Winter Storm Uri’s Impact on Livestock Agriculture in Texas

Mar 10, 2021

By David P. Anderson

Economic impacts of winter storm Uri are still being pulled together. It appears that cattle death losses in feedyards and dairies were light. It helped that the storm front did not drop a lot of moisture ahead of the cold. Cow losses have been reported and it’s likely that newborn calves were hit hard during the storm. Data from USDA indicates about 15 percent of calves are born in the western region of the US in February. Additional feed costs and lost efficiency will likely be a large source of economic losses. The animal used their feed energy to stay warm rather than gain weight. The well-publicized electric grid problems forced reduced steam flaking and more reliance on dry ground corn. Steer live weights in the Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico region dropped from 1,361 pounds for the week before the storm to 1,251 pounds per head for the week of the storm. Milk production was reduced and there were reports of limited milk dumping.

South Texas sustained some large losses in the citrus industry due to freezing temperatures extending into the Rio Grande Valley. The severity of freeze damage to the trees won’t be clear for some time but, certainly will include losses to this year’s crop and part of next year’s, as well.

Source : osu.edu

Video: Fendt Testimonial | Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 | Peter Watson Jones Ltd.

What happens when a farm buys its first Fendt? For Peter Watson Jones Ltd, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 has exceeded expectations from day one. For Jack, Farm Manager at Peter Watson Jones Ltd in North Shropshire, UK, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 wasn't just another tractor purchase. It was the farm's first experience with the Fendt brand.

Operating across a 1,200-acre arable farm alongside a 250,000-head broiler enterprise, the business has evolved significantly over the last decade, moving to a straight arable system with fewer staff and machines. Since arriving on the farm, the Fendt 726 Vario has established itself as the main drilling and cultivations tractor, earning its place through performance, versatility and efficiency. Whether it's handling large-scale cultivations or working with a new 4.5m strip-till drill, the tractor continues to impress.

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?? Watch as Jack shares why the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7, the farm's first Fendt, has made such a strong impression and become an integral part of their operation.