This episode features an excellent update and reminder of terminology related to the insurance options available to producers in the coming year.  Dr. Andrew Wright and Will Keeling, economists with Texas A&M AgriLife recently previewed the decisions and what looks best under what scenarios.  I hope you enjoy the conversation with Kristie Keys facilitating.

Impressive presentation focused on management of pastures, growing grasses, tools available, research projects, and brush management.  Dr. Morgan Treadwell is a range specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and highly respected for the work she does in these areas.  Thank you to Dr. Treadwell for sharing

Texas A&M Entomologists Dr. David Kerns, Dr. Suhas Vyavhare, and Dr. Patrick Porter discuss some problematic corn insects (Corn Leaf Hopper, Southwestern Corn Borer) and cotton insects that need to be prepared for in the coming growing season.  Thanks to these gentlemen for a excellent presentation.

Presentation from the North Region Production Risk Management Conference where Dr. Dotray discussed issues related to control and management of resistant weeds plus issues impacting producers related to pesticide use and options.

Second part of the two part series on Beef Cattle Needs and Supplementation Decisions.  Dr. Jason Smith details the decisions to be made based on protein and energy needs of your cattle and available forage.  Very good and timely information.  I hope you enjoy

Outstanding discusion with Dr. Blake Bennett regarding Ag Tax Status and what you should know.  I really enjoyed this presentation and know that agents get a lot of questions regarding ag exemptions or reductions.  This episode will help you answer most of those quesitons and where to find answers locally.  Thank you Dr. Bennett

Dr. Jake Thorn, Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife recently visited with County Extension Agents Andy Hart and Mark Carroll about the possibility of diversifying sheep or goats with cattle in the Panhandle and South Plains area of Texas.  The discussed topics related to economics, grazing preference and diversity, increased numbers of sheep, types of sheep, reproduction facts, challenges, etc.  Gaurding animals were a big topic of discussion in dealing with predators and these included gaurding dogs, donkeys, and Llama.  Predators and parasites are the biggest challenges along with fencing.  What about goats?  They get into that as well. Excellent discussion regarding a growing topic of producers in the area.  Thanks to Andy and Mark for recording this and Dr. Thorne for his expertise.  Enjoy!

An excellent update regarding the wrapup of the 2024 cotton harvest season.  In this episode, Ken, Brant, and Caitlin got into final yields but more importantly discussion on how imputs (population, planting dates, irrigation, etc.) impacted the outcome.  It was indeed a challenging year for cotton with a great start, an extremely hot finish to the summer, and a wet November.  Strange year!!!

Excellent discussion and education related to Beef Nutrition.  This is the first of a two part series were we talk about protein and energy needs of cows and heifers during different times of year and reproduction.  We also discussed knowing your hay.  This discussion included hay testing, understanding test results, sampling, important results to make decisions on supplementation, examples of hay tested after the recent wildfires, testing variations and types of hay, risk avoidance from prussic acid and nitrates in certain hay, and frost/drought issues that might impact these risk factors.  Dr. Jason Smith, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension led the discussion and provided outstanding information.   We will be following this program up with the second program focused on decisions on supplementation and feed sources available.  This should be a great followup to this program.

Excellent update on early returns on yield and grade from the 2024 Cotton harvest.  Outstanding discussion on what they are seeing and what to expect going forward.  Excellent conversation