Texas Agriculture Today

*Work in Washington continues for the cattle industry.  

*Farmers were more optimistic last month.  

*Screwworm detections are picking up. 

*The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show is helping to grow the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

*It’s turkey time across the country.  

*USDA is moving forward with a grant and loan program designed to strengthen meat processing. 

*Rains have returned to the Texas Hill Country and South Central Texas.  

*It’s weaning time for beef calves. 

*Texas has a new Commissioner of Agriculture.   

*Researchers at Texas A&M are working on the largest ever genetic study of the New World screwworm.    

*The cattle market has experienced a big drop over the past month. 

*A shortage of hay is leaving High Plains cattle producers nervous about winter.

*The results of the Texas pecan harvest will vary this year, depending on location.

*The results of the mid term elections will shake up both the House and Senate agriculture committees. 

*There are some hoops to jump...

*Screwworms were found in a chicken.  

*Congress is out of session, but work on a new Farm Bill has not stopped.  

*Around 57,000 Mexican cattle have crossed the border.

*The U.S. Meat Export Federation’s fall meeting is next week.

*The summer heat and drought took a bite out of Texas cucumbers. 

*A new EPA proposal would change oil and natural gas regulations under the Clean Air Act.  

*Farmers on the South Plains of West Texas are trying to finish cotton harvest.  

*Forage alone is...

*We're still waiting to rebuild the cow herd. 

*High calf and yearling prices are keeping cattle producers from keeping heifers.  

*U.S. sheep producers want to investigate foreign sheep imports.  

*Cattle producers in the Rio Grande Valley are juggling a lot of issues. 

*Farmers and ranchers have prepared resolutions to help improve Texas agriculture. 

*Congress is headed back to work after the election. 

*The seasons are changing in the Central Texas Blacklands. 

*With winter on the way, you should know how much hay you will...

*There’s a new beef processing plant planned for the Texas Panhandle.  

*We’re getting closer to a stronger El Nino.  

*Horse owners should be aware of an uptick in Equine Infectious Anemia cases.  

*Researchers at Texas A&M are testing a new way to defend against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 

*The sheep industry continues to ask for an investigation into foreign lamb imports.

*It’s been warm and dry in East Texas as deer season gets underway. 

*Horses on a forage-only diet may need supplementation.  

*Governor Abbott renewed the diesel disaster proclamation.  

*Screwworm cases are moving west.  

*Texas FFA members brought home six national championship honors.

*A Muleshoe rodeo student received a $5000 scholarship.

*Grain systems need a close evaluation during harvest season. 

*Two regional projects in Texas are receiving nearly 18 million dollars in funding from USDA. 

*With October now behind us, farmers in the Coastal Bend are meeting with their bankers and making plans for the next growing season.  

*The Texas Animal Health Commission has updated their sheep and go...

*The animal rights movement is pouring money into the mid-term elections.  

*Texas farmers and ranchers should see some drought relief this fall and winter.  

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association elected a new officer team.

*Texas High Plains cotton growers may want to look at some different varieties when planning next year’s crop. 

*Grain system checkups are important after harvest.  

*USDA continues to move forward with its reorganization plans.

*Preparations are underway for the annual Rio Grande Valley Citrus and Vegetable Show.   

*Having a client...

*Foreign imports have taken over the U.S. lamb market.  

*Mexico is delivering water to the Rio Grande Valley.  

*Cotton harvest has passed the half-way mark in Texas.

*Texas High Plains cotton growers are feeling the effects of a rough growing season. 

*The 2026 Excellence in Agriculture finalists were announced. 

*USDA is investing millions of dollars in conservation projects across Texas. 

*It’s time to bring container plants indoors. 

*Dehorning dairy calves is necessary for the safety of both cattle and humans in dairy. 

*More fed cattle price transparency is coming.  

*An East Texas high school student is a finalist for the 2026/27 national FFA officer team.  

*USDA has posted the next steps in reopening the border for Mexican livestock imports.

*This is going to be a bad year for the High Plains cotton crop.

*It’s pumpkin season in Texas.  

*There will be more economic help for farmers and ranchers impacted by rising input costs. 

*Farmers continue to operate in the red even as grocery prices rise. 

*Inflammatory intestinal disease...

*Placements were lower than expected in the latest Cattle on Feed report.  

*There are more dairy cows producing more milk in Texas.  

*A few new screwworm cases have popped up.

*Texas High Plains farmers are considering major changes due to water challenges. 

*The Secretary of Agriculture has an upcoming announcement affecting the beef industry.  

*Rain has finally come to the Texas Panhandle.  

