In recent years, drought has been a common occurrence in Texas. The U.S. Currently, the Drought Monitor reported that approximately 90.5% of Texas is experiencing some level of drought as of October 22, 2024 (Fig 1). Producers are increasingly adopting the USDA’s Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance (PRF), recognizing its crucial role in supporting ranchers during these challenging times. Texas has enrolled 42.8 million acres in this program in 2024 (a 191% increase from 2011). The most exciting factor of this program is that it showed positive net benefit of indemnities over premiums in many cases. But most importantly, it generated significant payments in those years when it was needed most. [Read more…] about USDA Management Tool to Help Mitigate Drought Losses – PRF
Wheat 2024-25 Budget and Breakeven Prices
The current downward trend in wheat prices continues to impact wheat production in our area.
The prices are currently at or below the economic breakeven levels calculated for various regions
within our districts. Additionally, higher costs and an expected dry season due to another La
Niña year are increasing the risk for ranchers this year. [Read more…] about Wheat 2024-25 Budget and Breakeven Prices
The Impact of Peer Advisory Groups on Agricultural Producers: Enhancing Farming Practices and Business Success
Peer advisory groups serve as a resource for farmers and ranchers by fostering collaboration, exchange of experiences, and problem-solving. By sharing information and utilizing each member’s strengths, peer advisory groups help farm businesses thrive in a competitive environment.
What yields do we need to be profitable?
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.
Are you looking to improve production and profits? Join a Peer Group Today!
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!
High Plains Ag Week 1/10/2024 – Livestock Forage Program Update
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
High Plains Ag Week 11/29/2023 – Cotton Market Update
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
As we come to the end of the year, what do the fundamentals for the cotton market look like? In this post, we look at how cotton prices have moved in 2023, the current supply and demand outlook for the 2023/24 crop, and the macroeconomic picture heading into the new year.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 11/29/2023 – Cotton Market Update
High Plains Ag Week 11/22/2023 – Wheat 2023 Breakeven Price Analysis
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Preliminary wheat budget results showed production costs decreased by around 10% compared to last year. However, net margins are expected to decrease too. Breakeven prices are close to or higher than July 2024 wheat market prices for this region.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 11/22/2023 – Wheat 2023 Breakeven Price Analysis
High Plains Ag Week 11/10/2023 – LRP Decision Making
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
The USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program is a useful tool to help producers manage price risk. In this post, we will explain what LRP does and how it works, and we will discuss two important decisions that producers who wish to use this tool must make. 
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 11/10/2023 – LRP Decision Making
High Plains Ag Week 10/27/2023 – Cottonseed Markets
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
When we think of cotton, we think primarily of the fiber used in producing clothing, bed sheets, towels, and other textiles. However, cottonseed, a byproduct of cotton production, has a variety of uses that make it valuable as well. In today’s post, we discuss the uses and pricing of cottonseed. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 10/27/2023 – Cottonseed Markets