Feral hogs are more than a nuisance in Denton County; they destroy crops and pasture, and impose huge economic hardships on producers, according to Brandon Boughen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Denton County. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Robert Burns)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the expansion of the Farm Storage and Facility Loan program, which provides low-interest financing to producers. The enhanced program includes 23 new categories of eligible equipment for fruit and vegetable producers, and makes it easier for farmers and ranchers around the country to finance the equipment they need to grow and expand.

On March 21, 2014 the Fannin Soil and Water Conservation District and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service are sponsoring a legume and nutrient conference. Topics to be discussed are in a direct response from request we have had from farmers and ranchers. If you need to get your pastures or field back into good production…you need to attend this conference. Please don’t wait till the last minute to call to make your reservation. We really don’t want you to miss this educational opportunity.

An expert panel will discuss the changing state of rural affairs at the Opening General Session of the 137th annual Cattle Raisers Convention in San Antonio.The session is slated for Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m. at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio.

A smartphone app to help ranchers determine stocking rates is now available online. (photo courtesy of AgriLife Extension)

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is currently visiting with major stock shows and rodeos to discuss good biosecurity practices in the event of an animal disease outbreak. Practicing and implementing sound biosecurity measures is critical in keeping Texas' animals disease free and marketable.

Results of sale Thursday, March 6, 2014 at Durant Stockyards -- 336 head

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.