Recent News Kernels

May Edition of The Kernel

Checkout the latest edition of Texas Corn Producers' newsletter, The Kernel, for state corn industry news! The publication is in your May issue of The Farmer-Stockman, or you can view it online here.

Senate Ag Committee farm bill presents challenges for Texas

April 27 The Corn Producers Association of Texas is appreciative of the efforts of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on the 2012 Farm Bill by passing legislation from the committee yesterday; however, the current bill poses some serious concerns for Texas producers. During the markup session, Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) spoke on the disproportionate impact the presented Commodity Title of the bill has to varying regions across the nation. CPAT concurs with Sen. Chambliss’ sentiments in this regard, as do Chairman of the House Ag Committee Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Rep. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) in statements released in response to the Senate committee’s passing yesterday. Read more

CPAT Director and SWCA President testifies at Farm Bill hearing

The U.S. House Ag Committee wrapped up its Farm Bill Field Hearings on April 20, 2012, in Dodge City, KS. It was the final hearing held to listen directly to producers on the ground and gather input in advance of writing the 2012 Farm Bill. Members heard from producers of a variety of commodities and beef about the tools they need to continue to produce a safe and affordable food and fiber supply. CPAT Director and current Southwest Council of Agribusiness President Dee Vaughan of Dumas, Texas, was among the witnesses. To listen to the hearing in its entirety, click here. Access Vaughan's written testimony, as well as other witnesses' by visiting the House Ag Committee website here.

Corn checkoff referendum passes, five directors elected to TCPB

Feb 2 The referendum held by the Texas Corn Producers Board in January to increase the statewide assessment amounts of corn and silage passed by more than the required two-thirds vote. Additionally, in the tenth statewide election since TCPB became a statewide entity in 1990, five board members were elected or re-elected in the organization’s biennial elections held in conjunction with the referendum. Each person elected will serve a six year term, or until the year 2018. Read more

Advantages of drip irrigation seen in 2011 drought

It’s no secret that Texas’ driest year on record dealt a tough hand for producers. Agricultural producers across the state saw yields cut in half (or worse) due to Mother Nature’s extreme heat, high winds and lack of moisture. However, David Carthel, a Parmer County agricultural producer, found success in using a newly installed drip irrigation system on his 70-acre corn field. Texas Corn Producers followed Carthel’s corn field on drip irrigation from planting to harvest, and has documented it in a series of videos, which are now available online at www.watergrowsjobs.org/drip.html.
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