"The main benefit is that grafting allows growers to combat soil diseases without chemical sprays," Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension said. "But our studies have also shown improved yields and improved cold tolerance if you plant early."

"It is time to make sure your forage pastures are in the best condition they can be," said Justin Rogers, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Young County. "We are bringing in experts to update us on weed control, nutrient management and the newly introduced Chisholm tall fescue, which is a cool-season perennial alternative to winter wheat."

Steve Upson, Senior Agricultural Consultant with the Noble Research Institute in Ardmore, Oklahoma will be a featured speaker at the 15th Fannin County Master Gardener Garden, Lawn and Home Expo which will be held on Saturday, March 30 at the Bonham Civic Center. Admission and speaker sessions are free. Vendors will offer a wide variety of plants, garden art, home and lawn care products and services.

Sign-up will take place March 25 through May 10, 2019.

Dr. Joseph Masabni, Small-Acreage Vegetable Specialist, will be a featured speaker at the 15th Fannin County Master Gardener's Garden, Lawn and Home Expo on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Bonham Civic Center at 1100 W. 5th Street. At 9:00 a.m. Dr. Masabni will speak on "Do's and Don'ts in a Raised Bed Vegetable Garden" and at 1:00 p.m. his topic will be "Everything You Wanted to Know about Tomatoes."

A ranchers leasing workshop featuring Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service law and economics specialists is set for April 9 in Nacogdoches.

It's not as dire as the farm crisis seen in the 1980s, but ongoing trade uncertainty coupled with low commodity prices and rising interest rates has created challenging times for agricultural producers across the U.S. and Texas, according to experts.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The ACEP, reauthorized through the 2018 Farm Bill, funds easements for agricultural lands and wetlands.

Corn prices are on the rise, while soybean prices are projected to continue to dip this year before recovering a bit in 2020, according to government projections.

This National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service graphic shows parts of the state that have received above- and well below-average precipitation since late December.

Even though beef cattle numbers have been increasing steadily, prices for cull cows have tumbled, reaching their lowest amount since 2009. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

North Texas: Soil moisture was reported to be mostly adequate to surplus for most of the counties. There was some warmer weather across the region and sunshine was visible throughout the reporting period.