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
Healthy Soil, Clean Water
Central Texas farmer Rodney Schronk knows healthy soil has a number of benefits - including helping the water supply be cleaner.
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.
Ogallala Aquifer Initiative Widely Used by Farmers to Improve Water Application
No one has a greater stake in conserving water than those who depend on it for their livelihood, and Texas farmers and ranchers on the Panhandle and South Plains regions are no exception.
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.
Texas Water District, USDA Partner to Show Farmers Way to Use Water Wisely
In the High Plains of Texas, water reigns. The area is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, making a reliable water supply key to the area’s rural economies.
5 Simple Ways to Save Water While Entertaining at Home
Why does saving water – even while entertaining – matter in the first place? Water availability continues to be an ongoing issue across the Lone Star State.
Texas NRCS Conservation Kidz Activity Sheet
On the hunt for conservation-focused education content? Look no further than the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas' Conservation Kidz activity sheet.
Conservation Up Close: Residue Management
Residue management is important on the Beauchamp’s family farm in the Texas Panhandle because healthy soil protects water. Discover what residue management is and why the Beauchamp’s care so much about it!
3 Ways to Sow Seeds of Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
Drinking water, food, clothing, manufacturing, swimming – there are so many ways water touches our daily lives. We’re fortunate to live in a country where clean water flows from the tap and is readily available. Perhaps though, this convenience results in unfamiliarity with where water comes from and how it
Conservation Up Close: Soil Health
When you think about conservation, what comes to mind? Saving water, recycling or picking up trash at your local park are likely first thoughts. But have you ever thought about conserving soil? It should come as no surprise that soil conservation is a top priority for farmers and something they
Conservation Up Close: Water Quality
If you have ever wondered what farmers do to protect water quality on their farms…look no further! Brandt Underwood has witnessed the dedication of producers in stewarding natural resources during his last 20 years of working as an agronomist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
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.
3 Ways Texas Family Farms Grow Our Economy
Farms don't just grow our food - they're important businesses that contribute to our economy, too! Farms generate economic activity that flows through local communities, and ultimately, Texas and the nation as a whole. Check out these three ways Texas family farms grow our economy all thanks to water.
Managing Cycling Drought Via Conservation + Optimism
In the semi-arid climate of the Texas High Plains, one of the most agriculturally-productive regions in the state, fourth-generation farmer Wesley Spurlock is acquainted all too well with drought. In fact, he said he started his farming career amidst a drought in 1980 after graduating college.
Healthy Soil = Clean, Abundant Water
Soil plays a critical role in supporting life on earth. Healthy soil serves as the base of an ecosystem full of living organisms that helps sustain plants, animals, and even us. Soil provides us a bountiful food supply, beautiful landscapes, and even the support on which we build homes. But
Texas Farmer Adapts During Challenging Times
The journey our food makes from field to fork can be complex. Since farmers represent the genesis of this process, it’s important to understand the practices they implement to address environmental and economic challenges in support of our food supply.
Preparing for a Successful Crop: Planting Strategies
Going into pre-season, or the time before planting, one of the first decisions farmers must make is what crops to plant. Rodney Schronk and his wife Susan farm in Hill County, Texas, explain their decision to grow corn, cotton, wheat and sunflowers is complex.
Innovation Magnifies Conservation Efforts
Farmers and ranchers are continually searching for the most up-to-date techniques and technologies to increase production efficiency on their land, while conserving natural resources. One federal agency is key in helping them to discover these innovations.
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.