High Plains has been chosen for more than $1 million in funding.
May 19, 2023
*Southern Plains farmers are happy to get more rain, while farmers in the Coastal Bend have had all the rain they can take. *Former Congressman Charlie Stenholm died at age 84. *The process of filing crop insurance claims on wheat is underway on the Texas High Plains. *Bills are making their way through the Texas legislature and onto the governor’s desk. *Cotton planting is underway on the Southern Plains of Texas. *USDA has a livestock indemnity program that could be helpful for livestock producers. *Time is running out for Texans to weigh in on proposed changes to Chronic Wasting Disease rules.
May 18, 2023
*We are getting an in the field assessment of the wheat crop with the Kansas Wheat Quality Tour this week. *Texas will be well represented at the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship. *A new organization dedicated to advancing food production in the Texas Panhandle is officially opening to the public. *Fertilizer prices have come down recently, and that’s good news as we wrap up spring planting. *Seeds of optimism are being planted with this year’s Texas cotton crop. *Most lameness in horses is due to issues with the feet, but some lameness can originate from the hip and pelvis area. *A pair of US lawmakers from Texas are working to extend a pilot program that helps Texas landowners control feral hogs.
May 17, 2023
*Another week of declining wheat conditions. *Wheat harvest is underway in South and Central Texas. *Grain markets are feeling the pressure as the latest predictions call for huge corn and soybean crops this year. *We’re experiencing a rare moment in time where every segment of the beef industry can be profitable. *The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from the Department of Agriculture projects a record corn crop along with increased soybean production. *There are some changes taking place on June 11th of this year regarding animal antibiotics and growth implants. *There are more than a dozen species of venomous snakes in Texas.
May 16, 2023
*Texas cotton farmers can now enroll in the Cotton Trust Protocol. *A Texas livestock producer is feeding a sugarcane waste product to his cattle. *Fed cattle prices are high right now, and that means things are going well for Texas High Plains feedyards. *The head of agricultural research for Texas A&M AgriLife would like to see several subjects addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill. *Technicians are needed to produce the heavy equipment that powers modern agriculture. *The use of probiotics in horses is being questioned. *Snakes play an important role in our ecosystem.
May 15, 2023
*The Supreme Court rules against pork producers. *There will be no more over the counter purchases of livestock antibiotics after June 11th. *Bringing new innovation to agriculture and food production in the Texas Panhandle is the focus of a new organization that will become open to the public this week. *Improving agricultural research infrastructure should be addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill. *Glyphosate is a very important product for farmers, but it continues to be under attack. *Low stress cattle handling techniques are recommended by Beef Quality Assurance programs. *Texas boaters are reminded to clean, drain and dry their boats to prevent the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels.
May 12, 2023
*For many Texas farmers and ranchers this spring is a complete turnaround from last year. *Hessian Fly is a problem in many Texas wheat fields this year. *Having more knowledge about your cattle can translate into more money for you. *Landowner liability and compensation bills are making their way through the Texas legislature. *What is national food security worth, in terms of an expense for the federal government? *Donkeys are usually healthy animals, but they can develop certain equine diseases. *Red Snapper season in federal waters opens soon.
May 11, 2023
*Texas cotton planting is right on schedule. *The nation’s largest wool testing lab is located right here in Texas. *Genetics is an important consideration if you want to produce high quality beef. *The South Texas cotton crop has faced some challenges this year with rain and cool temperatures. *Cotton planters are finally rolling on the Texas Southern Plains. *Downer cows are always a serious problem, and very few of them ever get up. *For years the Texas Dove Hunters association have banded and captured invasive Eurasian collared doves.
May 10, 2023
Recent rains are too little, too late for the Texas wheat crop. Beef exports are not a high priority for the current administration in Washington. It’s not going to be a great year for winter wheat on the Texas High Plains. Farmers and ranchers across the nation are waiting on a Supreme Court decision on the Waters of the U.S. rule. East Texas is seeing its share of weather changes. Obesity in horses can lead to problems like equine metabolic syndrome and laminitis. A field study on invasive doves in Texas has shown some interesting results.
May 9, 2023
*A Texas cattle scheme leaves three dead and creditors holding debt. *Texas cotton growers join the FiberMax One Ton Club. *We may be looking at a season of change on the Texas High Plains as spring planting gets underway. *The beef checkoff is selling more U.S. beef around the world. *Bermuda grass decline happens when stands thin or die out altogether. *Mineral supplementation is usually needed in a beef cow herd. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is investigating a new case of Chronic Wasting Disease.
May 8, 2023
*Rain and warm weather across Texas may bring on the weeds. *Texas leads the nation in organic peanut production. *NCBA is seeking more funding for the foot and mouth disease vaccine bank. *The Senate Agriculture committee is working hard on the 2023 Farm Bill. *Prewatering fields for spring planting can be helpful in areas still dealing with drought. *Central Texas was hit with some big hailstorms. *Spring forage can usually supply the energy and protein requirements for beef cattle. *Early bird registration is underway for the 2023 banded bird challenge.
May 5, 2023
*Texas voters will decide the fate of a Right to Farm constitutional amendment. *Wheat farmers may want to consider cutting their crop for hay this year. *A listening session will be held in Texas on the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program. *Farmers in the Dumas area have been contracted to grow hemp this year. *Extreme South Texas has been hit with massive storms. *Hardware disease is an issue with cattle. *Texas teens have a few more days to apply for the Wildlife Conservation Camp.
May 4, 2023
*Texas farmers spoke to lawmakers this week in Washington, giving their views on proposed improvements to the 2023 Farm Bill. *A freshman Texas congressman weighs in on issues important to agriculture. *The effort to bring a hemp processing plant to the Texas panhandle is continuing. *Coastal bend farmers and ranchers are looking forward to a great growing season. *Horses can develop allergies just like humans. *Texas waters are warming up, and that means more anglers may try their hand at catching an alligator gar.
May 3, 2023
*Right to Farm legislation is making progress at the State Capitol. *Another state gets relief from the Waters of the U.S. rule. *Texas A&M AgriLife is planning a youth sheep and goat tour next month. *The cotton industry in Texas is still feeling the effects of last year’s crop failures. *Spring planting is moving forward across Texas. *Non-dairy products should not be labeled as milk. *Determining if sheep or goats are sick requires that you know what normal looks like. *It’s sea turtle nesting season on the Texas coast.
May 2, 2023
*A Texas cotton grower addresses Congress. *Texas A&M researchers are working to develop a type of cotton seed that is edible by humans. *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers visited with their elected officials in Washington D.C. recently. *A Texas High Plains rancher has come up with a new way to deal with some pesky trees. *Gardening is in full swing in Texas. *Livestock guard dogs are very important for sheep and goat producers in Texas. *Enrollment is now open for the Managed Lands Deer Program’s “Do it Yourself” option.
May 1, 2023
*There is a big push in the state legislature to strengthen Texas Right to Farm laws. *Applications are begin taken for the Texas Family Land Heritage Program. *Cattle numbers are decreasing but the beef production forecast is going up. *The Producer Owned Beef plant project in Amarillo is moving forward. *A new month, a new weather forecast. *Balloon releases are costing Texas livestock their lives. *A common bacteria that causes sickness in cattle has a new name. *Texas lakes have produced some monster largemouth bass so far this year.
Apr 28, 2023
A better year is ahead for Texas hay production. Over half the states in America have made moves to restrict foreign ownership of land in their state. Legislation has passed in the state legislature that would require electric vehicle owners to pay a fee. The state of the beef packing business was a big topic at the recent Hemphill County Beef Conference. The industrial hemp processing plant near Wichita Falls will start operation later this year. A supplement was recently tested to see if it would lower the insulin level in horses to help prevent laminitis.
Apr 27, 2023
Texas feedlot inventories drop while placements climb. There have been two sides of Texas this year when it comes to rainfall. The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee visited with Texas farmers and ranchers recently in Washington D.C. Farmers in the Texas High Plains are transitioning from one crop season to the next. How do you create more meat packing capacity at local and regional levels? Detecting pneumonia in young calves can be difficult. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has outlined proposed criteria for when a Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance zone may be lifted.
Apr 26, 2023
*Many areas of Texas are getting welcome rain this week. *A new bill in Congress would monitor the Fever Tick Eradication Program. *Texas wheat conditions continue to get worse. *This week’s rain was a blessing to farmers and ranchers on the Texas High Plains. *International trade is very important for Texas agriculture. *Springtime is bringing a lot of activity for farmers and ranchers in East Texas. *Stomach ulcers in horses are common. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering changes to it’s Chronic Wasting Disease rules.
Apr 25, 2023
*The latest Cattle on Feed report shows less cattle in feedlots. *The American Lamb Board released another video. *We are still waiting to see if more money will be available for the 2023 Farm Bill. *Senator Ted Cruz met with a group of Texas farmers and ranchers last week in Washington. *What do this week’s rains mean for the weeks ahead for farmers and ranchers on the Texas High Plains? *The White House’s veto of a congressional resolution on the Waters of the U.S. rule was a disappointment for farmers and ranchers. *Lots of calves have been born this spring across Texas, and they all face a common challenge. *Texas High School students have just a few days left to apply for this year’s wildlife conservation camp.
Apr 24, 2023
*The Oklahoma and Kansas wheat crops are just as bad as ours. *Farm groups are urging the Securities and Exchange Commission to drop their proposed rule on reporting farm emissions. *When it comes to making money in the cattle business, it’s important to have high grading cattle. *Texas cotton producers in the Southern Plains are optimistic about the new growing season. *With springtime here, it may be time to reestablish pastures or hay meadows. *Pain in a horse's neck is not uncommon, but the cause can be hard to diagnose. *An upcoming webinar will address the growing wild hog problem in Texas.
Apr 21, 2023
*The Texas dairy industry continues to grow. *WOTUS veto override fails. *We are expecting to see more acres going to sorghum on the Texas High Plains this year. *A Dallas congresswoman who is a member of the House Agriculture Committee discusses her outlook for the 2023 Farm Bill. *The Texas Coastal Bend has received the best rainfall in more than six months. *Many young calves may need supplementation with electrolytes. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety are urging Texans to ensure their guns are safely stored when not in use.
Apr 20, 2023
*Cotton planting is wrapping up in South Texas, but the crop is a few weeks behind in the Coastal Bend. *U.S. Transportation Secretary addresses the AM radio issue. *Farmers on the Texas High Plains are still waiting for rain as spring planting time has arrived. *South Texas farmer and rancher Russell Boening testified before Congress this week. *Extreme South Texas is getting scattered showers and row crops are looking good as a result. *Equine asthma is a common disease in horses. *The 8th annual City Nature Challenge is coming up.
Apr 19, 2023
*Renewable energy projects may face more oversight and regulation in the future. *Winter wheat conditions are poor across the country. *JBS pays $25 million in a price fixing lawsuit. *Tighter beef supplies can create challenges. *Rural land sales in Texas are still fetching premium prices. *Liver flukes are common in cattle across many areas of Texas. *East Texas turkey season begins in just a few days.
Apr 18, 2023
*The massive explosion at a Texas Panhandle dairy last week has been ruled an accident. *Energy prices are increasing again. *The Hemphill County Beef Conference is next week in Canadian. *Texas cattle feeders are getting some record prices right now for fed cattle, but staying in the black continues to be a big challenge. *Central Texas is still experiencing water deficits. *There are several ways to suppress estrous in mares. *Texans are being asked to turn their lights off at night to protect migrating birds.
Apr 17, 2023
*Severe drought continues in some parts of Texas. *The deadline is fast approaching for public comment on USDAs proposed new regulations for animal disease traceability. *New markets are emerging for US grains. *Now that Easter has passed, it’s time to plant home gardens in Texas. *Some mares can be difficult to train at a certain time of the reproductive cycle. *Registering early for the Texas Banded Bird challenge can win you some great prizes.
Apr 14, 2023
There is still time to turn in your Census of Agriculture forms. Right to Farm Legislation is halfway through the legislative process. Farmers planning to plant sorghum on the Texas High Plains can afford to be patient. The Texas Rolling Plains has a pretty good wheat crop right now, but the challenge will be finishing it out. Parasites in beef cattle costs the industry more than three billion dollars annually. A new land trends survey reveals Texans thoughts on wildlife.
Apr 13, 2023
*A judge in North Dakota issued a preliminary injunction preventing the new Waters of the U.S. rule from being enforced in 24 states. *Cotton planting is Texas is right on schedule, but other states are getting a slow start. *Watch soil temperatures closely before planting spring crops. *Weather conditions in the Texas Panhandle have been exceptionally dry and windy. Severe weather season is here. *State legislators are considering new regulations on wind and solar projects in Texas. *Performance horses can develop heat related issues. *Two new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease have been confirmed in Texas.
Apr 12, 2023
*Right to Farm protections are moving forward in the Texas legislature. *Corn planting is right on schedule in Texas. *Springtime in Texas usually brings severe weather. *Rainfall has been spotty around Central Texas. *Most agricultural producers in the Texas High Plains are involved in raising crops or cattle, but there are exceptions. *What should you do if you get bitten by a snake? *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is gearing up for its annual catfish stocking in neighborhood fishing lakes.
Apr 11, 2023
*More money is needed to strengthen Farm Bill safety net programs. *Vehicle manufacturers are leaving AM radios out of new model cars and trucks. *Texas cattle feeders are concerned about the Albertsons-Kroger grocery chain merger. *An explosion at a Texas panhandle dairy Monday evening remains under investigation. *The year is winding down for the Texas FFA State Officer team. *Extreme South Texas had its first good rain of 2023. *Bloat can be a problem in grazing calves this time of year. *There are 70 to 80 species of snakes in Texas.
Apr 10, 2023
*Texas is weighing in again on the listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken as threatened or endangered. *The Texas Soybean Board is looking for nominees for a position on the United Soybean Board. *The American Lamb Board has released a video highlighting the sustainability of the sheep and lamb industry. The video features a Texas sheep producer. *A delegation of Texas farmers and ranchers is headed to Washington D.C. next week to meet with lawmakers. *The West Texas winds have been relentless this year. *East Texas continues to deal with some tough spring weather. *Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been found in a skunk here in Texas. *Springtime is here and snakes are coming out all over the state.
Apr 7, 2023
*The cattle cycle is alive and well with cattle prices hitting record levels. *Planter performance in the spring will have a big effect on the fall harvest. *Texas High Plains farmers are having a hard time deciding what to plant. *A bill affecting the state’s water supply is making its way through the Texas legislature. *Coastal Bend cotton farmers are having to make some difficult planting decisions. *Infectious respiratory disease can occur in horses, but non infectious respiratory disease has a more serious effect on a performance horse's career. *The opportunity to digitally tag deer, turkey and red drum could be offered to more Texas hunters and anglers in the next year.
Apr 6, 2023
*The 2023 cotton crop is going in the ground. *Disease pressure has been light this year in Texas wheat fields, but insects have been an issue in some spots. *Brutal winds on the Texas High Plains are making drought conditions worse. *The Texas citrus industry is making its concerns known in the ongoing Farm Bill debate. *Soil pH is critical for forage production. *Pinkeye is a major cause of disease and lost revenue in cattle. *For more than half a year, Texas hunters and anglers have been able to digitally tag their deer, turkey and red drum harvest.
Apr 5, 2023
*The Texas pork industry is growing. *We'll check out the Texas acreage estimates in Friday's Prospective Plantings Report. *The annual Hemphill County Beef Conference in Canadian is coming up soon. *Plains Cotton Growers held their annual meeting last week in Lubbock. *Texas farmers have had several opportunities over the past couple of months to make their voices heard. *Lameness of the legs can lead to back problems in horses. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a minor correction that will affect Sandhill Crane hunters.
Apr 4, 2023
U.S. cotton acreage is expected to drop this year while wheat acreage is expected to go up. We’ll get a Texas wheat crop update from John Fenderson of Westbred Wheat. Cattle numbers have come down substantially in the last couple of years. Cotton farmers gathered in Lubbock last week to hear the latest in the cotton industry. This is a good time of year to fertilize Texas gardens and landscapes. Congestive heart failure in cattle in increasing. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is recognizing landowners who have made efforts to conserve land, water and wildlife.
Apr 3, 2023
*Texas farmers would like to see improvements to the Conservation Reserve Program. *A nationwide cattle traceability program is moving forward. *The northern Texas Panhandle is one of the driest parts of the state right now. *What does the weather forecast hold for April? *The Farm Bill is about more than protecting farmers. It’s an issue of national food security. *Cushing's disease is a fairly common syndrome in older horses. *Anglers in a handful of Texas counties will see changes to freshwater fishing regulations starting this fall.
Mar 31, 2023
Corn planting is half done in Texas, but Northeast Texas farmers are struggling to get seed in the ground. The Texas dairy industry continues to grow. Watching every expense will be vital to growing a successful crop this year. Truth in labeling legislation is making its way through the Texas Legislature. We’ll go to Lubbock for a wheat crop and spring planting update. The market for CBD products for animals is booming. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved changes to largemouth bass regulations for several lakes.
Mar 30, 2023
*It's too wet to plant in Northeast Texas. *Horn flies are now arriving in cattle pastures. *Texas rice farmers have some financial assistance coming soon. *The weather and livestock shows are the big topics of discussion right now in East Texas. *We are just beginning the breeding season for spring calving beef cows. *Turkey season opens for additional Texas counties in a few days.
Mar 29, 2023
*There is no change in the condition of the Texas wheat crop, with half the crop looking good and half looking bad. *Dry weather and high winds have put an end to much of the wheat on the Texas High Plains. *Springtime livestock grazing conditions are looking much better in the eastern half of the state. *Extreme South Texas is cool but dry. *Physical exercise and training are vital to developing a horse for future training. *If you fish in city, county or state parks, you’ll see some regulation changes this fall.
Mar 28, 2023
*Work continues at the State Capitol to protect the right to farm in Texas. *Brazil is a growing competitor for the U.S. cotton industry. *Higher interest rates are adding more costs to grow crops and livestock. *We'll check on cotton planting intentions in the Texas Concho Valley. *The recent cold snap has grain farmers nervous in the Central Texas Blacklands. *Newborn calves sometimes have a hard time breathing. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a few changes to saltwater fishing regulations.
Mar 27, 2023
*Input costs and supply chain problems continue for Texas farmers and ranchers. *Payment limits for farmers could hurt family farms in Texas. *Planting time is coming soon on the Texas High Plains, but farmers there may be having a tough time trying to decide what to plant. *Beef research and global beef demand was one of many topics discussed at the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers convention in Ft. Worth over the weekend. *Recent rains across the Texas Coastal Bend have brought much needed moisture for spring planting. *All new foals should receive good quality colostrum. *A highly contagious bird disease has been found in a skunk in Texas.
Mar 24, 2023
*There's a lot of optimism in the cattle market this year. *The West Texas drought is causing a lot of uncertainty for spring planting. *Efforts to protect Texas farmers and ranchers from urban encroachment are making their way through the Texas legislature. *Pest control will always be a big issue for Texas High Plains farmers every summer. *The American Farm Bureau Federation signed another agreement with an agricultural manufacturer on right to repair. *Horses are susceptible to the Covid 19 virus, but most of them do not get sick. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has confirmed eight new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in four Texas counties.
Mar 23, 2023
*Texas lawmakers debated a constitutional amendment Wednesday that would protect the right to farm. *The latest crop ratings show a slight increase in Texas wheat crop conditions. *There’s some good news and some bad news when it comes to the cost of growing a crop. *Members of congress were in Texas last week to hear input on the 2023 Farm Bill. *Feeding alfalfa has been shown to decrease gastric ulcers in horses. *A highly contagious rabbit disease continues to spread in Texas.
Mar 22, 2023
*A lot of money is needed to accomplish the goal of strengthening the farm safety net in the 2023 Farm Bill. *The Texas dairy industry is watching a couple of bills in the Texas legislature. *Moisture concerns are making an impact on spring planting on the Texas High Plains. *The ongoing West Texas drought is having a big effect on the wheat crop there. *Last year’s drought had a big impact on Texas forage production. *Copper toxicity can occur in preweaned calves. *Enrollment in the Managed Lands Deer Program’s conservation option begins in a few days.
Mar 21, 2023
*A Texas judge halted the implementation of the new Waters of the U.S. rule in Texas and Idaho. *Protecting the right to farm is being debated in the Texas legislature. *This is National Ag Week across the nation. *Cotton farmers are expected to plant fewer acres this year. *The Farm Bill debate continues. *Horses are sometimes diagnosed with heart murmurs. *Signup will soon begin for a program that encourages wildlife and habitat conservation.
Mar 20, 2023
*There are less cattle in feedlots both in the U.S. and here in Texas. *Texas largest cattle event is happening this weekend in Ft. Worth. *Farm groups from across Texas gave their input on the 2023 Farm Bill last week in Waco. *The expansion of the FiberMax Center for Discovery in Lubbock is expected to get underway this year. *Spring is here and Texas turf grass will start greening up soon. *The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking public input for its 2024 land and water plan.
Mar 17, 2023
*The U.S. House Agriculture Committee took a tour of Texas agriculture. *Right to Farm legislation is moving forward in the State Legislature. *Scouting fields to look for various pests is an important task for the success of any crop. *It’s time to nominate your special farm dog for national recognition. *Cleaning your horse barn and riding equipment will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. *The kickoff for spring turkey season in the south zone is just around the corner.
Mar 16, 2023
*The House Agriculture Committee held a Farm Bill listening session in Waco on Wednesday. *The city of Amarillo continues its efforts to bring more food companies to the city. *The deadline is approaching for Texas cotton farmers to enroll their 2022 crop in the US Cotton Trust protocol. *Weather is the big topic of discussion in East Texas. *Highly pathogenic avian influenza is commonly called bird flu. *Registration is underway for a program designed to help small acreage land owners.
Mar 15, 2023
*The Texas wheat crop ratings continue to look bad with half the crop rated poor to very poor. *Drought isn't the only thing causing problems for Texas wheat growers. It's been too wet in some areas. *Higher feeder cattle prices are creating headaches for Texas cattle feeders. *Corn farmers are making big gains on the sustainability front. *The U.S. is stepping up efforts to deal with the Mexican ban on biotech corn. *Foaling season is underway in Texas, and foal rejection could be an issue from time to time. *Texas birders have a unique opportunity to see several bird species.
