The issue: Drought, fire, and high energy costs

Texas

Intense drought has devastated Wheat fields across Texas; wildfires have destroyed pastures, livestock, fences and equipment. However, natural disasters haven't been the only burden on Wheat farmers this crop year. Fuel and fertilizer costs for most farmers have more than doubled over the last year.

Eighty-five percent of the Texas Wheat crop is rated poor to very poor, with 15 percent rated good to fair, according to the Texas Crop Weather report released by the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, Jan. 23. The statewide Wheat condition is rated at 20 percent of normal, compared to 82 percent at this time last year. Abandonment of planted fields remains high, especially in dry land fields. Some producers are plowing up grain crops in preparation to plant alternate crops.

Producers are currently experiencing economic loss due to the need for supplemental feeding of cattle in all areas of the state with many producers continuing to purchase additional hay supplies from out of state sources. Range fires continue in many areas and were especially damaging when pushed by high winds.

What is the TWPA asking of Congress? The Texas Wheat Producers Association is asking Congress to support disaster assistance for farmers who have suffered crop losses in 2005 and 2006 due to natural disasters like drought and frost.

The TWPA and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are currently working with members of Congress to identify assistance for farmers and to gain support for emergency fuel assistance for farmers.

What should producers do to help? While the TWPA is constantly working to support legislation that will benefit Wheat producers, congressmen and senators want to hear directly from constituents. Producers who would like to send a letter of support for emergency fuel and/or disaster assistance can log on to the Texas Wheat Producers website and click on "Contact Congress" from the navigation bar.

Date:1/26/06