If you’re reading this it means we made it! December 2020 was a wild ride in most agricultural markets. I’m not sure we should be surprised given the rest of 2020. I’ll dive in to several topics today including some information on crop prices, livestock prices, the weather outlook, and policy reminders. Remember to contact me if you have thoughts, suggestions, or questions at benavidezjustin@tamu.edu
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 1/4/21 – 2021 Opening Bell
Today, we revisit our five most popular blog posts of 2020. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 12/7/2020
In December 2019, the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce released the 5th Edition of ‘The Impact of Agribusiness in the High Plains Trade Area’. The publication was authored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and WTAMU faculty. Today in High Plains Ag Week we discuss select material from that publication; the impact of beef cattle on the High Plains Trade Area economy. You can find digital copies of the publication on the homepage of Texas AgriLife Extension in Amarillo, and printed copies at the Amarillo Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 11/2/2020
In our final post in the October series on weather risk management tools for livestock we cover the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). While LIP does not provide indemnities for losses from drought, it does provide indemnities in the event of disaster which includes wild fires and extreme heat, among others. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 10/26/2020
Today is the third post in our series on drought mitigation programs. We’ll discuss the Livestock Forage Program (LFP). Check out the post from October 5 on the drought status and outlook before reading.
The lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic led USDA to approve the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP2). Today we cover registration and payment calculations for CFAP2. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 9/21/2020
Texas A&M’s digital Beef Cattle Short Course is live tomorrow. Register here. Join us in the business section tomorrow from 12:30 – 3:00 pm, where several economists will discuss the market for beef cattle and several decision aids as you plan for next year.
Today, we discuss the choice for cows in the COVID-19 world. Keep or cull? Is there a difference for bred cows, pairs, or open cows? [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 5/1/2020
The pandemic is having an impact on commodity prices just as calves are coming off of pasture. What are your options? It depends. [Read more…] about It Depends – What Now?
Today we talk about the decision making process of buying a bull. How much should you spend? How can you evaluate the cost? What is the breakeven?