Mar 14, 2023
*Several young Texans attended the Commodity Classic in Orlando last week. *Tight supplies of feeder cattle are putting a pinch on feedlots on the Texas High Plains. *Fertilizer costs have exploded, so it worth the money to fertilize hay meadows? *A Lubbock area farmer gives us an update on conditions in his area. *Hypothermia is common in calves born during the winter. *Registration is now open for an event that allows birders access to some private lands in South Texas.
Mar 13, 2023
*The Farm Bill was a hot topic of discussion at last week's Commodity Classic in Orlando. *One ag policy expert doesn't think there's enough time to get a Farm Bill done. *A big change is coming for those in the cattle business. *Concho Valley cotton farmers are optimistic about the upcoming cotton season. *The 2023 crop season looks favorable for farmers and ranchers in Central Texas. *The first case of equine herpes virus this year has popped up in Hood County. *A new study gives us additional details on the amount of damages that feral hogs cause each year.
Mar 10, 2023
The U.S. Trade Representative is finally taking action to hold Mexico accountable for their biotech corn ban under the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement. A landowner liability bill went before the House Judiciary and Civil Juris Prudence Committee in the Texas State Legislature. There is a big advantage for those who want to plant sunflowers on the Texas High Plains. Extreme South Texas is preparing for a hot dry spring. CBD use is becoming more common in animals than people. Texas teens have an opportunity to learn about ranching, bob white quail, bass fishing, waterfowl and white-tailed deer this summer.
Mar 9, 2023
Wheat conditions are bad all across the Great Plains thanks to drought. Challenges with water have many Texas High Plains farmers looking for alternative crops that use less water. The sorghum checkoff program continues to provide sorghum growers with tools to communicate with consumers about their product. As the temperatures get warmer, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming hay season. Spring calving cows are calving in much of Texas. Texas anglers still have time to help the state grow bigger and better bass.
Mar 8, 2023
Texas farmers are looking forward to planting cotton, despite the awful year they had last year. Texas cattle feeders are working on a cattle traceability program. Winter wheat may influence spring planting on the Texas High Plains. Neutral weather conditions are expected to begin for our area of the country in the next couple of months. Spring is around the corner and Texas gardeners are getting ready for the warmer weather. After 50 years, a Texas state park has closed.
Mar 7, 2023
Next week, the House Ag Committee will hold a farm bill listening session in Waco. U.S. sheep numbers have hit a record low. Is an end to La Niña on the horizon? Congress is taking aim at a bad SEC proposal that impacts farmers and ranchers. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 6, 2023
More big winds moved through Texas last week. The Texas AgriStress Helpline is saving lives. A new organization in Amarillo is trying to elevate the city’s position as a global food leader. Seed and crop protection companies are spending billions of dollars to bring farmers the latest technology and traits. Spring is bringing a lot of activity to Texas agriculture. A study looks at feeding flax to female sheep prior to breeding. Nature lovers can now sign up for the largest bird watching tournament in the US.
Mar 3, 2023
*There will be no irrigation water available from the Colorado River for Texas rice farmers this year. *Texas High Plains farmers are rethinking their planting intentions due to the drought. *A switch from grain production to forage production is a trend that we’ve seen in the Texas High Plains recently. *Wild hogs are still running wild in Texas, and farmers and ranchers are asking the state legislature for help controlling them. *Another focus of the Texas Legislature this session is protecting the Right to Farm. *Strangles is a common problem in Texas horses year-round. *Signup is underway for a program that is designed to improve wildlife habitat.
Mar 2, 2023
*We continue our coverage of the big wind and sand storm that hit the Texas High Plains over the weekend. *Littlefield farmer Brad Heffington gives us an update on what the storm did to his farm, and we check in with Laramy Friemel of Hereford. *FFA members across Texas celebrated National FFA Week last week, highlighting the benefits of FFA membership. *Farmers and ranchers in East Texas are welcoming the newest technologies in agriculture. *Shortening the calving window in a beef cow herd has many benefits. *Texas High School students interested in pursuing a career in a wildlife or natural resource related field can apply for this year’s Wildlife conservation camp.
Mar 1, 2023
A big wind and sand storm took a toll on farmers in the Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains Sunday. With high cattle prices, many Texas ranchers will be tempted to rebuild their herds this year. March is a transition month for weather. The West Texas winds are drying out fields fast. We are in the middle of foaling season. Texas anglers continue to reel in massive largemouth bass.
Feb 28, 2023
The latest Cattle on Feed Report shows placements continuing to drop while marketings are increasing. Big winds took a toll on Texas Panhandle agriculture over the weekend. Fighting predators in sheep herds is a big challenge. Spring calving season is getting underway in Texas. Last year’s drought can have big effects on this year’s crop. It is time to plant corn in Central Texas. If you’re in the cow calf business, you will be raising orphan calves from time to time. The public can now comment on three proposed changes to Texas saltwater fishing regulations.
Feb 27, 2023
Brazil has temporarily suspended beef exports to China due to a case of mad cow disease. New wheat variety development continues in Vernon, despite last year’s disaster. The Texas Department of Agriculture teamed up with the US Meat Export Federation to promote Texas meat exports. Farmers in the Coastal Bend area of Texas have been busy getting corn and milo in the ground. Spring calves are now hitting the ground. Texas teens can now apply to attend one of several outdoor summer camps.
Feb 24, 2023
Texas farmers are bouncing back from last year's drought as the 2023 crop season gets underway. Protecting the right to farm is a top priority for agriculture in the current Texas state legislative session. The Texas A&M AgriLife facilities near Vernon were damaged last year by a tornado, and the recovery is coming along slowly. Extreme South Texas planters are rolling as temperatures are hitting the low 90s. Low Somatic cell counts are an indicator of milk quality and udder health. The public can now comment on proposed changes to freshwater fishing regulations.
Feb 23, 2023
We should see a rebound in lamb prices this year. A truth in labeling bill is being considered in the current state legislative session. Texas High Plains farmers may consider alternative crops this year. When is the best time to fertilize warm season pastures and hay meadows? Scours and respiratory disease are the top two dangers for dairy calves. A highly contagious fatal rabbit disease has been found in Texas.
Feb 22, 2023
We may see the first ever trillion-dollar Farm Bill this year. Feedlot inventories in Texas are shrinking. Texas corn farmers will have two new crop protection products at their disposal. U.S. farm exports set a dollar value record last year. Insulin resistant horses must be fed low carbohydrate feeds to prevent laminitis. There are a few areas in Texas where spring turkey hunting is likely to be better than others.
Feb 21, 2023
The economy is affecting the cotton market. Things are looking positive for Texas High Plains cattle feeders at the moment. Hay has become a very expensive commodity in Texas. The recent storms we’ve experienced in Texas have taken a toll on landscapes. Five people have been treated for rabies after being exposed to a cow in Cooke County. Spring t urkey season is just around the corner.
Feb 20, 2023
Beef wins the fight for consumer dollars in the meat case. The horse market has been strong over the past year. Spring planting is still a couple of months away on the Texas High Plains. This year’s first case of equine herpes virus has been detected in Hood County. Equine infectious anemia is also showing up. A major event in American agriculture is occurring this month. Combatting harmful plants and wildlife is an ongoing battle in Texas.
Feb 17, 2023
The Texas wheat crop can't catch a break. Providing farm labor and stopping illegal immigration is a delicate balancing act. The Texas House of Representatives has made some changes in committees important to agriculture. One Texas producer took an unusual route to become a High Plains farmer. Texas farmers and ranchers are benefitting from a new right to repair memorandum of understanding with John Deere. When hind hooves are out of balance, horses can have poor posture. Texans are being asked to stop and listen to the birds.
Feb 16, 2023
A bill in the legislature will protect Texas ranchers from liability caused by illegal immigrants. Corn planters are rolling in deep South Texas. Water issues are front and center in this year’s Texas legislative session. Getting into farming is not an easy task. East Texas farmers and ranchers are waiting on Mother Nature to make her next move. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 15, 2023
We have a short time to finish the 2023 Farm Bill. Hay supplies are tight as we reach the coldest time of winter. Interest rates are causing headaches for Texas farmers as they plan for the year ahead. Texas cotton farmers will have new pest control technology available for the 2023 growing season. The Coastal Bend dodged the big ice storm that hit most of Texas recently, the area still needs moisture. New research may have found a cost-effective way of preventing EPM in horses. Relocating black bears that contact humans in West Texas is a common option, but it isn’t very effective. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 14, 2023
A Texan will lead the National Cotton Council in the coming year. The NCC released its annual planted acreage survey. Texas High Plains corn farmers may have a better year in 2023. The sale of a ranch can have big effects for tenants with leases on that ranch. Farmers in deep South Texas are rolling the corn planters. It is difficult to know if a calf on pasture has received enough colostrum. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is working with landowners to prevent human conflicts with black bears.
Feb 13, 2023
Texas cattle feeders hope the new Cattle Contract Library will benefit them. Cotton prices are expected to be mostly steady this year. Choosing the right cotton variety is very important. Renewing hunting and grazing leases can be a challenge. Burning pastures or hayfields is a good way to rejuvenate grasslands. A recent study looked at the effect of blanketing on hair coat length and diameter in horses. A new study is underway in far West Texas to learn more about the black bear.
Feb 10, 2023
Higher cattle prices are coming sooner than expected. We could see a cut in cotton acreage in the Texas High Plains this year. Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that would strengthen farmers right to farm. As we get rolling in 2023, there’s some good news and some bad news for Texas farmers and ranchers. Can dogs sniff out BRD infection in cattle? A new report highlights some interested facts about U.S. and Texas deer hunters.
Feb 9, 2023
Will 2023 be a rebuilding year for Texas cow herds? State legislators are working to improve rural broadband connectivity. New herbicide technologies for sorghum are making a big impact on the crop. Last week’s ice storm hit Central Texas, but the impact wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Studies are underway to develop new tools and tests for detecting Covid virus in wild and domestic animals. We should start seeing a lot of new state parks and natural areas over the next decade or so.
Feb 8, 2023
The Texas wheat crop is struggling after a very slow start. The cost of production remains high for farmers all across Texas. The 2022 crop season was one that most Texas farmers want to forget. Chicken wings are expected to score big this weekend. Tendon injuries are fairly common in horses. Legislation would add funding for feral hog control efforts. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 7, 2023
The Texas Cattle Feeders Association would like to improve fed cattle pickup times. Input costs could play a significant role in the cropping decisions of Texas farmers this year. We’re getting close to kicking off the 2023 crop year in South Texas. Last week’s winter ice storm took a toll on much of the state. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 6, 2023
Texans shined at last week's Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans. There are a lot of new sorghum varieties on the market. The drought causing La Nina weather pattern should go away sometime this year. What is insulin resistance in horses? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 3, 2023
This is our final show from the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans. Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Arthur Uhl recaps his work at the convention. Texas sheep and goat raisers were working overtime this past week to keep their animals safe during the winter storm. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 2, 2023
Sustainability is a major focus for cattle producers, and it’s a big emphasis of the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans. This week’s ice storm across much of Texas was a challenge for cattle producers. This week’s ice storm across much of Texas was a challenge for cattle producers. Central Texas is still way behind on rainfall. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 1, 2023
Our coverage of the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans continues with a discussion on the recent Lesser Prairie Chicken’s listing under the Endangered Species Act. We’ll have our monthly check-in with National Weather Service Meteorologist Tom Bradshaw. The winter wheat crop in Texas still has a long way to go. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 31, 2023
All segments of the U.S. cattle industry are in New Orleans this week for the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. It may not be easy for Texas High Plains farmers to decide which crops to plant this year. There are a lot of decisions to be made before spring cotton planting begins in South Texas. Farmers and ranchers in East Texas are watching the weather closely. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 30, 2023
Texas sheep producers are optimistic about the upcoming year. Farmers in the Texas High Plains have welcomed the recent snowfall. Stock show season provides millions of dollars in scholarships to Texas youth. Sandburs are one of the worst weeds to have in Texas pastures and hayfields. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 27, 2023
Texas feedlot inventories are dropping. For Texas High Plains farmers, some good conservation practices could lead to new pest control issues. Senate committee assignments have been made in the Texas legislature. Some horses can develop a lack of pigmentation on their skin. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 26, 2023
Talks continue on the Mexican GMO corn ban. High feed costs are putting pressure on Texas High Plains dairies. It is stock show season in Texas. Water availability is a growing issue across Texas, but that’s no surprise to Texas farmers and ranchers. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 25, 2023
Next week's Cattle Inventory Report should show the nation's cow herd is still shrinking. Crossing dairy and beef cattle has created a new source of revenue for Texas High Plains dairies. The world is rediscovering U.S. sorghum. A Texas A&M research team is working on ways to boost pig birth weight. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 24, 2023
Several groups are filing lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency's new Waters of the U.S. rule. Snow and rain have fallen across many areas of Texas this week, bringing much needed moisture to fields and pastures. Calving season is getting closer. The Texas legislative session is picking up speed. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 23, 2023
Texan Benny Cox wrapped up his eight year commitment of leadership in the American Sheep Industry Association last week. Tickets are on sale for the annual Hemphill County Beef Conference. The National Corn Growers Association is focused on the 2023 Farm Bill. Extreme South Texas felt the winter cold around Christmas, but it is feeling a lot like summer so far in 2023. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 20, 2023
USDA has increased their estimate of 2022 for the past four months, and many in the Texas cotton industry find that hard to believe. The Texas legislative session is off to its typical slow start, but Inauguration Day will help to get things rolling. East Texas farmers and ranchers have a good outlook for 2023, if Mother Nature cooperates. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 19, 2023
Texas will have a strong influence on the new Congress as the 2023 Farm Bill is written. A lot of rangelands across Texas are in very bad shape, and full recovery will take a while when the drought finally ends. Texas corn farmers will have a new corn herbicide available this year. There’s a new FDA approved product to treat arthritis in horses. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 18, 2023
Two Texas Republicans will serve on the House Agriculture Committee in the new Congress. Texas High Plains feedlots are anticipating some relief on feed prices in the months ahead. The latest wheat genetics are addressing drought tolerance, yield and standability. Central Texas wheat is suffering the effects of the Christmas freeze.
Jan 17, 2023
There isn't much time left to get a Farm Bill completed, but Texas A&M's Bart Fischer says it is possible to get it done. Soil testing can have big benefits. It may be winter, but the chores for Texas gardeners are not letting up. There are a lot of causes of coughing in horses. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 16, 2023
Last week's USDA Crop Production and Supply & Demand Report boosted corn prices higher. Improved soil health can be a big asset to farmers on the Texas High Plains. Veterinarians have finally diagnosed the disease that caused several horse deaths in Louisiana. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 13, 2023
High fertilizer prices are taking a toll on both farmers and fertilizer companies. The 88th session of the Texas legislature is now underway. Farmers and ranchers are dealing with tighter budgets this year, thanks to the Fed’s interest rate hikes. Junior livestock show season has begun.
Jan 12, 2023
USDA increased U.S. cotton production once again. The 2022 drought may cause some Texas farmers to consider new cropping systems and management strategies. When the time comes to rebuild Texas cattle herds, getting the right animals to match your resources is something to think about. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 11, 2023
More disaster relief is on the way for 2020 and 2021 crops. We visit with the Animal Agriculture Alliance at the American Farm Bureau convention in Puerto Rico. Hopefully Texas cattle producers will be rebuilding thinned out herds in 2023. Although parts of Texas have had some rain, hay supplies are short. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 10, 2023
The American Farm Bureau Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with John Deere that allows farmers to repair their own equipment. A Texan has spent the last year as chair of the American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher committee. Corn farmers on the Texas High Plains face a lot of challenges as water availability declines. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 9, 2023
The American Farm Bureau Federation convention is underway in Puerto Rico. Sorghum farmers in the Texas High Plains may have some new opportunities with the ethanol business this year. Pork exports continue to gain momentum. This may be a year that Texas cattle producers need mineral supplementation. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 6, 2023
USDA announced more funding to expand meat processing, including one project here in Texas. There are all kinds of producer education meetings taking place across Texas this month. The 88th session of the Texas legislature kicks off in a few days. A new year means new faces in Congress. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 5, 2023
U.S. cotton acreage is expected to drop this year. Great opportunities are coming for Texas cattle producers. Central Texas farmers and ranchers have a great educational opportunity coming up soon in Waco. Feeding beef cows through the winter is the most expensive cost of cow calf production. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 4, 2023
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was sworn in Tuesday for a third term. Production costs are still rising for Texas farmers. There are several issues that Texas farmers and ranchers will be watching in 2023. Vitamin A is important in cattle diets. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 3, 2023
Farm groups are not happy with the new Waters of the U.S. rule. This could be a challenging year for farmers on the Texas High Plains. The sorghum industry received a grant to encourage climate smart sorghum. Deep South Texas farmers received some bad news regarding the Lake Amistad Dam. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 2, 2023
The Environmental Protection Agency released a new Waters of the U.S. rule Friday. There isn’t much to be happy about when looking back at Texas agriculture in 2022. We'll look at the weather outlook for January. It's farm meeting season in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 30, 2022
The Texas wool industry is struggling to export wool onto the world market. Growing corn is becoming more challenging on the Texas High Plains. Texas soybean growers will soon have another tool to help control weeds. 2022 will be remembered as a year of drought in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 29, 2022
There is a lot of uncertainty in Texas agriculture going into 2023. Spring calving season is just around the corner. With input costs soaring, there are new products on the market that may help farmers cut back on fertilizers. The Coastal Bend finally got a taste of winter conditions last week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 28, 2022
Feedlot inventories continue to drop, but Texas feedyards will need to make some strategic moves to stay in the black in the months ahead. Funding has been approved for 2023 Beef Checkoff programs. There are several different methods to dehorn dairy calves. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 27, 2022
Texas may have more members of our congressional delegation on the House Agriculture Committee next year. Chemigation can save farmers time and money. The Texas Southern Plains has dealt with some very cold temperatures last week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 26, 2022
The nation's wheat crop was in poor shape going into last weeks arctic freeze. Passing the farm or ranch down to the next generation can be a difficult task. Texas cotton farmers play a vital role in developing the next generation of cotton varieties. Central and East Texas saw record low temperatures last week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 23, 2022
Cattle producers across Texas are dealing with the cold arctic blast. Many Texas High Plains farmers are making planting decisions for next year. The West Texas cotton harvest is just about done after a very challenging year. Fair trade with Mexico must be protected. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 22, 2022
Disaster relief for 2022 was included in the omnibus spending packaged approved by Congress a few days ago. A lot of sorghum was planted into failed cotton fields this year. USDA is making a multi-million dollar climate investment in Texas beef production. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 21, 2022
Cotton marketing is very slow right now. We’re seeing a significant decline in the number of cattle in Texas feedlots. The artic cold is moving across Texas right now, and that presents a lot of challenges for livestock producers. It's been a warm fall in the Rio Grande Valley. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 20, 2022
Congress has a short time frame to get the 2023 Farm Bill done. Drought conditions have improved across much of Texas. A mysterious disease continues to impact horses. East Texas farmers have enjoyed warmer temperatures this fall, at least until this week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 19, 2022
Cotton harvest is wrapping up in the northern Texas Panhandle. Life would be a lot better for Texas farmers and ranchers if La Nina just went away. Unusual weather conditions in the Texas Coastal Bend have been a blessing for farmers and ranchers there. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 16, 2022
Texas Congressman Mike Cloud looks back on the past two years on the House Agriculture Committee. This could be a good season for growing winter wheat in Texas. USDA is investing big bucks for climate smart agriculture here in Texas. Probiotics are commonly used in veterinary medicine, but some probiotics for horses are questionable. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 15, 2022
Some Texas rice farmers will have no irrigation water to plant a crop next spring. The new director of the Texas Farm Service agency has deep roots in Texas Panhandle agriculture. Texas cotton growers play a vital role in developing new cotton varieties. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 14, 2022
Sheep producers from all over the nation will be in Ft. Worth next month for the American Sheep Industry Convention. The downturn in cotton prices has some farmers wondering how much cotton to plant next year. There may be a new horse disease rearing its head in Louisiana. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 13, 2022
USDA increased U.S. cotton acreage again in Friday's Supply and Demand report. The Texas Department of Agriculture is working to increase Texas agricultural exports. New cotton varieties are rolling out in Texas. The renewable energy industry is growing fast in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 12, 2022
The USA Rice Outlook Conference was held in Austin last week. Managing water resources is vital to surviving in agriculture on the Texas High Plains. The Texas Beef Council is working to improve beef exports. This was a tough year for farmers on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 9, 2022
Reducing property taxes will be a top priority in the upcoming legislative session. There are lots of producer education meetings held at this time of year all over the state. The Lesser Prairie Chicken could soon cause more headaches for Texas Panhandle cattle producers. Diesel supplies are expected to remain tight heading into 2023. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 8, 2022
Solar farms were a hot topic at the recent Texas Farm Bureau convention. What’s the outlook for completing a new farm bill next year? COVID lockdowns created a new group of customers for a South Texas transplant grower. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 7, 2022
