Texas farmers and ranchers are dealing with the worst one-year drought on record. This recent news story captures the desperation our ranchers are facing and the generosity of our fellow Americans.
Showing posts with label texas hay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label texas hay. Show all posts
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Indiana Farmers, Truckers Send Generous Donations to Texas
Texas ranchers received a generous helping hand today thanks to our friends in Indiana who recognized an opportunity to truck donated hay to the Lone Star State. On behalf of Texas ranchers who have been devastated by historic wildfires and drought, I’d like to thank our neighbors to the north for their selfless good deed. To read more, go here.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Drought Losses Set Staggering Record of $5.2 Billion
As we feared, the worst single-year drought in Texas history has devastated our agriculture community to the staggering tune of $5.2 billion in losses, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
These losses exceed the previous record of $4.1 billion incurred during the drought of 2006 and can be attributed to the punishing combination of drought and record-setting temperatures that have caused hay shortages, dwindling herds and lost or severely damaged crops. The end result has been a dry spell that recently surpassed the one of 1918, making our current crisis the second-worst drought in the history of the Lone Star State.
These have been extraordinarily tough times for our farmers and ranchers, but you know what happens when the going gets tough — survivors always outlast adversity. While we are seeing the weathering on the faces and in the hearts of Texas farmers and ranchers, I’m confident the folks who provide us with safest, most affordable and most abundant food supply in the world will refuse to wilt beneath the brutal heat.
I continue to pray for rain in order to provide relief for our farmers and ranchers. May they continue to fight the good fight on behalf of all Texans who rely on their hard work every day.
These losses exceed the previous record of $4.1 billion incurred during the drought of 2006 and can be attributed to the punishing combination of drought and record-setting temperatures that have caused hay shortages, dwindling herds and lost or severely damaged crops. The end result has been a dry spell that recently surpassed the one of 1918, making our current crisis the second-worst drought in the history of the Lone Star State.
These have been extraordinarily tough times for our farmers and ranchers, but you know what happens when the going gets tough — survivors always outlast adversity. While we are seeing the weathering on the faces and in the hearts of Texas farmers and ranchers, I’m confident the folks who provide us with safest, most affordable and most abundant food supply in the world will refuse to wilt beneath the brutal heat.
I continue to pray for rain in order to provide relief for our farmers and ranchers. May they continue to fight the good fight on behalf of all Texans who rely on their hard work every day.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Thanks to Louisiana For Helping Drought-Stricken Texas
Rather than being the life of the party last weekend, Tropical Storm Don was instead a no-show, leaving Texas to continue choking on record-breaking heat and historical drought conditions. Folks, I’ve never seen Texas so dry.
Thankfully, our neighbors in Louisiana are gracing us with some much-needed relief in the form of hay bales being trucked to Texas farmers and ranchers who are desperately trying to feed their dwindling herds. In a gesture of goodwill that is nothing short of a blessing, Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain announced an executive order waiving size restrictions and permitting fees on oversized loads of hay en route to Texas. I’d like to extend my thanks and gratitude to Commissioner Strain and the Louisiana farmers, truckers and others who are rushing to our rescue.
It was reported just last week that this year’s drought stands to be the most costly in state history for Texas farmers and ranchers. The devastation is unprecedented, but the spirit of giving remains unbroken.
As you read this, I am diligently seeking partnerships and opportunities with other states to provide relief to the hardworking Texas farmers and ranchers who have suffered more than their share this year. I am grateful for the commitment of not only Commissioner Strain, but also of Wyoming Director of Agriculture Jason Fearneyhough who has said his state will pitch in to help Texans.
We truly appreciate the kindness of our colleagues and others who know what it is like to herd cattle and bail hay. With their help, we will continue to press on; and let’s keep praying for rain.
Thankfully, our neighbors in Louisiana are gracing us with some much-needed relief in the form of hay bales being trucked to Texas farmers and ranchers who are desperately trying to feed their dwindling herds. In a gesture of goodwill that is nothing short of a blessing, Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain announced an executive order waiving size restrictions and permitting fees on oversized loads of hay en route to Texas. I’d like to extend my thanks and gratitude to Commissioner Strain and the Louisiana farmers, truckers and others who are rushing to our rescue.