*Winter forages can reduce the need for hay and supplements. 

*Horse nutrition can be a complicated subject. 

*Another border port is now open for cattle imports. 

*Texas farmers could see more than one million base acres added soon.  

*Cotton harvest is getting underway in the Panhandle and Southern Plains.  

*The Texas Tech rodeo team is hosting their 77th annual rodeo. 

*Creek crossings are a good way to improve the value of rural Texas land.  

*USDA is investing 100 million dollars in a Texas project to improve fertilizer production.  

*Cooler temperatures and wetter conditions are welcome in the Texas Rolling Plains.

*Equine nutriti...

*There will be some dryland cotton harvested in the Southern Plains and the Panhandle, but not much.

*The first case of New World screwworms in wildlife has been confirmed in Pecos County.

*Texas corn and sorghum harvests are over 90% complete.

*Winter wheat in the Texas South Plains is off to an encouraging start. 

*Wheat planting is underway on the Texas Rolling Plains. 

*Work continues on a full five-year Farm Bill. 

*Ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley are keeping an eye out for th...

*The midterm elections could have a big effect on the cattle industry.  

*Four Texas corn farmers will help guide the National Corn Growers Association in the coming year.  

*This has been a tough economic year for Texas High Plains corn farmers. 

*The Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo is opening soon.

*The Trump administration announced an $8 billion dollar Harvest Fuel Relief Program.  

*More farmers are using drones than ever before.

*Hay prices and demand remain strong in Texas. 

*There are some concerns when vaccinating horses...

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s annual meeting has wrapped up.  

*The National FFA Convention is this week in Indianapolis.  

*Another Mexican border port will open next week for livestock imports.

*Improved research can help in the fight against feral hogs.

*This has been a bad year for the Texas High Plains corn crop. 

*USDA wants input from Texas farmers about their experiences in buying equipment.  

*Central Texas welcomes the recent rainfall.  

*Prussic acid can cause livestock deaths this time of year.  

*New screwworm cases are popping up.  

*This could be a good year for Texas quail hunters.  

*A Texas ranch received the Certified Angus Beef Ambassador Award.  

*U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was back in Texas last week.

*Feral hogs continue to take a toll on Texas farms and ranchers. 

*A Texas wheat industry leader is making a big change.

*USDA is investing in Texas specialty crops. 

*Recent rains in the Texas Southern Plains are causing some trouble as cotton harvest gets underway. 

*T...

*Texas cotton growers are ready to get this season over with.  

*There’s good news for tomato and pepper growers.  

*How long will it take to rebuild the U.S. cow herd?

*The drought monitor map looks better for the Texas High Plains.  

*October brings agritourism to Texas pumpkin patches. 

*The IRS made an important announcement regarding dyed diesel use on federal highways.  

*Hurricanes have brought a lot of rainfall to dry U.S. soils.  

*Knowing your horse’s body temperature is important when checki...

*Texas cotton harvest is ahead of schedule.  

*Sales of tractors and combines declined last month.  

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s annual meeting kicks off this weekend in Oklahoma City.

*What’s ahead for the Texas High Plains cattle industry? 

*The Texas Coastal Bend had a decent sorghum and cotton harvest this year. 

*The president has struck a deal with Russia on diesel.

*Fall has arrived in East Texas, but more rainfall is needed. 

*Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats is common.

*Texas High Plains rains are causing harvest issues.  

*Recent rains have finally put a dent in the statewide drought.  

*The Texas Animal Health Commission is releasing more screwworm infested zones.    

*Cattle and hog futures trading will soon be available in New York.

*These are very challenging times for Texas cattle feeders. 

*Pasture mealybugs continue to spread across Texas. 

*The Farm Service Agency is now processing ARC and PLC payments. 

*Leptospirosis can be a hidden disease in cattle.

*A USDA report shocked the corn market.   

*Cotton harvest is getting close on the Texas Southern Plains.   

*The United Sorghum Checkoff Program has selected Clint White to be the next Executive Director.    

*Smart ear tags are expected to be studied at the new West Texas A&M research feedlot. 

*Agricultural awareness is a priority at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo.  

*USDA has awarded more than 1.5 billion dollars in CRP payments, and farm debt may be higher than previously thought. 

*It’s time to winterize Tex...

New cotton varieties were showcased last week.  

West Texas A&M University in Canyon received a 9.5 million grant to build the most advanced cattle feedlot research facility in the world.   

Another Texas livestock auctioneer has qualified for the World Championship contest. 

The State Fair of Texas wraps up this week.

Dairy Margin Coverage program enrollment is now underway. 