Some Texas wheat fields may not get planted due to wet conditions. The big rise in input costs has robbed farmers of a lot of profit this year. Onion transplant harvest is underway in the South Texas Winter Garden area. Central Texas is experiencing both hot and cold weather. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 6, 2022
Texas largest farm and ranch organization sets policy direction. Congress has a big task ahead in writing the next Farm Bill. Properly managing forages is one key to helping pastures recover from the Texas drought. The beauty and fun of fall is on full display right now in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 5, 2022
The livestock industry is moving to more electronic payments. There is a reason to be optimistic about next year's growing season. Drought damaged pastures may take a while to recover. Recent rains have been a big blessing for farmers in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 2, 2022
Texas agriculture is in good shape heading into the next legislative session. It's important to keep a level head when making grain marketing decisions. Seed companies continue to innovate with new products to help farmers fight pests and diseases. The weather can be quite unpredictable this time of year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 1, 2022
Texas cotton harvest is winding down, while wheat condition ratings are improving. Thousands of visitors were in Amarillo this week for the annual Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show. The drought is finally easing up in some parts of the state. Now is the time to pick up a live Texas Christmas tree. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 30, 2022
Lesser Prairie Chicken listing could cause some headaches for Texas panhandle livestock producers. It’s important to know your ABCs, but in the cattle business, its even more important to know your EPDs. Japan has been buying U.S. beef for 45 years. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 29, 2022
Texas sheep and goat producers should get a strong market for Christmas. The cattle market outlook is very good for cow calf producers, but what about those in the seedstock business? Technology is improving Texas greenhouse production. Wheat planting is nearly complete in the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 28, 2022
Texas sheep and goat herds were thinned out by drought. The Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show kicks off this week. A Texas vegetable producer was named to a USDA advisory committee. Central Texas is enjoying some cold and wet weather. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 25, 2022
Texas feedlot placements took a big drop. Texas High Plains farmers are getting ready for the next season. The largest farm organization in Texas has its annual convention coming up next week. Cold weather has made its way to the Rio Grande Valley. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 24, 2022
The nation’s largest farm organization is looking forward to the new year and a new Farm Bill. With a recent rebound in Texas High Plains wheat, farmers need to be thinking about fertilizer strategies for later in the season. A recent report shows a slowdown in rural land sales here in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 23, 2022
USDA has updated the Texas wheat crop rating. The Texas Legislature will begin a new session in just a few weeks. What are some of the state legislative issues that are important to farmers and ranchers? Recent cooler temperatures may be beneficial for some Texas farmers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 22, 2022
Livestock auctions are not allowed to participate in the expansion of meatpacking capacity in the United States. Texas dairies continue to produce more milk. FSA County Committee elections are underway. Parts of East Texas are recovering from recent storms. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 21, 2022
Crop insurance adjusters have been busy with crop losses due to drought. Moisture is helping winter wheat on the Texas High Plains. Farm tillage machinery without an operator in the cab. Cooler temperatures have slowed pasture grass growth in South Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 18, 2022
Early cold temperatures across Texas could slow the development of our wheat crop. The Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show is coming soon. The cattle market outlook for 2023 looks very good. Annual ryegrass is good forage for cattle, but it can be a pain for hay producers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 17, 2022
Inflation is taking a bite out of Thanksgiving dinner. When making decisions on what to plant in the spring, it can help to think about how well your crops work with one another. Germany is the top European destination for U.S. red meat exports. November is a transition month for Texas gardeners. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 16, 2022
Texas cotton harvest is ahead of schedule. Tighter cattle supplies should make for higher cattle prices next year. U.S. beef exports have looked great this year, but pork exports have dropped. Welcome rain has fallen across the Texas Rolling Plains, but it hasn’t made wheat planting decisions any easier. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 15, 2022
The Texas legislature is solidly red heading into the new session. Supplies of feeder cattle are getting tighter, and that’s cutting into feedlot profits. Texas culinary chefs are learning more about the beef industry. Extreme South Texas continues to cool down, while water districts are cutting back on irrigation water. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 14, 2022
The nation's first bale of cotton has sold to fund scholarships in the Rio Grande Valley. If you’re in the dairy business, high feed costs are a challenge right now. The Texas Beef Council is working to strengthen beef’s position among culinary chefs. Central Texas is finally enjoying some good rainfall. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 11, 2022
Is cotton production increasing in the U.S.? Texas ranchers may be leaving some money on the table. A first for El Paso area agriculture–pima cotton grown with drip irrigation. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 10, 2022
What effect will the midterm elections have on agriculture? The year long drought has taken a toll on many cattle herds across Texas. Mexican agriculture officials have announced their intent to follow through with a ban on GMO corn. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 9, 2022
Texas winter wheat planting is ahead of schedule, but the crop is struggling. Cotton is becoming a more popular crop in the northern Texas panhandle. The state’s largest general farm organization is considering policy resolutions for the upcoming year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 8, 2022
Fall sheep and goat sales are slowing down in Texas. There hasn’t been much good news to report in Texas agriculture this year. Cotton harvest is picking up steam on the Texas Southern Plains. Managing livestock during a drought can be a real challenge. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 7, 2022
Was the drought of 2022 worse than 2011? Drought, heat and high winds have all been tough on cotton this year. New quad stacked cotton varieties are on the horizon. November brought some welcome rains to the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 4, 2022
USDA announced more funding to expand meat processing capacity. Signup for the ARC and PLC programs is now underway, so which one will work best for Texas farmers in 2023? Fourth graders are learning more about agriculture in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 3, 2022
The drought was actually a good thing for one Texas catfish farmer. Forage is in big demand in the Texas High Plains right now. It has been a good couple of weeks for rainfall in many areas of Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 2, 2022
Texas has worst wheat crop in the nation. Drought was the big headline grabber in Texas agriculture this year, but the extreme heat also did a lot of damage. The last couple of weeks have brought some much-needed rain to many areas of Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 1, 2022
Inflation is taking a bite out of Texas farmers and ranchers. The drought continues to cause problems for Texas agriculture. October was a good month for rainfall in many areas of Texas, and there's more to come in November. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 31, 2022
The 117th Congress has been an interesting one when it comes to the agriculture committees. Another food manufacturing company is making plans to build a plant in Amarillo. Texans won big at the National FFA Convention last week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 28, 2022
It will take a long time for Texas agriculture to recover from the drought, especially for cattle producers. Cattle implant technology provides a lot of benefits to the cattle business, beef consumers and the environment. The 82nd annual meeting of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board was recently held in Galveston. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 27, 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a friendly Cattle on Feed report. Robotic milking systems have made their way to Texas. Texas High Plains Congressman Ronny Jackson is looking forward to working on the next farm bill. Pastures in Central Texas are so dry, one rancher says golf could be played there. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 26, 2022
Cotton harvest is getting underway in West Texas and the Panhandle. A Texas congressman talks about the importance of exports. The Central Texas Blacklands has finally received some much needed rainfall. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 25, 2022
Cattle feeders look toward 2023. Will fed cattle prices continue to rise? Priorities for the 2023 farm bill have been announced by the nation’s largest farm organization. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 24, 2022
Cattle feeders from Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico were in the DFW metroplex Sunday and Monday. The annual Southwest Dairy Day showed off new technology and management strategies for dairies. A High Plains researcher shares some news on antibiotic resistance. The Texas Animal Health Commission reminders hunters in the valley to do their part to prevent the spread of cattle fever ticks. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 21, 2022
The Farm Bill debate continues. The Texas winter wheat crop is not off to a good start this year. We have a lot of first time landowners in rural Texas. Lunging could damage a horses joints. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 20, 2022
Beef production and prices are expected to rise over the next year. Crops in the Texas High Plains really suffered this year. The first measurable in quite some time fell recently on the Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 19, 2022
Agriculture groups are working to secure more support for farmers and ranchers. The intense flow of calves into Texas feed yards may be slowing. Slightly lower yields and higher prices for pumpkins. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 18, 2022
Weed pressure was light this summer due to the drought, but fall rains have brought them back. Texas High Plains feedlots are very full right now, and they are struggling to make a profit. Farm Bill discussions are well underway, and Texas farmers are giving their input on what they want to see happen. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 17, 2022
The cattle market will feel the effects of the 2022 drought for years to come. There's a growing wine industry in the Texas High Plains. The ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee was in Texas last week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 14, 2022
Cotton stocks are rising, and cotton prices are falling. BRD is a serious issue for the cattle industry. Pasture conditions picked up a bit after most of Texas received some rain this fall, but dry weather has slowed wheat planting on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 13, 2022
The Texas drought is hurting more than just farmers and ranchers. Many Texas landowners have issues accessing their own property. The drought has taken a huge toll on hay production here in Texas. Back pain in horses is a very difficult thing to diagnose. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 12, 2022
Texas cotton farmers can look forward to new weed fighting technology coming soon. This has been one of the worst cotton seasons ever for many farmers in the Texas High Plains. The State Fair of Texas is underway in Dallas. Coastal bend hay producers have been very busy over the past few weeks. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 11, 2022
Cotton harvest is getting cranked up in the Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains. Cotton gins will be ginning a much lighter crop this year, thanks to the disastrous drought. The North American dairy cow is better than ever. The word brucellosis can strike fear into the hearts of many old Texas cattlemen. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 10, 2022
Can some good come out of this year’s drought? It looks like 2022 is going to come out worse than 2011 when it comes to the Texas cotton crop. This has been a tough year for wildfires in Texas. The seasons are changing as fall has arrived in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 7, 2022
How much cotton has been abandoned in the Texas Southern Plains this year? The pork industry is very important to the Texas High Plains economy. Central Texas is very dry as wheat planting moves forward at a slow pace. The time to work spring calving cows is coming up soon. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 6, 2022
Cotton harvest is progressing across Texas. Pork production is a big part of agriculture in the Texas High Plains. There is wildfire potential across Texas this month. Texas Parks and Wildlife has named a new executive director. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 5, 2022
The majority of Texas’ rice fields have been harvested. Corn harvest continues. Fall turkey hunting is expected to be average this year. Fall is the perfect time to plant trees in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 4, 2022
A group of Texas farmers and ranchers toured Wisconsin and Minnesota last week. Texas cattle raisers are being told that some strong marketing opportunities are coming soon. Harvest season is underway across Texas and with the drought, it’s a very dusty harvest. Texas farmers and ranchers need strong reliable trade agreements. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 3, 2022
It's time for the fall calf runs to start at Texas livestock auctions. The wheat crop in the Texas High Plains is having a challenging start. Warmer and dryer conditions are expected to continue into October. It’s still hot and dry on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 30, 2022
The Southeast cotton crop is susceptible to damage from Hurricane Ian's wind and rain. When it comes to vaccinating calves, timing is everything. A group of Texas farmers and ranchers toured agricultural operations in the upper Midwest last week. The fall is a great time for families to get out and enjoy a Texas agritourism farm. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 29, 2022
Harvest progress is moving across Texas. The State Fair of Texas is getting underway, and the Texas Beef Council is there highlighting the state’s number one agricultural industry. Harvest is going strong for one Texas High Plains crop that has a special meaning during the fall. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 28, 2022
Cotton condition ratings drop again. Crops are in their final weeks of development on the Texas High Plains. There is big potential for U.S. meat exports to Africa. Cotton harvest is winding down in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 27, 2022
Large numbers of cattle were placed into feedlots last month. This crop year was plagued with drought, and the rain we did get was mostly too little too late. The Texas winter wheat crop is now going in the ground. Last month’s rain was a big shot in the arm for farmers and ranchers in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 26, 2022
Big federal funding is coming to expand broadband in rural Texas. Hemp was thought to be the next big crop for Texas farmers, but it hasn’t quite worked out that way. Recent rains have been a blessing for many Texas livestock producers. Cotton gins in the Coastal Bend of Texas are wrapping up the season much earlier than usual. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 23, 2022
Renewable energy is taking on Texas agriculture. Hunting leases can be a great source of income for Texas landowners. Cool season forages are going in the ground in Central and East Texas. Cotton ginning is wrapping up in deep South Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 22, 2022
Texas is drying out again, and that may mean more cow herd liquidation as we move into fall. If you’re a Texas High Plains farmer or rancher, a carbon contract may be in your future. About a third of the Texas winter wheat crop is now in the ground. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 21, 2022
The nation's cow herd continues to shrink thanks to drought and other factors. There are still a lot of cattle moving into Texas feedlots. Winter wheat is going in the ground, silage is being chopped and cotton bolls are opening on the Texas Southern Plains. September is a busy month for landscaping in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 20, 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has increased its estimate of this year’s cotton crop. Wheat seed is in short supply. Corn prices are expected to stay strong amid tight supplies. Texas feedyards have ways to find profitability amid challenging market conditions. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 19, 2022
The new USDA cotton classing office on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock is officially open. Better management of BRD and other cattle illnesses is now possible through new technology. Last month’s rainfall went a long way in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 16, 2022
Agritourism farms are ready for fall tours all over Texas, but they are dealing with the effects of the drought. New technology is helping to improve animal care in feedlots. The cotton industry is constantly innovating to help growers improve yields and deal with challenges. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 15, 2022
The House Ways and Means Committee heard from a Texas farmer and rancher on trade with Taiwan this week. Ranchers should be prepared to care for livestock following a wildfire. What to do when you’re approached by a renewable energy companies. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 14, 2022
Cotton harvest is picking up speed here in Texas and across the cotton belt. We haven’t had an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the US in a very long time. The recent rains on the Texas southern plains came too late to help the cotton crop, while cotton harvest continues in the Rio Grande Valley. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 13, 2022
Getting your cow herd through the Texas winter is going to be a challenge this year. If you’re in the cattle business, it’s good to have an emergency management plan to protect your herd in a time of crisis. With the shortage of hay this year, planting winter pastures may be the key to feeding your herd this winter. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 12, 2022
The Texas drought isn't gone but it is improving thanks to recent rains. Higher cattle prices are on the way, but it may be prudent to protect yourself with a livestock insurance policy. There are some decisions to be made before the Texas Southern Plains cotton harvest gets underway. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 9, 2022
Input costs are high for the new wheat crop going into the ground. To harvest or not to harvest. That's the question for many Texas High Plains cotton growers. BVD PI calves are a constant threat to cattle herds in Texas. Rain has eased the drought a bit on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 8, 2022
Texas cotton condition ratings improved again this week, but we still have a disastrous crop. Texas High Plains farmers have some economic issues to watch for this fall. The Inflation Reduction Act is now law, so what's in it for agriculture? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 7, 2022
A group of Texas farmers and ranchers toured Colorado and Nebraska agricultural operations last week. Helping livestock producers deal with drought conditions is the focus of an AgriLife event coming up next week. Beef checkoff dollars are helping to showcase Texas BBQ. Deep south Texas is enjoying the recent rain as cotton harvest winds down. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 6, 2022
There's a shortage of silage in Texas. Cattle producers should take advantage of the recent strength in the cattle market. The Texas Beef Council has released a new season of the popular TV series "BBQuest." Agriculture and baseball make a good fit in Cleburne, Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 5, 2022
The Texas rice crop looks good this year, despite the drought. Declining well capacity is causing many Texas High Plains farmers to look for new production alternatives. Propane prices are holding steady. East Texas farmers are enjoying some much needed rain right now. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 2, 2022
Texas corn farmers are baling their corn stalks for cattle feed this year. A new report compares how different wheat varieties perform on the Texas High Plains. Last month brought a welcome change in the weather here in Texas. Testing your hay is always important, but it's very important this year. We'll have those stories and more on Texas Ag Today.
Sep 1, 2022
One Northeast Texas farmer had decent corn yields this year, despite the drought. Farmers and ranchers in the Texas High Plains had the opportunity to hear a top state lawmaker talk about water policy this week. Central Texas rain totals varied greatly across farms and ranches in August. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 31, 2022
Recent rains are helping what's left of the Texas cotton crop. USDA is offering a special two-day educational course in Canyon for cattle producers. Loud noises are everywhere you turn on a farm or ranch. Cotton harvest is wrapping up in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 30, 2022
Livestock disaster programs have improved over the past few years. Ranchers could find better opportunities when its time to market older cows. Texas cotton farmers are touring farms in North Carolina this week. It’s time to keep a close watch out for fall armyworms. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 29, 2022
The new cotton classing office on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock is set to open in a couple of weeks. A big event for a Texas panhandle university is coming up. Hearing loss is a big hazard on a farm or ranch. Late summer is a transition time in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 26, 2022
The cotton market has made good gains recently, and there may be more to come. Virtual reality technology is training the next generation of Texas veterinarians. A group of farmers from the Mid-South and Southeast spent the past week in Texas learning more about our cotton industry. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 25, 2022
It’s been a tough year for Texas sorghum. The peanut industry did well during COVID-related lockdowns. Will Texas High Plains farmers plant more sorghum next year? Cotton farmers from the mid-south are in Texas this week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 24, 2022
USDA has lowered its condition rating for Texas cotton. Tyson Foods is investing $200 million in the Texas Panhandle. High Plains wheat farmers are praying for pre-plant rains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 23, 2022
The latest Cattle on Feed Report was bearish for the cattle market. Recent rains have been a blessing for those Texas High Plains crops that are still hanging on. The drought has affected potential sellers of rural Texas property. Cotton harvest is in full swing in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 22, 2022
The rain is great, but it doesn't mean the drought is over. Texas farmers should plan for more drought when selecting wheat varieties. Having high grading cattle at the packing plant can mean more money for cattle producers. What effects has the drought had on the rural land market? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 19, 2022
The Inflation Reduction Act contains big money for agricultural conservation. Recent rains around the Texas High Plains are encouraging, but ranchers are being warned against overreacting. Extreme South Texas is facing a water shortage and the impact could be disastrous. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 18, 2022
The cotton industry was surprised by USDA's big cut in U.S. cotton production. Maintaining a cattle herd in the middle of a brutal drought is hard to do, but it will pay off. Enrollment is open now for a highly successful rural communities funding program. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 17, 2022
Texas crop ratings show the devastation of the drought. The occupancy rate in Texas feedyards is running high. Farmer enrollment in the National Grow Communities program is now open. The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course brought around 2,000 people to College Station recently. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 16, 2022
The cotton market reacted strongly to USDA's latest cotton crop estimate. Texas feedlots are struggling to be profitable right now. Broadband internet access is expanding across rural Texas. There's a possible anaplasmosis vaccine on the way. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 15, 2022
USDA's recent WASDE report contained a shocking cut in U.S. cotton production. Many farmers in the Texas High Plains made some critical moves this year to make the best of a bad situation. The yield potential for the West Texas cotton crop is still undetermined. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 12, 2022
The drought is affecting silage production in Texas. The new beef plant coming to Amarillo is estimated to be worth $670 million. The Texas Natural Resources and Conservation Service is working to expand their reach. Texas cities are growing quickly, but that growth comes with a price. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 11, 2022
The drought is affecting everyone in Texas agriculture. The new beef plant planned for Amarillo will be built by a company called Producer Owned Beef. It's important for Texas farmers and ranchers to tell their story to urban lawmakers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 10, 2022
A new beef packing plant is coming to Texas. There are more signs of the pressure that Texas High Plains agriculture is facing due to declining water sources. The excessive drought and record temperatures are causing Central Texas ranchers to sell cattle in record numbers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 9, 2022
Texas is losing agricultural land faster than any other state. There may be opportunities to market corn on the cash market. Prospects for second crop rice on the Texas Gulf Coast do not look promising. We'll have those stories and more on Texas Ag Today.
