Shelby Shank

Waco

Field Editor at Texas Farm Bureau

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Articles

Texas wheat farmers face hard choices as drought deepens

1 month ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorDrought has once again put Texas wheat farmers in a tough position, and this year’s conditions are shaping up to be even more challenging than last year. In 2024, farmers saw conditions improve in March and April, but this year, they are worsening as the wheat crop is breaking dormancy and starting reproductive growth. A combination of extreme wind conditions from Nebraska to the Rio Grande and a lack of rainfall have left wheat farmers worried about future production.
Young farmers, ranchers donate pork to local organization

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorThe Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Advisory Committee donated 186 pounds of pork to Calhoun County Community Ministries through TFB’s Farmers Feeding Families program. The program aims to reduce food insecurity at the local level and encourages county Farm Bureaus to donate livestock, volunteer time, make monetary donations and contribute food items to support local organizations and food distribution efforts.
Crabapple Fire burns over 9,800 acres near Fredericksburg

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorThe Crabapple Fire—fueled by extreme drought conditions, high winds and low humidity—burned 9,858 acres north of Fredericksburg last month. The fire started March 15 and was fully contained six days after it first ignited. “I think all of us in Central Texas and beyond were quite aware of the extreme dry conditions that we are in,” said Steve Olfers, Gillespie County Farm Bureau president.
Helpful tips to prevent snake encounters this spring

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorWith warmer temperatures on the horizon, snakes are becoming more active across Texas, increasing the chances of human encounters. Experts advise residents to take precautions to minimize negative interactions with these reptiles. According to Dr. Maureen Frank, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem but can pose risks when they come into contact with people or pets.
Texas students learn about pickles through Farm From School

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorBig jars, crunchy bites and a salty-sour kick—Texas students learned about pickles through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Farm From School program. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students across Texas virtually “meet” with a farmer or rancher once a month through Farm From School on a video conferencing app. In March, Stephen Goetz, vice president of Agriculture for Best Maid, taught the students about the journey of pickles from farm to jar.
TFB, USDA to host two-day workshop for teachers

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorTexas Farm Bureau (TFB) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Future Scientists Program are offering two workshops for teachers to learn more about agriculture and how to incorporate agricultural concepts into their classrooms.
Students explore Rio Grande Valley on Collegiate Ag Tour

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorA look at citrus, onions and discussions on the ongoing water issue with Mexico were a part of the 2025 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Collegiate Ag Tour held in the Rio Grande Valley. Students from Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, Midwestern State University and Stephen F. Austin University were in attendance. The four-day event exposed college students to agriculture in a different region of Texas.
Students dig into agriculture during Ag Literacy Week

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorStudents and teachers explored agriculture through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Ag Literacy Week, which was held in conjunction with National Ag Week, on March 17-21. “Ag Literacy Week provides teachers with valuable resources to help grow agricultural literacy among students,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Educational Outreach.
Growing spinach is a Ritchie family tradition

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorFor more than a century, the Ritchie family has been growing spinach on their farm in La Pryor. Now in its fourth generation, the family’s legacy continues with Paige Ritchie working alongside her father, Ed Ritchie III. The Ritchies grow a variety of leafy greens, including collard greens and kale, but spinach remains their primary crop. “Our operation is mostly all leafy green vegetables, fresh cut and spinach,” Paige said.
TFB to host professional development for ag teachers

2 months ago | texasfarmbureau.org | Shelby Shank |Emmy Powell

By Shelby ShankField EditorAgricultural science teachers with one to five years of classroom experience can register for the Early Ag Teacher Professional Development offered by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB). The two-day workshop will provide hands-on classroom and laboratory instruction on key areas in agriscience, including supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and FFA activities. The event is set for June 2-3 in Waco.