Agriculture

October is Texas Wine Month. Our reporter Mia Shephard attended Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association's "Grape Camp" last week, and has more about current issues facing the industry. It is also Free College Application Week, a statewide initiative to help Texans apply to public colleges and universities. Those seeking undergraduate admissions can apply through the ApplyTexas portal.

The American Heartland has experienced a boom in wineries over the last three decades. But with U.S. wine sales trending down since 2019, some producers are feeling the effects more than others.

Extreme heat can exacerbate the impacts of some toxins on the kidneys, according to a University of Arizona study published this month in the journal Environmental Research.

Floydada is celebrating its pumpkin pride this weekend with the 38th annual Punkin’ Days. Along with the usual festivities, the city has more on the line this year, with two towns competing for the title of "pumpkin capital."

The Lubbock Police Department is investigating a case of vandalism at the Lubbock Lake Landmark's Wild Flower Trail which caused estimated $10,000 in damages. This weekend is the 38th annual Punkin’ Days: Floydada’s celebration of its pumpkins. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on what to expect from this year's festivities. Click here for more on locations and times. This Sunday is also the last day of the 2025 season for Lubbock's splash pads.

This week, Lubbock County commissioners approved a budget plan, including $1.4 million cut for the Sheriff’s Department and $250,000 cut for volunteer firefighters. New World Screwworm was detected in a city in Mexico less than 70 miles from the border with Texas. Marian Navarro with Texas Public Radio reports the case was detected in the early larval stage.

With autumn on the way, our reporter Mia Shephard has more on how to get involved with one of Lubbock’s favorite fall festivities. The annual Pumpkin Trail will be October 16th and the city is calling for sponsors and volunteers. For more information, contact Ruth Perkins by calling 806-775-2670 or at ruthperkins@mylubbock.us. Starting today, livestock producers affected by wildfires or floods can apply for disaster relief through the USDA's Emergency Livestock Relief Program. You can find more information at fsa.usda.gov/elrp.

Beef prices have hit record highs, yet American consumers haven't stopped buying it. A look at what's behind the steep price increase and when they might come down.

HB 1592 creates a statewide alert system for risks to wildlife and crops.

The West Texas measles outbreak has been declared over, after eight months and 762 connected cases in the state. However, our Samantha Larned says Lubbock’s Public Health is still hard at work, helping other communities prepare for these kinds of emergencies. A West Texas federal judge has reversed protection for the Lesser Prairie Chicken. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports the state agriculture commissioner is praising the decision.