Aug 8, 2022
There is a shortage of wheat seed this year. Texas High Plains wheat farmers need more rain as we get closer to planting the new crop. Corn harvest is winding down in Central Texas. Why does a Farm Bill matter to Texans? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 5, 2022
The Farm Bill debate continues with a solid foundation to build on thanks to a former Texas congressman. Making the right decisions during what remains of this growing season is very important. Irrigation technology continues to help farmers save water. BRD is the greatest concern facing the cattle industry. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 4, 2022
Eight percent of Texas’ corn has been harvested. Crop conditions continue to decline. A big pay day may be coming soon for ranchers able to hang on to their cattle through the drought. Hot and dry weather is changing farmers’ plans in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 3, 2022
We've seen big changes in energy security over the last couple of years, and we are feeling it on Texas farms and ranches. Last year’s wheat crop was awful, and that may lead to wheat seed shortages this year. There are always risks in farming and ranchers, but those risks are even higher here in 2022. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 2, 2022
The high heat is affecting corn yields in the Texas Panhandle. Recent rains around the Texas High Plains were nice to have, but that doesn't mean that crops there are on the rebound. West Texas cotton is suffering from high temperatures and drought. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 1, 2022
Texas feedlot inventories are growing. Farmers across Texas are being asked to come to the defense of atrazine. The relentless heat continues. Cotton harvest is underway in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 29, 2022
We are seeing high abandonment rates for Texas cotton. It won’t be long before another wheat season begins on the Texas High Plains. USDA’s Farm Service Agency is extending the deadline for farmers to sign up for disaster assistance. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 28, 2022
Texas peanuts are struggling with drought. The drought is affecting Texas panhandle crops in a variety of ways. The fight against feral hogs continues. During a drought there is very little you can do to grow more grass. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 27, 2022
The drought and high temperatures are causing the Texas cotton crop to mature ahead of schedule. Texas High Plains corn farmers are dealing with drought and a drop in the market. Rice harvest is underway on the Texas Gulf Coast. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 26, 2022
A Texas crop insurance agent testified before the House Agriculture Committee last week. It’s been a tough season for Texas High Plains corn, and that may mean cutting the season short. A corn quality information session increased the confidence of Japanese corn buyers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 25, 2022
We have a head count on just how many livestock are moving through Texas auction markets this year. The water challenges of the Texas High Plains are affecting sorghum farmers this year in multiple ways. A South Texas demonstration farm is attracting organizations and individuals to learn more about agricultural production. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 22, 2022
Texas corn and sorghum harvest is progressing north through the state. Finding the right meat processor is a big challenge when selling beef directly to consumers. Texas livestock auctions continue to sell a lot of cattle this summer. Heat and drought are the top concerns for farmers and ranchers in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 21, 2022
The dryland cotton crop is gone in Texas. Now the drought is taking out irrigated cotton fields. A lot of Texas cattle producers have started selling their beef directly to consumers. A group of urban food bloggers visited a catfish farm along the Texas coast. Extreme south Texas is dealing with extreme heat. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 20, 2022
Texas rice and peanut ratings look much better than other crops, but those ratings may not be accurate. As herd liquidation continues at high levels, the number of available feeder cattle is getting smaller. Staying hydrated is vital in these triple digit temperatures. The drought continues in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 19, 2022
The Texas cattle industry is suffering the effects of drought. The sorghum crop in the Texas Panhandle is off to an okay start. Cotton farmers in the Southern Plains are watching their crop dry up and die. Corn harvest is underway in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 18, 2022
We are seeing long lines at Texas livestock auctions. The Texas Panhandle isn’t the first region you think of when it comes to wine, but there’s at least one farmer there who’s giving it a try. West Texas cotton farmers are struggling as the drought and high temperatures continue. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 15, 2022
Illegal immigration is pulling law enforcement resources from all over Texas, including the Special Rangers. Texas produces some mighty fine wines. Beef exports continue to set new monthly records. We grow a lot of Bermuda grass in East Texas, but there’s a Bermuda grass pest that can cause a lot of damage. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 14, 2022
Texas is ground zero for heat and drought. If you’re a Texas High Plains soybean grower, patience is a virtue. Texas agriculture needs every advocate it can get. Lameness is common in show pigs. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 13, 2022
Texas dryland cotton crop is almost gone. GMO technology holds a lot of promise for Texas High Plains wheat growers. Summertime is the time for crop field days. The ongoing Texas drought can affect the deworming program for beef cattle. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 12, 2022
The Texas drought gets uglier. With such a bad wheat crop this year, will there be enough seed wheat to plant this fall? The Texas economy is holding up well in the face of several negative economic factors in our country. There are long lines this week at Texas livestock auctions. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 11, 2022
Corn harvest is underway in the Rio Grande Valley. Cow herd liquidation is underway across Texas. Despite a dismal harvest, there are some positive aspects to this year’s High Plains wheat crop. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 8, 2022
The drought is impacting Texas hay production. A move by EPA could restrict access to a critical crop protection tool. High Plains farmers should be on the lookout for pests. Urban and rural legislative staff members learned more about where their food comes from at a recent field day. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 7, 2022
Drought, high input costs and other factors are making 2022 difficult for Texas farmers and ranchers. High Plains cotton suffering due to lack of moisture and hail. Cotton in Rio Grande Valley looking pretty good. Beekeeping important role to Texas economy. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 6, 2022
Drought is impacting crops across the state, but there are bright spots. Rail access and its location make Amarillo attractive to food businesses. New seed varieties may help farmers meet the challenges ahead. Consider creating an emergency fire plan now. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 5, 2022
Texas has the worst rated crops in the nation. Some of what is taking place in Amarillo could affect the rural areas of the Texas High Plains. There are drawbacks to grand ranch entrances and poorly placed land improvements. Hot and dry weather is taking a toll on agriculture in East Texas. New federal duck stamps are on sale now. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 4, 2022
One Texas soybean grower is expanding his acreage this year. Dairy cross cattle can have both benefits and challenges in Texas High Plains feedyards. First-time Texas land buyers need to pay close attention to the mineral rights on their property. Grain sorghum harvest is underway in the Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 1, 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the much-anticipated planted acreage report this week, and the numbers show we’ve got a bit more corn than we were expecting. More dairy-cross calves are making their way to panhandle feed yards. The National Weather Service is calling for more hot and dry weather in July. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 30, 2022
The 2022 Texas sorghum harvest is underway. What opportunities will farmers receive from the new hemp processing plant coming to Dumas? Cars traveling Texas highways have the potential to start a wildfire that could burn more Texas farm and ranchland. The hot dry conditions across Texas increase problems with grasshoppers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 29, 2022
The nation's first bale of cotton is harvested and ginned in the Rio Grande Valley. Plans are still moving forward for a Hemp processing plant in Dumas. Wildfires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres of Texas farm and ranchland this year. Vegetable gardening in Texas is a real challenge this year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 28, 2022
There is a record number of cattle in feedlots right now. A lot of recovery work is still ahead for the tornado damaged AgriLife facility in Vernon. Urban food bloggers are learning more about the food and fiber production system in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 27, 2022
The Drought Monitor looks ugly for Texas. The recovery effort continues at the Texas A&M AgriLife facilities near Vernon, following the recent devastating tornado. Cotton conditions vary across the state depending on where you’re at. Texas farmers and ranchers will be watching the US Supreme Court closely this fall. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 24, 2022
The Senate Ag Committee passed two bills addressing packer concentration. Texas cotton, corn and sorghum conditions are suffering. Giving customers something special is a good way to succeed in the direct beef sales business. Texas A&M has a new Vice Chancellor and Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 23, 2022
Planting is winding down across Texas. A jump in temperature and humidity led to Kansas cattle deaths. There’s growing interest in selling beef directly to consumers. Drought is impacting pasture and crop conditions across the state. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 22, 2022
TSCRA has formed a border security task force. The occupancy rate remains high in Texas feed yards. The importance of the four pillars of grain sorghum in trials of the crop. Sorghum is near harvest in the valley. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 21, 2022
Livestock producers are culling herds due to the drought. It’s still not easy for cattle feeders to make a profit on cash sales. Coastal Bend farmers are gearing up for grain sorghum harvest. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 20, 2022
Cash fed cattle hit a new high for the year last week. What does the new long range outlook from the National Weather Service tell us about the Texas High Plains drought? The valuation of minerals and tax planning are two key things to be aware of when preparing to sell farm or ranch property. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 17, 2022
The condition of the Texas corn crop can best be described as middle-of-the-road. The weather is making it rough for Texas High Plains cotton. Triple digit temperatures and drought are combining to challenge Central Texas farmers and ranchers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 16, 2022
Cotton planting is wrapping up in Texas, and the condition of the crop depends on where you look. Dry soil conditions remain an issue for Texas High Plains farmers. US beef exports have been on fire recently. Producing high quality hay is now more expensive than ever. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 15, 2022
Texas wheat harvest is now half done, with some good harvest results coming out of Northeast Texas. If you want good outcomes during calving season, nutrition for cows during gestation is vital. Educating legislators and their staff was the goal of a recent Legislative Ag Day held in Luling. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 14, 2022
Dryland cotton in the Texas Panhandle may have a chance now, but recent storms brought more than rain. Choosing the right heifers for your herd can pay off during calving season. Avoid heat stress this summer. Cotton planters are running across the Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 13, 2022
Texas A&M's Dr. Joe Outlaw testified before the House Agriculture Committee last week to give suggestions on improving the Farm Bill. The new Texas Tech Vet School is holding an educational event to help teach ranchers how to deal with dystocia. Staff members of state representatives and senators got some hands on agriculture education last week at a legislative ag day. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 10, 2022
Texas sorghum condition ratings aren't all that good, but in Central Texas the milo crop is looking great. More consumers are buying beef direct from Texas ranchers. Texas corn producers held a Field-to-Fork event near Houston to help educate consumers about the corn industry. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 9, 2022
A Texas sheep grower is sharing the health benefits of lamb. A growing number of Texas High Plains ranchers are getting into the business of selling their own beef. West Texas cotton farmers are planting their crop. Studies at top universities report federal mandates hurt the cattle industry. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 8, 2022
The Texas wheat harvest has passed the one-third mark. A crop insurance agent gives her perspective on a dismal wheat harvest. Extreme South Texas finally receives rain, but it comes at a cost. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 7, 2022
Rain doesn’t always make grain. In fact, it’s destroyed grain in a few spots in Texas. More rain is needed on the Texas High Plains. A field-to-fork event reaches out to urban food bloggers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 6, 2022
Another farm bill field hearing is coming up. Recent rains in the High Plains have been beneficial, but they also put pressure on farmers. Texas Hill Country peaches will be smaller and sweeter. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 3, 2022
Texas sorghum farmers should scout their fields for sugarcane aphids. Recent rains have been very welcome on the Texas High Plains, but grazing lands have a long road to recovery following several months of drought. The Phase One trade deal with China was a success for U.S. meat exports. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 2, 2022
Texas cotton farmers are planting at a quick pace. The Central Texas corn crop is maturing ahead of schedule. Recent storms have brought much needed rainfall to the Texas High Plains. U.S. red meat exports set a record last year, and we’re off to a good start in 2022. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 1, 2022
Much of Texas has received rain, but more is needed for the Texas cotton crop. Feed costs are high, and pasture conditions are poor. The U.S. Meat Export Federation recently met in Texas to discuss exports from across the globe. A grim forecast for the Texas and global wheat crops. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 31, 2022
Efforts to expand packing capacity continue. There is a lot for grain producers to pay attention to right now. Hurricanes aren’t usually something we wish for, but with the ongoing drought, some Texas farmers and ranchers may actually be welcoming hurricane season. Wheat harvest is underway in north central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 30, 2022
The recent rainfall has been a welcome relief for many Texas farmers and ranchers. There’s money to be made for Texas High Plains farmers this year, even with the challenges ahead. May was a hot month for Texas with record temperatures, and the outlook for June is the same. The hot weather we’ve been experiencing is taking a toll on Central Texas crops and pastures. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 27, 2022
Cattle producers are slowing regaining leverage in the cattle market. Welcome rains have come to Texas. West Texas A&M in Canyon is growing its agriculture program. The US cotton trust protocol has doubled farmer participation. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 26, 2022
Crop insurance prices provide extra incentive to get a crop in the ground. Texas sheep and goat producers are culling herds because of the drought. AgriLife Research and Extension Center moving to Canyon. More rainfall is needed as West Texas cotton goes into the ground. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 25, 2022
Corn planting is wrapping up in Texas. New crop condition ratings are out. Silage production is growing on the Texas High Plains with the growing dairy industry and feedlots keeping silage demand high. It’s peach harvest time in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 24, 2022
The latest Cattle on Feed report shows record numbers of cattle in feedlots for May. Many Texas High Plains cotton farmers are feeling deadline pressure right now. Fire safety should be top-of-mind this Memorial Day weekend. The heat has come early this year all across Texas, and East Texas is no exception. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 23, 2022
The House Agriculture Committee passed the Butcher Block Act to increase packing capacity. Recent rains on the Texas High Plains haven’t put much of a dent in the ongoing drought. This is National Agronomy Week. Coastal Bend cotton crop prospects continue to decline. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 20, 2022
The mid term elections are just six months away, and they could have a big effect on the 2023 Farm Bill. When our drought finally ends, agriculture on the Texas High Plains will remain challenged by water supply issues. Coastal Bend cotton prospects continue to decline. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 19, 2022
Sorghum provides a lot of benefits in drought years like this one. A million acres are coming out of CRP. It may become more difficult for cattle feeders to make a profit. The war in Ukraine continues to impact agriculture. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 18, 2022
Cotton planting is moving forward in Texas. Recent severe storms in the Texas High Plains caused some issues for Texas feedlots. Farmers and ranchers continue to pay escalating prices to raise crops and livestock. A proposed rule by the Securities and Exchange commission hurts farmers and ranchers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 17, 2022
The grain and cotton markets continue to climb. At least one Texas Panhandle county has received good rains in the middle of this awful drought. Texas turfgrass is a big business. Hot temperatures will affect pasture herbicides. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 16, 2022
The outlook is bright for the Texas dairy industry. The Texas A&M AgriLife facility near Vernon was damaged by recent tornado. One agricultural enterprise you may not think of here in Texas is turfgrass production. A dry spring continues on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 13, 2022
Cotton traders are closely watching the Texas weather. One of the most prized assets at the Texas A&M AgriLife facility near Vernon is the peanut sheller. Getting your paperwork in order should be a priority before putting rural Texas land on the market. It’s time to think about pinkeye in cattle. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 12, 2022
The summer heat has hit Texas early this year. Winter wheat in the Texas High Plains has been hit hard by drought, high winds, hail, record heat and now disease. Recent rains in Central Texas has helped the corn crop to take off, while wheat puts on some new growth right before harvest. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 11, 2022
Texas farmers are making good progress getting spring crops in the ground, although the Panhandle is a bit behind schedule due to the drought. Planting late could have some advantages this year. The DeltaPine new product evaluator program is kicking off its 15th season. The US food supply is as safe as it’s ever been. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 10, 2022
The Texas wind is relentless this year. Spring planting is getting a slow start on the Texas High Plains. The latest Texas crop progress and condition report shows the impact drought is having statewide. Extreme South Texas is windy, warm and dry. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 9, 2022
Texas Senator Ted Cruz knows the effect inflation is having on Texas farms and ranches. The grain and feed industry is a large part of Texas High Plains agriculture. The nation’s largest farm and ranch organization honors a South Texas congressman. Some Coastal Bend cotton farmers are losing their crop due to drought. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 6, 2022
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wants to strengthen federal disaster programs. EPA Administrator Michael Regan defends the Biden Administration's rewrite of Waters of the U.S. rules. It may be time to give your bull a check up. May is National Beef Month. Hay season is getting underway in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 5, 2022
NCBA weighs in on last week's Senate Ag Committee hearing on the cattle markets. Texas Congressman Pete Sessions addresses Texas farmers and ranchers. There's renewed interest in retaining ownership of cattle. The drought is causing Coastal Bend cotton farmers to lose their first planting. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 4, 2022
Drought lingers in the panhandle and that has some farmers wondering what to do this year. Russian aggression in Ukraine is significantly impacting world wheat. Storms bring hail to Texas High Plains. Trade topics are getting some attention in Washington. D.C. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 3, 2022
A group of 200 Texas farmers and ranchers visited Washington, D.C. recently to visit with the Texas Congressional delegation. Are beef prices getting too high? A new ag literacy venue is headed to Lubbock. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 2, 2022
Texas is now the number three dairy state in the nation. Good marketing opportunities for High Plains ranchers, but they must make it through the drought first. Not much promise for rainfall in drought-stricken regions. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 29, 2022
The big jump in the cotton market is easily explained. Drought continues to make life hard for ranchers on the Texas High Plains. A large group of Texas farmers and ranchers spent the past week in Washington D.C. Less supply and increased cost of fertilizer is affecting all of agriculture, including landscape and gardening. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 28, 2022
The livestock industry hearings have wrapped up in Washington D.C. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited cattlemen in the Texas panhandle. Texas farmers and ranchers were in Washington D.C. this week to visit with the Texas congressional delegation. Extreme South Texas is hot and windy. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 27, 2022
This is a big week of hearings for the beef industry in Washington D.C. A former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee weighs in on the writing of the next farm bill. Inflation and the war in Ukraine are affecting all aspects of agriculture. Spring crops are in the ground and growing in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 26, 2022
Last week's Cattle on Feed report showed large numbers of cattle placed into feedlots because of the drought. There was a special celebration held in Amarillo to mark the grand opening of the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. Texas sugarcane farmers are preparing for another farm bill debate. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 25, 2022
Texas cotton acreage is increasing this year and may be even larger if the drought continues. Charlie Rush is a name familiar to many in Texas High Plains agriculture. Plains Cotton Growers is under new leadership after the retirement of long time CEO Steve Verrett. Rain is slowly creeping into Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 22, 2022
Texas cow-calf producers should see more profitability in the next two years. There are a lot of questions about the future of hemp on the Texas High Plains. Weed management will be a challenge this year with short supplies of herbicides and rising costs. Hay season is just around the corner. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 21, 2022
Texas farmers are getting the 2022 crop in the ground quickly. Despite all the hype, hemp has not become a major crop in Texas. The goals of Earth Day are being accomplished by Texas farmer and ranchers with every meal. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 20, 2022
The Texas wheat crop still looks awful. Texas livestock producers can get a permit to eliminate black vultures. Drought conditions throughout cattle country are filling up Texas feedlots. No one likes to deal with drought, but it can be a good time to make some improvements to your property. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 19, 2022
Are cotton prices too high? Texas High Plains feedyards are facing tough economics once again. The ongoing drought in Texas may present an opportunity to improve your property. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a new director. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 18, 2022
Texas farmers are having trouble getting bids on their grain crops. The ongoing drought combined with high winds is causing plenty of soil loss on the Texas High Plains. Farmers are expected to plant more cotton this year, both nationwide and here in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 15, 2022
The Texas sugarcane harvest is wrapping up. Keeping millers and bakers happy is a major objective for Texas wheat breeders. Agricultural research continues to benefit Texas farmers. Avian influenza is a big concern for both domestic and wild birds in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 14, 2022
Despite the drought, Texas corn planting is ahead of schedule. The Texas High Plains is a national leader in wheat production and research. A multitude of factors are impacting the agricultural supply chain. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 13, 2022
Drought is taking a toll on the U.S. wheat crop. Farmers on the Texas High Plains face a number of issues, including drought, as they prepare to plant this year. The National Weather Service offers some advice to stay safe during spring storms. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 12, 2022
Corn stocks are unchanged while wheat stocks rise. The drought in the Texas High Plains is forcing some cow culling. Spring storms may mean flooding in some areas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 11, 2022
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack weighs in on calls to allow farmers to plant on CRP land. Drought is causing major problems for the nation’s cattle industry. The application window is now open for the Family Land Heritage program. The annual Hemphill County Beef Conference is coming up in Canadian. Consumers shouldn’t ruffle their feathers over a case of avian influenza in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 8, 2022
Border troubles are back in the spotlight. Corn acres are vanishing on the Texas High Plains. Texas poultry producers are on high alert with avian influenza now in the state. Horses are especially sensitive to eye problems. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 7, 2022
Sustainability is the big buzz word in the cattle industry right now, and Texas cattle feeders are telling their sustainability story. When you think of agriculture in the dry climate of West Texas, you probably don’t think of strawberry production. Texas farmers are very concerned about input costs this year, but there’s also concern about next year and beyond. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 6, 2022
This is the worst U.S. wheat crop in 20 years, and Texas has the worst crop in the nation. Wildfires have caused tragedy all across Texas over the past few weeks. Cotton growers in the Texas Southern Plains are ready to plant the 2022 crop. There are lots of things going on in the world that are making for some tough farm management decisions this spring. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 5, 2022
Texas farmers and ranchers along the Mexican border continue to deal with problems caused by a flood of illegal immigrants. Some people raise crops and some people raise animals, but raising both of those can have its benefits. Texas cotton ginners gathered in Lubbock over the weekend for their annual meeting. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 4, 2022
Cotton acreage is expected to rise this year, both nationwide and here in Texas. We could be looking at a drop in corn acreage in the Texas High Plains, unless some good rains arrive soon. Supply chain issues continue for Texas farmers, ranchers and consumers. The Texas food and agriculture sectors are huge economic drivers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 1, 2022
Wildfires are devastating Texas farmers and ranchers. Regenerative grazing is a term we’re hearing more about in the Texas High Plains. March brought tornadoes to Texas, but what’s the outlook for April? Drought continues to plague Central Texas, but recent rains may help. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 31, 2022
A bad Texas wheat crop is getting worse. Carbon farming could be a new source of income for Texas farmers. Texas peanut farmers are using less water than ever. It’s planting time in East Texas. Donkeys and mules have quite a few differences from horses. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 30, 2022
The Russia - Ukraine war is having an indirect effect on the cattle market. The cotton season is approaching on the Texas High Plains. Beef exports are setting records, and that was a big topic at last weekend’s TSCRA convention in Ft. Worth. Extreme south Texas is wrapping up spring planting, while the risk of wildfires continues. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 29, 2022
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association held its annual meeting in Ft. Worth over the weekend. Texas High Plains cotton farmers are facing dry conditions ahead of planting. A South Texas high school student who is doing her part to help wildfire victims. Preparations are underway for spring planting on the Texas Southern Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 28, 2022
Drought now affects over half of the nation's cow herd and is having a big effect on the cattle industry. Last week’s rain and snow across some areas of Texas was certainly welcome, but how can you tell when a drought is over? Coastal Bend farmers have made good progress in planting spring crops. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 25, 2022
Cotton prices continue to climb. Recent moisture and strong markets could tempt farmers to hang onto drought battered crops. Donations headed to Eastland County for farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 24, 2022
Parts of Texas received some much-needed precipitation this week. Will it help winter wheat? More precipitation is needed in the Panhandle. Corn planting is now 42 percent complete in Texas. Wildfires receive national attention. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 23, 2022
Texas farmers and ranchers continue to face problems on the border. Beneficial insects can be a big help in pest control. The Environmental Protection Agency recently granted approval for a new corn trait. By paying more attention to hay quality, cattlemen can reduce the need to feed supplements. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 22, 2022
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to affect agriculture around the world. Wildfires continue burning in Texas. There are a lot of cattle in Texas feedyards right now, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a lot of profit. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 21, 2022
The markets are battling for acreage as spring crops go in the ground. Feed analysis can be a big benefit for Texas dairy farmers. Texas pastures are in very dry condition as spring gets underway. Texas gardeners are on the lookout for the last frost of the year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 18, 2022
Agricultural trade doesn't seem to be a priority in Washington D.C. right now. Texas dairies face the same input cost challenges that everyone else in agriculture is facing right now. Irrigated peanut farmers are facing a potential loss here in 2022. Texas crop losses from 2021 disasters totaled over 2 billion. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 17, 2022
The Texas wheat crop is in very bad shape. The battle with weeds is never ending for farmers, but that battle may be especially challenging this year. The potential for wildfires is high across Texas this week. Corn planting is underway in the Central Texas Blacklands. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 16, 2022
The cost of producing a crop continues to rise. The drought is taking a toll on Texas High Plains agriculture. New conservation grants are available to Texas farmers. East Texas farmers and ranchers are ready for spring. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 15, 2022
A Texas wheat grower wrapped up his term of service with the National Association of Wheat Growers. More and more Texas High Plains corn farmers are producing silage. Corn planters are rolling in North Central Texas. Extreme South Texas is both planting and harvesting. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 14, 2022
Texas farmers were in New Orleans last week for the Commodity Classic. A lot of Texas High Plains corn farmers have been making the switch from grain to silage in recent year. The ongoing drought is worsening across the state and extending into East Texas. Farmers in the Coastal Bend have hit pause on cotton planting. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 11, 2022
The world is changing quickly and that could impact upcoming farm bill discussions. Urban sprawl is creating more need for horticultural crop production in outlying areas. Accurate acreage reporting is important for crop insurance. We’ll have those stories and more on Texas Ag Today.
Mar 10, 2022
The House and Senate Agriculture Committees have yet to host a hearing on the next farm bill. The continuing upheaval in the markets has added to the uncertainty of what to plant. The Beef Checkoffs are contributing to rising demand for beef. There’s a rush to buy rural land in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on Texas Ag Today.
Mar 9, 2022
How could the ban on Russian oil impact Texas farmers? U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington weighs in. An agronomist discusses the risks associated with cutting fertilizer use this year. Tickets are going fast for the Hemphill County Beef Conference. The results are in for last year’s Beef Checkoff efforts. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 8, 2022
Crop insurance will be a vital part of a farm's risk management program this year. Cattle prices are good right now, but producers are being squeezed in other ways. Pest management a top priority this year as corn prices hit historic highs. U.S. agriculture is celebrating a record year for exports. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 7, 2022
Will the Conservation Reserve Program be opened for farming to address a potential food shortage? Sorghum may be a good option for Texas farmers facing a drought this year. And as more Texas farmers plant sorghum, the market for that crop is increasing. Fluctuating temperatures and rainfall have Texas landscapers on edge. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag today.
