Texas Ag Today

*The Farm Service Agency is looking for the next generation.  *Drought will continue to affect herd rebuilding this year.   *The weather has been unusually warm and dry in the Texas Panhandle.  *Fertilizer costs are a big burden on farmers.  *There's good news for school students and dairy producers.  *Spring planting plans are underway across Texas. *Johne's disease can affect cattle, sheep and goats.  

*A Texas Panhandle young farm couple placed second in the nation.  *The National Cotton Council is working to increase demand for cotton. *Congressional ag committee leaders are hoping to address ag labor issues soon.  *Texas is one of 42 states involved in a national pork brand campaign.  *The Texas A&M AgriLife Center in Amarillo is getting a new location and a new name.  *South Texas has experienced a winter heat wave. *Vitamin A is important for cattle.  

*Another screwworm case was discovered in northern Mexico.  *Rio Grande Valley farmers are optimistic about getting water from Mexico. *Texas High Plains farmers are facing another tough farm economy.  *The American Farm Bureau Federation is holding its annual meeting this week in Southern California. *The heads of the House and Senate agriculture committees discussed their plans for addressing the rest of the Farm Bill.*Cotton gins continue running on the South Plains of Texas.  *Equine Herpes Virus showed up in Texas recently.  

*Texas is preparing for the cotton jassid.  *The U.S. is investigating strawberry imports from Mexico.  *Drought is affecting a big chunk of U.S. winter wheat acreage.  *Sorghum without prussic acid could soon become a reality.  *Drones are becoming more prevalent in agriculture.  *Lawmakers have introduced a bill that should help farmers retrofit older tractors to make them safer.  *Equine Herpes Virus is often misunderstood.  

*The cattle market has recovered and rebounded.   *A steer in Briscoe County has tested positive for anthrax.  *Second and third year veterinary students can apply for the Texas Farm Bureau's rural veterinary scholarship. *There have been many improvements in cattle handling.  *The Endangered Species Act has affected pesticide usage.  *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers are in California this week. *January is junior livestock show time in the Coastal Bend.  *New traceability rules went into effect about a year ago. 

*Texas continues to prepare for the screwworm.  *Applications are open for the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program.  *The National Cotton Council is surveying growers for the 2026 NCC Planting Intentions report.   *The corn leaf hopper could be a problem in the upcoming growing season.  *There are a lot of farm policy challenges coming in 2026.  *The Trump administration has released new dietary guidelines for Americans.  *The U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is up for review in 2026.*Culling some ewes may benefit your sheep operation.  

*The U.S. cow herd may be stabilizing.  *China plans to levy new tariffs on U.S. beef.  *A Texan is now the Chief Economist at USDA.  *There is a strong interest in planting corn in the Texas High Plains this year.  *There are a lot of factors that determine the price of fertilizer.  *USDA is preparing for the 2027 Census of Agriculture.  *Eligible farmers and ranchers are now invited to apply for specific disaster relief. *Stringhalt is a neuromuscular disease in horses.  

*Staffing shortages are a challenge for the Farm Service Agency.   *The Livestock Marketing Association is working to secure more flexibility for livestock haulers.  *With current cattle prices, it's very important to make sure every cow has a calf.  *Could Congress finally approve year-round E15 gasoline?  *We do not produce enough lamb meat in the U.S. to keep up with the demand for it.  *Shivers is an equine disease common in larger horses. 

*Beef production is expected to drop again in 2026.  *The annual report for the U.S. cotton trust protocol was recently released.   *There is a surplus of silage in the Texas High Plains.  *New corn technology is constantly being developed.  *We now know more about the Farm Bridge Assistance Program payment rates.  *Flies can be a year-round problem in Texas, so it's important to have a year-round control program.  *Keeping water sources flowing can be a major task during the winter.  

*The payment rates are out for the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.  *USDA has had a quick response to last week's screwworm detection in northern Mexico.  *Trucking regulations have a big impact on livestock auction markets. *The outlook for row crops on the Texas High Plains looks similar to this past year.  *Farm labor is a continuing challenge for the Texas pork industry.  *New trade agreements are good news for U.S. corn growers.  *Farmers in the Texas Rolling Plains are trying to figure out what to do next.  *Feeding insulin resistant horses correctly is critical to their survival.

