Agriculture

The federal funding package to reopen the government included a one-year extension of certain 2018 Farm Bill programs. Several expired Sept. 30 or would have been null by the end of the year.

Coffee has gotten a lot more expensive in the U.S. as tariffs seep into the price tag. Even as the Trump administration considers offering some tariff relief, that's putting a strain on roasters, who have no choice but to pass on some of the extra cost to coffee drinkers.

Lubbock City Council gave preliminary approval to two amendments to the city's ordinances brought forward by Lubbock Animal Services. Our Samantha Larned reports they concern dangerous dogs, multi-pet permits, and impound fees. The council is expected to give a final vote on Nov. 25. The new budget deal to reopen the government includes an extension of certain Farm Bill programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program.

The issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The U.S. agricultural industry depends on undocumented immigrants, but President Trump's immigration crackdown is further depleting an already tight workforce. The labor crisis may be setting the stage for big changes to a federal program that allows foreign workers into the country legally.

Bats love to munch on insects like stink bugs and moths. Some farmers are now relying on the mammals for pest control – and ditching chemicals.

The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez reports the Texas Agriculture Commissioner is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s call to import beef from Argentina, saying it would hurt Texas ranchers already facing historically low cattle numbers. Our Samantha Larned reports on a community ofrenda at the Mahon Library for Día de los Muertos. Community members can contribute photos of their loved ones by bringing them to the Mahon reference desk through Oct. 30.

Farmers and ranchers from multiple states have come together to raise awareness about labor shortages that they say are negatively impacting the country’s agriculture, contributing to increasing food prices. Our Brad Burt reports on the Grow It Here campaign. Last week, the United Soccer League announced that the Lubbock Matadors will join the USL League Two's southern conference for the 2026 season. The Matadors' general manager believes this will help bring the team to the national stage.

The Trump administration recently announced it would quadruple Argentine beef imports to lower grocery prices, drawing sharp criticism from U.S. cattle producers, including Miller.

Ranchers, lawmakers and farmers' unions are sounding the alarm over a Trump administration plan to increase beef imports from Argentina.