Agriculture

Farmers are waiting longer for U.S. Department of Agriculture services. Harvest Public Media’s Macy Byars reports that more than a quarter of USDA employees have left their jobs since late 2024. More than four million Texans cast ballots in this year’s primary elections. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports Democratic turnout more than doubled compared with recent primaries and Republican turnout remained strong and consistent.

The Trump administration's federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock. It's creating longer wait times for farmers seeking federal services and programs, people working in agriculture say.

After a number of states have dealt different rulings in cases raised against the company behind the herbicide Roundup, the issue is heading to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Nearly a year after a child died of measles in connection with the West Texas outbreak, Lubbock Public health confirmed a case in an unvaccinated resident yesterday. Public health officials are working to identify and contact those who may have been exposed. After a number of states have dealt different rulings in cases raised against the company behind the herbicide Roundup, the issue is heading to the U.S. Supreme Court. Our Charley Maranville reports the case hinges on who has the power to regulate manufacturers.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and electricity provider Xcel Energy have reached a settlement related to the 2024 wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. Our Brad Burt has more on the agreement. And as elevated fire conditions continue this week, our reporter Bishop Van Buren has an update. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging agribusinesses in Texas hit by the wildfires to seek financial aid. Click here for more information.

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of "climate hubs" to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather. Now, the future of these hubs is uncertain.

An invasive insect called the rice delphacid was a major problem for some farmers in 2025. With low prices for their crop and a high cost of doing business, many are wondering how they'll make a profit in 2026.

The preemptive declaration will establish a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

New World Screwworm has not yet reached Texas, but as it approaches the southern border from Mexico, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office has issued a statewide disaster declaration. Today is the Day the Music Died, marking 67 years since the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson. Our Charley Maranville reports the Buddy Holly Center has free events for all ages, including free admission to the museum from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and to the J.I. Allison House from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. and a guided gallery tour at 1:30 P.M.

Amid a tough year for agriculture, the Lubbock County Junior Livestock Show proved the strength of community and youth dedication. From months of caring for animals to scholarship awards for graduating seniors, the annual event highlighted how the show raises more than livestock — it helps raise future leaders.