Agriculture

A report released this week claims that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has moved forward with the review and approval of development related to data centers, despite a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Our Samantha Larned spoke with the author of that report. Farmers dealing with high fuel costs have been promised help by the Trump administration in the form of new one-time payments through an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program. The latest federal forecast shows U.S. farmers are expected to pay nearly 30 percent more for fuel and oil this year compared to 2025.

Farmers are cutting less hay this year due to persistent drought, the soaring price of fuel and a new pest. That's driving up the cost for livestock producers, who often rely on hay to feed their animals during the winter.

Democratic Railroad Commission candidate Jon Rosenthal says Texas needs stronger oversight of natural gas facilities to prevent power disruptions during extreme winter weather. High diesel prices are affecting hay farmers – and the beef producers who buy from them. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports some of the usual customers are forgoing hay at the moment because they can’t afford to have it transported.

An international team of researchers recently pinpointed where humans domesticated what would become the dominant form of cotton grown around the world. Harvest Public Media’s Rachel Cramer reports they also uncovered information which could eventually help crop breeders. Early voting in the November midterm elections starts on Monday. Those living in Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District boundaries will have a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election on the ballot. If approved, the district expects the new tax rate to generate $3.85 million for Lubbock-Cooper ISD.

Researchers recently traced the birthplace of the world's dominant cotton species to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Their sleuthing also uncovered a treasure trove of genetic diversity in wild populations, which could eventually make the crop more resilient.

The 17% tariff on Mexican tomato imports, combined with bad weather in Florida and Mexico, has caused the price of salsa ingredients to spike in recent months.

Industry stressors like commodity prices and drought conditions increase the pressure for those who work in the agriculture industry. Agrisafe Network is a nonprofit that aims to provide resources to farmers and ranchers across the U.S., including in Texas.

More farmers are showing interest in sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain. The crop is poised to expand in the U.S. – especially if Americans start consuming it.

The beef industry has been under pressure recently from market disruptions, record high beef prices and small herd sizes. The groups say the ICE operations are another challenge for the industry.

While parts of West Texas have seen some refreshing rainfall, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows more than 80% of the state is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. According to a Texas Farm Bureau report, this continues to affect farmers and playa lake levels. Meanwhile, cattle industry groups in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities are affecting agricultural communities. Harvest Public Media’s Anna Pope reports they’re concerned about workforce disruptions and delays.