Mar 4, 2022
Farm Bill hearings get underway next month. There are some new products available to help Texas sorghum growers. This past week has made everyone aware of just how important Russia and Ukraine are to the world grain trade. Corn planters are rolling in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 3, 2022
The president calls out the packers. The Texas High Plains drought could boost sorghum acres. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has dominated the markets this week. The planters are rolling in deep south Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 2, 2022
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to rock the markets. Is livestock integration the way to go if we want better soil health on the Texas High Plains? More Texans are getting into horticulture. Spring is just around the corner and East Texas farmers are ready for it. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 1, 2022
We are feeling the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine right here in Texas agriculture. The winter wheat crop in the Texas High Plains continues to suffer. February was an active month for winter weather, but March is a transition month. Many Coastal Bend farmers are in need of some rain before they start putting sorghum and cotton in the ground. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 28, 2022
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a shock to the grain markets. If you’re a young ag professional in the Texas Panhandle, there’s an opportunity coming up soon just for you. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is celebrating its 90th birthday. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 25, 2022
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused major volatility in the grain markets. Hundreds of dairy farmers and dairy industry professionals are heading to Amarillo for a major conference. Corn is emerging in deep south Texas, while farmers in the Southern Plains are making preparations for spring planting. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 24, 2022
Texas cattle producers need to plan for drought that extends into the summer. We’ve had some wild extremes in the weather lately, and that can be hard on cattle. The latest Texas winter wheat crop condition ratings are out and they do not look good. Sandburs can cause a lot of trouble in Texas pastures and hay meadows. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 23, 2022
A new industrial hemp processing facility is planned for the Texas Panhandle. A big rebound in corn prices is not the best of news for the cattle feeding business. A collaborative study shows how to maximize crop profits when there’s limited water availability. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 22, 2022
Despite high feed costs, Texas feedlots are currently making a profit. If you want to make the most out of your water, you may want to consider making less use of the plow. Sorghum is contributing to a US agricultural export record. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 21, 2022
Two Texas congressmen introduced a bill to protect property rights in the high speed rail debate. Finding a supply of herbicides is a dilemma many Texas farmers are facing right now. Corn planting is getting underway in the Coastal Bend of Texas. Extreme south Texas is feeling the effects of the winter weather. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 18, 2022
Texas cattle feeders are slowly regaining leverage in the cattle market. It looks like La Nina is going away soon. What does that mean for Texas farmers who need planting rains this spring? Over 100 Texas counties are under a burn ban, while wildfires are touching several parts of the state. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 17, 2022
A San Angelo ranch is recognized for environmental stewardship. In a time when input costs are high, Texas farmers may be getting a bargain on one expense. Central Texas livestock producers poured on the feed during the recent winter storm. Extreme South Texas is still feeling the effects of wintery weather. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 16, 2022
Texas wheat crop ratings improved this week, but they still look awful thanks to the ongoing drought. Texas farmers are looking for ways to cut input costs. Last year saw record exports for US beef and pork. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 15, 2022
The National Cotton Council released its 2022 cotton acreage estimate last weekend in Houston. Input costs are soaring as Texas farmers prepare to plant the 2022 crop. Winter storm Landon brought some very cold temperatures to the Lubbock area recently, but it did not bring much moisture to help winter crops. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 14, 2022
Cattle slaughter numbers are finally picking up. When it comes to the business of farming, risk management is always important. Agricultural innovation is meeting farmers' weather challenges. A continued lack of moisture has Texas Coastal Bend farmers concerned about the start of spring planting. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 11, 2022
A Texas feedlot owner says negotiated fed cattle trade has improved over the last 18 months. Drought has really put the hurt on wheat pasture in the Texas High Plains, but higher cattle prices may help ease that pain this year. Proposed changes to the Waters of the US rule would reintroduce burdensome federal regulations for agriculture. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 10, 2022
Cattle numbers continue to decline, and CattleFax says that will continue in 2022. There is a silver lining to the ongoing drought here in Texas in the form of higher cotton prices. The outlook for Texas sorghum is bright for the 2022 crop year, but it will not be without its challenges. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 9, 2022
Livestock disaster assistance is coming next month. Should Texas High Plains cattle producers consider adding sheep and goats to their beef operation? The Texas Coastal Bend is usually one of the wettest areas of the state, but even that part of Texas is struggling for moisture right now. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 8, 2022
The Cattleman's Beef Board has a new spokesman, and he's a former Texas cowboy. Ranchers on the Texas High Plains have been learning about multi species grazing. The wheat market remains strong but the challenges of raising a crop this year continue. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 7, 2022
Texas livestock producers made it through Winter Storm Landon. We don't have a lot of soybeans in our state, but we may see more planted on the Texas High Plains this year. More Texans are growing vegetable gardens. There’s a new opportunity for Texas anglers to win prize for reeling in a fish. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 4, 2022
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association will not support government purchasing mandates. There will be a lot of forage produced by Texas High Plains farmers this year, but water concerns could influence what type of forage is grown. Purchasing rural land in Texas for the first time can be a challenge. We will have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 3, 2022
The Cattle Industry Convention in Houston is winding down. The Texas cattle herd is shrinking. Texas High Plains farmers are trying to find a way to work around the input nightmare. There are several things that first time buyers of rural Texas land need to keep in mind. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 2, 2022
The U.S. cattle herd is shrinking. There may be a decline in corn acreage in the Panhandle this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing in rural community infrastructures. We'll have those stories plus Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets.
Feb 1, 2022
Cotton prices continue to climb, which could lead to interesting marketing decisions for farmers. Texas Farm Bureau is offering four scholarships to help future veterinarians in Texas. New information from AgriLife can help High Plains growers select cotton varieties. Cooler temperatures are on the way for most of Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 31, 2022
The entire cattle industry is waiting to see what position NCBA will take on mandatory cash sales this week. Texas High Plains wheat has suffered a lot this season, but the crop isn’t done yet. Spring stock shows are a great place to educate the public about agriculture. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 28, 2022
The cattle industry converges on Texas for the Cattle Industry Convention in Houston. Recent snow in portions of the Texas High Plains is certainly welcome, but the drought continues. Resistance to cattle dewormers is becoming more of a problem. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 27, 2022
The first Texas wheat condition ratings of 2022 are out, and they are not good. With the ever-present water challenges in the Texas High Plains, new approaches to irrigation are always welcome. Drought is intensifying across Texas, and that is causing some very poor range and pasture conditions. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 26, 2022
How many cotton acres will be planted in 2022? Texas farmers continue to look for ways to deal with rising input costs. The wheat industry has a good story to tell when it comes to sustainability. Farmers are more comfortable talking about stress and mental health than they were a year ago. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 25, 2022
More cattle are being placed into feedlots because of the winter drought. It’s going to take a lot of moisture to rescue the Texas High Plains from the ongoing drought. US pork is now eligible for export to India. How much Texas farm land is foreign owned? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 24, 2022
The 2021 Cotton Marketer of the Year is from Texas. There are lots of college scholarship opportunities available for Texas youth at the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. In the Texas High Plains, corn and cotton are two of the main crops, and maintaining a rotation between those two crops can save water. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 21, 2022
It's time to write a new Farm Bill, but it doesn't look like Congress is in any hurry to get started. Texas High Plains farmers may want to consider buying beneficial bugs. Investment in research and innovation is key to improving American agriculture. A lack of moisture continues to be a concern in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 20, 2022
The cotton market hit ten year highs this week. Herbicides are a big topic as producer education meetings continue on the Texas High Plains. "Rise and Shine" is the theme of this year’s Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Extreme south Texas is finally seeing some cool temperatures. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 19, 2022
Cattle prices are starting strong in 2022. The recent Covid surge has slowed down the cattle supply chain, and that’s tightening margins for Texas feedlots. 2021 was a good year for the cotton market and that’s continuing into 2022. All eyes are on the weather in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 18, 2022
Texas Congressman Mike Cloud is wrapping up his first year on the House Agriculture Committee. Without some significant moisture soon, things are only going to get tougher for cattle producers on the Texas High Plains. The impact of high fertilizer prices on Texas farmers and ranchers is substantial. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 17, 2022
A Texan is leading the American Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher committee. Texas High Plains farmers are facing some serious challenges right now, including a worsening drought. As dry conditions continue in West Texas, field preparation is becoming more difficult. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 14, 2022
AFBF will not support mandated cash cattle trade. There’s a special online budget resource available for Texas farmers. The economic outlook for 2022 was previewed at the recent American Farm Bureau convention in Atlanta. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 13, 2022
USDA's Crop Production and Supply and Demand reports were friendly for the cotton market. 2022 could be a good year for Texas corn farmers, even with the higher cost of inputs. Texas delegates led the way on livestock marketing policy at the recent American Farm Bureau convention in Atlanta. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 12, 2022
The first cotton acreage estimate of the year is out. Dicamba products can be very helpful to Texas High Plains farmers, but there is the issue of dicamba drift. With the holidays behind us, the work pace is picking up on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 11, 2022
China is behind on Phase One trade purchases. Annual certification trainings are available for Texas High Plains farmers who are planning to apply dicamba or 2-4D this year. The successes of 2021 and the priorities of 2022 were laid out this week at the American Farm Bureau convention in Atlanta. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 10, 2022
Packer concentration is getting a lot of attention right now. Wildfires are a big danger in the Texas High Plains. Corn mites can be a challenge for some Texas corn growers. The American Farm Bureau Federation named it’s “Farm Dog of the Year” at the annual AFBF convention in Atlanta. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 7, 2022
The Beltwide Cotton Conferences are in San Antonio this week. There is a lot of thought that goes into a farmer's planting decisions. Conditions are dry in the north central Texas Big Country. Most spring calving beef cows are now in the last trimester of gestation. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 6, 2022
The Justice Department and USDA are teaming up to combat anti-competitive practices in the meatpacking industry. Consumers continue to drive demand for beef. Labor shortages are impacting the pork industry. The drought is hurting ranchers in the Texas Panhandle. The federal government is expanding a national wildlife refuge in Texas.
Jan 5, 2022
Today's headlines: *Improving competition in the packing industry *New technology to protect cotton from thrips *Be prepared for interest rate hikes *Livestock Forage Program deadline approaches *ARC/PLC decision aid online
Jan 4, 2022
The Biden Administration is addressing the lack of competition in the meat packing industry. The rising cost of inputs is putting a squeeze on Texas High Plains farmers. High fertilizer costs are affecting all segments of agriculture, including horticulture. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 3, 2022
The outlook is bright for cattle and cotton in 2022. As a new year gets underway for Texas High Plains farmers, what’s the price outlook for area crops this coming year? And what about the weather outlook for the new year? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 31, 2021
Improving cattle market price discovery was one of the big stories of 2021. Conserving water is always a topic of interest to farmers in the Texas High Plains. Dairy cow transition time can be challenging for dairy producers. Warm season grasses may be susceptible to winter kill. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 30, 2021
Today's headlines: *Fall calf prices rally *Texas corn farmers face supply shortages *Farmers face more uncertainty *How long will La Nina last? *West Texas cotton crop wrap-up *Administration releases renewable fuel obligations for refiners
Dec 29, 2021
The livestock dealer trust law is one year old. In production agriculture, the more you know about marketing, the better your chances of making money. Inflation is affecting everything, including the rural land market. Delays in the classing of cotton is impacting some Texas farmers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 28, 2021
The latest Cattle on Feed report didn't contain any surprises. High fertilizer prices are inspiring some innovative thinking in agriculture right now. The fight against weeds will continue in 2022. Researchers at a Texas university report they’ve found the virus that causes Covid 19 in white-tailed deer in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 27, 2021
What's next for Texas Panhandle wheat farmers who lost their crop due to the recent wind storm? It appears that more Texas High Plains farmers are deciding to plant cover crops. Timely rainfall helped this year’s Concho Valley cotton crop. This is a good time to prune trees in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 24, 2021
A poor wheat crop is getting worse. Water conservation efforts on the Texas High Plains could help recharge the Ogallala aquifer. The Texas FFA is a three part model of education. The House of Representatives recently passed two bills relating to livestock markets. We'll have those stores and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 23, 2021
How much damage did last week's wind storm do to Texas Panhandle wheat? Water supply is a major issue for Texas High Plains agriculture. Many programs are available for FFA students. The dry weather trend continues for the Central Texas Blacklands. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 22, 2021
A massive wind storm destroyed Texas Panhandle wheat. Cattle feeders are finally making money. The Texas FFA has new leadership. Extreme South Texas is facing a flood of Mexican grapefruit. Cattle vaccine is expensive, but it is a worthwhile investment. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 21, 2021
The cattle market ends the year with a bang. There’s some good and bad news for Texas High Plains agriculture. It has been a warm fall for most of Texas, so what does the winter outlook look like? High fertilizer prices and a dry conditions are taking a toll on East Texas agriculture. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 20, 2021
A Texas senator says the Build Back Better bill is bad for Texas agriculture. A lot of sorghum seed is produced on the Texas High Plains. Sheep producers here in Texas and across the country are enjoying record high prices. A new pilot project for controlling wild hogs is getting underway on the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on Texas Ag Today.
Dec 17, 2021
Cattle market legislation has an uncertain future. We grow a lot of sorghum on the Texas High Plains, and the seed for all of that sorghum is produced here in Texas too. New cotton varieties are tested all over Texas. 2021 was a record year for participation in the H2A worker program. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 16, 2021
USDA may allow more sheep and goat imports into the U.S. No rain and lots of wind are making it tough on the Texas High Plains wheat crop. Cotton farmers in the Coastal Bend of Texas will have a new variety to try in 2022. If you’re having a problem with an animal, when do you call the vet? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 15, 2021
It has been a good year for most sorghum producers in Texas. The battle is on for acreage in 2022, and it looks like cotton may have the advantage on the Texas High Plains. Texas cotton farmers will have some new varieties to choose from this spring. The horse industry celebrated national horse day earlier this week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 14, 2021
We'll have an update on the Northeast Texas wheat crop. Agricultural meetings will kick into gear right after the holidays. A champion of agriculture was honored by the state’s largest farm organization. Cotton harvest is winding down on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 13, 2021
South Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales introduced a bill to reimburse farmers and ranchers for damage caused by illegal immigrants. How much can the dairy industry continue to grow on the Texas High Plains? Wheat producers across the country have faced a variety of issues in 2021. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 10, 2021
The Cattle Contract Library Act passed the House. The phenomenal growth of the dairy industry on the Texas High Plains continues. There have been several successful farm and ranch water conservation projects funded by the Texas Water Development Board. About 10 percent of equine colic cases require surgery. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 9, 2021
Prepare now for input shortages coming in 2022. As the drought gets worse in the Texas High Plains, the likelihood of a forage shortage is growing. The Texas Water Development Board has funding to help Texas farmers conserve water. The Central Texas Blacklands have received some moisture this fall. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 8, 2021
There are still a few wheat acres left to be planted in Texas. Current market conditions could make the case for choosing ARC over PLC for 2022. Conditions for wrapping up cotton harvest have been great in West Texas. Prussic acid can be a deadly concern for Texas cattle producers at this time of year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 7, 2021
Farmers and ranchers from throughout Texas converged on Corpus Christi last weekend for the Texas Farm Bureau's annual meeting. The beginning of work on the next farm bill is not far away. There’s a new product on the market to both fertilize and control weeds in pastures. Extreme south Texas is feeling fall in the air. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 6, 2021
Farm input costs are rising while the supply of those inputs is shrinking. The weather may determine which crops are planted on the Texas High Plains this coming spring. The state's largest farm organization recognizes an outstanding teacher. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 3, 2021
Today’s headlines: *Fed cattle market now current *The effects of illegal immigration on Texas farms, ranches *Making a profit despite high input costs *Impact of salmonella on swine health, performance *Drought creeps back across Texas
Dec 2, 2021
Today’s headlines: *Court case muddies waters on water rights *Online foaling workshop now available *Growing hemp for grain *Winter weather outlook *Beltwide Cotton Conferences return to Texas *New veterinary assistance program
Dec 1, 2021
Today's headlines: *NWS forecasts drier, warmer December *Cotton harvest progressing on Rolling Plains *Some cause for hemp optimism in the Panhandle *Texas winter wheat struggling *TFB annual meeting this weekend in Corpus Christi
Nov 30, 2021
Legislation to regulate the cattle market is gaining traction in Washington. Hemp may become a viable crop on the Texas High Plains. Texas citrus could be making a comeback following the devastation of Winter Storm Uri in February. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 29, 2021
The Texas is citrus industry is still recovering from the devastating effects of Winter Storm Uri back in February. The Amarillo Farm and Ranch show gets underway this week. Demand for corn is excellent right now. Meat processing facilities across the country will soon get funding to expand their capacity. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 26, 2021
Today’s headlines: *Cotton harvest progressing well *Texas peanut harvest underway *Infrared thermography potentially decreases antibiotic usage in cattle *Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show approaches *Winter wheat planting continues in Central Texas *Properly dispose of deer carcass parts to prevent CWD spread
Nov 25, 2021
Today's headlines: *Protecting stored grains from insects *BRD-related discovery *Drought expanding in Texas *Warmer, drier weather impacting winter wheat *Many in Valley worried about water for 2022 *Grants fund projects to improve angler access, fishing
Nov 24, 2021
Today's headlines: *USDA grants $7 million to study citrus greening in Texas *Panhandle received rains at just the right time *Good yields for West Texas corn *Vilsack highlights ’21 accomplishments, discusses ‘22 *Amarillo Farm, Ranch Show returns after year off due to COVID
Nov 23, 2021
Today’s headlines: *Fewer cattle on feed in Texas, U.S. *The agricultural land market is hot on the High Plains *Vietnam lowers tariff on U.S. corn *Winter grazing growing well in East Texas *Thanksgiving food safety tips *Hunting good in East Texas
Nov 22, 2021
Today’s headlines: *EPA re-enacting Obama-era WOTUS rule *Farmers, ranchers await Lesser Prairie Chicken decision *Infrastructure bill addresses livestock hauling regulations *Hay production, input costs in East Texas *Sorghum yield contest deadline Dec. 1
Nov 19, 2021
Today’s headlines: AFBF opposes spending bill USDA declares disaster areas in Texas Cattle groups call for ban on Brazilian beef Controlling weeds with sheep Texas ag students receive valuable knowledge at broadcasters’ meeting Getting the most out of your hay TPWD stocking rainbow trout Treating equine colic
Nov 18, 2021
Today’s headlines: Inflation’s effects on the farm Tips for raising goats and sheep Sustainability is more than a buzzword for agriculture The infrastructure package has money earmarked for rural communities Whooping cranes are making their way to Texas.
Nov 17, 2021
Today’s headlines: Illegal immigration could put livestock in Texas at risk. Texas Farm Bureau recognizes outstanding young farmers and ranchers. FiberMax and Stoneville recognize high-yielding growers. Opportunities for sheep and goat raising in the Panhandle. Will there be enough turkeys on shelves this Thanksgiving? Rising input prices worry farmers. Texas hunters can help those in need in their communities.
Nov 16, 2021
Today’s headlines: CattleFax CEO addresses cattle market legislation USDA increases forecast cotton production Cash fed cattle prices on the rise Facts influencing higher crop yields It’s time to move some plants indoors Hunters play critical role in cattle fever tick prevention
Nov 15, 2021
Today’s headlines: Lawmakers urge Mexico to uphold USMCA ag provisions. Prussic acid concerns for cattle raisers. AgriLife launches a new way to reach out to High Plains farmers and ranchers. Good prices for Texas sheep raisers. TPWD closes red snapper season. Ringworm in cats and dogs.
