Southwest Farm Press

Insect resistance could be key wheat disease management

Fri, 25 May 2012 17:38:00 +0000

Bad news, good news, more bad news and maybe some even better news may be coming out of wheat research plots at the USDA-ARS/Texas AgriLife Research station in Bushland, Texas. Wheat streak mosaic virus, says AgriLife research pathologist Charlie Rush, can be a devastating disease for High Plains wheat producers. Good news for growers—two varieties, Mace

Ending stocks do not explain prices

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Kim Anderson, Oklahoma State University

Both U.S. and world 2012/13 wheat marketing-year ending stocks are projected to be above five-year averages. Even with above average projected ending stocks, wheat prices gained nearly $1 on rumors and best guesses.

Experts say spring rains have helped, but more is needed

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Rod Santa Ana, Texas AgriLife

Spring rains in extreme South Texas have helped keep reservoir levels behind Amistad and Falcon dams from dropping, but more is needed to help crops and end the drought, according to various experts in the field.

Get your photos in for the Southwest Farm Press visions of spring photo contest

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Spring is a colorful time in the Southwest. Wildflowers add splashes of color to pastures, rangeland and roadsides. Newborn calves, foals and lambs offer delightful images.

Farm Press Blog

What’s happened to bipartisanship in Congress? Part 2

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Congressional redistricting and political polarization have created a situation in which members find it more difficult than ever to compromise.

Optimistic outlook for Texas pecan crop

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Logan Hawkes

After a stressful drought year for Texas pecan growers, 2012 is shaping up to be a promising year with orchards across the state showing positive signs of healthy trees and early indications of positive nut development.

What’s happened to bipartisanship in Congress?

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:39:00 +0000

The new realities of partisan politics are leading to more paralysis in Congress, a veteran Congressional observer says.

Europe watches GM crops trials dwindle

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:21:00 +0000

GMO Safety

Scientists and commercial firms in Europe that use genetic engineering methods in plant research and plant breeding have for years had to witness the destruction of crop trials. In other quarters too they face fierce public opposition, which is why the political situation surrounding the authorization of GM plants is so fraught with difficulty.

Farmers, ranchers face skin cancer risk

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:58:00 +0000

May 25 designated 'don't fry day'

From the American Farm Bureau Federation

To encourage sun safety awareness and remind everyone to protect their skin while outdoors, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has declared May 25 — the Friday before Memorial Day — as “Don’t Fry Day.”

Ethanol study points to major savings at the gas pump

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Study claims 29-cent-per-gallon savings

Several years ago, a study produced by Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development found that, between 2000 and 2010, the benefits of ethanol included reducing U.S. wholesale gasoline prices by nearly 28 cents per gallon nationwide.

Tracking weeds easier with apps and databases

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Weed Science Society of America

Online databases and new smartphone applications are making it easier to track and map infestations of invasive weeds, says the Weed Science Society of America.

Employment numbers look good for agriculture

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:52:00 +0000

The latest employment numbers are showing continued progress for the agricultural community.

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USDA expands credit access for farmers

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:48:00 +0000

USDA

USDA has made substantial, year-over-year gains in expanding credit opportunities for farmers and ranchers across the United States. USDA is seeking comments on a new microloan program to help small and family operations progress through their start-up years with needed resources, while building capacity, increasing equity, and eventually graduating to commercial credit.

On Closer Inspection: ACRE Still Falls Short

Thu, 24 May 2012 01:04:00 +0000

Shawn Wade, PCG, and Jay Yates, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Last week we reported that the Average Crop Revenue program (ACRE) might be an option worth considering for cotton producers finalizing their 2012 farm program participation decision. Unfortunately, that early assessment has been proven wrong and it doesn't appear that ACRE will offer a better choice for cotton producers than the Direct and Counter-cyclical (DCP) program in 2012.

Drought recedes, but conditions still dicey in some regions

Tue, 22 May 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Robert Burns, Texas AgriLife

The drought continued to recede in Texas with less than 14 percent of the state rated as being in an exceptional or extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor and Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel.

