Droughts have had devastating effects on our operation. While 50% of the Southern Plains are not currently in a drought, the CPC-IRI Forecast has increased the likelihood of having a Niña season by the end of this summer until the end of the 2025 winter, which is correlated with lower rainfall in our area. To prepare our business for the future and ensure long-term sustainability, we must have and implement a drought management plan.
The deadline for signing up for the Livestock Forage Disaster program is approaching at the end of January. Last year’s drought-hit many Texas ranchers hard, prompting significant payments across most counties. Contact your FSA office before the January 30 deadline to use this program.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 1/10/2024 – Livestock Forage Program Update
(Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
With summer approaching, it’s time to consider the Dual-Purpose Annual Forage Insurance Program for our next season’s wheat operations (deadline: July 15). The program has shown long-term positive results for wheat producers in many places in Texas. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the features and advantages of this program, highlighting how it can benefit farmers across the state. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week – 5/31/23 – Dual-Purpose Annual Forage Insurance Program
Dryland wheat grain and forage conditions in our area are better than last year but still not the best. The Wheat and Small Grain Decision Aids will help you analyze the best alternative for your wheat fields according to your expected yields, production costs, equipment, and other variables. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week – 3/1/2023 – Wheat Grain vs. Gain
The Livestock Forage Disaster program sign-up deadline is coming by the end of January. Last year’s drought triggered significant payments in most counties of Texas. Read the article for more information about your county’s program and eligibility. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week – 1/11/2023 – Livestock Forage Disaster Program
In a world where drought, market reports, and geo-political events pressure livestock producers risk management is becoming increasingly important. Faculty from Texas A&M AgriLife and Oklahoma State University came together to produce, “Where’s the Risk: A Livestock Risk Management Handbook.” [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 10/31/2022 – Livestock Risk Management Publication Available
(Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
The 2022 drought has reminded us about its productive, financial, and economic impacts on our business. Today we will review USDA’s Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance Program (PRF) which has shown to be an essential tool to support ranchers during these times.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 10/10/2022 – PRF Decision for Upcoming year
Lack of rainfall in many areas and high fertilizer costs are the two biggest concerns determining bermudagrass hay production this year. Today we will review our District budgets, breakeven prices, and fertilization decision aids for a profitable bermudagrass hay production.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 6/6/2022 – Bermudagrass Hay Production and Fertilization
The USDA-RMA, has postponed the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Pilot Insurance Program (PRF), better known as the rainfall insurance, until December 1st. Incorporating this risk management tool will help reduce the economic impact of a lack of rainfall in our operations.