Backyard poultry production has become a “big deal” in Denton County, according to Brandon Boughen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Denton County. Seating will be limited, so participants should RSVP to Pamela Hill at 940-349-2894. Registration is payable by cash or check only. Checks should be made to “Ag Demo Fund.” (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia, today repeated his appeal to livestock producers affected by natural disasters such as the drought in the West and the unexpected winter storm in the upper Midwest to keep thorough records. This includes livestock and feed losses, and any additional expenses that are a result of losses to purchased forage or feed stuff.

Most peach trees, such as this Red Baron variety, were not in full bloom during the latest bout of freezing weather and so were probably not damaged, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Larry Stein)

United States and Canadian cattle inventory down 2 percent

With the cattle market at all-time highs and drought having decimating herds across Texas, some might consider restocking, but are questioning if it’s the right time to buy.

Even when there is no burn ban, there are some reasonable precautions anyone conducting an outdoor burn should consider.

Dr. Raul Villanueva, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist in Weslaco, examines a grain sorghum crop for signs of the sugarcane aphid, a tiny insect that could cause major problems this year for grain sorghum growers. (AgriLife Communications photo by Rod Santa Ana)

February Farm Prices Received Index increased 7 points

The 2014 Farm Bill, formally known as the Agricultural Act of 2014, makes the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) permanent programs and provides retroactive authority to cover eligible losses back to Oct. 1, 2011.

The Overton Pasture and Livestock Management school is divided between the classroom and instruction in the field. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Robert Burns)