This article was written by Allan Gray, TEPAP Faculty Member
Professor of Agribusiness, Purdue University

Every January for more than twenty years, I’ve spent a Friday in the Hill Country of Texas teaching business strategy to TEPAP Unit I participants. In that time, I’ve watched agriculture go through high prices and low prices, droughts, trade disputes, interest rate swings, and more new technology than any of us could have predicted. The people in the room have changed too. One thing hasn’t: the operations that do well over time are not always the biggest or the best capitalized. They are the ones run by people who keep learning.

Arie de Geus, a long-time strategist at Shell, put it well: “The ability to learn faster than your competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage.” I think that applies to a farm or ranch as much as to an oil company.

In agriculture, we usually think of competitive advantage in terms of assets like land, water, equipment, and genetics. Those matter. But a neighbor with a good banker can buy, rent, or copy every one of them. What can’t be copied is the judgment of the person making the decisions. [Read more…] about The Fastest Learner Wins: Why Business Education Belongs on Your Operation’s Balance Sheet

As farm profit margins tighten across the Southern Plains, many producers are finding that access to credit is becoming increasingly important and increasingly challenging. Rising production costs, lower commodity prices, and higher interest rates have created financial pressures felt on both sides of the lender’s desk. 

Recent discussions among agricultural lenders highlight growing concern about the financial outlook for agriculture. While the industry experienced strong profitability during the years immediately following the pandemic, economic conditions have shifted considerably. Today, many producers are relying more heavily on operating loans to cover input costs and maintain cash flow.

[Read more…] about The Changing Reality of Agricultural Lending

Texas agricultural land continued to gain value in 2026, according to new data released in the USDA’s annual Land Values Summary. For Texas landowners, producers, investors, and rural real estate professionals, the report offers a valuable snapshot of how farm and ranch land values have changed over the past year. 

According to the USDA’s latest data, Texas agricultural land values continued their upward trend in 2026, with increases reported across farm real estate, cropland, and pastureland.  [Read more…] about USDA 2026 Land Values: Texas Agricultural Land Values Continue to Rise 

Producers across the Rolling Plains continue to face a common challenge: how to maintain profitability while adapting to changing weather conditions, rising input costs, evolving pest pressures, and shifting market opportunities. One of the best ways to evaluate new practices and technologies is to see research results firsthand and hear directly from the scientists and specialists conducting the work.  

The 2026 Chillicothe Field Day, hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, will provide producers with an opportunity to learn about the latest research findings and management strategies relevant to agriculture in the Rolling Plains. The event is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Chillicothe Research Station.  [Read more…] about Research, Solutions, and Results: Join Us for the 2026 Chillicothe Field Day 

Successful farming and ranching require more than sound production practices. Producers must also navigate financial management, tax considerations, business planning, risk management, and lending requirements. These decisions often play a significant role in the long-term success and sustainability of an operation.  [Read more…] about AgFTAP Helps Producers Strengthen the Business Side of Agriculture

When traditional crop margins become compressed, it is natural for producers to explore alternative cropping opportunities. Specialty crops, niche markets, and emerging commodities often generate excitement because of their potential to increase revenue and diversify farm income. 

However, before committing acreage to a new enterprise, producers should carefully evaluate both the opportunities and risks associated with alternative crops.  [Read more…] about Considerations Before Making the Switch to Alternative Crops

Are you a young, beginning, or small (YBS) farmer or rancher working hard to make your mark in agriculture? Capital Farm Credit is providing a fantastic opportunity to reward your hard work and dedication with their annual GROW Your AgriRoots Contest. With up to $50,000 in prizes available, this contest shines a spotlight on the next generation of farm and agribusiness owner-operators who are excelling in their field. [Read more…] about Exciting Opportunity for Young and Small Producers: GROW Your AgriRoots Contest Offers $50,000 in Prizes

On June 3, 2026, state and federal officials confirmed the detection of New World screwworm in Texas. In today’s blog post, we provide links to relevant press releases, fact sheets developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and other important resources and information. [Read more…] about New World Screwworm: Press Releases, Fact Sheets, and Other Resources