Texas Agriculture Today

*Tyson Foods is restarting the second shift at its Amarillo beef processing plant.  

*Drought conditions are improving across Texas.  

*A Livestock Risk Protection policy can help cattle producers cope with market volatility.  

*Two new screwworm cases were reported in New Mexico.  

*We also had a recent screwworm case reported in Starr County. 

*Rural Texas land sales have been strong. 

*USDA is investing over 7 million dollars in Texas meat processors. 

*The cost of fuel is affecting all aspects of agriculture, including aerial applicators. 

*Horses need dietary supplements during certain times of the year.  

*The screwworm is moving north.   

*There won’t be any potash imports from Belarus coming anytime soon.  

*This year’s cotton crop is going to be an expensive one.  

*Working cowboys from across the country are in Texas this week for the WRCA finals rodeo.  

*Rural land sales were strong across Texas this summer.  

*Will we finally get a Farm Bill in the lame duck session? 

*There’s not much cotton to harvest in the Texas Rolling Plains this year, but the wheat is up and growing. 

*There are hundreds of equine supplements available. 

*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 through if you are moving wildlife or hides in South Texas.  

*The British Equine Veterinary Association added new guidance to decrease resistance of horse parasites.

*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 not enough for some horses.

*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 need for your cows.

*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 goat identification requirements.

*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-patient relationship with your local veterinarian is important.

*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.