April hired workers down over 2 percent, wage rates increase over 4 percent from previous year

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a Notice of Solicitation for Nominations for its Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers for 2-year membership terms in the Federal Register dated April 30, 2013.

The National Weather Service is predicting continuing drought for the western half of Texas this summer, with some improvement for the rest of the state by the end of August. (Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center)

The Cody Horton Memorial Heifer Show and the Ivey League Prospect Steer Show

This is a great opportunity for riders of any experience level to participate in an instructor driven two-day horsemanship clinic. Participants receive instruction on basic, intermediate, and advanced horsemanship skills and maneuvers and have the opportunity to practice them with guided instructors. Only accepting 30 riders. Minimum age is 8. Cost $60. For more information call Chuck Jones, 903-813-4202.

“We understand that producers have gotten busy, but they can’t forget to visit their county office and sign up for DCP or ACRE,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia. “Just as farmers and ranchers plan their spring plantings, producers should plan to schedule an appointment to visit their USDA Service Center at the earliest possible time. It’s best to complete the paperwork now rather than to stand in line the day before the deadline,” advised Garcia.

Cattle can become infected with bovine anaplasmosis through transfer of red blood cells. (Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo by Blair Fannin)

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.7 million head on May 1, 2013. The inventory was 3 percent below May 1, 2012.

The famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner will be held as part of the 59th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course activities. (Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)

“From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey” is a workshop specifically designed for military veterans interested in agriculture and agribusiness to be held in May 18 in Dallas and June 1 in Belton. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

Sale May 16, 2013 - 626 head

This cotton seedling is representative of much of the cotton in the Brazos Bottom and Blacklands, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service cotton expert. The on-and-off cool spring has the crop off to a slow start and thrips were causing some major damage. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Gaylon Morgan)