Texas Ag Today

*U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed TFB members in Washington, D.C. this week.*Texas cotton planting is right-on-track in Texas. *Zoetis receives additional approval for Dectomax to treat New World Screwworm.*Registration is now open for the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.*Cattle inventories remain very tight.*The U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking for producer input for its June agricultural survey.*USDA has confirmed cases of pseudorabies in Iowa and Texas.

*China should be buying U.S. beef again.  *The latest Texas wheat crop ratings are out.   *High energy prices are helping to boost cotton prices.*Feedlots are making money, but they still need higher fed cattle prices.*Millennials are buying more beef.*There's some good news in the fight against the New World screwworms.  *Data centers are a touchy topic in Texas agriculture.*Preparations continue for the possible arrival of screwworms in Texas.  

*The feeder cattle market is red hot.  *USDA is raising the average cotton price for the marketing year.  *Nominations are open for the Texas Environmental Stewardship Award Program. *About 300 Texas farmers and ranchers are in Washington this week. *Record high fed cattle prices are good news for Texas feedlots.   *A new survey shows consumer's meat consumption priorities.  *The rising cost of fertilizer is squeezing the balance sheets of farmers across the U.S.*Screwworms are not in Texas, but we should be on the lookout for them.  

*Cattle futures trading limits are expanding.  *Hurricane season gets underway soon.   *China is expected to buy $17 billion in agricultural products from the U.S.  *Southeast Texas County Farm Bureaus hosted a Legislative Ag Day last week.  *Cotton and sorghum seem to be the best options to grow in the Texas High Plains this year.  *A few fertilizer plants have been damaged by the conflict in the Middle East.  *Farmers on the Texas Southern Plains need rain to get spring crops in the ground.  *Extracting a horse tooth is not an easy job.  

*The Trump Administration is thinking twice about interfering in the beef market.   *The Wexford Ranches of South and West Texas are recognized for their conservation work.  *More screwworm cases have been confirmed in northern Mexico. *Farmers in South Central Texas held a legislative ag day.  *The new growing season is just beginning in the Texas Panhandle. *E15 legislation is moving forward.  *Central Texas is currently in a wet weather trend.  *Mules are different from horses in many ways.  

*U.S. wheat production is taking a big drop.  *A bipartisan group of member of Congress have sent a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative asking for help for specialty crop producers.  *The annual Kansas wheat crop tour is this week. *Agriculture is benefitting from some important achievement in the policy arena.*The U.S. Meat Export Federation's Spring conference is next week.  *The Trump administration's plans to increase beef imports is on hold.  *It's breeding season for spring calving beef herds.  

*The wheat market got a big boost from the USDA WASDE report.   *The latest Texas wheat crop ratings are out.  *The number of heifers in feedlots is going down. *Are cotton prices high enough to make a profit?  *A state legislative committee heard testimony on the state's New World screwworm plan.  *President Donald Trump is in China for trade talks. *The crop and livestock outlook is improving in the Texas Coastal Bend.  *There are several health concerns for horses this spring.  

*Beef imports are increasing.  *Drought conditions in Texas have improved.  *The entire U.S. cotton belt is experiencing drought. *Many Texas High Plains farmers are making a gamble with dry planted cotton.  *The Buying American Cotton Act is designed to increase demand for U.S. cotton.  *Whole milk is coming back to school lunches.  *The American Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging action on year-round E15.  *Health problems for sheep and goats increase at this time of year.  

*Sterile screwworm flies are dropped in more South Texas counties.   *The Department of Justice says a new settlement will help ease consumer meat prices.  *The Texas Special Rangers is reminding livestock owners to brand their animals. *Drought continues throughout the Texas High Plains.  *Beef is winning with consumers.  *The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program has sent out over $9 billion in farm assistance.  *Volunteer plants in gardens landscapes are showing up at this time of year.  *Spring brings some health problems for sheep and goats.  

*Winter wheat fields are abandoned across the High Plains.  *USDA has designated 34 Texas as natural disaster areas. *There are multiple diseases affecting wheat in the Texas High Plains this year.  *A commitment to cotton innovation continues.  *House ag leaders say they would like to see the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement renewed. *Weed control is an important part of pasture management.  *Recent rains in parts of Texas could cause some horses to develop laminitis.  

*The debate continues over cow herd rebuilding.   *The Farm Service Agency is now accepting applications for grasslands CRP.  *The Texas Corn Producers Association is applauding the introduction of a bill to lower fertilizer prices. *Texas High Plains farmers may see a new disease threat this year.  *The Army Corps of Engineers is working on many water projects.  *The House is expected to take up E15 legislation soon.*May is here and farming activity is busy on the Texas Rolling Plains.*Moving cattle soon after breeding is not a good idea.

