Texas agriculture

The spring planting season is getting started for many Midwest farmers. Federal data suggests that fewer acres will be planted in soybeans than last year, in part because of the U.S. trade war with China.

Republican politicians and an interest group have sown fear over a voluntary process.

Relief could be on the way for South Texas farmers facing a crippling water shortage. On Friday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the country would make "an immediate water delivery" to Texas farmers.

Gov. Greg Abbott has made water a priority for this legislative session. Lawmakers will debate whether to invest more into new water supplies or repairing old, leaking pipes around Texas.

The United States denied Mexico’s request for a special delivery of Colorado River water on Thursday, citing Mexico’s ongoing failure to meet its obligations under an 80-year-old water-sharing treaty between the two countries.

The Trump administration recently reinstated the practice of detaining immigrant adults and children together. Two detention facilities in South Texas are at the center of that controversial decision.

The cancellation of two programs will affect more than $1 billion in expected funding this year. Food advocates worry the cuts are coming when other federal food programs are at risk.

From hurricane season to ice storms, the way the state gets its alerts might change after scientists at NOAA and the National Weather Service were fired.

Farmers, politicians and agriculture experts are raising alarm about the impact of potential tariffs on Canadian potash, a key mineral needed for fertilizer.

The Soybean Innovation Lab based at the University of Illinois has laid off 30 employees and expects to shut down in the spring if funding isn't restored. Lab leaders at other Land Grant universities say they have avoided layoffs, but that could change.