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
Investing in Future Generations
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders – this is certainly true in many areas of life, but it is particularly crucial when it comes to conservation and agriculture. Natural resources are vital to our everyday lives for many reasons. Perhaps one of the most important is in the production of our
An Insider Look at Corn Harvest
Harvest occurs at different times of the year depending on geographic location, type of crop and variety that is planted. In the case of corn in Texas, harvest can begin as early as July in South Texas and into late November as you move north through the state.
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.
Watersheds are More Important than One Might Think
Whether you realize it or not, our lives are impacted each day by watersheds.
Celebrating the Women in Texas Agriculture
Have you ever stopped to thank a female farmer for growing the food on your plate? Women contribute greatly to agriculture and have played a significant role in the advancement of the industry over the years. In fact, there are 1.2 million female farmers and ranchers in the U.S., and
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.
Texas Groundwater: The Importance of a Disappearing Water Source
What if we told you that groundwater — water deep beneath the Earth’s surface — is more present in your life than you might think? In fact, nearly 60 percent of Texas’ water comes from underground water sources.
6 Benefits of Domestically Grown Food
There’s a whole lot more to the food on your plate than providing your body nutrients and sustenance. In fact, our nation’s prosperity is rooted in a robust food supply chain that all starts with the hard work of American farmers and ranchers.
Watersheds are More Important than One Might Think
Whether you realize it or not, our lives are impacted each day by watersheds.
4 Ways Texas Conservation Makes Economic Sense
Did you know that the Texas agriculture industry provides more than just the food on your plate? The Texas agriculture industry is among the primary drivers of the economy, generating billions in economic activity and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Bridging the Gap
As more of the population has become removed from involvement in agriculture, a gap in mutual understanding has grown between those who produce food and the consumers who eat it. To help bridge this gap, farmers, ranchers and others in the industry are using a variety of initiatives and methods
Daughters of the Land
Unlike in the past, a young girl’s future role in taking over the family farm in Texas is accepted and welcomed.
Entrepreneurs in Their Field
Instead of following many millennials to urban centers, brothers Braden, Brittan and Cameron Gruhlkey each decided to return to the family farm. The Gruhlkey brothers now farm alongside their father, Bill, while also expanding the family business and making their own mark.
Healthy Soil: Benefits On and Off the Field
From water quality to erosion to nutrient management, Central Texas farmer Rodney Schronk knows healthy soil has a number of benefits.
Healthy Soil, Clean Water
Central Texas farmer Rodney Schronk knows healthy soil has a number of benefits - including helping the water supply be cleaner.
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.
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.
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.