*Cotton planting is a bit behind thanks to the big rains in the Panhandle and Southern Plains, but cotton is South Texas is looking great.  *Heavy rains and hail are finishing off what's left of the Texas Panhandle wheat crop. *Feedlots in the Hereford area are dealing with flooding from the recent massive rains.   *Timely rains over the Central Texas Blacklands have been a big help for row crops, pastures and stock tanks there.   *Weaning is very stressful for foals.   *More than 500 whooping cranes called the Texas coast home this winter.  ..read more

*It was a great legislative session for Texas agriculture, especially for efforts to strengthen Right to Farm laws.   *Farmers on the Texas High Plains have finally received the rains they’ve been waiting for, but they could use a break in the rainfall to finish planting.   *A shortage of ag labor continues to be a huge issue.   *There are some new plants available to Texas gardeners.   *A new genetic defect has been found in Holstein calves.   *A new case of Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in Texas.   ..read more

*West Texas sheep producers are enjoying recent rains.   *The United States Supreme Court ruled that private property rights take precedent over the EPA’s Waters of the US rule.   *The northern Texas Panhandle has gotten a lot of rain recently, but it probably won’t change the outlook for cotton there.  *The end of the school year brings on the FFA banquets across East Texas.   *Early weaning of lambs is controversial, but it can have some benefits.   *Ticks are out all over Texas at this time of year.   ..read more

*Cotton exports are up while domestic stocks are down.  Both of those are positive for the cotton market.   *Wheat farmers continue to benefit from the efforts of Texas A&M AgriLife wheat breeders.   *Rising interest rates are having a big effect on farmers and ranchers bottom line.   *With the month of May wrapping up, Texas agriculture is moving full speed ahead.   *Some horses do not do well when confined in a stall, but there are medications that can help.   *The digital tagging programming in Texas is expanding ..read more

Recent rains have helped South Texas crops progress.  A pair of landowner bills have passed through the Texas Legislature.  What’s the future for the cattle contracts library? The dry gap in Central Texas finally received some rain.  It is important to have a working relationship with your veterinarian.  There are new opportunities for landowners interested in improving habitat for migratory birds.  ..read more

Grain marketing specialist Dr. Mark Welch discusses what’s impacting the price of corn.  One of the negotiators who helped iron out the North American Free Trade Agreement looks back on the deal.  Recent rains may mean more dryland sorghum on the Texas High Plains. Weed control is an important aspect of forage management. Low stress cattle handling can lead to improved herd health.  ..read more

Record fed cattle prices have set the stage for more high prices to come. Recent rains have been beneficial for both farmers and ranchers on the High Plains of Texas.  The majority of agricultural machinery sold in the United States is now covered by memoranda of understanding allowing for farmers the right to repair their equipment. Storms have brought a series of high winds, heavy rains and even a tornado to extreme south Texas.  There are always new therapies coming along in equine medicine, but evaluating the evidence for a theory may be lacking.  ..read more

Corn and grain sorghum are progressing on the South Plains as cotton planting continues.  Recent rains have been a godsend for the Panhandle and South Plains.  A program that allows farmers to tests seed before they hit the market is entering its 16th season.  Spring storms are beneficial, but high winds and hail that sometimes accompany them can cause trauma to crops and plants.   A false claim on social media says livestock owners must vaccinate their cattle with mRNA vaccines.   The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Texas’ annual STAR Fishing Tournament kick ..read more

U.S. farmers are expected to plant more than 11 million acres of cotton this year.  Is the cattle contracts library working for cattle producers?  The U.S. House Budget and Agriculture committees will work together to forge a new farm bill.  Rains across the Coastal Bend have improved crop prospects.  It is critical for horse owners to work with their veterinarian to determine what is normal for their horse.  A project designed to help restore the playa lakes in the Texas Panhandle and High Plains has been chosen for more than $1 million in funding.  ..read more

*We are getting an in the field assessment of the wheat crop with the Kansas Wheat Quality Tour this week.   *Texas will be well represented at the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship.   *A new organization dedicated to advancing food production in the Texas Panhandle is officially opening to the public.   *Fertilizer prices have come down recently, and that’s good news as we wrap up spring planting. *Seeds of optimism are being planted with this year’s Texas cotton crop.   *Most lameness in horses is due to issues with the feet, but some lameness can originate from the ..read more