YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

December weather can be no holiday for farmers, ranchers

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

December weather in Texas can be a gift or a lump of coal in your stocking.

Unfortunately, this year, farmers and ranchers in the Texas Panhandle would soon just return what Mother Nature gave them last week.

A lingering drought set the stage. A fierce wind storm finished the job, destroying much of the area’s wheat crop. Green fields are now brown and likely a total loss for many farmers.

High winds also fanned the flames of wildfires, threatening farms, ranches and communities. Blowing dust, smoke from wildfires and heavy winds caused accidents and power outages.

The Panhandle hasn’t received rain in nearly 70 days. The drought, punctuated by the wind storm, was just too much for the struggling wheat.  

But the failed wheat crop comes on the heels of one of the best cotton crops for some Panhandle farmers.

Such is the nature of farming in Texas. You embrace the good years.

A farmer’s faith, hope and love keep them going. That’s appropriate for the month of December.

Photo courtesy Texas A&M Forest Service

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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