By Shala Watson Multimedia Writer Fire ants are a growing nuisance across Texas in urban, agricultural and wildlife areas. The mild winter and increased moisture this spring have compounded the problem as populations seem to grow. As the fiery pests march across farms and ranches, they cause damage to equipment, feed and hay and harm [...]
One of the nation’s largest importers of American corn has just found another source for its grain. Late last week, Mexican officials confirmed they’d made plans to import a record amount of yellow corn directly from suppliers in Brazil. According to Reuters, Mexican livestock companies arranged the deal during a recent visit. Commodity traders that [...]
Farmers, ranchers, families and small businesses affected by recent severe storms and flooding have assistance available through several U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. USDA staff in regional, state and county offices in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas are ready to help. “We want you to know that USDA resources are at [...]
By Jessica Domel Multimedia Editor The Trump administration on Thursday officially triggered a process that will begin renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer sent letters to Congressional leadership to trigger the 90-day consultation period before negotiations may begin. “The United States seeks to support [...]
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, the 2017-18 cotton crop could reach 19.2 million bales. USDA’s May 10 WASDE report estimate of 19.2 million bales would mean the 2017-18 cotton crop would be the largest in more than a decade. In 2006, U.S. growers harvested [...]
By Shala Watson Multimedia Writer Rural communities are the heartbeat of Texas and agriculture. More than 170 of the 254 counties in Texas are considered rural and have a population of 50,000 or less. With a focus on economic development in rural Texas, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Rural Business Program has partnered with [...]
By Jessica Domel Multimedia Editor Low commodity prices, a strong dollar and global production are squeezing American farmers and taking a toll on rural economies. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue shared that update and what the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hopes to do about it during a hearing with the House Committee on Agriculture [...]
Above-average temperatures and dry conditions across Texas could be a sign of things to come this summer, according to State Climatologist Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon. He’s concerned arid conditions could be prevalent through the summer following the warmest winter on record and a relatively dry spring with above-average temperatures. Nielsen-Gammon said March temperatures averaged 6 degrees [...]
Texas’ first West Nile case of the year has been reported to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). An adult woman from Montgomery County developed the neurologic form of the disease in late April. As mosquito counts climb, the state of Texas is appealing to the public to help with the effort to stop [...]
By Gary Joiner TFB Radio Network Manager White-tailed deer fawns are hitting the ground in many parts of Texas, and habitat conditions are favorable for the offspring. Warren Bluntzer, a private wildlife biologist and owner of Wildlife Consulting Services in Lometa, told the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network the current fawning period is about normal [...]