Field irrigated by a pivot sprinkler system
We are nearing the end of the 2026 growing season, so it’s time to ask an important question. When is the right time to turn off irrigation? In this post, we’ll look at some of the factors that go into this decision. [Read more…] about Factors to Consider When Making Late-Season Irrigation Decisions
Aug. 9, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
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
Farms and crops in Burleson County on April 28, 2021. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
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
Field crops in Burleson County on July 30, 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 The June Acreage Report Predicts More Cotton and Fewer Grains in Texas
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
New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) on Friday, Jun 06, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)
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
A marketing plan is an essential risk management tool for any agricultural producer, although it is often overlooked. A marketing plan is basically a road map for your operation, helping to identify your goals and objectives and how you are going to achieve them. In this article, we discuss five important items to include in your marketing plan.
[Read more…] about Building a Marketing Plan: What to Include
As ranchers move past tax season, many are getting a clearer picture of their financial position for the year. CPA-prepared reports and cash flow statements are helpful, but they only tell part of the story. The real question is not just whether the ranch made money, but how effectively it used its resources to generate that income. [Read more…] about Measuring Ranch Profitability with Beef-Cattle Standard Performance Analysis
Producers in South Texas have an opportunity to gain valuable insight into financial management, tax planning, and pasture management at the upcoming Business Planning and Tax Management Workshop for Farmers and Ranchers.
This workshop brings together specialists and industry professionals to discuss key issues facing agricultural producers, including financial decision-making, cattle markets, tax considerations, and pasture management. [Read more…] about Business Planning and Tax Management Workshop for Farmers and Ranchers
At the Warren Ranch on Friday, Jan 23, 2026 in College Station, Texas. (Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife) At the Warren Ranch on Friday, Jan 23, 2026 in Hockley, Texas. (Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife)
When cattle prices are strong, producers tend to start thinking about herd expansion. While high cattle prices and strong market signals often spark interest in growth, each producer has different costs, which changes the market signal to expand – some are earlier to expand, and some are later. Herd expansion is, at its core, an economic decision shaped by prices, costs, capital constraints, and risk. [Read more…] about The Economics of Herd Expansion: More Than Just High Prices