*Texas farmers were denied their claims against Hansen-Mueller.  *Farmer sentiment went down in April.  *Over half of the Texas wheat crop is in poor to very poor condition. *U.S. beef is being shipped to the United Kingdom duty free.  *Monitoring for pests early in the season is critical for Texas cotton producers.  *A new bill in Congress aims to reduce fertilizer costs.  *Late April rainfall has benefitted Central Texas crops and pastures.  *There are multiple options for treating laminitis in horses. 

*The cotton market is bullish.   *State and national animal health officials are investigating a case of pseudorabies virus reportedly linked to a hog facility in Texas.   *We're looking for good farm dogs.  *Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche says the Department of Justice is investigating major beef processors.  *Corn leaf hoppers may not be much of a threat to Texas High Plains corn growers this year.  *Farmers on the Southern Plains of West Texas are getting ready to plant, but they need rain.  *What percentage of beef cows need help calving?  

*Wheat prices are having a huge rally.  *The push is on the pass the Buy American Cotton Act.  *Texas 4-H now has its own headquarters.  *Helping Texas High Plains agriculture deal with depleting groundwater supplies is a major focus for AgriLife researchers.  *Central Texas dairy farmers have a new market opportunity thanks to Walmart.  *The Farm Bill has cleared a key hurdle in Congress.  *A new topical powder has been approved to treat screwworms.

*Texas farmers are getting spring crops in the ground on time.   *The northern Texas Panhandle is still dealing with drought.  *A dairy industry group is asking federal regulators to enforce labeling rules. *Many Texas High Plains farmers are looking to get the most out of their ground water supply.  *May is a severe weather month for Texas.  *There has been a lot of talk in Washington about the Farm Bill.  *South Texas livestock producers are preparing for the screwworm, while Mexican farmers are burning fields to prepare for planting.  *Penetrating wounds on a horse's foot can be deadly.  

*The Texas wheat crop is dismal.  *Duty free shipments are on the way to the United Kingdom for the first time in five years.  *Florida has implemented restrictions on importing livestock, pets and wildlife from six South Texas counties. *Growing and marketing sorghum is a big part of Texas Panhandle agriculture.  *Cotton Council International is working to grow U.S. cotton demand overseas.  *Work is underway to help lower fertilizer costs for farmers.*The Coastal Bend has seen some drastic changes during the last month.  *Diagnostic tests can help improve a beef cattle deworming program.  

*Mexican cattle imports may never fully recover.  *Getting E15 fuel available year-round is a priority for ag groups in Washington.  *The battle to keep screwworms from crossing into Texas continues.   *Wheat diseases have been a big problem across the state this year.  *Increasing U.S. cotton exports is key to increasing demand.  *We could see a vote on the Farm Bill this week.  *The House Natural Resources Committee has proposed a comprehensive update of the Endangered Species Act. *Caring for livestock after a wildfire can be a difficult challenge.  

*Screwworm cases in northern Mexico are multiplying.  *The outlook for spring planting is bleak in the Texas Panhandle.   *USDA increased the payment factor for the Supplemental Disaster Relief program for 2023 and 2024 losses.*Rural land sales in Texas have been strong.  *U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins recently addressed concerns about USDA budget cuts.  *The money set aside for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program has almost been entirely delivered.  *The drug pentosan can treat arthritis in horses. 

*Drought continues to devastate Texas Panhandle wheat fields.  *Screwworm cases are getting closer to Texas.   *Providing for animals during times of disaster was the focus of an AgriLife training event in Amarillo.  *First quarter rural land sales in Texas were solid.  *Lawmakers discussed proposed changes to the USDA budget.  *Evaluating soil test results can help you decide the most efficient way to spend money on soil nutrients.  *There's a new treatment available for arthritis in horses.

*Are we rebuilding the beef cow herd?  *Canadian officials are not expecting many changes in the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement.  *Funding is available for landowners in the Nueces River watershed to secure conservation easements. *Introducing honey bees to cotton fields could boost yields.  *Water efficiency is key to producing a cotton crop in West Texas.  *The U.S. ag trade deficit continues to fall.  *Spring is here and farm and ranch activity is picking up in the Texas Rolling Plains.  *A new report is out about fatal hind limb fractures in racehorses.  