Nov 12, 2021
Wheat planting is wrapping up in Texas, but the crop isn't looking very good as drought spreads across the state. If you’re trying to make a living in agriculture, it can help to have more than one revenue stream. Extreme South Texas is enjoying cooler temperatures. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 11, 2021
This has been great year for growing corn silage in Texas. The Texas High Plains is a place rich in agricultural history, and there’s a place in Lubbock where you can go to learn about that history. US beef and pork exports are on a record pace through September. Winter pasture planting is wrapping up in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 10, 2021
Another round of WHIP+ disaster payments is on the way. The deadline for purchasing PRF insurance is fast approaching. Higher cotton prices are keeping Texas cotton producers optimistic during harvest. With the price of fertilizer continuing to go up, it pays to do soil testing. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 9, 2021
The infrastructure bill gets praise from farm groups. Fertilizer prices are high and still climbing, so it’s important to make sure you aren’t wasting nutrients. ARC and PLC enrollment is underway for Texas farmers. After a slow start due to hot dry weather, the wheat planting pace has picked up on the Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 8, 2021
The cattle industry's 75 percent plan seems to be working. The calendar is filling up with a lot of programs for farmers and ranchers in the months ahead. Grain demand is up, but input costs are up as well. Teaching children the importance of agriculture has been a focus this fall in the Coastal Bend of Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 5, 2021
The battle against cattle fever ticks continues, but it may be time for a new approach. A federal advisory committee is preparing to hold a public meeting on how to help the Environmental Protection Agency make its policies work better for agriculture. As temperatures begin dropping across Texas, feeding hay is on the increase. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 4, 2021
Henry Cuellar discusses the Cattle Contract Library Act. As federal environmental policy evolves, a Texas panhandle producer is in a special position to advise EPA on how to treat agriculture. US red meat exports to Central America have reached new heights. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 3, 2021
Wheat planting is wrapping up in Texas, but the condition of this new wheat crop is nothing to get excited about. The Amarillo Farm and Ranch show is back this year. The state’s largest farm organization is making policy decisions ahead of their upcoming annual meeting. The cotton harvest on the south plains of Texas is rolling ahead. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 2, 2021
Cattle producers will soon have more leverage in the cattle market. 2021 has been a good year for cotton in the Texas panhandle, and cotton isn’t get only crop that has prospered in the panhandle this year. Sorghum has had a great year as well. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 1, 2021
Inflation is affecting the cattle business. Fertilizer prices are through the roof right now, and that makes soil testing more valuable than ever. November weather in Texas may be warmer and drier than normal. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 29, 2021
Texas Cattle Feeders Association President and CEO Ross Wilson is retiring. The cattle business in Texas is in the middle of the fall run. Winter wheat planting is moving forward on the rolling plains of Texas. Cooler weather and rainfall have arrived in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 28, 2021
Texas cattle feeders are feeling cautiously optimistic. Dry conditions this fall on the Texas High Plains may have ranchers on the hunt for more hay. Winter wheat planting continues across Texas, while row crop harvest is wrapping up. Cotton ginning continues in south Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 27, 2021
The Texas cotton crop is making up for lost time as we near the halfway point of harvest. The Texas Cattle Feeders Association is holding their annual meeting this week. The spring and summer were wetter than normal on the Texas High Plains, but a dry fall is not helping the newly planted wheat crop there. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 26, 2021
The 75% plan was hatched by the cattle industry to improve cash fed cattle trade. So is the plan working? The cotton crop on the Texas High Plains has turned out much better than most were thinking early in the season. The Texas orange industry is seeking more global opportunities. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 25, 2021
The Cattle Contract Library Act was introduced in Congress. The new high tech peanut sheller in Vernon could help the Texas peanut industry develop better seed. US beef exports are setting records this year. Cotton harvest is well underway in West Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 22, 2021
The corn crop in the northeast Texas Panhandle looks great this year. A big spike in fertilizer prices is the latest hit to Texas farmers and ranchers. We had a fairly mild summer in the Texas panhandle this year, and that appears to have been a blessing for the peanut crop there. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 21, 2021
Drought in the western U.S. is causing cattle herd liquidation. The soaring cost of inputs is threatening the ability of many Texas farmers to make a profit. The corn harvest is wrapping up in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 20, 2021
Dry weather is helping to finish out the cotton crop. The corn season in the Texas High Plains both started and ended dry, but good rains in between really helped. Trees can have a big effect on the value of rural Texas property. Feeding colostrum in the first 24 hours of a calf’s life is critical for immunity. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 19, 2021
The proposal to eliminate stepped up basis isn't dead yet. This has been a tough year for Texas High Plains cattle feeders, but their luck may be about to change. Farm meetings took a hiatus last fall because of Covid, but they are back this fall. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 18, 2021
Dry weather presents plenty of challenges for wheat planting. New research shows newly arrived stocker cattle may respond better to a high energy ration. West Texas A&M and Texas Farm Bureau have come together to start something new. There’s a new political reality for rural representation in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 15, 2021
The cotton crop is running behind schedule both here in Texas and nationwide. Beef exports set a record in August, and that's great news for Texas cattle producers. Congress recently passed an extension of the WHIP+ program. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 14, 2021
USDA's latest WASDE report sent the cotton market lower this week. China is buying US beef at an incredible pace. 2021 has been a good year for Texas pecan producers. As we move into the winter hay feeding season, it is important to know what nutrients are available in your hay. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 13, 2021
Corn harvest is rolling in the northern Texas Panhandle. The Ogallala Aquifer will be the focus of an upcoming event. USDA is launching soil carbon monitoring efforts through the Conservation Reserve Program. Fall is bringing fairs and hunting seasons to East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 12, 2021
A Texas congressman is expressing his frustration at the House Agriculture Committee. Cotton harvest is getting underway on the Texas High Plains, but harvest is winding down in the Coastal Bend. It's time to wean spring-born calves. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 11, 2021
Today’s headlines: House Ag Committee holds hearing on livestock industry. World’s leading mozzarella manufacturer coming to Texas. Armyworms in North Central Texas fields. TFB exhibit at the State Fair of Texas. Crop insurance claims moderate on Texas High Plains. Parks and Wildlife seeks comments on freeze-related proposal.
Oct 8, 2021
Texas A&M delivered a big cattle report to Congress this week. The Hemphill County Beef Conference in Canadian has become one of the top cattle events in the country. Cotton harvest is getting underway in West Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 7, 2021
Today’s headlines: Cotton hit $1.10. What does that mean for cotton demand? Another rain could have made a difference on Texas High Plains crops. Summer rains good for Texas hay. Mycotoxins in feed can impact calves and heifers. Texans encouraged to photograph and post pollinator photos.
Oct 6, 2021
The auction for the nation's first bale of cotton set a record. High prices are a welcome change this year, but Texas farmers are being pressured by high production costs. October is a great month for gardening in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 5, 2021
The cattle market has taken a significant drop in the last few weeks, and that could affect stocker profitability. Texas High Plains farmers have seen their share of rainy spells and dry spells this year. Cotton harvest is getting underway in the Central Texas Blacklands.
Oct 4, 2021
The wheat market got a big boost from last week's USDA grain stocks report. There are a couple of hemp field days coming up. Planting winter forages this fall can reduce or eliminate the need for cattle producers to purchase expensive supplements this winter. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 1, 2021
How high will the cotton market go? The Bradley 3 Ranch in Childress county wins the Certified Angus Beef Sustainability Award. The cotton crop is running behind schedule in the Texas panhandle, while cotton harvest is all done in the extreme south Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 30, 2021
Dollar cotton is here thanks to very strong worldwide demand. September was a very dry month on the Texas High Plains. Fall is here and calves are headed to market in East Texas. The old adage that you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink is true. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 29, 2021
USDA's latest Cattle on Feed report surprised some analysts. The Texas cotton crop has been running behind all year long, and growers are being advised to avoid getting in a rush to finish out the crop. Now is the time to plant winter grasses such as ryegrass, oats and wheat for grazing. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 28, 2021
Farmers in the Coastal Bend have seen mixed harvest results in 2021. Corn harvest is underway on the Texas High Plains. Texas food processors have faced many challenges in the last 18 months thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 27, 2021
The Rolling Plains cotton crop is moving towards harvest. Clarendon college has a long running relationship with the Texas cattle industry. The US cotton trust protocol is welcoming new members. Scratches is a common term describing a lower leg condition in horses. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 24, 2021
The Environmental Protection Agency says it will seek farmers input when rewriting clean water rules. Plant diseases are getting extra attention from High Plains wheat researchers. The Texas sheep industry is at a crossroads. September is a transition month for Texas gardeners. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 23, 2021
Cattle prices should see a substantial rise next year. The State Fair of Texas kicks off this weekend. Texas wheat farmers have incentives to increase the quality of their crop. Cotton farmers on the Texas Southern Plains are moving closer to harvest. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 22, 2021
Cotton harvest is moving fast across Texas with very good crop conditions. As cotton harvest progresses, preventing plastic contamination should be a top priority for cotton producers. The outlook for Texas livestock producers this fall is looking good, especially compared to last year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 21, 2021
Fall is here and Texas farms and ranches are busy. Margins for Texas High Plains feedyards remain tight. There were good corn yields in Central Texas this year. Neurological diseases in horses are not very common, but if you do have one, it is a serious situation. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 20, 2021
Is dollar cotton possible? Texas pasture rental rates are on the rise. Big Tex is ready to greet fair goers at the State Fair of Texas. Drought in the western US could create opportunities for Texas High Plains wheat farmers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 17, 2021
Congress may leave stepped up basis alone for now. There's a rise in equine infectious anemia cases in Texas this year. Crop prices have been exceptionally good this year, and that is making for an optimistic harvest on the Texas High Plains. Hot dry weather is helping to put the wraps on the deep south Texas cotton harvest. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 16, 2021
Texas cotton production is taking a big jump this year. It has been a good year for Texas pecan production. The new congressman for the Texas panhandle says he’s spending a lot of time with farmers and ranchers. There's a big global market for Texas oranges. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 15, 2021
The Texas cotton harvest is a bit behind schedule this year. Estate taxes could be increasing soon. A Texas congressman is looking for a seat on the House Agriculture Committee. Quail season is just around the corner. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 14, 2021
The JBS beef plant in Grand Island, Nebraska caught on fire Sunday. More cases of anthrax are popping up in Texas. Temperatures have been hot in September, and that could affect beef cattle herds. When considering a purchase of rural Texas property, access is big factor. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 13, 2021
USDA cuts cotton acreage, but increases yield. This may be a big year for silage production in the Texas Panhandle. We will probably see a later than normal citrus harvest in the Rio Grande Valley. More cases of Anthrax are popping up here in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 10, 2021
The White House is addressing concentration in the meat packing industry. This has been a good year for rainfall on the Texas High Plains, but things are getting dry. Grain sorghum harvest is moving forward on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 9, 2021
The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine has enrolled the largest class of veterinary students in the nation. Wildfires on the west coast are affecting crops on the Texas High Plains. Wine grapes and wineries are big business here in Texas. The Texas population is growing, but that is endangering farm and ranch land. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 8, 2021
There is a big need for expanded beef packing capacity in the U.S. Several sheep field days are coming up, including one this week. There’s a new dimension in the battle against the wheat curl mite. Central Texas farmers are wrapping up corn harvest. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 7, 2021
Opening hurricane damaged export facilities in Louisiana is a top priority. A Texas congressman says proposed tax increases could devastate farmers and ranchers. Meeting season will be here before we know it. It has been a good year for hay producers in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 6, 2021
More farm groups are responding to last week's court ruling vacating the Navigable Waters Protection Act. There are two big ag events coming up soon at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. The Coastal Bend cotton harvest is in full swing. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 3, 2021
The Texas wheat industry is working to address climate change. The Texas Beef Council is education chefs on the benefits of beef. Texas High Plains cotton had a rocky start, but it looks encouraging as we near the finish. Harvest is rolling full speed in South Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 2, 2021
Livestock haulers have another exemption from hours of service rules. Texas pecan producers get another five years to promote their product. Agriculture has a lot at stake in the big tax policy debate. Covid 19 is affecting both urban and rural Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 1, 2021
The Waters of the U.S. battle continues. It's time to reregister your cattle brand in Texas. Crop conditions in West Texas are looking very good as harvest time nears. The Texas Food Processors Association held their annual conference this week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 31, 2021
Sugarcane aphids have marched across Texas. There's a new bermuda grass herbicide on the market. The forage situation for Texas High Plains cattle looks pretty good heading into the fall. Thankfully, Texas avoided the wrath of Hurricane Ida. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 30, 2021
There's an increase in rabies in Texas cattle this year. More fed cattle are being sold on the cash market. Anthrax is showing up in the Texas Panhandle. U.S. agricultural exports are setting records again. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 27, 2021
The leaders of the nation's largest farm organization visited the border recently. Anthrax is popping up in Texas cattle. Another winter wheat season is about to get underway in Texas. Sustainability is growing in importance in the international meat trade. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 26, 2021
The border crisis continues for Texas farmers and ranchers. Cotton farmers should be patient when applying harvest aids this year. USDA is offering new Coronavirus assistance for contract poultry and hog producers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 25, 2021
The cotton crop is in great condition, both here in Texas and across the cotton belt. There's a high demand for corn silage on the Texas High Plains this year. Forage testing is important when buying hay. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 24, 2021
The Texas Panhandle wheat crop came out better than expected. African Swine Fever has the Texas pork industry on high alert. 2021 has been a year full of challenges, and that’s definitely apparent as we’re into harvest time. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 23, 2021
The Texas corn harvest may be off to a rough start. Cotton prices are at nine year highs. The sorghum crop in the Texas High Plains is doing so well, you may hear some farmers bragging about it. The Texas Animal Health Commission is looking for input on a set of rule proposals. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 20, 2021
Cattle industry headed toward profitability Peanut farmers could see a bumper crop Classes start at Texas Tech vet school Feds name 1,300 acres critical habitat for threatened salamanders
Aug 19, 2021
USDA is forecasting a big jump in both cotton acreage and production in Texas this year. This has been a strong season for crops in the north Texas panhandle. Corn harvest is getting underway in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 18, 2021
August is a good time to communicate with your congressman. The Texas cotton crop is looking good, but it is running behind schedule. We’re seeing a drop in the number cattle in Texas feedyards. The Texas cotton harvest is underway in the Rio Grande Valley. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 17, 2021
Problems continue for Texas farmers and ranchers on the Mexican border. A very late wheat harvest is finally over. High feed costs are causing some Texas cattle feeders to move from corn to wheat. Harvest season is moving full speed ahead in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 16, 2021
Cattle Fax has an exciting outlook for cattle prices. Doing routine inventories of your herd can help recover stolen cattle. A new law will help expand liability protection for Texas farmers and ranchers. Corn and sorghum harvest are winding down in extreme South Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 13, 2021
Texas ranchers attend Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Anthrax found in cow in Hardeman County. Panhandle farmers preparing for next winter wheat season. Texas leads the nation in female farmers and ranchers.
Aug 12, 2021
Texas rancher discusses impacts of illegal immigration. US pork and beef exports at a record pace. Saving fruit and vegetable seeds in Texas. The Texas Animal Health Commission is accepting comments on proposed changes to its Chronic Wasting Disease rules.
Aug 11, 2021
Sharing beef’s sustainability story. Central Texas corn harvest underway. There’s a need for more dairy processors. Panhandle farmers scouting for sugarcane aphids. Cotton off-schedule on Texas High Plains.
Aug 10, 2021
Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show underway. Fall weather forecast for the Panhandle. Texas rice farmers help to feed the hungry. Texas farmers and ranchers help direct funds for rural communities. Dryland corn production making a comeback in the Rolling Plains. Changes coming to some Texas dove hunters.
Aug 9, 2021
Nation’s first bale of cotton harvested in Texas. Texas Tech vet school welcoming inaugural class. Wheatheart Wheat Conference Thursday in Perryton. Frustration with problems in cattle marketing.
Aug 6, 2021
A disaster aid bill is making its way through Congress. The Texas Drought Monitor is looking very good for early August. Hot August temperatures have arrived in East Texas, but the army worms have arrived also. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Aug 5, 2021
Bayer to pull Roundup for residential use. Fall armyworms affecting Panhandle crops. Sugarcane aphids appearing later than normal. Drought conditions drastically decline.
Aug 4, 2021
Cotton behind schedule. Livestock brands to expire in late August. Weed pressure a rising threat on the Panhandle. Know deed restrictions before buying.
Aug 3, 2021
DOJ cracking down on price fixing in the meat sector. Texas dairy industry recovering well. San Angelo ranch recognized. Cooler weather good for Panhandle crops. Dove season forecast. Bovine TB cases on the rise.
Aug 2, 2021
Bill would reimburse farmers and ranchers for damages associated with illegal immigration. African Swine Fever spreads to the Dominican Republic. Thieves targeting firearms on farms and ranchers. Land buyers should be aware of mineral rights during sale. Unique hunting opportunities available.
Jul 30, 2021
The hottest month of the year is here, but it might not be a hot as usual. Sugarcane aphids are showing up in sorghum fields all over Texas, but growers have a lot more ways to fight them now than they did just a few years ago. Central Texas has gotten a break from the frequent rains that the area has experienced throughout the spring and summer. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 29, 2021
Texas weather makes it a challenge to have both a good crop and a high price. The Texas wheat harvest is almost finished. One of the largest beef cattle educational events in the nation gets underway right here in Texas next week. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 28, 2021
The Texas dairy industry continues to grow. The Coastal Bend grain sorghum harvest is making progress, after dealing with heavy harvest time rainfall. Armyworms are making an early march across Texas pastures. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 27, 2021
Two USDA reports are very bullish for the cattle market. For Texas High Plains ranchers, it’s hard to beat the combination of good rains and better prices. The new Texas State FFA officer team is in place and ready to go for the new school year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 26, 2021
Farmers in northeast Texas are enjoying the benefits of adequate rainfall this year. Texas border farmers and ranchers are asking the Biden administration to pay for damages that illegal migrants are causing to their property. Cotton is looking good on the Texas High Plains, but there is one bug that’s causing a few headaches for farmers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 23, 2021
A Texas Congressman has introduced a bill to reform the Endangered Species Act. Cotton on the Texas High Plains is looking good. Tips on following the Mediterranean diet. U.S. milk production is growing. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department extends emergency fishing rules on the Laguna Madre.
Jul 22, 2021
Conditions better for corn on the Texas High Plains The Texas Animal Health Commission is encouraging Texans to vaccinate their cattle against livestock Cotton and grain sorghum looking good in Wichita County Tournament offers anglers chance to win a truck, boat, or ATV Horse owners should be mindful of heat stress
Jul 21, 2021
North Texans find invasive worm that eats earthworms. Texas cattle feeders respond to call for more negotiated trades. Farmers and ranchers visit with restaurant owners and operators. Wet weather means more weeds. A Texas deer has tested positive for anthrax.
Jul 20, 2021
Spring rains have helped hay production in northeast Texas. Cattle feeders still struggle with high feed costs. Concho Valley cotton farmers optimistic. Wet weather delays the Coastal Bend sorghum harvest. General CRP signup ends Friday.
Jul 19, 2021
Grain sorghum in parts of South Texas is sprouting in the head. Cattle prices are higher than 2020, and could be better. Topping last year’s pork exports won’t be easy. Texas peach crop doing very well. An increase in mosquitoes could mean more equine diseases this year. Landowners in some parts of Texas are eligible for additional incentives through CRP-Grasslands.
Jul 16, 2021
Texas Coastal Bend farmers are dealing with massive amounts of rainfall. Exports of US beef are on the rise. The outlook for the 2021 Texas pecan crop is mixed, depending on where you’re at in the state. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 15, 2021
Central Texas sorghum is looking good as harvest approaches. Canola is a difficult crop to harvest, and that may be one reason why Texas High Plains farmers are reluctant to grow it. The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is coming soon. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 14, 2021
Heavy rains have stopped sorghum harvest in both the Texas Coastal Bend and the Rio Grande Valley. Can canola become a major grain crop in the Texas High Plains? The wet spring and summer that we’ve had in Texas this year can lead to foot rot in cattle. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 13, 2021
The pandemic is causing supply chain problems for agriculture. Research continues on growing canola in the Texas High Plains. The Texas FFA convention was held last week in Ft. Worth. The wet weather has left the Texas Rolling Plains looking good in 2021. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 12, 2021
USDA pledges $500 million to expand meat processing capacity in the U.S. There are a lot of wheat varieties out there but not all of them will work on the Texas High Plains. A new digital map of rural broadband service shows that Texas is not up to speed. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 9, 2021
The rain is bringing both good and bad to Texas farmers and ranchers. High Plains corn farmers need to be on the lookout for insects. The rain just will not stop on the Texas Coastal Bend. This has been anything but a typical summer so far in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 8, 2021
Rust is showing up in Central Texas corn. Rain is definitely helping to grow the corn crop on the Texas High Plains, but it’s also causing an increase in plant diseases. The grain sorghum harvest in the Texas Coastal Bend is a little off schedule this year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 7, 2021
Recent rains have brightened the outlook for many High Plains farmers. Grain sorghum underway in the Rio Grande Valley. Rain, winds, and cooler weather have taken a toll on some Central Texas corn. Texas Farm Bureau is asking the Biden Administration to address issues at the border. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will consider new Chronic Wasting Disease zones in Lubbock County.
Jul 6, 2021
Higher feed prices have led to less grain in storage in Texas. Wet weather is impacting wheat harvest in West Texas and the Panhandle. A combination of technology and farming practices help growers limit water use in the Panhandle. Extreme conditions impact landscaping decisions in Texas. Hay testing needed in East Texas East Texas fruit crop plentiful The Growing Climate Solutions was passed by the U.S. Senate recently. The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is coming up in August. USDA is hoping to help landowners restore wetlands to benefit wildlife.
Jul 5, 2021
West Texas saw 130 mph winds and massive downpours last week. Pork producers on the Texas High Plains find themselves having to keep up with events in California. Texas forage producers need to keep an eye out for one Bermuda grass pest that’s causing some problems this year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 2, 2021
Texas farmers have planted more wheat and sorghum and less cotton and corn. The situation isn’t perfect, but overall things continue to be good for pork producers in the Texas High Plains. Opening a meat packing plant isn't an easy endeavor. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jul 1, 2021
Texas wheat harvest is 75 percent done. A leadership change is underway for Plains Cotton Growers as Steve Verret retires. The progress of West Texas cotton depends on when the crop was planted. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 30, 2021
More big rainfall in the Texas Panhandle. A few things here or there can help or hurt ranchers profits. A wet spring helps farmers appreciate technology that may not have been invented with them in mind. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 29, 2021
There are less hogs and pigs in Texas this year. Flies have are becoming a big problem this spring in the Texas panhandle. The Texas FFA State Officer team is wrapping up their year of service. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 28, 2021
Eliminating stepped up basis could be devastating for Texas farm and ranches. Things are looking much greener on the Texas High Plains, but ranchers there are warned not to get too enthusiastic. It is time once again for the annual Texas FFA Convention. The Central Texas Blacklands have been enjoying sunshine and summer. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 25, 2021
Texas wheat harvest is past the halfway mark. WOTUS is rearing its ugly head once again. The Senate Ag Committee hosted a hearing this week on transparency in cattle marketing. An emergency rule implemented by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will mean more testing for deer breeders.
Jun 24, 2021
This week, U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, of Texas, was recognized by Texas Farm Bureau. Dr. Temple Grandin is scheduled to speak at the annual Sandhills Beef Cattle Conference in July in Monahans. Registration is underway for a Quail Research Field Day scheduled for June 30 near Stephenville. The Texas High Plains grain sorghum crop is off to a good start. Joint supplements are available for arthritis in dogs and cats.
Jun 23, 2021
There's a move in Congress to increase the estate tax. A Texas Congressman is honored for his commitment to agriculture. A dry June is impacting corn and cotton on the Texas High Plains. Rain caused a tremendous amount of problems in part of the state. Hay testing is a must. Rebuilding pork consumption in key markets. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued an emergency order Tuesday aimed at preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Jun 22, 2021
Recent rains have caused some disease in corn and grain sorghum on the Upper Gulf Coast. Texas feedyards are still working below break-evens. Medical screenings are encouraged as COVID lessens. It's baby bat season in Texas. And they face a number of threats.
Jun 21, 2021
The Texas dairy industry is growing. Texas lawmakers passed a bill on ag education this session. Spring rains have improved grazing conditions across much of Texas. May rains helped improve sorghum and cotton in the Coastal Bend. If your horse is coughing, it could be asthma.
