Brazos Valley Farmers Adapt to Low Commodity Prices

The Brazos Valley in Texas is known for its agricultural prowess, particularly when it comes to cattle, cotton, and corn production. According to Robertson County farmer and rancher Lee Denena, the region has historically had ideal conditions for farming, with dry spells occurring at opportune times and wetter periods happening when needed most.

Demand for commodities is a major concern in agriculture, and Denena emphasizes that 'it's either yield or price', producers can't control both. With lower commodity prices, Denena has diversified his cattle operation to hedge against market fluctuations, using corn as feed for the cattle.

The corn harvest is expected to begin within two weeks, but the cotton crop remains a long way off from being ready. Denena notes that cotton requires stress to produce, and a dry July and August would be beneficial for managing the crop.