*Another case of New World screwworms was detected in northern Mexico.  *There are fewer hogs and pigs in Texas.  *2025 was year of mixed results for agriculture.*Texas High Plains farmers and ranchers have experienced unseasonably warm temperatures recently.  *Farmers and ranchers are hoping for a good forecast for the new year.  *The U.S. and Canada are gearing up to review the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement.  *Weed pressure can get ahead of you fast.  *Coccidiosis can be an issue in post weaned calves.  

*Congress has earmarked money to pay for electronic ID tags.  *Texas dairies produced more milk with more cattle last month.  *Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced an investment of $1.4 billion to improve rural health care across the state. *How much output per acre do organic cotton farmers produce?  *The annual Blacklands Income and Growth conference is next week in Central Texas. *USDA has released a new agricultural trade forecast.  *2026 brings a new year for Texas gardens and landscapes.  *Another medication has been approved for treatment and prevention of screwworms.  

*We have more time to prepare for the New World screwworm.   *USDA is not considering any additional aid for farmers.  *Texas teachers can sign up for a free accurate ag book. *How does the budget for organic cotton compare to conventional cotton?*Rural land sales were active this past fall.  *The U.S. has a new chief ag trade negotiator.  *The 64th annual Blackland Income Growth conference is coming up in Central Texas.  *As temperature gets colder, stress on cattle increases.  

*New Farm Service Agency County Committees take office this week.  *The push continues to keep E15 ethanol in gas pumps year-round.     *Organic cotton brings a premium price, but there are rules you have to follow.  *The fall of 2025 brought some good land sales for hunting and recreation.  *A Texan will once again lead food safety at USDA.  *2025 was a dry year for Deep South Texas.  *Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in an East Texas commercial poultry flock.  

*What are the net effects of President Trump's tariffs?  *USDA is preparing for its next Agricultural Resource Management survey.   *Cody and Erica Archie have been named Texas Farm Bureau's “Texas Ag Influencer of the Year.” *Micronutrients are important for cotton.  *Some farmers weren't always farmers.  *A key deadline is coming up for NRCS conservation programs.*The White House has delayed a decision about monarchs.  *Cotton gins are running on the South Plains of Texas while the harvest wraps up.*Feral hogs are causing major problems in national parks.  

*Cattle supplies may get tighter in 2026.    *Animal behavior specialist Temple Grandin would like to change the way we think about thinking.*Agricultural trade has a lot of acronyms.*Voluntary country of origin labeling will face stronger enforcement in 2026.  *Proper nutrition for the cow herd is so important as we move into the coldest time of the year.  *Careful antibiotic use is important in both human and animal medicine.  

*It has been a busy year for the Texas Farm Service Agency.   *Texas Tech's School of Veterinary Medicine is launching its first food animal residency program.   *2026 may put drought conditions behind us for a while. *Temple Grandin is a world-renowned animal behavior specialist.*High fertilizer prices are an incentive to make sure you're applying exactly what your crop needs.  *New trade deals are beneficial for sorghum growers.  *As the year draws to a close, farmers and ranchers in the Coastal Bend have a lot to be thankful for, despite a very challenging year.  *There is a new treatment for common skin tumors in horses.

*Feedlot inventories continue to drop.  *USDA's NRCS has set a single deadline for farmers and ranchers to sign up for conservation programs.  *The application period for the Texas Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is now open.  *The beef industry has made massive improvements in the quality of beef sold to consumers.  *A new pasture herbicide will be available for forage producers.  *Economic assistance is available for milk and grain losses.  *Fertilization of winter pastures should be based on soil tests.  *Researchers are studying how cattle can become infected with salmonella.  

*El Nino is moving into Texas.  *A big chunk of Texas is still dealing with drought.  *The Beltwide Cotton Conferences are coming to Texas. *It has been an eventful year for Texas High Plains cattle feeders.  *It's a new season for livestock across Texas.  *Nine U.S. lawmakers from Texas are not seeking reelection to Congress.  *As the new year approaches, there are both good and bad things happening in the Texas Rolling Plains.*Safety is a major concern in racehorses.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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. 

*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.

*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.

*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.

*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.

*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.  

*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. 

*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.

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.  

*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.