Jun 18, 2021
Texas sorghum harvest is about to begin in the Rio Grande Valley. High Plains sorghum farmers are having very little problem with the sugarcane aphid this year. All of the rain we’ve had over the last couple of months has made it hard to get hay baled. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 17, 2021
Stepped up basis could be devastating to Texas farms and ranches. Is it worth the risk to plant cotton late in June? Texas livestock producers can now get a permit to protect livestock from black vultures. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 16, 2021
The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is on for 2021. Triple digit heat is allowing cotton planting to get caught up in Texas. If you thought the WOTUS rule was dead, think again. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 15, 2021
The Texas wheat harvest is way behind schedule, and that's causing sprouting problems in some areas of the state. Information provided by the West Texas Mesonet serves many important purposes. Surveys are important when buying land in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 14, 2021
Areas along the Texas Gulf Coast have received nearly 3 feet of rain in the last two months, and that’s causing plenty of problems. Mother Nature has caused several delays in both planting and harvesting on the Texas Rolling Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 11, 2021
Things are looking greener on the Texas High Plains, but ranchers should still prepare for the next drought. Wet fields could be hampering Central Texas farming and ranching. The Environmental Protection Agency will change the definition of Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) once again. JBS reportedly paid $11 million to hackers. Calves born in a difficult birth could be at risk for other problems.
Jun 10, 2021
Texas Panhandle sorghum growers have new options to fight weeds. Pastures are greening up in the Coastal Bend. There are opportunities for Texas farmers and ranchers who have older diesel equipment and are looking to trade it in. There are more calls for transparency in beef cattle marketing.
Jun 9, 2021
Wet weather, and some drought, on the Texas High Plains has led to some crop insurance claims. Hurricane season is here. Onion season is over in the Rio Grande Valley. Watermelons in the valley may be impacted by recent rains. The three-feet of rain the Port Lavaca area received since April 30 is impacting cattle and crops. It's Sea Turtle Week! There are several things you can do to protect the endangered species.
Jun 8, 2021
Rain has delayed wheat harvest in parts of Texas. There are several factors that may cause your horse to be overweight. A long-time supporter of Texas wildlife and conservation is being recognized.
Jun 7, 2021
The State Fair of Texas will return in 2021. Thirty percent of Texas' cotton crop is rated very poor to poor, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While the rain has been mostly beneficial on the Texas High Plains, hail means some farmers will have to replant. There's a new chairman on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Jun 4, 2021
Farm Bureaus across the nation are urging the Biden administration to take action. A new Cacique plant in the Texas Panhandle will benefit the Texas dairy industry. Some lucky anglers will win a new truck, boat and trailer this summer. Horse owners should continue to protect their horses against West Nile Virus.
Jun 3, 2021
There's a new tool in the fight against wild hogs. The recent rains in the Texas High Plains have brought both good and bad to the area. There are both planting and harvesting delays on the Texas Rolling Plains due to the recent rainfall. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 2, 2021
The JBS cyber attack has had far reaching impacts on meat production around the globe. The late springtime rain continues to fall in Central Texas. A prolonged rainy spell for the Texas High Plains has complicated things for cotton growers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jun 1, 2021
There are some potential market moving events coming up soon in the corn market. May was a wet month across Texas. It has been a cooler than normal spring in Texas this year, so how has that affected spring gardening? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 31, 2021
Red meat production in Texas took a drop last month. Corn and wheat prices have taken a drop lately, but Texas farmers can still make a profit if they can make a crop. There will soon be more opportunities to improve wildlife habitat here in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 28, 2021
The State Senate unanimously passed Eminent Domain reform legislation. The pandemic has caused consumers to cook more beef at home. The Central Texas Blacklands has finally received good rain across the entire region. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 27, 2021
The Texas peach crop is looking good, despite Mother Nature's wrath. Beef demand is strong right now, thanks to expanding consumer outreach for the product. Hurricane season is right around the corner and South Texas farmers are hoping to get a break this year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 26, 2021
While the rain has been a welcome development in the Texas panhandle, the storms did their share of damage to newly planted cotton. When buying rural land, remember the real estate rule: location, location location. East Texas agriculture is struggling with the spring weather. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 25, 2021
Spring planting in the Texas panhandle isn’t really off to a fast start thanks to the rain, but most farmers are probably ok with that. Is now the time to buy rural land? Recent rains have improved crop and grazing conditions across most of south Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 24, 2021
Some areas of Texas have gone from a drought to a downpour. Most farmers and ranchers are glad to get the recent rains, but it seems there’s always a downside when storms pass through. Recent rains may have taken our minds off the drought for a while, but it could be back quickly. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 21, 2021
Mother Nature has played havoc with Texas farmers and ranchers here in 2021. You can grow a lot of things here in Texas, but if you’re going to survive, you need to grow what works for the market. It’s been a roller coaster year for Texas wheat farmers to finally get to harvest. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 20, 2021
Spring storms have brought both beneficial rain and unwanted hail to Texas, but most farmers will take the storms over the drought any day. With the price of some fertilizers up more than 40 percent this year, it makes sense to look for alternatives. Winter Story Uri killed a lot of landscape plants across Texas, and most of those will need to be replaced. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 19, 2021
The Texas wheat harvest is underway with very mixed results. The rainfall has been a welcome development for sorghum growers in the Texas Panhandle, but soil temperatures are still a bit cool to get seed in the ground. The Biden Administration’s 30 by 30 report has the attention of America’s farmers and ranchers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 18, 2021
Texas Congressman Kevin Brady says it's time for the Biden Administration's moratorium on trade agreements to end. It seems that meat packers have all of the control in the beef business right now. We’re seeing cases of anthrax pop up here in Texas, so it’s a good idea to vaccinate your cattle if you’re in an anthrax prone area. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 17, 2021
High sorghum prices should result in more sorghum acreage in Texas this year. All of Texas agriculture is focused on the weather right now. West Texas has seen some rain over the past few days, but there’s still a huge moisture deficit as planting gets underway. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 14, 2021
Texas wheat harvest is beginning, but it may be a crop to forget. The Texas House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved Eminent Domain reform legislation. The spring sweet onion harvest has begun in the Rio Grande Valley, and the watermelon harvest will start soon. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 13, 2021
The Cattlemen's Beef Board has openings for Texas cattle producers. A prevention and treatment plan can help minimize economic losses caused by internal parasites in cattle. Planters are starting to roll in West Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 12, 2021
Less than half of Texas is now under drought. Texas wheat harvest is underway. Cotton farmers set to evaluate new seed varieties. Be careful taking your dog to dog parks. It's sea turtle nesting season in Texas.
May 11, 2021
There are some new numbers that may help determine what normal weather is in the Texas panhandle. Texas peanut farmers are expected to plant fewer acres this year. Much of Texas has gotten rain over the last week and that’s especially true in the Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 10, 2021
Texas livestock investigators are investing in new technology. Beef packers are making near record profits right now, but why is that? There’s a big tradeoff when producing high quality hay versus producing a large quantity of hay. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 7, 2021
Texas pecan production was higher in 2020, but producers received less money for their crop. Life is dangerous every day for ranchers on the border. It’s looking like this may not be a very good wheat crop in the Texas High Plains. Eminent Domain reform is making its way through the Texas Legislature. We’ll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 6, 2021
The Green New Deal is back. Farmers now need to use a buffering agent when applying dicamba. Its shaping up to be a challenging year for raising cattle on the Texas High Plains. Reducing internal parasites in cattle is critical to ensuring their health and productivity. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 5, 2021
The historic 6666 Ranch has a new owner. The potential for a profitable cotton crop is very good right now. The corn crop in the Central Texas Blacklands is up and growing quickly. Texas ranchers along the Mexican border are facing a crisis. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 4, 2021
The influx of illegal immigrants is causing South Texas ranchers to fear for their safety. Corn prices have hit 9 year highs, but Texas corn farmers may still face a very challenging year thanks to the weather. This is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we commend the hard working Texas agriculture teachers across the state. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
May 3, 2021
New videos and personal accounts from farmers and ranchers impacted by the southern border crisis describe an overwhelming and often dangerous situation that must be addressed. The rebound in the hog market is good news for the Texas Panhandle economy. Severe weather has popped up in many areas of Texas over the past month.
Apr 30, 2021
A program seeks to honor Texas farms and ranchers that have stayed in agricultural production for a century or longer. A popular Texas beef conference brought in hundreds of people from a dozen states. Landowners can sign up for a program that allows extended hunting seasons and encourages wildlife and habitat conservation.
Apr 29, 2021
The drought has eased somewhat in Texas, but it's still very widespread. Drought was a hot topic at the big Hemphill County Beef Conference in Canadian this week. Recent cold temperatures have slowed the beginning of spring planting for farmers on the Texas Southern Plains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 28, 2021
Texas wheat crop condition ratings fall following last week's freezing temperatures. The future of groundwater supplies in the Texas High Plains is a top concern for most any farmer there. Onion harvest is getting underway in extreme south Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 27, 2021
Sorghum exports are setting new records. The Texas dairy industry is expanding, but it’s a careful balance to keep from oversupplying the market. Feral hogs are a problem across Texas, and East Texas is no exception. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 26, 2021
Congress considers rural broadband expansion. As the dairy business continues to expand in Texas, the biggest player of all is the Texas High Plains. Scattered showers across the Coastal Bend have provided some temporary relief from drought. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 23, 2021
Texas farmers have use of newly registered dicamba products this year. The state legislature is considering legislation to clarify labeling on fake meat. There may not be much profit to be made in the cattle business this year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 22, 2021
Only one member of the Texas congressional delegation is on an agriculture committee. As Texas High Plains farmers begin to get the 2021 crop in the ground, the economic outlook is only getting better. With the focus on Earth Day this week, farmers and ranchers are making their case as the original environmentalists. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 21, 2021
Cold temperatures threaten the Texas wheat crop. The drought continues to spread across Texas. Nearly 40 million dollars were lost to defaulted livestock payments over the last 10 years, but there’s a new law that aims to fix that. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 20, 2021
Texas gets a new cheese plant. Fed cattle prices have improved recently, but times still remain tough for Texas feedyards. Texas livestock producers will benefit from new dealer trust laws. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 19, 2021
An important deadline for Texas landowners is approaching fast. Livestock sellers now have more protection if a buyer defaults on payment. Plastic contamination remains a major headache for the cotton industry. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 16, 2021
Farm animal liability legislation has cleared the Texas House of Representatives. The Texas Department of Transportation is planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants. The Hemphill County Beef Conference is back after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. There's help out there for Texas farmers interested in growing hemp.
Apr 15, 2021
Texas farmers will plant more sorghum acres in 2021. There has been a big rise in US beef exports to China in recent months. There is a high demand for agricultural education teachers here in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 14, 2021
Corn planting is over half complete in Texas. Texas sorghum farmers will benefit from a new partnership. Cotton planting is underway in the Central Texas Blacklands. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 13, 2021
The Texas drought continues to spread. With the drought worsening on the Texas High plains, will there be enough moisture to get spring planting started? It’s been about two months since winter Storm Uri blasted the Rio Grande Valley. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 12, 2021
Water availability is constant challenge on the Texas High Plains. Texas cotton growers gathered in Lubbock over the weekend after a one year hiatus. Drought conditions continue to intensify in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 9, 2021
How are grazing conditions in the Texas panhandle? Water legislation is under consideration in the Texas legislature. Urban Texans are buying acres in the country at a rapid rate. Spring is in full swing in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 8, 2021
Drought continues to expand across Texas. The expansion of veterinary education opportunities at West Texas A&M University in Canyon is moving forward. The Southern Plains of Texas has received some welcome moisture recently that has helped spring planting prospects. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 7, 2021
CFAP 2 signup is open once again. Texas farmers are expected to plant more sorghum acres this year. With winter behind us and spring pastures greening up, when is the correct time to put out pasture fertilizer? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 6, 2021
The Texas legislature is considering a bill that would prohibit fake meat products from using terms like "beef." Plains Cotton Growers is holding their annual meeting this Friday. Spring planting is moving at full speed across many areas of Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 5, 2021
The latest estimate for Texas crop acreage is out. Cotton planting is underway in south and central Texas, but we’re about a month away from starting on the Texas High Plains. Spring weather is taking hold in the Central Texas Blacklands. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 2, 2021
Texas Farm Bureau testifies in favor of Eminent Domain reform. Corn farmers in the Texas High Plains face some challenges here in 2021, but there’s reason to be optimistic as well. Easter weekend marks the beginning of planting for Texas gardens. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Apr 1, 2021
USDA's Prospective Plantings report shocked the corn and soybean markets. The number of hogs and pigs in Texas has decreased over the last year. March was one of the better months for precipitation in the Texas High Plains, but that moisture isn’t sticking around. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 31, 2021
The after effects of Winter Storm Uri are a concern for Texas High Plains ranchers. Farmers in extreme South Texas continue the cleanup and damage assessment five weeks after the historic cold blast. The Texas Animal Health Commission last month reported a case of Covid-19 in a cougar. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 30, 2021
A beautiful spring is kicking off in East Texas. Recent precipitation has been helpful in West Texas, but the drought continues. There’s a new AgriLife program that helps Texas ranchers deal with drought. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 29, 2021
There are less cattle in Texas feedlots. 2020 was as tough year to grow cotton on the Texas High Plains. Dry conditions and windy days are presenting some real challenges for Coastal Bend agriculture. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 26, 2021
USDA has paused a plan to use RFID tags on cattle. Eminent domain laws are once again a big topic of discussion at the State Capitol. The Texas High Plains has had some noticeable precipitation events recently. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 25, 2021
Respiratory disease costs Texas cattlemen a lot of money. USDA researchers in the Texas High Plains are helping farmers save irrigation water. Spring work is picking up on the Rolling Plains as the winter wheat crop comes back from the winter storm. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 24, 2021
The Texas dairy industry continues to grow. One of AgriLife’s biggest producer meetings of the year is coming up soon. A new wheat variety for Texas farmers has performed well in its first growing season. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 23, 2021
The Texas goat market is on fire. A new cattle nutrition research project is shooting for a lofty goal. Good market prices for cotton have farmers thinking of more acres. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 22, 2021
Malted barley could help the cattle industry with environmental issues. Spring is officially here, but the effects of winter will be felt for a while. Planters are rolling in the Rio Grande Valley, while citrus producers there are still trying to regroup after winter storm Uri. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 19, 2021
Texas farmers have more time to apply for USDA's Quality Loss Adjustment program. The month of March has been a pretty good one for bringing precipitation to the Texas High Plains. State legislators are considering changes to the Farm Animal Liability Act. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 18, 2021
Several factors can cause calving difficulty in cows. Texas High Plains cattle might be spending more time on pasture, thanks to the recent run up in corn prices. Corn and sorghum planting are in full swing in Central Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 17, 2021
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is underway, but it looks a lot different. Texas High Plains wheat farmers seem to be motivated to grow out a grain crop this year. West Texas farmers are preparing for planting while dealing with a lack of moisture. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 16, 2021
Two Texas congressmen are seeking more help for Texas farmers and ranchers. The weekend storms in the panhandle were scary, but they brought some valuable moisture to the area. Spring planting is underway in East Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 15, 2021
The past year has been an exceptional one for the Texas sheep industry. The Texas dairy industry is still reeling from the effects of winter storm Uri. The planters have been rolling full speed in the Texas Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 12, 2021
Millions of fish along the Texas coast were killed by freezing temperatures. Ranchers on the Texas High Plains should keep an eye out for illness and injury that could be caused by the freezing weather in February. There is help out there for Texas farmers, ranchers and dairymen impacted by the winter storm in February. Don’t keep horse tranquilizers unsecured in your barn or vehicle.
Mar 11, 2021
Spring means longer days and a phenomenon known as Spring Feeding Frenzy. How did the freeze in February affect cattle on the Texas High Plains? Although not many quail were killed by the February freeze, we may start seeing impacts of the toll it took on them. If your puppy or kitten has ringworm, you’ll likely need to decontaminate your home.
Mar 10, 2021
There are ways to make using a squeeze chute more efficient. Flood planning groups are working to develop a statewide flood plan. The next few weeks are likely to be critical for wheat in the Texas High Plains. Winter storm Uri forced most farmers in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas to replant corn.
Mar 9, 2021
The Texas freeze in late February killed off some crop pests. U.S. agriculture is doing more with less. Registration is now open for wildlife conservation and leadership camps. Drinking contaminated water can led to a bacterial disease that can affect horses’ eyes.
Mar 8, 2021
A major Panhandle cattle industry event will return in April. Planning is underway for the 2021 State Fair of Texas. The freeze may have killed off some crop pests, but cattle parasites remain. The state's flood planning groups have been established.
Mar 5, 2021
Winter storm Uri did $600 million in damages to Texas agriculture, and that number is expected to rise. Cotton prices are way up, but that may not cause an increase in Texas cotton acres. Budget hearings continue in the state legislature. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 4, 2021
We have an early estimate of the agricultural damage caused by winter storm Uri. An important deadline is here for Texas cotton farmers. Spring calves are hitting the ground, so make sure you have a calving kit ready to grab when you need it. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 3, 2021
Early estimates are coming in on the damage caused to Texas agriculture by winter storm Uri. Hemp was a big topic of conversation a year ago in the Texas High Plains, but nowadays, not so much. Farmers and ranchers in central Texas are assessing the damage. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Mar 2, 2021
Despite recent precipitation in the form of snow and ice, it’s still dry in the Texas High Plains. What can we expect weather-wise in March? How did the late February freeze affect the Rio Grande Valley? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of "Texas Ag Today."
Mar 1, 2021
The deadline for choosing between ARC or PLC is approaching fast. February was a month for the weather record books. Temperatures all across Texas warmed up last week, and that includes the Coastal Bend. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 26, 2021
The Texas wheat crop may have survived the winter storm with minimal damage. Budget hearings are underway at the State Capitol. East Texas is thawing out from the recent winter storm. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 25, 2021
The wild temperature swings we’ve had in Texas lately give ranchers every reason to pay extra attention to the health of their cattle. It's FFA Week in Texas. The majority of cows go into labor at night, but there may be something you can do to encourage a daytime birth. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 24, 2021
Texas winter wheat may have gotten through last week’s brutal cold without much damage. Central Texas farmers and ranchers are cleaning up and assessing the damage from last week’s winter cold blast. Texas farmers and ranchers are transitioning from a time of survival to a phase of recovery and repair. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 23, 2021
The Texas Animal Health Commission has a list of resources for Texas livestock and poultry producers affected by last week's storm. It’s almost deadline time for decisions to be made on crop insurance. Planting plans and decisions draw closer as many Texas farmers prepare to put seed in the ground. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 22, 2021
It may be a while before we know how much damage last week's storm caused to Texas agriculture. It's winter meeting season in Texas. How will warm season forages be affected by last week’s artic blast? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 19, 2021
Texas poultry growers are recovering from a record cold snap. Landscape plants were damaged by the cold temperatures, snow and ice. Texas feedlots should see more cattle in the coming months. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 18, 2021
Texas agriculture is disrupted by power outages. The snow and ice is bringing much-needed moisture to dry areas of the state, but not as much as you might think. Spring calves has been hitting the ground this week, and unfortunately, they’ve been hitting the snow and ice. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 17, 2021
Texas dairymen are dealing with the frigid weather. What effect is the freeze having on winter wheat in Texas? The freeze has put a damper on any prospect of corn planting in Central Texas for now, but that should change quickly. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 16, 2021
Texas ranchers should keep good records of livestock losses. There is one silver lining in all of this snow, sleet and ice. It’s bringing much needed moisture to areas of Texas that have been suffering from drought. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 15, 2021
Keep good records of livestock losses during this cold weather blast. The artic blast has put a damper on planting progress that was underway in South Texas. We produce a lot of beef in Texas, but we need a big world of customers to keep that beef business strong. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 12, 2021
The Ogallala Aquifer is vital to the future of agriculture in the Texas High Plains. The Texas legislature is considering groundwater legislation to protect property owners. The cold weather may have put a damper on farm activity in most of Texas, but down near the border, farmers have been busy.