*The Texas wheat crop is still the worst in the nation.  *USDA has extended the deadline to submit offers for the continuous Conservation Reserve Program.  *Cotton planters are starting to roll. *The weather in the Texas High Plains has not been helpful to area beekeepers.  *Telling the story project dot org is a website dedicated to saving farmers' lives.  *Ag labor is a top issue farmers and ranchers are dealing with.  *We're in a time of growth for landscape and garden plants.  *Spring is here and so are the fire ants.  

*The latest Cattle on Feed report is out.  *Recent rainfall has eased drought in some parts of Texas.  *The Texas Water Development Board is taking comments on the draft 2027 state water plan. *Farmers and ranchers are telling their stories about farm safety.  *The new AgriLife facilities in Canyon are helping researchers meet the challenges in modern day agriculture.  *We have additional details on the new 30 million base acres.  *Corn and milo planting are getting underway on the Texas Southern Plains.  *Laser therapy is being used in horses for a variety of conditions. 

*Screwworms are moving closer to Texas.  *The U.S. Commerce Department is slightly lowering duties on some fertilizer imports.  *Texas spring planting progress is moving forward.   *A major fundraising effort has raised a lot of money for programs and projects at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.  *There are a lot of factors involved in cotton planting decisions this year.  *Just days after meeting with Texas farmers about fertilizer prices, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has an announcement on the fertilizer industry.  *The Texas Hill Country and the Winter Garden area received some much-needed rainfall.  *Prevention and treatment of grass tetany is important at this time of year.  

*Texas has the worst wheat crop in the nation.  *Wheat growers need to secure seed now for this fall's crop.  *The Texas A&M Ranch Raised Beef conference is May 14-15. *What does regenerative agriculture mean for ranchers?  *Diseases have taken a bite out of Texas wheat yields this year.  *The Trump Administration is expected to announce action this week to help ease fertilizer prices.  *East Texas has gotten some good rains.  *USDA broke ground on the new sterile screwworm fly production facility Friday.  

*The groundbreaking for the sterile screwworm production facility was held Friday in the Rio Grande Valley.*There's talk in Washington of another economic aid package for farmers and ranchers.*Five farmers and ranchers have been appointed to serve on the Texas Farm Service Agency state committee.*There are less cattle in Texas feedlots.*Many Texas wheat fields have been hit with disease outbreaks.*Thirty million new base acres were granted through the One Big Beautiful Bill act.*Recent rains in the Texas Coastal Bend have improved both soil moisture and farmer attitudes.*Fast growing spring pastures can lead to grass tetany in beef cattle.

*Education is a big part of fighting the screwworm.   *Solar grazing with sheep is a growing industry in Texas.  *Walmart has joined the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. *Water conservation is a major focus of research in the Texas High Plains.  *Bovine respiratory disease can occur year-round.  *Work continues on the Farm Bill.  *Early April rainfall has been a huge help for crops and livestock in the Central Texas Blacklands.  *Cattle fever ticks have been an issue in South Texas for over 120 years.  

*Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will be in Edinburg on Friday for the groundbreaking of the sterile New World screwworm production facility at Moore Air Base.  *The Texas strawberry season is off to a slow start.  *The Texas Farm Service Agency is hosting a quarterly webinar series called Texas Third Tuesday. *The continuing drought is creating a lot of questions about this year's Texas peanut crop.  *There are still a lot of empty pens in Texas feedlots.  *A new survey reveals how high fertilizer prices are taking a toll on Texas farmers.  *There are non traditional products that claim to increase forage production.  *All athletes should warm up before exercise, but the type of warmup can make a difference in horses.  

*Data centers are getting a lot of attention in rural Texas.   *There will be a few changes for Texas turkey hunters this year.  *Mexico may not live up to its promise to deliver water to the Rio Grande Valley. *The push is on to increase demand for U.S. cotton.  *There has been a big economic turnaround for Texas feedyards in the last few weeks.  *President Trump has weighed in on high fertilizer prices.  *Farmers on the Texas Southern Plains are preparing for spring planting.  *It's important to use the correct antimicrobial when treating animals.  

*An updated screwworm response playbook is out.  *Rising fuel and energy costs are hitting rural America the hardest.  *Texas A&M AgriLife's new regional center on the West Texas A&M campus is expected to have many benefits.  *Increasing U.S. cotton demand is a top priority for the cotton industry.  *Texas farmers and ranchers sat down with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last week to discuss fuel and fertilizer prices.  *April is a great time of year for landscaping plants in Texas.  *Phenylbutazone is commonly used in mares.  