2012 alfalfa crop promising in Midwest, but spotty in Texas

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:36:00 +0000

Logan Hawkes

But thanks to last year’s historic drought, the availability of quality alfalfa, like most hay varieties, has been extremely limited, and ranchers and dairymen lucky enough to find out-of-state sources for good alfalfa had to fork over as much as $300 a ton for quality that was at times less than desirable. Now ag economists are warning Texas producers not to expect a great deal of relief this year either, though conditions have improved.

Senate farm bill leaves protection gaps

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:32:00 +0000

If U.S. farmers believe commodity prices will stay strong for the next five years, the Senate’s farm bill proposal could be a good choice, say Texas AgriLife Extension economists.

Smugglers bringing diseased horses across International border

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:17:00 +0000

Logan Hawkes

Ten horses authorities believe were smuggled into Texas across the Mexican border are infected with Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), a condition routinely found in Mexico and numerous other countries around the world, and a condition that can prove fatal to horses and could create major constraints to interstate and international movements if left undetected.

In 2012 ACRE may be worth a look for cotton

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Shawn Wade, PCG

In the most recent WASDE Supply/Demand report, USDA made its first estimate of the 2012/13 Market Year Average (MYA) price of $0.65 to $0.85 (mid-point of $0.75). If a $0.75 MYA price is realized for the 2012/13 Upland cotton marketing year, then it might be worth looking at a nearly forgotten provision of the 2008 Farm Bill – the Average Crop Revenue (ACRE) program

Hail damaged cotton will delay maturity

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Jeffrey Stapper, Texas AgriLife

Recent storms dropped hail on some cotton in the Coastal Bend. Deciding what to do with a field of cotton after a hail event is often a difficult decision yet can also be simple.

GPS roulette: Oh, the (unintended) sights the Map Goddess provides

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:23:00 +0000

While portable GPS units can be reasonably accurate in a city, it’s an entirely different story out in rural areas.

Farm Press Blog

Corn growers want public comment on extended trading hours

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:03:00 +0000

From the National Corn Growers Association

In a letter to the chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Corn Growers Association has requested a 30-day public comment period before the grain traders are allowed 22-hour-per-day electronic trading of grain and oilseed futures contracts.

New Lipan pecan variety offers good yield, disease resistance

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:58:00 +0000

Lipan is USDA-ARS' 29th variety release

The new pecan variety Lipan — released as a trial variety last July — is a large, high-quality nut which generates excellent yields and improved disease resistance.

Wine grape market shifts in game change

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:55:00 +0000

A looming grape shortage and growing demand for California wines have driven grape prices higher, with some grape prices doubling in the span of a year. And wineries that were hit hard by the recession are exploring alternative ways to maintain lower prices for consumers, even while their production costs are rising.

Stronger risk management sought in 2012 farm law

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:54:00 +0000

NCC chairman testifies at House subcommittee hearing

National Cotton Council

NCC Chairman Chuck Coley, in May 16 testimony before that Committee’s General Farm Commodities & Risk Management Subcommittee, emphasized that even with budget constraints and trade concerns, it is critically important that new farm law provide certainty to those involved in production agriculture because “they make long-term investment decisions based in part on federal farm policy.”

Senate Agriculture Committee leaders update farm bill progress

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Optimistic a farm bill will pass in 2012

On Wednesday morning, Senate Agriculture Committee leadership was optimistic a farm bill recently passed out of committee will soon hit the Senate floor.

AFBF: Multi-legged stool best approach for farm bill

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:44:00 +0000

From the American Farm Bureau Federation

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman at a hearing today on Capitol Hill re-emphasized his organizations’ support of a single commodity option and a strong crop insurance program in the 2012 farm bill.

U.S. ag tire market gets a new entry with European flair

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Rising sales of U.S. farm equipment has increased the demand for ag tires. A company that has been around in Europe for decades has decided to step into that market with a new plant in Charles City, Iowa. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Mitas CEO Jaroslav Cechura discussed the new entry at a grand opening ceremony for the $52 million plant.

No predictions but good wheat crop likely

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:09:00 +0000

As Eric Williams waded into a chest-high stand of wheat on a sunny, late-April day, the full heads were just taking on the first hint of an amber hue and stirred by a gentle breeze they performed a whispery rustle sound that promises—maybe just hints at—an abundant harvest. Williams suggested the field might average better than 40 bushels per acre.

No predictions but good wheat crop likely

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:03:00 +0000