DEWITT COUNTY, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Spring planting is underway in many parts of the country, but for farmers dealing with ongoing drought and water shortages in Texas, the season begins with uncertainty. The Texas Farm Bureau introduces us to Dewitt County farmer Chad Hahn, who says dry conditions remain one of the biggest challenges as he prepares for another year in the field.
“A little bit of rain would go a heck of a lot further right now, which is what we’ve been dealing with for so many years,” Hahn said. “You just don’t know when that next rain is going to be.”
Despite the ongoing struggle, Hahn says his outlook remains steady after nearly three decades in agriculture.
“My first crop was in 1997, almost 30 years now,” he continued. “Once you start doing something like this, it’s in your blood. Maybe next year, maybe this year is going to be the good year.”
Hahn is also part of a growing number of producers using no-till practices across the state. According to USDA data, roughly 2.5 million acres in Texas are now farmed using no-till methods, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the state’s cropland.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
·