With the recent rainfall across much of Texas, conditions are good for planting cool season winter forages.

There are some non-drug treatments for horses with ulcers. 

*There’s a new partnership to help develop future Texas farmers and ranchers.  

*Farmer sentiment of the economy fell last month due to high input costs.  

*The drought map looks much better after the recent rains in the Texas High Plains.

*A Texan is now vice-chairman of National Sorghum Producers.

*USDA has launched an initiative to protect plant genetics. 

*Preparations are underway for the Texas legislature to meet in January.  

*Pregnancy checking is an important procedure in a cow-calf herd. 

*Recent rains were too late to help the nation’s cotton crop.  

*Cattle prices have dropped in the second half of the year, but they will still remain high.

*Changes are coming to the crop mix in Randall County.

*The Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo is underway in Waco. 

*USDA and the Federal Trade Commission have launched a public inquiry into issues with agricultural equipment manufacturing and distribution.

*Preparations are underway for the Texas legislature to meet in January.

*Probiotics are promoted for horses.  But do...

*The pasture mealybug is spreading, but work continues to fight it.  

*Two bonding companies lost their fight against Hansen Mueller in the company’s bankruptcy case.  

*High cattle prices should continue.

*Changes are coming to Texas High Plains agriculture.  

*Cooler weather has arrived just in time for the State Fair of Texas. 

*The president has signed an executive order allowing dyed diesel on the nation’s highways.  

*It’s a busy time for agriculture in the Central Texas Blacklands. 

*Veterinarians in Kansas are investigating...

*Cattle producers could use less help from Washington.  

*The Farm Bill has now expired, and that has stopped CRP enrollment.   

*Another case of screwworms was confirmed in Brewster County.

*The beef checkoff is building demand for beef. 

*Recent rains across the Texas High Plains have meant a lot for the drought ravaged region.  

*Potash from Belarus is making its way to the U.S.  

*USDA wants to know what you think about the US Mexico Canada trade agreement. 

*The Texas Southern Plains received some muc...

*When will cow herd rebuilding begin?   

*Texas farmers are holding more grain in storage this year.  

*Strong consumer demand continues to support the beef industry.

*NASA has shown an interest in Texas High Plains agriculture. 

*The beef checkoff expands marketing opportunities. 

*The House and Senate have adjourned until after the November election.

*Fall weather has arrived in East Texas.  

*A club foot is not uncommon in horses.

*We could see more wheat acres in Texas this year.  

*Texas hunters have a good opportunity to bag wild turkey and whitetailed deer this year.   

*Summer crop harvest continues to make progress across the state.  

*Recent rains have boosted the potential for Texas High Plains wheat.  

*Fall weather has finally arrived in Texas.  

*USDA is making it easier to find agricultural data. 

*Agricultural leaders in the Texas Coastal Bend are educating young students about agriculture. 

*The way calves are handled at the ranch determine...

*How will Mexican feeder cattle imports affect the cattle market?  

*Peanut harvest is getting underway in West Texas and the Rolling Plains.   

*Texas Tech University has released a report examining government support for sugar production around the world.

*Irrigation was a losing effort for some Texas High Plains farmers this year.  

*Farmers are reacting positively to Governor Abbott’s move to allow dyed diesel to be used on the road.  

*USDA is working to increase staffing at county offices.  

*Officials from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. are...

*USDA is stepping up the fight against the pasture mealybug.  

*There’s a new potato designed specifically for Texas.  

*A new screwworm case was discovered in a goat in Crockett County. 

*The Texas High Plains are getting a lot of rain. 

*U.S. beef is getting more access to the Saudi Arabian market. 

*China has agreed to reduce tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods. 

*It’s time for fall armyworms in pastures.

*Feeding a quality trace mineral is important for reproduction in cattle. 

*Off road diesel can be used on the road in Texas.  

*Texas dairies produced more than a billion and a half pounds of milk last month.  

*ICE is having a chilling effect on the meat packing industry.

*There have been big rains across the Texas High Plains. 

*A big chunk of Texas rural property is owned by absentee landowners. 

*The Federal Trade Commission has reached an agreement that may lower pesticide prices.  

*Much of Texas is getting some drought relief. 

*Quarter cracks can occur o...

*A major drought and triple digit temperatures wreaked havoc on the panhandle corn and milo crops this year.  

*Texas researchers are working to breed parasite resistant sheep.  

*A Texas livestock auctioneer took first place in a recent World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifier.

*The Texas Panhandle may see a lot of snow this year.  

*There are a lot of absentee landowners in Texas.  

*Can anything be done to lower farm input prices? 

