Our Blog
Texas farmers and ranchers are actively conserving and preserving water on their operations each day. Through their stories, challenges and innovations, you’ll get a firsthand look at the efforts happening on real Texas farms and ranches across the state. Because for farmers, protecting water isn’t just a responsibility. It’s essential for protecting the future of all Texans.
Featured Blog
Efficient Water Conservation Methods: 1 Size Doesn’t Fit All
Texas farmers face unique water conservation challenges due to the state’s diverse climates, soils and crops—requiring region-specific solutions like efficient irrigation systems in dry areas and erosion control in wetter regions. Despite the differences, all farmers share the same goal: using water conservation methods wisely to sustain their land, their
Future Directions: Irrigation Study
Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource that must be shared by agriculture, other businesses and industries, and with city residents.
Texas Farmers’ Conservation Efforts Benefit Everyone
Whether you are at a meeting or talking with neighbors and friends, the lack of rainfall and underground water reserves is a concern for those who depend on it for growing and producing America’s food and fiber.
RCPP
Producers in the Panhandle-South Plains region are reminded that cost-share funding is still available for installation of irrigation system monitoring equipment, soil moisture probes, and other irrigation management equipment through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service's Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Farmers “Keep the Stubble” during No-Till November
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its partners encourage farmers to “keep the stubble” on their harvested cropland fields and improve soil health during a special month long “No-Till November” campaign.
Going Against the Grain – to Grow Grain Media Tour
A recent media tour featured participants from CommonGround, a group of women farmers who have conversations about the food they grow and how they produce it.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
The Water Grows Initiative encourages those wanting to offer support to the farmers and ranchers impacted by the storm to contribute to the Texas Farm Bureau’s Harvey Relief Fund.
Field to Fork: Educating Consumers Through On-Farm Dining Experiences
Rodney and Susan Schronk recently had guests for dinner at their farm outside of Hillsboro, Texas.
The Meaning Behind Water Grows
Because the agriculture industry is the largest user of water, it bears the greatest responsibility for conserving water and using it efficiently, and farmers are doing just that.
Going Against the Grain – to Grow Grain Media Tour
A recent media tour featured participants from CommonGround, a group of women farmers who have conversations about the food they grow and how they produce it.
Water Grows Our Economy
Across the Panhandle and South Plains of Texas, the vast Ogallala Aquifer underlies 36,000 square miles of Texas.
The Changing Family Farm
Sustainably producing quality food is top of mind for these farmers seeking to care for the land they work with every day, and to ensure their family farm is viable for future generations. The brothers know conserving their resources is not only good business, it's what's right.
High Plains Crop Production Supports 103,000 Jobs
The water used to irrigate crops in the High Plains produces economic activity that benefits everyone who lives and works in the region.
Growing More Food With Less Water
High Plains corn farmers who irrigate their crops from the Ogallala Aquifer used a combination of new technology and methods to grow more corn with less water, according to a report from researchers with Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
Efficient Water Conservation Methods: 1 Size Doesn’t Fit All
Texas farmers face unique water conservation challenges due to the state’s diverse climates, soils and crops—requiring region-specific solutions like efficient irrigation systems in dry areas and erosion control in wetter regions. Despite the differences, all farmers share the same goal: using water conservation methods wisely to sustain their land, their
Water Conservation & Corn Planting in Texas
Long before Texans can enjoy a delicious meal or fill up their gas tank with fuel, farm families like the Gruhlkeys in the Panhandle are busy planning and preparing for planting season.
EQIP Impacts Communities
The drought of 2011 had devastating impacts on Quentin Shieldknight's farm and ranch - and even his community - in the Texas Panhandle.
Irrigation: How Texas Farmers Make Every Drop Count
If you live in Texas, then you are likely well acquainted with the state’s often harsh climate. The hot, dry conditions combined with unpredictable rainfall and drought often leads to declining surface and groundwater stores across the state. While we all feel the effects of a declining water supply, no
Texas Corn Planting with Water Conservation in Mind
There is something special about new beginnings – and Texas farmer Braden Gruhlkey appreciates the experience new beginnings bring each year as he lowers his planter to the ground.
Williams Family: Protecting Natural Resources On and Off the Farm
Conservation is top-of-mind for many Texas farmers, and that is especially true for the Williams family. The conservation practices they implement help reduce erosion and help protect natural resources on and off the farm.
Water Conservation Up Close: Upgraded Irrigation Through NRCS EQIP
Meet the Beauchamps! They farm in the Texas High Plains where they’ve made water conservation a top priority.
Using Modern Farm Technology to Grow Food & Save Water
Technology is woven into the stories of our lives. Chances are you’re using technology right now to read this blog or to improve efficiency in your daily life like to control lights, doorbells, cameras and your thermostat. Technology plays a big role on farms across Texas, too.
Conservation + Irrigated Agriculture
Since 1980, farmers have decreased water usage by 56% with every irrigated bushel grown. Discover why farming in a resource-conscious way is important for Texas farmer Russell Williams.
Farmers Lead the Charge for a Sustainable Future at Soil Health Symposium
A group of forward-thinking farmers recently came together at the Soil Health Symposium to discuss this challenge and spark a change in the future of agricultural production.
NRCS is Driving Energy Savings to Farmers with VFDs
A new technology is reaching up to 15 percent saving on energy usage – variable frequency drives (VFDs).
Innovative Irrigation Conserves Water, Boosts Yields in Ogallala Aquifer Region
In the Ogallala Aquifer region, each drop of water counts. A group of forward-thinking farmers in Texas are finding innovative ways to irrigate their crops to use water more efficiently.