Southwest Farm Press News Archive

Informa releases report on food-versus-biofuel costs

Jan 23, 2008,

By David Bennett
Farm Press Editorial Staff

Has the drive for more corn acres to produce ethanol caused a spike in U.S. food prices? Despite a year’s worth of noise backing such a connection, new analysis by Informa Economics has found the claims dubious....

2005 disaster payments withheld from Texas Corn Producers

Jan 23, 2008

Texas Corn Producers Board (TCPB) learned this week that 2005 disaster payments involving corn claims in Texas where aflatoxin was reported as the primary or secondary cause of loss are being held up due to a compliance case that is under investigation by the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA)....

The Silage Sorghum Pilot crop insurance programannouncement of listening sessions

Jan 23, 2008

In 2005, the USDA’s Risk Management Agency supported the development of a pilot crop insurance program to assist forage sorghum producers to cover production risks for sorghum varieties grown for silage production. The Pilot Silage Sorghum Program covers 37 counties in West Kansas and 2 counties in Southeast Colorado. The Risk Management Agency has hired Promar International, an agricultural consulting firm, to evaluate the program and recommend whether it should be modified and continued as a pilot, terminated, or converted to a permanent program. ...

Farm programs may revert to permanent law

Jan 23, 2008,

By Forrest Laws
Farm Press Editorial Staff

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson says Congress may be forced to allow farm programs to revert to “permanent” law if the Bush administration remains unwilling to forge a compromise on the 2008 farm bill....

Proper forage management preserves recent gains

Jan 22, 2008,

By Ron Smith
Farm Press Editorial Staff

Southwest ranchers got much needed rainfall last spring and summer that restored forage growth in pastures and rangeland. But holding onto that good fortune requires equally good management says a Noble Foundation pasture and range specialist....

February Feral Hog Workshop to go 'Whole Hog' on practical information

Jan 22, 2008,

By Paul Schattenberg
Texas A&M University

Texas AgriLife Extension Service will present a feral hog workshop on Feb. 19 at the Bexar Bowling Social Hall in Zuehl. ...

Plan now for fertilizer needs, Agronomist says tight supply could leave producers short

Jan 22, 2008

Supplies of nitrogen fertilizers, as well as phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, are tight throughout the United States, making this the time to plan ahead, a Kansas State University agronomist said....

High Plains 2007 cotton crop high in quality and quantity

Jan 18, 2008,

By J.D. Bilbro
Contributing Writer

Fiber quality of the 2007 High Plains cotton crop looks to be one of the best and may be the second largest crop in history, according to Kenneth Day, area director for the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service classing office at Lubbock....

2nd public comment period set for Pecos River Watershed Protection Plan

Jan 18, 2008,

By Steve Byrns
Texas A&M University

Pecos River landowners should mark their calendars now for February. That's when meeting dates are set seeking comments on the second draft of the Watershed Protection Plan for the Pecos River in Texas. Will Hatler, Texas AgriLife Extension Service (formerly Texas Cooperative Extension) eco-system science and management assistant at Stephenville and the project's coordinator, said landowner involvement is imperative for the success of the voluntary river management project. ...

Got carrots? Vegetables may have bone to pick as calcium providers

Jan 18, 2008,

By Kathleen Phillips
Texas A&M University

A specially developed carrot has been produced to help people absorb more calcium. ...

2007 cotton crop overcomes slow start

Jan 18, 2008,

By Ron Smith
Farm Press Editorial Staff

Without new technology Tim Kitten and his farming partners could have been hurt with a delayed crop, storm damage and a season conducive to weed and grass problems. ...

AgriLife Extension to sponsor 16th Annual Gulf Coast Grape Growers' Field Day

Jan 18, 2008,

By Paul Schattenberg
Texas A&M University

Texas AgriLife Extension Service will sponsor the 16th Annual Gulf Coast Grape Growers' Field Day on Feb. 8 at the Cat Spring Agricultural Society Hall. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. ...

U.S. Rep. Conaway says Pierce's Disease Research vital to Wine-Grape Industry

Jan 18, 2008,

By Paul Schattenberg
Texas A&M University

Pierce’s disease research is “vital to the long-term value of the wine-grape industry,” in Texas and beyond, said U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Midland, during a recent tour of the Texas Pierce’s Disease Research and Extension Program facility in Fredericksburg. ...

AFBF resolution says get farm bill done

Jan 18, 2008,

By Forrest Laws
Farm Press Editorial Staff

Members of the nation’s largest farm organization are asking Congress and the Bush administration to quickly enact a comprehensive new farm bill that maintains an adequate safety net for farmers and ranchers....