*The screwworm is only 90 miles away from Texas.  *USDA's April WASDE was a yawner.  *There isn't much good news for the Texas wheat crop.  *Texas specialty crop producers have until April 24th to sign up for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program. *Plains Cotton Growers held their annual meeting last week in Lubbock.  *The battle with weeds is already underway.  *The new U.S. ag trade negotiator outlined the Trump administration's ag trade goals for the year.*Dry weather is challenging farmers in North Central Texas. *Grafting orphan calves onto surrogate cows can be done.  

*The Texas wheat crop is in rough shape.  *Cropland is getting converted to grass production in the Texas High Plains.  *Texas sheep and lamb producers can apply for a grant through the American Lamb Board. *The Texas Panhandle needs more rain for spring planting. *Cotton planted acreage is expected to go up this year.  *The White House unveiled the president's proposed budget for next year.  *The latest Feeding the Economy report is now available. *Equine enteric coronavirus cases are increasing in the northeast part of the country.  

*It's important to keep young people involved in agriculture.  *A West Texas A&M professor has received a half million-dollar grant to study liver abscesses in beef cattle.  *Texas A&M is investing $133 million in a new meat sciences and technology center. *We're seeing a shift from La Nina to El Nino.  *The American Farm Bureau Federation is asking Congress to address farm labor issues.  *Virtual fencing can benefit the budget of ranches that use it.  *The Department of Agriculture released its latest estimates for the Food Dollar Series. *A topical wound spray has been approved to treat and prevent screwworms.  

*The chances of reopening the Mexican border for livestock imports may be small.  *Farmers are running out of time to apply for the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.  *The strike is over at the Greeley, Colorado JBS beef processing plant.   *The use of virtual fencing is saving ranchers both time and money.  *Conservation efforts are addressing flood control across Texas.  *The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is allocating 30 million new base acres under ARC and PLC.  *With fertilizer prices spiking higher, knowing exactly what your soil needs is important.  *There are several ways to treat parasites in back yard chickens. 

*El Nino will bring more rainfall to Texas later this year.  *One Texas cattleman says we need to reopen the Mexican border for livestock imports. *State and national agricultural organizations are asking the Commerce Department to remove duties on phosphate imports.  *Conservation programs are underway across Texas.  *Virtual technology is becoming more common in Texas agriculture.  *USDA has released its forecasts for planted acreage this year.  *External parasites can be a problem in backyard chicken flocks.  

*A top agriculture official says the spike in fuel and fertilizer prices should be temporary.  *Calf and yearling prices have jumped higher over the past year.  *Screwworm cases in Mexico continue to grow.   *Water availability is a prime consideration when considering what type of forage to plant. *The drought has taken a toll on winter wheat in the Texas Rolling Plains.  *Rising transportation costs are hitting the feed and grain industry.  *East Texas has gotten some timely rains.  *It's foaling time.  

*Texas wheat is getting hit from all sides.   *Corn prices are lower than a year ago.  *The American Sheep Industry Association has a new executive director.   *Stronger forages can make for a stronger ranch.*The Texas FFA continues to grow with dedicated young leadership.  *E15 legislation is gaining support.  *High fertilizer prices are hurting farmers and ranchers. *Pinkeye can infect sheep and goats.  

*There will be a ground breaking soon on the sterile screwworm fly production facility in the Rio Grande Valley.   *Texas corn acreage is expected to increase slightly this year.  *Wheat acreage is expected to be the lowest in 100 years.    *Winter forage has struggled in the Texas High Plains. *It was a hot, dry March across Texas.  *The Trump administration has announced a new renewable fuels standard to help farmers.   *Rain is in the forecast for South Texas.  *Pigeon fever is a bacterial disease in horses.  

*There's the possibility of the border reopening for livestock imports.  *There are less hogs and pigs in Texas.  *Calf and yearling prices continue to set new record highs.   *A celebration of agriculture was held in Washington last week, with several Texans in attendance.*New equipment designed for processing sorghum is getting some encouraging results.   *Many Texas Coastal Bend farmers have seen no rain at all this year.  *Dehydration is a serious issue in horses.  

*It's going to be a dry spring for Texas.  *Texas farmers have a lot to be concerned about going into the 2026 growing season.     *Texas farmers and ranchers were in Washington D.C. last week. *DEF sensors are no longer necessary on diesel engines.  *There's some new equipment that's causing excitement in the sorghum industry.  *Spring is the time to fertilize lawn and garden plants.  *Electrolyte loss and dehydration are serious problems in horses.  

*High fertilizer and energy costs are taking a toll on Texas farmers.  *Drought conditions continue to get worse across Texas.   *The annual Hemphill County Beef Conference is coming up in a few weeks.  *The EPA has given Texas rice farmers another tool to fight rice delphacid.  *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has a new scholarship initiative for rural youth.  *Growth implants usually increase the return on most calves.  *E15 gasoline blends will be available this summer.  

