(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Welcome to our final post of the year. Today, we will review the economic topics that garnered the most attention in 2024 and discuss some of the challenges we anticipate in the upcoming year. Andrew and I are wrapping up the blog for 2024. Enjoy this Holiday Season, and see you all next year!
[Read more…] about Ag Economic on the Plains – Year in Review
Aug. 9, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
On June 28, USDA released its Acreage Report for 2024. In this post, we look at how planted acres in 2024 for corn, sorghum, wheat and cotton compares to 2023 and to the March Prospective Plantings survey. We also examine how the Acreage report impacts production estimates in the July WASDE.
[Read more…] about June Report Indicates More Acres Planted to Cotton
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.
Rain on a back door on Oct. 1, 2021. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a shift from El Niño into neutral and eventually La Niña conditions this summer/fall. This week, we look at what this might mean for summer 2024 weather conditions on the Texas High Plains. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 6/5/2024 – Potential Impacts of La Niña’s Return
Wheat prices have increased in this last month. Still, Texas farmers are facing challenges due to high price basis and high production costs. To be profitable, above-average yields are needed. Today will discuss which breakeven yields do we need have a profitable wheat crop.
Peer advisory groups are an invaluable tool for progressive and business-minded ag producers. In this article, you’ll learn how peer advisory groups work, their benefits, and how you can join one. These groups offer a unique opportunity for agricultural producers to generate knowledge, improve their operations, and be more profitable!
[Read more…] about Are you looking to improve production and profits? Join a Peer Group Today!
Field crops in Burleson County on July 30, 2021. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
The 2024 crop and livestock budgets for most districts have been published on the AgriLife Extension Economics website. In this post, we look at the expected costs and returns for corn and sorghum enterprises in the High Plains.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/17/2024 – Corn and Sorghum Budgets in 2024
Are you looking to measure your ranch’s profitability accurately? In this article, we’ll explore how to use the Beef-Cattle Standard Performance Analysis (SPA) to measure your ranch’s production, financial, and economic performance.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/9/2024 – How do you measure how profitable your ranch is?
(Courtney Sacco/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Producers across the United States are increasingly adopting the Livestock Risk Protection Program, commonly known as the LRP, to protect themselves against falling cattle prices. Today, we will discuss the benefits of adopting this risk management tool in your operation.
Dorper sheep on Friday, Nov 10, 2023 in Sonora, Texas. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
What can producers expect from sheep markets this year? To answer that question, we turn to guest author Dr. Jeffrey Wright. In this post, Jeff walks us through the important characteristics of international sheep markets and how they impact the domestic price of lamb and mutton here in the United States. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 3/19/2024 – Sheep Market Outlook