Feb 11, 2021
The Eminent Domain debate continues in the Texas legislature. With calving season about to begin in Texas, more cows may need help this year. The Texas Beef Council met in Waco this week to discuss the Beef Industry Long Range Plan. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 10, 2021
Cotton could make a run to one dollar a pound. Keeping cattle nourished is a challenge in the Texas High Plains right now thanks to the lingering drought. Planters have been rolling in the Rio Grande Valley. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 9, 2021
Planters have been rolling in the Texas Coastal Bend. Extreme cold is moving into Texas and it’s hitting the High Plains first. Road maintenance is a big issue in rural Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 8, 2021
If you plan to use auxin herbicides in the upcoming season, there are some important training sessions coming up. Texas cotton growers have a new FiberMax variety for 2021. Winter temperatures are on the way this week, but it’s not too early to be preparing for spring gardening in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 5, 2021
Texas stock shows and rodeos are once again making big changes to their schedules. We may see a substantial increase in sorghum acres in the Texas High Plains this year. Governor Greg Abbott delivered his State of the State address Monday, and he included issues important to Texas farmers and ranchers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 4, 2021
The sugarcane aphid caused big trouble with Texas sorghum a few years ago, but thankfully, those days are behind us. The Texas Beef Council has a new executive director. Soil moisture conditions in Central Texas look very good right now. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 3, 2021
The Senate Ag Committee approves Tom Vilsack's nomination. The Texas wheat crop is at a critical point in the growing season. South Texas row crop producers are ready to get seed in the ground. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 2, 2021
What can be called meat in Texas? The Texas winter wheat crop is struggling with dry conditions. The 2020 corn crop faced it’s share of challenges here in Texas and around the country. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Feb 1, 2021
Texas spinach production is down this year. Coastal Bend farmers are busy with final land preparation for the 2021 crop. The LaNina weather pattern is expected to last through March. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 29, 2021
Texas sorghum farmers have a breakthrough technology available for 2021. Farmers and ranchers hope to get some help from the Texas legislature to control wild hogs. Sand burrs or grass burrs can be a troublesome weed in Texas pastures. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 28, 2021
Tom Vilsack is set to become the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Raising bison in Texas can be a way to diversify your ranch. Texas farmers are enjoying a nice spike in commodity prices right now. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 27, 2021
Is the cattle herd shrinking or expanding? An AgriLife official from the Texas High Plains will weigh in on agricultural air quality. The Texas sorghum industry is experiencing an upswing right now. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 26, 2021
Tight wheat supplies are supporting prices. Will we see more soybeans in Texas in 2021? New cotton technology is a step closer to approval. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 25, 2021
Texas is getting 1.5 million to fight wild hogs. Cattle numbers in our Texas High Plains feedyards may be down for a while. Texas will be represented on a national task force on agricultural air quality. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 22, 2021
Will the beef industry get back to normal in 2021? It's a good time to sell corn, but not a good time to buy it. Eminent domain reform is big priority for Texas farmers and ranchers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 21, 2021
South Texas farmers are making preparations for the 2021 growing season. A major Texas High Plains cattle industry event is scheduled to make a comeback in April. There’s another option for Texas cattle raisers looking to diversify. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 20, 2021
It has been a great year for U.S. cotton exports. There are several things Texas High Plains farmers can do to improve soil health. Extreme South Texas has come through another cool down. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 19, 2021
Agriculture still has experienced leadership in Washington. Cover crops may help improve soil moisture in the Texas High Plains. There’s new technology available for Texas citrus producers. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 18, 2021
The first estimate of the 2021 cotton crop is out. The water challenges of the Texas High Plains are an issue in improving soil health in that part of the state. Texas farmers and ranchers took part in the business session of the recent American Farm Bureau convention. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 15, 2021
The Texas Farm Bureau is watching out for agriculture in the Texas legislative session. High Plains corn farmers should take advantage of the good times while they last. Texas citrus growers are expected to produce more oranges and grapefruit this year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 14, 2021
Rural Texans need more broadband access. Much of Texas saw a substantial snow fall earlier this week. What could redistricting mean for agriculture in the Texas High Plains? We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 13, 2021
USDA shocks the grain markets. The Texas legislative session is now underway in Austin. Livestock shows across Texas will have a different look here in 2021. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 12, 2021
The spring is the best time to price cotton in a La Nina year. Snow over the weekend was a welcome occurrence in the Texas High Plains. Water conservation is a big priority in Texas. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 11, 2021
Conducting farmer education meetings this winter is no easy task with COVID-19. A virtual American Farm Bureau convention highlights the need for rural broadband. Agricultural water conservation grants are available from the Texas Water Development Board. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 8, 2021
The new Coronavirus relief package includes relief for cattle producers. Texas High Plains wheat growers are hoping the crop can rally from a tough start. Farmers in the Coastal Bend of Texas are making plans for the 2021 crop year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 7, 2021
Corn futures hit the five dollar mark this week. Texas cattlemen in the High Plains should have a better in year in 2021. Dry weather continues to dominate Central Texas, despite recent rains. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 6, 2021
Will Texas High Plains farmers go bigger for grain production in 2021? Winter wheat in the Rolling Plains of Texas is doing well so far this growing season. South Texas farmers and ranchers have closed the book on a very tough year. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 5, 2021
More than 80 percent of Texas is suffering from drought. There's a lot going on with government programs right now. Corn rootworms can cause problems for Texas corn farmers. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 4, 2021
It’s a new year, with a new weather forecast. Farmers and livestock producers in the Texas High Plains are hearing some optimism on the economics of commodities produced there. 2020 was a tough year for agriculture on the southern plains of Texas. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Jan 1, 2021
2020 was not a particularly good year for peanuts in Texas, but a bright spot could be found in the High Plains. The Texas Tech School of veterinary medicine will soon interview applicants for its inaugural class. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Beef Checkoff are looking forward to 2021. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 31, 2020
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo will be smaller in 2021. A Texas working dog is a finalist for the farm dog of the year contest. Hay feeding season is underway, and its important to know what nutrients are in that hay before you feed it. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 30, 2020
We may see more sorghum acres in the Texas Panhandle next year. The Texas rice industry donated over 100,000 servings of rice to feed hungry Texans. Cotton farmers are finding a stronger market as the 2020 harvest wraps up. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 29, 2020
Texas red meat production is down. Texas rice farmers donated thousands of pounds of rice to a Central Texas food bank. Now is the time to start making selections for your 2021 garden and landscape plans. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 28, 2020
President Trump has signed the latest coronavirus relief bill. When it comes to water, Texas panhandle farmers are having to think outside the box. A Texas company is a semifinalist in a national ag competition. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 25, 2020
Texas cattle producers have a new way to market their beef. The US Fish and Wildlife service announced it will leave the monarch butterfly off of the endangered species list. The US Department of Agriculture has published its final rule clarifying definitions in the Packers and Stockyards act. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 24, 2020
Growing corn on the Texas High Plains is getting harder. Four Texans were appointed to the Cattlemen's Beef Board. 2020 has been a interesting year for the gardening and horticulture industry in Texas. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 23, 2020
Insight on planning for the 2021 crop season is available. Texas cotton farmers have some new varieties to choose from. Central Texas is finally getting some typical winter weather. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 22, 2020
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been pushed back to May. Preparations are underway for the 2021 crop year in West Texas. Texas cotton farmers will have access to some new varieties for 2021. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 21, 2020
A Texan is reappointed to the National Sorghum Checkoff Board. 2020 will go down as a very dry year for most of Texas, including the Coastal Bend. Staying safe during the remaining holiday season. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 18, 2020
The Texas wheat crop is looking better than expected, considering the drought conditions across the state. The coronavirus pandemic changed how beef checkoff programs were implemented in 2020. Soil testing is the first step to improving fertilizer use and forage production. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 17, 2020
The disastrous year for Texas cotton is one reason cotton prices are rising. Winter officially gets underway next week. So what kind of winter can Texas cattlemen expect? The Texas sheep market has been excellent here in 2020 and it keeps climbing. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 16, 2020
Texas feedlots are still operating in the red. The Supreme Court weighs in on a Texas water dispute. The only thing that stays the same is that things change, and that’s definitely true in agriculture. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 15, 2020
The wheat industry ends 2020 on a positive note. Keeping kids safe on the farm is a year round priority. It’s the time of year for gift giving. So what can you get your favorite gardner? We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 14, 2020
Texas cotton production is down sharply this year. Irrigation water is getting harder to come by on the Texas High Plains. Keeping kids safe on the farm is a year-round priority. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 11, 2020
Cotton harvest is wrapping up, and the Texas High Plains cotton crop was as disappointing as we expected it to be. There’s a new intranasal vaccine to protect beef and dairy cattle from pneumonia. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 10, 2020
Tom Vilsack may be the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Cold, wet weather has returned to Central Texas. Soil health is an increasingly important topic for Texas farmers and ranchers. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 9, 2020
Texas farmers are facing irrigation challenges. Low interest rates are boosting sales of rural Texas land. Hemp farmers in several Texas counties will have access to crop insurance next year. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 8, 2020
Drought conditions are improving in Texas. Covid-19 has impacted the Texas real estate market, including rural land sales. Extreme south Texas has remained warm, windy and dry. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 7, 2020
Texas sheep prices are the best in 50 years. The Texas coastal bend area received some much needed rainfall as November came to a close. Texas corn farmers depend on export markets, and work is being done to open and expand those markets. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 4, 2020
Texas High Plains corn farmers are wrapping up 2020 in better shape than they might have expected. Young agricultural leaders across Texas were recognized this week by the state’s largest farm organization. We'll have those stories plus news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 3, 2020
Governor Abbott pushes for rural broadband expansion. USDA released its weekly Texas Crop Progress and Condition report Monday afternoon. Dry weather in Texas has affected the movement of livestock to auction markets. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 2, 2020
Texas pork producers faced many challenges in 2020. Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed the state’s largest farm organization this week. Cold weather has arrived in much of Texas, and there’s a lot work you can do in the yard or garden. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Dec 1, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott addressed the Texas Farm Bureau's virtual annual convention Monday. La Nina continues to affect Texas weather, extending the drought into the fall months. There's some positive news for Texas farmers and ranchers in a new nationwide opinion poll. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 30, 2020
The nation's first bale of cotton is auctioned for Rio Grande Valley scholarships. If you like variety in your weather, the 2020 crop season in the Texas Panhandle had a lot to offer. Sustainability initiatives continue to grow in agriculture. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 27, 2020
What will the Texas High Plains crop mix look like in 2021? The Livestock Risk Protection Program can help Texas cattle producers manage their risk. Central Texas has seen its first frost of the year. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 26, 2020
The farmer's share of the Thanksgiving food dollar has declined. Texas is the new home to a nationwide wool testing lab. Extreme south Texas remains warm and dry and that’s concerning to farmers and ranchers there. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 25, 2020
The 2020 crop season is winding down on the Texas High Plains. Drought conditions continue to expand in the Texas Coastal Bend. Signup for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program is still underway for Texas farmers and ranchers. We'll have these stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 24, 2020
USDA's Cattle on Feed report sends the cattle market higher. A special Grow Texas FFA initiative was launched this week. It’s the time of year when East Texas pastures are in transition. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 23, 2020
Farm income continues to increase. The south Texas cotton crop ended up great for some growers, while it was a disaster for others. Harvest is getting closer to the finish line in West Texas. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 20, 2020
The Texas wheat crop is facing a difficult year. Soil testing can make sure your pastures are getting the nutrients they need, and it can save you money. Texas ranchers who have suffered diminished pasture quality due to drought may qualify for aid. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 19, 2020
Texas farmers are feeding the hungry. We usually see a 50/50 split of sheep and goats selling in Texas, but the mix has now shifted to more sheep. The Coronavirus is spreading across rural Texas, and with the holidays approaching it could get worse. We'll have those stories and more on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 18, 2020
Texas High Plains feedlots are still losing money, but not as much as they were earlier this year. It’s been a roller coaster type of year for Texas peanut farmers. Cotton harvest is underway in the rolling plains of Texas, We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 17, 2020
Three young couples top the list of the best young farmers in Texas. Peanut yields in Texas have been down this year due to drought, but along the Red River, they’re looking good. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 16, 2020
The reopening of a lamb processing plant in San Angelo is progressing. The 2020 sorghum crop in south Texas saw record yields in some areas. There are some beautiful colors in Texas at this time of the year. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 13, 2020
Texas A&M is helping farmers keep better records. There are several tools Texas ranchers can use to reduce their risk in the face of drought, high winds and other factors. The Texas dairy industry is launching a new supply management program in the spring. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 12, 2020
Agricultural education and the FFA are great sources for STEM learning in Texas. Nearly 70 percent of Texas is experiencing abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions. There will be some major changes in agricultural leadership in the next Congress. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 11, 2020
Plains Cotton Growers is suing the Environmental Protection Agency. USDA released new crop estimates. Wheat planting continues in the Central Texas Blacklands. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 10, 2020
Drought expands in Texas. The 2020 Texas rice crop produced exceptional yields. The water dispute between the US and Mexico has been settled, while south Texas fruit harvest gets underway. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 9, 2020
How will the election affect the commodity markets? Coastal bend farmers and ranchers are facing intensifying drought conditions in that part of Texas. Texas cotton growers are still getting the 2020 crop out of the field, but it’s already time to start choosing varieties for next year’s crop. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 6, 2020
We may see more sorghum planted in the Texas High Plains next year. What can livestock producers do to minimize drought risk? Annual ryegrass is a commonly used winter forage in east Texas, but it can be a problem for hay producers. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 5, 2020
Thanksgiving turkeys will cost more this year. Farmers are getting an idea of the damage caused to crops by the recent ice and snow storm in the panhandle and southern plains. The price for Texas wethers or muttons has increased lately. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 4, 2020
Texas High Plains cotton appears to have made it through last week's cold front in relatively decent shape. Fruit and sugarcane harvest is underway in deep south Texas. How is the coronavirus affecting Texas Agriculture? We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 3, 2020
Drought continues to spread in Texas. The 2020 census is wrapped up and Texas stands to gain from the growth in our state’s population. The end of October marks a transition in gardening here in Texas. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Nov 2, 2020
The Commodity Classic will not be held in San Antonio. The impacts of La Nina are being felt across the entire state of Texas. West Texas A&M University is home to a new research project that has implications for both animal health and human medicine. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 30, 2020
A record freeze in the Panhandle brings much-needed moisture. Advances in technology could help farmers find lost livestock. China has made big progress in meeting their obligations to purchase US farm products under the Phase One trade deal. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 29, 2020
Texas has a new NRCS State Conservationist. Corn diseases on the Texas upper Gulf coast were very bad this year. The seasons are definitely changing, and that is very apparent in the central Texas blacklands. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 28, 2020
Texas farmers can use dicamba next year. There may be ice in the panhandle, but the Rio Grande Valley has been dealing with 90 degree days. Texas farmers can now sign up to participate in the US Cotton Trust protocol. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 27, 2020
Another record Cattle on Feed report. Harvest is moving forward on the Southern plains of Texas, while cold temperatures have moved in. There are several things to be aware of when improving forages on rural property. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 26, 2020
Texas farmers get help through CFAP 2. Dry weather trends continue to be a concern for coastal bend farmers and ranchers. New plantings on rural property can be an opportunity to enhance the property’s value. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 23, 2020
Mexico lives up to its water commitment. There are more wild hogs in Texas than in any other state, and the population is growing. Texas Tech University is now accepting applications for the inaugural class at its new school of veterinary medicine. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 22, 2020
Deadlines are set for Texas farmers and ranchers to apply for the EQIP program. Texas farmers are using cover crops successfully. Cold weather is moving into Texas, so it’s time to start winterizing landscape equipment. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 21, 2020
The Texas Cattle Feeders Association has a new chairman. It’s wheat planting time in Texas, but the weather is not exactly cooperating. When is comes to growing corn, Texas farmers have a lot of technology to choose from. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 20, 2020
Texas drought continues to expand. This was the first year farmers could grow hemp legally in Texas. And it turns out that not many farmers wanted to try it. Texas schools benefit from USDA grants. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 19, 2020
A retiring Texas congressman has a special request. A Texas port is getting an upgrade, and that's good news for Texas farmers. Fall is here and it's time to prepare plants for the Texas winter. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 16, 2020
Wheat prices continue to climb higher. The new Texas Tech University Vet School is on track and on schedule. Cotton ginning is finished in the Rio Grande Valley, while citrus harvest is about to begin. The American Farm Bureau Convention is going virtual. We'll those stories, the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 15, 2020
Lamb prices are looking good for Texas sheep producers. The Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has been cancelled for 2021 but the San Antonio Stock show and Rodeo will be held. Coastal bend farmers and ranchers are staying busy here in October. Fungicides can be an important tool in producing corn here Texas. We'll have those stories, plus the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 14, 2020
The Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show is cancelled, but educational events will continue. A Texas congressman is asking USDA to open more Farm Service Agency offices. Harvest is well underway in west Texas. There’s new grain sorghum technology available to Texas farmers. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 13, 2020
Cotton production takes a sharp drop in Texas this year. Fall armyworms can take out entire fields of Bermuda grass and many other crops. The world record longhorn bull is found right here in Texas. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 12, 2020
The Texas Beef Council has a new Executive Vice President. Mexico isn’t living up to its end of a water treaty, and it’s costing Rio Grande Valley Farmers. Sorghum is becoming a more versatile crop. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has resources available for at home learning. which can help parents and teachers looking for educational content. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 9, 2020
The 2021 Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is cancelled. Texas Beef Council Executive Vice President Richard Wortham is retiring after a long career of promoting Texas Beef. Corn prices are rallying for Texas corn farmers. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas Wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 8, 2020
This is National 4-H week in Texas. A team of Texas veterinarians is helping California recover from massive wildfires. The learning curve for producing and processing industrial hemp is steep. Drought conditions have improved in one part of Texas, while getting worse in others. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 7, 2020
The excitement over growing hemp in Texas is gone as prices tumble. USDA is working on challenges facing rural and underserved Texas communities. Lightweight cows are getting hit with big discounts at Texas auction barns this fall. A big Texas farm show has been cancelled, but farm webinars continue. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 6, 2020
Could smoke from the California wildfires affect cotton production here in Texas? The Texas panhandle has endured a brutal summer, and cattlemen there are now finding out how much those hot, dry conditions affected their herds. The show goes on in Waco at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo, with a special collaboration with the State Fair of Texas. We'll have those stories, news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 5, 2020
Harvest is getting underway in the Texas high plains after a very tough growing season. Texas peanut farmers planted more acreage this year, but production is expected to go down. Fall is finally here in Texas, and it’s a great time to fertilize trees and shrubs. We'll have those stories, the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 2, 2020
The corn market is offering a great opportunity to price both the 2020 and 2021 crop. It's the end of an era at the Texas Beef Council. Harvest is picking up steam in the Texas southern plains. We'll have these stories, the latest news from Washington and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Oct 1, 2020
Cotton harvest is finally getting underway in the Texas panhandle. Texas wheat yields and production were both down this year. An autumn La Nina is forecast for Texas. We'll have those stories, the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 30, 2020
With dry conditions persisting in the panhandle, area ranchers are advised to stay extra-focused on herd management. The cotton harvest is on and off again in Central Texas, thanks to mother nature. The wind blows hard here in Texas, so windbreaks can be beneficial in both rural and urban settings. We'll have those stories, the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 29, 2020
There is a record number of cattle in feedlots. Texas crop harvest is moving rapidly. Extreme south Texas dodged tropical storm Beta, but water issues with Mexico are becoming a big problem. We'll have those stories, the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 28, 2020
Texas wheat growers are happy to be included in the second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments. A Texas farmer has been reappointed to the United Sorghum Checkoff board. September rains have greatly improved the soil moisture reserve across the lower coastal bend. We'll have those stories, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 25, 2020
A major hurdle has been cleared by Texas Tech University as it moves toward opening a new veterinary medicine school in Amarillo. What features should ranchers look for in a drone? Fall calving season is here, and you should have a plan before those calves start hitting the ground. We'll have those stories along with the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 24, 2020
The sugarcane aphid is still hassling Texas panhandle sorghum farmers. More money is available to help farmers and ranchers fight feral hogs. Central Texas cotton is in better shape than expected, after receiving some untimely rains. We'll have those stories, the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 23, 2020
The Commodity Credit Corporation is caught in the political crossfire in Washington, according to Texas Congressman Mike Conaway. A second veterinary school for Texas will become a reality soon. It's a busy time of year for agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley. We'll have those stories, the latest news from Washington, Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 22, 2020
Wild hogs continue to be a huge problem for Texas Farmers and ranchers. Texas cotton and corn production is expected to be lower this year, while sorghum and soybean production should be higher. Weather conditions have been all over the place in September, and that could have an effect on North Central Texas cotton crop. We'll have those stories, the latest wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 21, 2020
CFAP 2 rolls out this week. The beef industry needs more processing capacity. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is planning a comeback for 2021, and pasture conditions vary across Texas as we move into fall. We'll have those stories plus a look at wildlife news and a complete wrap up of the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 18, 2020
Drought in the panhandle hasn't just hurt row crops there. It has also hurt pastures and cattle. Cattle feeding has not been profitable for most of this year, but we should return to profitability in the fourth quarter. Plus, drones can be a useful tool for managing a cattle herd. We'll have those stories along with the latest wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 17, 2020
The nation's cow herd is shrinking, and drought is declining here in Texas. Rainfall is welcome for some farmers and not welcome for others, depending on who you ask. Plus, we will take a look at the latest Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report. We'll have those stories along with Texas wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 16, 2020
It's the time of year that army worms march across Texas. The dog days of summer are barking loudly in south Texas. And farmers have a chance to update their yields for the Price Loss Coverage program. We'll have those stories, plus wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 15, 2020
The cotton market has made a run back above 65 cents. Feral Hogs are forcing south Texas farmers to change their farming practices. Lower coastal bend cotton farmers are wrapping up the 2020 growing season. We'll have those stories, plus a look at the latest wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 14, 2020
The National Cotton Council is seeking a legislative response to damages cotton growers experienced from Hurricane Hanna. Cooler temperatures and rain have made for a big change in weather patterns in the southern plains of Texas. Plus, we'll discuss the pros and cons of planting cool season forages this year. We'll have those stories along with the latest wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on today's episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 11, 2020
We may have to wait to find out how crops in the Texas panhandle were affected by this week's cold spell. Demand for beef has dramatically improved in the last two decades. Plus, a look back at the effects of Hurricane Laura. We'll have those stories along with wildlife news and a complete look at the markets on today's episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 10, 2020
Cold weather has moved into Texas and is affecting late-season crop development. But the cold front has also brought rain, and that is a welcome development for many drought stressed areas. Plus, we'll look at hurricane relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana. Those stories along with wildlife news and a look at the markets are on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 9, 2020
Mexico owes the US a huge water debt, but they’re asking for more time to pay it. Gated entrances to property are a big deal here in Texas and can really enhance the value of a rural property. Plus, September is the month to plant a fall garden in Texas, but we should actually let the climate tell us when to plant, not the calendar. We'll look at those stories and more, along with wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 8, 2020
Texas feedlots are still working through backed up cattle caused by COVID-19 related shutdowns of processing plants earlier this year. Plus, Texas agricultural land values are rising. We'll look at those stories and more, along with wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 4, 2020
August was hot and dry for west Texas cotton producers. We'll visit with one southern plains cotton grower about conditions on his farm. Plus, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention and Expo are going virtual this year. We'll look at those stories and more, along with wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 3, 2020
There’s an old saying that farmers and ranchers are the original environmentalists. One Texan believes that is still true, and he’s taking action to prove it. Plus, farmers are defoliating cotton in central Texas, and sorghum scholarships are available to Texas students. We'll look at those stories and more, along with wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 2, 2020
The Texas sheep industry is getting a much needed shot in the arm with the reopening of the old Rancher's Lamb processing plant in San Angelo. Plus, a Texas panhandle cattle feeding representative was chosen to chair an Environmental Protection Agency committee. We'll look at those stories and more, along with wildlife news and a look at the markets on this episode of Texas Ag Today.
Sep 1, 2020
Drought is creeping back into much of Texas, and that creates concern for wildfires. Plus, we're now making the transition from tropical August into transitional September weather. We'll visit with a National Weather Service meteorologist about the changing Texas weather. Those stories along with wildlife news and a look at the markets are on today's Texas Ag Today.
Aug 31, 2020
East Texas farmers and ranchers are cleaning up the damage caused by Hurricane Laura, while coastal bend cotton farmers are wrapping up a successful growing season. We’ll look at those stories and more on the Texas Ag today podcast.
Aug 19, 2020
Looking for the latest news in Texas agriculture? You can find it here each weekday on the Texas Ag Today podcast.