By Gary Joiner Speculation on the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture continues to percolate. America’s farmers and ranchers are highly interested in the nomination by President-elect Donald Trump. Consumers should be interested, too. The next Secretary of Agriculture arrives in office at a critical time. Net cash farm income and net farm income are down [...]
By Shala Watson Meat. It’s still the center of the table in my home. Despite the fact that meat consumption has dropped more than 14 percent in the U.S. over the past decade, according to a recent study by Texas A&M University. Why is it the main part of my meals? Because meat—beef, chicken, turkey [...]
By Gary Joiner Land values haven’t fared well across the U.S. compared to a year ago. Analysts say the situation in Texas is better than in most states, but increases in land values in 2016 are less than those of recent years. Double-digit increases have been replaced by growth of only 2.75 percent. Pastureland values [...]
By Julie Tomascik ’Tis the season of giving. The season to be thankful. And a time of reflection. The Thanksgiving holiday means many things to many folks. Oftentimes, those link back to agriculture and the farm and ranch families—like those in the Lone Star State. They care for Mother Nature’s most precious resources. Consider the [...]
By Gary Joiner Modern attitudes toward agriculture are interesting. And challenging. You wonder if farmers and ranchers are trustworthy? Yes, they are! About 75 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion toward farmers and ranchers, according to a recent survey. What about the way they farm or ranch? Not so much. Only 42 percent view [...]
