Business

Body Dramatic increases in grain and oilseed prices in the last three to four months are affecting cattle feeding operations. July corn futures are currently priced at $5.20/bu compared to weekly cash prices above $4.00/bu in mid-October 2020 and $5.44/bu by mid-January 2021.

Body Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is processing registration for its upcoming Young Farmer and Rancher Conference scheduled for April 9-11 at the Austin Marriott North Hotel in Round Rock. Sessions will also be available via Zoom for those unable to travel to the event.

Body AUSTIN—Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $1.05 billion in local sales tax allocations for February, 0.7 percent more than in February 2020.

Body Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA), in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, is hosting the Texas Program Updates Webinar via Zoom tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 12, from 9-10 am. Texas FSA state office staff will discuss county office operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Body AUSTIN—The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 512 original drilling permits in January 2021 compared to 1,156 in January 2020.

Body Confirmation hearings for Tom Vilsack, 70, ended Tuesday before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee with the Senate panel voting unanimously to advance his nomination to the full Senate.

Body AUSTIN—Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar this week said state sales tax revenue totaled $3.07 billion in January, 0.3 percent less than in January 2020.The majority of January sales tax revenue is based on sales made in December and remitted to the agency in January.

Body The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2021 agricultural water-conservation grants. Applications are due to the TWDB no later than Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 2 pm.

Body SACRAMENTO—Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West this week reminded Texas small nonfarm businesses of the deadline dates to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury.

Body “These awards enable landowners to address the threat that feral swine pose to natural resources and agriculture,” NRCS Acting Chief Kevin Norton said. “The projects we have identified will be key to addressing the feral swine problem.” (U.S.