Agriculture

DOGE recently gained high-level access to a database that controls government payments and loans to farmers and ranchers across the U.S.

Two new Texas laws aimed at cracking down on puppy mills and roadside pet sales will go into effect this fall. As The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, animal welfare advocates say the changes could help curb unethical breeding — and save lives. Researchers are testing whether solar panels can be installed on farmland without removing crops or livestock from production. Harvest Public Media contributor Alexandrea Ladiski reports the study explores whether this system can support both agriculture and clean energy.

Last week, Lubbock ISD school board trustees voted unanimously to approve the budget for the upcoming school year with a $7 million deficit. Our reporter Brad Burt says this budget is subject to change as officials reckon with new money coming from the state legislature. Texas is stepping up its defense against a dangerous livestock pest. KERA's Katherine Hobbs reports on the creation of the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

Abbott's veto leaves the state's multibillion-dollar hemp industry intact for now.

Texas lawmakers convened in a rapidly growing part of West Texas to sign new legislation aimed at addressing a looming water crisis across the state.

New World screwworms used to be a constant concern for ranchers, until they were eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s. Now that they're on their way back, those who remember dealing with them have warnings about their impact.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is one of many federal agencies that saw significant layoffs this spring. As Harvest Public Media’s Hope Kirwan reports, the cuts have gutted farm safety research and education programs across the country. To commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, the Silent Wings Museum will be offering free admission this weekend from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Tomorrow, Keep Lubbock Beautiful and Lubbock Compact are hosting community cleanup events. The Chatman Hill neighborhood cleanup is from 8 A.M. to 12 P.M. at 902 East 28th Street. And the Aztlan Park cleanup is from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at 1019 1st Place.

Barring a veto from Gov. Greg Abbott, these will soon become law in Texas.

A group of small business owners, veterans and farmers lugged 25 cardboard boxes filled to the brim with petitions against Senate Bill 3 to the governor's office on Monday.

The last day of Texas' 2025 legislative session is here. After 140 days at the Capitol in Austin, the Texas Legislature has passed more than 3,400 bills and resolutions. Here's a look at some of the most significant items that — barring a veto from Gov. Greg Abbott — could soon become law.