Texas Wheat Farmers Face Threats from Urban Sprawl and Rising Costs

North Texas wheat farmers have had a slightly better season than their counterparts in other parts of the state, but urban sprawl and rising costs threaten what's left. According to a report from Texas A&M, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has the best non-irrigated wheat in Texas due to timely rainfall and fewer fungal issues.

However, statewide, triticum mosaic viruses have taken over wheat crops due to drought conditions. Brandon Gerrish, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist, noted that many wheat crops won't even be harvested this season because of the 'how bad it was.'

Around 1.6 million acres of wheat are expected to be harvested in Texas, which is only about 29% of the 5.5 million acres planted.

Farmers across Texas have faced numerous challenges, including freezes, hail, heavy winds, and rainfall or drought. 'Mother Nature is wreaking havoc from one end of the state to the other,' said Robert Braden, president and CEO of the Texas Grain and Feed Association.