It was reported just last week that this year’s drought stands to be the most costly in state history for Texas farmers and ranchers. The devastation is unprecedented, but the spirit of giving remains unbroken.
As you read this, I am diligently seeking partnerships and opportunities with other states to provide relief to the hardworking Texas farmers and ranchers who have suffered more than their share this year. I am grateful for the commitment of not only Commissioner Strain, but also of Wyoming Director of Agriculture Jason Fearneyhough who has said his state will pitch in to help Texans.
We truly appreciate the kindness of our colleagues and others who know what it is like to herd cattle and bail hay. With their help, we will continue to press on; and let’s keep praying for rain.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Hay Transport Waiver Benefits Texas Ranchers, Consumers
In a year marked by some of the worst drought conditions and wildfire devastation in Texas history, our farmers and ranchers need all the help they can get. Recently, I asked Gov. Rick Perry to direct the Texas Department of Transportation to waive certain restrictions for the transport of hay. Last week, Gov. Perry granted the waiver, which expires at midnight, August 4, with the possibility of a forthcoming extension if he renews the state’s disaster proclamation on the day of the deadline.
The waiver — which has been enacted numerous times in the past — makes it possible to facilitate the transport of large bails of hay to ranchers who are desperately trying to feed their herds. Recognizing that we are in a crisis situation, TxDoT has temporarily suspended permitting requirements, legal height restrictions for round hay bales, and associated permit fees for carriers of hay. Obviously, public safety remains a priority, which is why all other legal requirements, including licensing, registration, insurance and safety precautions are closely monitored for compliance. Alternate routing also is considered.
Emergency situations call for action and cooperation, and thankfully, Texas is known for both when the going gets tough. This most recent hay-transport waiver is more than a good idea: It’s critical to the preservation of our food supply.
For more information regarding waiver criteria and expedited routing, please contact the Texas Department of Transportation’s Motor Carrier Division at (512) 465-3592.
The waiver — which has been enacted numerous times in the past — makes it possible to facilitate the transport of large bails of hay to ranchers who are desperately trying to feed their herds. Recognizing that we are in a crisis situation, TxDoT has temporarily suspended permitting requirements, legal height restrictions for round hay bales, and associated permit fees for carriers of hay. Obviously, public safety remains a priority, which is why all other legal requirements, including licensing, registration, insurance and safety precautions are closely monitored for compliance. Alternate routing also is considered.
Emergency situations call for action and cooperation, and thankfully, Texas is known for both when the going gets tough. This most recent hay-transport waiver is more than a good idea: It’s critical to the preservation of our food supply.
For more information regarding waiver criteria and expedited routing, please contact the Texas Department of Transportation’s Motor Carrier Division at (512) 465-3592.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Recent rains help, but drought conditions persist
No matter the season, weather is on the minds of our state’s farmers and ranchers. Why? Because it affects profitability. In some cases, weather conditions can determine whether families will be able to stay in the business of farming and ranching.
According to the U. S. Drought Monitor for Texas released on May 21, much of our state remains in the category labeled “Abnormally Dry to Exceptionally Dry.” And, although much of the state received some badly needed moisture last week, many communities will have to deal with the consequences of this lingering drought for some time.
Here at the Texas Department of Agriculture, we’d like to remind producers of the resources available on our Web site, www.TexasAgriculture.gov. Visit to access the Hay Hotline (1-877-429-1998) for hay needs and the Disaster Resource Information Packet, which provides pertinent contact information for state, federal and private agricultural disaster assistance programs.
According to the U. S. Drought Monitor for Texas released on May 21, much of our state remains in the category labeled “Abnormally Dry to Exceptionally Dry.” And, although much of the state received some badly needed moisture last week, many communities will have to deal with the consequences of this lingering drought for some time.
Here at the Texas Department of Agriculture, we’d like to remind producers of the resources available on our Web site, www.TexasAgriculture.gov. Visit to access the Hay Hotline (1-877-429-1998) for hay needs and the Disaster Resource Information Packet, which provides pertinent contact information for state, federal and private agricultural disaster assistance programs.
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