Texas rain: Come again another day!
By Amanda Hill
Picture this—it’s an early summer afternoon and you had planned to go to the pool with some friends. The forecast says there’s a slight chance of rain, but you get ready for a sunny day outdoors anyway. Suddenly, you hear the rumble of thunder and big, fat drops start to fall from the sky. Instant disappointment sets in.
If you start singing “Rain, rain, go away! Come again some other day…,” you probably didn’t grow up on a farm.
read moreGrocery Price Watch: Texans paying more at the store
By Amanda Hill
For months now, we at Texas Farm Bureau have been anticipating a rise in food prices as the epic drought of 2011—which lasted, in some areas, through 2012 and into 2013—caused crops to wither and cattle herds to shrink. Texans’ food costs actually declined for a few quarters, but it seems the drought has finally caught up to prices at the grocery store.
According to the first quarter Grocery Price Watch survey, Texas food prices are up about 5.5 percent over last quarter and a little more than 3 percent from this time last year. Here’s a look at the 16-item basket of food staples:
read moreFun in the field
By Jessica Domel
I’ve decided there’s nothing more exhilarating than watching children become excited about learning—especially when it comes to agriculture.
The other day, I was invited to attend the 25th anniversary of the Medina County Ag in the Classroom in Hondo, and I have to say, even as a farm kid, I had a blast. I learned a thing or two, as well.
The ag day at the Medina County Fairgrounds included 17 different exhibits and demonstrations representing different aspects of agriculture and rural life.
read moreMeet a Texas citrus farmer: Dale Murden
By Amanda Hill
Even in the midst of cold winter weather, Texans can get a taste of fresh, juicy citrus fruits grown right here in the Lone Star State. Did you know that Texas citrus farmers grow grapefruit from November through March each year?
Meet Dale Murden, a South Texas citrus farmer. Dale has grown fruit in Monte Alto, Texas, since 1980, and you can find his crops both in the fresh produce aisle and with the canned fruit in your local grocery store. In this Meet a Farmer segment, Dale gives us a look at his South Texas citrus crop.
read moreAnimal care is my responsibility
By Justin Dauer
I’m often puzzled by the notion that livestock are abused in pursuit of the almighty dollar.
I know some of that sentiment is generated by images seen on television or the internet of animal mistreatment. Just to set the record straight, I think anyone who abuses livestock should be out of the business. I do not condone abuse of any animal for any reason. Neither do the other farmers and ranchers I know.
But I can tell you about the welfare of my livestock.
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