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
Considering the Impact of Loan Structure on Loan Cost
An important part of managing a farm business is managing debt. Producers who utilize debt effectively can increase the profitability of their operation. However, borrowing comes at a cost. Today, we’ll discuss the different types of loans available to producers and their structures. We’ll also look at how different loan structures impact the cost of borrowing.
[Read more…] about Considering the Impact of Loan Structure on Loan Cost
Understanding the Relationship Between Cotton Classing and Cotton Prices
Cotton on the Texas A&M AgriLife Farm in Snook, Texas on Sept. 9, 2021. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
How does cotton quality impact the price someone pays for it? In this post, we discuss how cotton is classed and how the classification of upland cotton might inform cotton prices. [Read more…] about Understanding the Relationship Between Cotton Classing and Cotton Prices
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
To Harvest or Not to Harvest? Cotton Harvest Decisions
Cotton harvest on Oct. 20, 2021. (Courtney Sacco/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
It’s almost time for producers to begin harvesting cotton in this part of the state. Today, we look at the decision to harvest low-yielding fields and discuss the costs and benefits of doing so. We also present a tool to help producers evaluate the profitability of harvesting cotton from low-yielding fields. [Read more…] about To Harvest or Not to Harvest? Cotton Harvest Decisions
Cotton Production and Market Update
Aug. 9, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Last month, USDA released two important reports: the monthly Crop Production report, and the latest World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report. In this post, we discuss what these reports say about cotton production in 2024.
Corn and Sorghum Market Update
Field crops in Burleson County on July 30, 2021. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
On August 12, USDA released three important reports: the weekly Crop Progress report, the monthly Crop Production report, and the latest World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report. In this post, we discuss what these reports say about corn and sorghum production in 2024. [Read more…] about Corn and Sorghum Market Update
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.
June Report Indicates More Acres Planted to Cotton
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
Building a Drought Management Plan
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.