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.

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).

Sustainable Crops

Corn farmers work hard to be good stewards of the land and environment. New technologies and farming practices allow farmers to grow more corn on less farmland, all while conserving the natural resources vital to the environment.

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.