Agriculture

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade passageway, remains virtually closed due to the war in Iran. That's driven up the prices of key agricultural necessities, which could remain high into next year.

When beekeepers saw widespread honeybee die-offs last year, researchers at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center stepped in to help. The Trump administration now plans to close the facility, sparking concern among beekeepers and scientists.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a new letter on support for the U.S. Forest Service as wildfires continue to threaten much of the western United States. Our Charley Maranville reports the first half of this year has already been very busy for first responders. Fire management experts say land owners will need to opt in to prevention methods, like prescribed burning, and fire departments will have to collaborate across county and state lines.

Texas leads the nation in utilities shutting off electricity and natural gas services to customers who can't afford their energy bills. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies has more on the report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $390 billion Farm Bill last week. Harvest Public Media’s Frank Morris reports the House didn't make many changes to the policy, but the legislation faces serious obstacles in the Senate.

The United States has lost about 90% of its food animal veterinarians since the 1940s, according to a 2023 Johns Hopkins study.

Lubbock’s city council approved a design yesterday for the expansion and renovation of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center downtown. The budget for the plan is expected to be presented to the council in the next 4 to 6 weeks. Texas farmers say they're facing a mounting number of challenges that go beyond the severe drought in the region. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports many of the advantages associated with farming in Texas are no longer available.

Once considered a premium option, buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise. But it requires paying more upfront — and enough freezer space.

The Texas Comptroller's Office announced the first round of Texas Education Freedom Accounts awards this week, totalling more than 42,000 students in the first wave. The comptroller's office reports that about two-thirds of awarded students have a documented disability. Texas producers are facing sharp increases in fertilizer costs as a result of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Texas Public Radio's Norma Martinez explains why the costs are on the rise despite strong domestic production.

Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches.

Some close watchers of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget aren't thrilled with the Trump administration's proposal — but they're hopeful some of the suggested cuts won't make it in the final spending plans passed by Congress.