Shelby Shank

1 week 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.

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

4 weeks 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.