*Diesel prices are at record highs as harvest ramps up across the country. 

*Shea...

*The American Lamb Board is focusing on education.  

*The drought continues to spread across Texas.  

*The Buying American Cotton Act now has 100 congressional co-sponsors.

*What will the future of farming in the Texas Panhandle look like.

*High diesel prices are adding to an already stressed farm economy.  

*The DOT is taking action it says will help prevent fuel shortages.

*The citrus harvest will get underway soon in the Rio Grande Valley.  

*The horse hindgut can have a major impact on equine health.  

*The Texas sorghum harvest is in the final stages.  

*Cattle prices are still strong.  

*The American Sheep Industry Association is supporting the Section 201 lamb import investigation.  

*Harvest is underway on the Texas High Plains.

*Cotton growers are investing in rural communities. 

*Farm input costs are through the roof, thanks to the ongoing conflict with Iran.  

*The American Farm Bureau Federation appreciates recent actions to modernize USDA farm loan programs.

*Flies are still a problem on cattle in the fall months. 

*Cross border livestock trade is picking up.  

*The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas released its quarterly agriculture report.  

*The fundamental factors of the cattle market point to continued high prices.

*Harvest reports are coming out of the Texas Panhandle. 

*It’s livestock show and rodeo time in Texas. 

*A fertilizer expert weighs in on the president’s plan to import potash from Belarus. 

*We’re getting into the time of year for planting trees in Texas.  

*Analyzing milk can indicate which dairy cows are undergoin...

*There was a surprise in Friday’s Cattle on Feed Report.  

*The Texas NRCS is accepting applications for 2027 conservation programs.  

*John Collier of Stephenville received the American Simmental Association’s highest honor.  

*El Nino has been a big letdown for Texas farmers and ranchers. 

*Fall is finally here, but summer heat and drought are still hanging around. 

*More than 30 million new base acres were allocated this year.

*The Senate Ag Committee finally moved its version of the farm bill to the full Senate for a vote.

*Another Mexican border port will open this week for livestock imports.   

*The Texas Animal Health Commission is releasing movement restrictions in another screwworm containment zone.  

*U.S. beef production is expected to decline this year and next year. 

*The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is building new facilities.  

*Some rain relief may be on the way for the Texas Panhandle.

*More than 30 million additional base acres were allocated this year.  

*Irrigation systems are shutting down on the South Plains of Texas as the cotton crop is matu...

*Wheat planting is running behind schedule.  

*The Texas Animal Health Commission has released another screwworm infested zone.  

*Tariff free beef imports may not make any difference in retail beef prices.  

*Research efforts are working to make wheat products more attractive to consumers.  

*A bill that protects AM radio has passed the House of Representatives.  

*Drought and hot weather continue in the Central Texas Blacklands. 

*Rabies is deadly in humans and animals.

*Another border crossing will be open soon.  

*Drought continues to spread across Texas.  

*The drought is also affecting Oklahoma farmers and ranchers. 

*The Texas Cattle Feeders Association website is a good source of cattle market information.

*The Global Sorghum Conference is wrapping up in Lubbock. 

*The Farm Bill is moving ahead. 

*Harvest season is wrapping up in the Texas Coastal Bend.  

*There are three methods of pregnancy testing in cattle.

*It’s hot and dry, and the grass isn’t growing.  

*The Texas cotton harvest is running ahead of schedule.  

*Consumer demand for beef remains high.    

*The cost of corn presents a challenge for Texas High Plains cattle feeders.

*The Global Sorghum Conference continues in Lubbock.  

*USDA is working to increase the number of sterile screwworm flies.

*Hot, dry weather is expanding across South Texas. 

*Cortical steroids are commonly used in horse joints.

*Texas livestock auction markets are having a good year.  

*Diesel prices have hit another record high.  

*A company working to stop the screwworm has chosen San Antonio as the site for a major new research project.

*Market fundamentals make the case for higher fed cattle prices.

*The benefits of growing sorghum are highlighted this week at the Global Sorghum Conference in Lubbock.

*President Trump has signed a ban on select products from Canada sold into the U.S.  

*It’s still hot and dry in East T...

*This may be a good time to protect cotton prices.  

*Texas citrus production topped $100 million this season.  

*Terri Stuart Forest will receive the National Golden Spur Award.

*Some Texas High Plains farmers are thinking of switching from row crops to grass. 

*The Global Sorghum Conference is underway in Lubbock.  

*Lawmakers are set to reconsider the Farm Bill and vote on a bill that supports AM radio.  

*September is a great month to plant a fall garden. 

*Shipping calves is stressful.