*Texas feedlot inventories continue to drop.   *Texas dairies produced almost 1.5 billion pounds of milk last month.  *National Sorghum Producers is asking for clear and timely guidance for the implementation of the 45Z clean fuel production credit. *The Texas High Plains continue to dry out.   *El Nino is expected to move into Texas this summer.  *We could see additional movement on the Farm Bill soon.  *Good news is hard to find right now.  *Proper injection techniques are important in cattle.  

*Texas Panhandle wheat is suffering. *There's a new pour on treatment for cattle fever ticks. *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to set records.  *The U.S. sheep industry is at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the world.   *USDA is launching a "Product of the U.S." public awareness campaign.  *Central Texas remains dry as Spring sets in.  *Endocrine disease is common in older horses. 

*Feedlot inventories remain steady.   *HPAI is still affecting poultry flocks across America.  *The Texas Wheat Producers Board launched “Fields of Learning.” *The Texas dairy industry has seen massive growth over the past few years.  *The National Peanut Board is funding allergy research.*Lawmakers are asking for transparency in fertilizer prices.  *Water woes continue in South Texas.  *The gestation length is cattle is supposed to be 283 days, but that isn't always the case.

*The sterile fly facility project in the Rio Grande Valley is moving forward.   *Texas crawfish production remains steady this year.  *Wildfires have devastated thousands of acres in Nebraska. *Dairy cattle in the Texas Panhandle are getting more productive.  *The National Peanut Board is investing in food allergy research. *Food and ag groups are asking the Trump administration for action.  *East Texas is warming up after another cold front.  *Horse owners are at risk for serious injuries.  

*Beef production is expected to go down this year.   *Registration is underway for the David McKnight Ranch Management University.  *Enrollment is open for the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. *The strong calf market is expected to hang around for a while.  *Spring is here, but the drought continues.  *Some agricultural groups are urging Congress to take action on year round E15.  *Drought is still plaguing Coastal Bend farmers as planting deadlines are approaching.  *Determining when to treat disease in cattle can be a difficult call.  

*E15 is a priority for sorghum producers.   *The Trump administration is taking action to help lower fertilizer costs.  *Workers at the JBS beef processing plant in Greely, Colorado are officially on strike.  *The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show is underway.  *The crazy weather continues across Texas.  *The Trump administration has taken action to ease fuel and fertilizer prices.  *Thousands of young people are participating in the Houston Livestock Show.  *Cortical steroids are commonly used in equine joints.  

Spring planting has been very dry.   Sheep and goat prices are strong right now.  There is a false rumor circulating about a disease in Texas feedlots. Feedlot margins are getting tighter.  New treatments have been approved for use on screwworms.  Trade talks have started on the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement.  Wheat acreage is holding steady in Texas this year.Your behavior around the cattle chute can make a difference when working cattle.  

*Choosing the right cotton variety can make or break a crop.  *Texas honey production fell last year.  *The Houston Livestock Show's grand champion lamb sold for a record $1,000,000.   *Markets are getting tough for Texas High Plains cattle feeders.  *A good vaccination program is vital for replacement heifers.  *A new piece of legislation would help increase demand for U.S. cotton.  *Spring is nearly here.  *Lots of older horses have Cushing's disease.  

*Wheat prices are climbing higher.  *Fertilizer prices will remain high for several months.  *Mexico is reporting 14 new cases of screwworms. *Cotton has a lot of health benefits. *The National Peanut Board has made a big investment in allergy research.  Tom Nicolette reports…*The American Farm Bureau Federation has some ideas on how to increase consumption of U.S. Commodities.*Poultry litter is common source of nutrients for pastures. *Treatment for injured joints in horses depends on which joint tissues are damaged.  

*Drought is causing problems for spring planting.  *General CRP signup is underway.  *Texas peanut acreage is expected to drop this year.  *When beef on dairy calves go into the feedlot, they tend to be there for an extended stay.  *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is underway.  *The Senate Ag Committee is discussing ways to drive demand for U.S. grown commodities.*The winter has been mild in most of Texas, but farmers may pay the price with a dry, windy March.  *There are studies on a new way to castrate calves.  

*Wheat prices have taken a big jump.  *The FDA is giving Texans another tool to fight screwworms.   *There could be more farm financial aid coming from Washington.   *Texas High Plains dairies are responding to the water challenge.*Easements can affect Texas rural property.  *Tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh on fertilizer prices.  *Farmers on the Texas Southern Plains are preparing for spring planting. *Vitamin E is an important vitamin for horses.