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
Examining the 2025 Corn and Sorghum Budgets

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
Wheat Alternatives
Wheat Alternatives: Maximizing Profitability in a Tough Market
With wheat prices in Texas steadily declining, farmers are once again facing tough decisions about how to maximize returns on their crops. As cash wheat prices dip below the breakeven point, alternative uses for wheat—such as grazing or baling—may offer better profitability. This year, with drier conditions than last and future wheat prices still below breakeven, it’s more important than ever to carefully evaluate your options. By comparing wheat for grain, grazing, and hay, we can determine which strategy is most financially viable given the current market. [Read more…] about Wheat Alternatives
Examining the 2025 Cotton Budgets

Cotton on the Texas A&M AgriLife Farm in Snook, Texas on Sept. 9, 2021. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
The 2025 crop and livestock budgets will soon be available on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Economics website. In today’s post, we break down the District 1 and District 2 cotton budgets and discuss what they imply about cotton production in 2025. [Read more…] about Examining the 2025 Cotton Budgets
Input Costs in 2025
As we enter a new year, producers are making plans for a new crop. Those plans will depend in part on their expectations regarding their costs of production. In this post, we’ll discuss our expectations for five important costs in 2025. [Read more…] about Input Costs in 2025
Ag Economic on the Plains – Year in Review

(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
Management Information System

Photo by Laura McKenzie
In today’s competitive agricultural environment, a Management Information System (MIS) it’s a necessity. Whether you’re managing a small family farm or a large commercial ranch, this tool can help you make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and achieve your goals. [Read more…] about Management Information System
Using Financial Ratios to Manage Debt, part 2
Does your business generate enough income to make scheduled debt and lease payments? If necessary, could that income also cover payments on additional debt? In today’s post, we’ll look at a set of financial measures that can help you answer these important questions. [Read more…] about Using Financial Ratios to Manage Debt, part 2
Use Financial Ratios to Manage Debt
Can you borrow to finance new purchases when you need to? Or will borrowing more put your business at risk of bankruptcy? Your ability to answer these questions accurately is an important part of managing your business for long-term success. In today’s blog we’ll look at some information taken from a farm’s business records that can help you make financially responsible borrowing decisions.
USDA Management Tool to Help Mitigate Drought Losses – PRF
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