Texas farmers produced 9.3 million bales of cotton in 2017, up 14 percent from the 8.1 million bales grown in 2016, according to a news release.
The yield was also higher last year. Farmers averaged 809 pounds per acre, which is up 8 percent from 748 pounds per acre in 2016. Texas farmers planted 6.9 million acres of cotton in 2016, 22 percent more than the 5.65 million acres in 2016.
Texas wheat production is forecast at 43.2 million bushels, down 37 percent from 2017, as the 2018 harvest season gets underway.
The harvested acreage for grain in Texas is forecast at 1.6 million acres, down 32 percent from the 2.35 million acres harvested last year.
The demand for sheep and goats continues to be strong in a growing market for meat, wool and mohair, according to Reid Redden, state sheep and goat specialist for Texas A&M Extension and Research Center in San Angelo.
Redden said the demand for quality Texas sheep wool is high, which means producing a fleece is no longer a break-even enterprise for producers.
“It used to be that wool prices would barely cover the shearing cost, but now producers are seeing profits range from $25 to $50 per fleece,” he said. “The annual cycle of shearing sheep is coming to a close. West Texas wool is typically marketed for fine wool yarn used to create worsted or woolen clothing.
“There is a lot of interest in Merino wool for performance wear,” Redden said. “That type of wool is produced by Rambouillet sheep and represents the majority of wool produced in Texas. That market is very strong.”
Mohair from Angora goats, which is used to make clothing and other textiles, has also become a profitable product for producers. Goats are shorn twice a year, typically in March/April and August/September.
“The value of mohair, which is used to make clothes, rugs and other products, is up roughly 30 percent higher than it was last year,” Redden said.
Water well owner training set
Texas Well Owner Network training is scheduled from 1-5 p.m. May 31 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Hamilton, 101 E. Henry St.
The TWON program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs, allowing them to learn more about how to improve and protect their community water resources.
Well owners who would like to have their well water sampled can pick up two sample containers from the extension agents offices in Hamilton or Coryell counties.
Source: Asian News International, India Saturday, 19 May 2018