Commissioner Staples files affidavit with court to help Texas livestock producers
On Tuesday, July 15, Commissioner Todd Staples filed an affidavit on behalf of Texas producers who will suffer severe economic hardships if a recent restraining order issued by a U.S. District Court judge becomes permanent. "The federal government made these producers a promise; it would be irresponsible for the courts to go back on that word..." more
 

Texas lawmakers hear ideas to reorganize TxDOT
The Sunset Advisory Commission, charged with deciding how and even whether the agency should continue, is asking whether TxDOT should continue to be led by a five-member panel appointed by the governor. Or should lawmakers oversee the department instead? more
 

Feds acknowledge fence will hamper border life
The U.S.-Mexico border fence will make life harder on some South Texas farmers, damage valuable wildlife habitat, impair views and generally become an obstacle to border life, the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged in an environmental study of the fence's impact. more
 

FDA releases Feed Ban Enhancement implementation Q&A
Since the April 25, 2008, publication of the BSE final rule, Substances Prohibited from Use in Animal Food or Feed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received numerous questions pertaining to the implementation of the rule. FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has posted answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the feed ban. more
 

Texas crop, weather, 7-16-08
While many South Plains counties saw cotton hailed out, the crop is doing pretty well in the Rolling Plains. While the Rolling Plains is drying out, parts of the Panhandle are seeing what is a "deluge" by High Plains standards. Deaf Smith was spared the worst of recent hail storms, and more recently, there has been relief from the drought. more