At the beginning of August, economists with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service initiated the 2025 Texas Custom Rate Survey. Today, we explain what this survey is, its benefits to producers, and request your help in completing the survey. [Read more…] about Announcing the 2025 Texas Custom Rate Survey
Over the last few years, the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program has really taken off, especially for cattle producers in the South. What used to be a small, barely used safety net that covered just 71,000 head back in 2017 has exploded. By mid 2025, participation reached 7.5 million head. The last couple of years alone have been big, with nearly 5 million head in 2023 and over 6 million in 2024. Much of that growth comes from USDA changes that made the program cheaper and easier to use, along with the strong rebound in feeder and live cattle prices. [Read more…] about LRP Use Surges as Cattle Prices Climb
Farmers and ranchers in South Florida—mark your calendars! On Thursday, August 7, 2025, producers are invited to attend our Business Planning & Tax Management for Farmers and Ranchers workshop. This is a hands-on, half-day workshop focused on strengthening the business portion of your agricultural operation. [Read more…] about Upcoming Workshop in Homestead, FL
Today Is the Deadline to Enroll in the Dual-Purpose Annual Forage Insurance Program
If you’re a dual-purpose wheat producer in Texas, today—July 15—is your last chance to enroll in the Dual-Purpose Annual Forage Insurance Program for next season. With summer in full swing, now is the time to make risk management decisions that could make a big difference come drought season.
This USDA-backed insurance program is designed to protect operations growing annual forage crops, like wheat, for both grazing and grain. It’s been a game-changer for many producers across Texas, helping to buffer the financial blow of unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather. [Read more…] about Last Day to Sign Up for Dual-Purpose Forage Insurance
Cotton field on Sept. 2, 2021. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
On Monday, June 30, the USDA released its June Acreage Report. In today’s post, we examine the report’s implications for crop production nationwide and in Texas. [Read more…] about Analyzing the June Acreage Report
Cotton picker on Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024, in El Campo, Texas. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)
The USDA released its May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates on Monday. The May report is significant because it provides our first look at the USDA’s expectations for the upcoming marketing year. Today, we discuss what the report indicates about the 2025/26 season.
[Read more…] about The May WASDE: Expectations for the 2025/26 Marketing Year
Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications
Check how the USDA Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program can help you lock in profits and manage price risk; whether you are running a large ranch operation or just a few head.
[Read more…] about How Can We Use Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) in Today’s Market?
Inflation continues to concern consumers, farmers, and policymakers. In this post, we discuss how inflation has impacted prices paid by farms for production inputs. [Read more…] about Macroeconomic Trends in Agriculture: Inflation
Projected crop insurance prices for counties in AgriLife Extension Districts 1 and 2 were set in February. Today, we consider what these prices imply about the financial risk that producers face in 2025. [Read more…] about Projected Crop Insurance Prices and Revenue Guarantees in 2025
Corn on Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024, in El Campo, Texas. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)
The 2025 crop and livestock budgets are available on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Economics website. In today’s post, we break down the District 1, District 2, and District 3 corn and sorghum budgets and discuss what they imply about feed grain production in 2025. [Read more…] about Examining the 2025 Corn and Sorghum Budgets