Economy

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.

Survey respondents said it's hard to make long term plans as oil prices continue to fluctuate.

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.

Dyed diesel — regular diesel with red pigment — is reserved for off road use only, usually by farm and construction equipment. Unlike regular diesel, it is untaxed. With the proclamation, the governor's office aims to alleviate skyrocketing prices at the gas pump. While it increases the supply of diesel, it does not affect the fuel tax, which is 20 cents per gallon.

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.

Harris County was awarded $54 million for the solar program in 2024. That money was rescinded in August last year when the county received a termination letter from the EPA that claimed to end the initiative.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission proposed cuts to more than 20 client services programs. Dozens of Texas advocates testified at a legislative budget board hearing Thursday to ask state lawmakers to protect those programs.

Beginning in December, new federal restrictions will make many hemp products illegal. Businesses in the industry are getting ready to close down most or all of their operations, while advocates hope there's still time to change course before the ban begins.

Hemp farmers and sellers face a federal ban set to take effect in December. Under the new measure, businesses will no longer be allowed to sell hemp products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC. A former Ballet Lubbock leader is set to start with Texas Ballet Theater in January. KERA’s Marcheta Fornoff reports on Nicholas Dragga's career. Diesel prices reached a new record high yesterday.