NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — U.S. farmers along the Rio Grande are seeing some relief after years of scarce water deliveries from Mexico. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says Mexico plans to release 202,000 acre-feet of water this week. It should help ease the strain on South Texas farmers struggling to sustain crops such as cotton, milo, and hay.
Past water gaps have led to mounting debt. While this delivery offers hope, many farmers warn it is not a total solution to their ongoing water challenges.
Lawmakers recently offered some support on agricultural water supplies. The House passed the PERMIT Act, a bill aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles for land that can revert to wetlands during drought or other periods of inactivity.
“Under the current five-year window, pauses that ranchers and farmers might take can often revert to wetlands, triggering EPA oversight that locks out grazing,” explained Rep. Andy Biggs, R-AZ. “My amendment protects these parcels so they can return to production when conditions improve, without fear of federal reclamation.”
The Permit Act also provides exemptions for stormwater and pesticide discharges on farmland to ease compliance while maintaining protections for U.S. waterways.
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
October 17, 2025 04:54 PM
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The Louisiana cotton crop is the smallest on record, but strong yields are a silver lining. LSU AgCenter’s Craig Gautreaux reports from northeast Louisiana.
October 17, 2025 04:48 PM
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Using FEMA and USDA data, Trace One researchers estimate average annual U.S. agricultural losses of $3.48 billion, with drought accounting for more than half.
October 17, 2025 04:29 PM
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Peel says Mexico has a much greater capability to expand its beef industry than it did 20 or 30 years ago in terms of its feeding and packing infrastructure.
October 16, 2025 03:59 PM
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“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
October 14, 2025 01:19 PM
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The FAA’s proposed rule to allow drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) could soon revolutionize how farmers and ranchers manage their land.
October 13, 2025 03:39 PM
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“Good flies? Is that like a good fire ant?” Miller said. “I don’t know what a good fly is. I don’t know if they’re afraid to kill house flies or stable flies, but I’m ready to kill the screwworm fly.”
October 13, 2025 01:28 PM
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Large animal veterinarian Dr. Rosalyn Biggs with Oklahoma State University warns producers may not be prepared for the real threat of New World Screwworm.
October 09, 2025 01:10 PM
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George Baird, with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joins us with updates on how this year’s rice harvest is shaping up.
October 07, 2025 03:12 PM
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