Latest news with #TexasFarmBureau
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas delegation proposes new facility to combat screwworm resurgence
WASHINGTON (KMID/KPEJ)- Texas lawmakers are pushing forward with new legislation aimed at stopping the return of a devastating livestock pest that once threatened the nation's cattle industry. On Wednesday, U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Ben Ray Luján, along with Congressman Tony Gonzales, introduced the Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act. The bill would authorize funding for the construction of a new sterile fly production facility in the U.S. to combat the resurgence of the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of livestock, wildlife, and in rare cases, humans. The legislation comes amid growing concern over NWS outbreaks in Mexico and the USDA's recent decision to suspend imports of live cattle, horses, and bison through the southern border. 'Combatting the destructive New World screwworm is vital to protecting our cattle, Texas producers, and the American livestock industry as a whole,' said Sen. Cornyn. 'This facility will push these pests away from our border and provide needed resources to our farmers and ranchers.' The sterile fly method, which involves releasing sterile male flies into the environment to outcompete wild populations, was instrumental in eradicating NWS from the United States in the 1960s and from Mexico in the 1990s. Supporters of the bill say bringing that approach back is essential to prevent economic disaster for the U.S. cattle industry. In a statement, Rep. Gonzales said producers across America are 'sounding the alarm.' 'We need to fully eradicate this pest before it's too late,' Gonzales said. 'The STOP Screwworms Act provides dedicated resources to do just that. By authorizing the construction of a new sterile fly facility in the United States, we reduce our dependence on Latin American partners for eradication efforts and take matters into our own hands.' The bill has bipartisan support and is also backed by major agricultural organizations, including the Texas Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau Federation, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the South Texans' Property Rights Association. In a written statement, Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening praised the legislation and called for its swift passage. 'It's critical to be proactive and provide resources for swift response, including the immediate construction of a sterile fly facility,' Boening said. 'The NWS is a devastating pest that could cripple the U.S. livestock industry and cause significant losses to livestock and wildlife. We ask leaders in Washington to take this animal health threat seriously and immediately pass this legislation to protect our country.' Additional cosponsors include Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Is Hemp Too Big To Ban In Texas?
A field of hemp plants Texas Farm Bureau Texas is not the first, nor is it the only state currently attempting to regulate or outright ban hemp, but the sheer size of Texas and its own hemp industry beg the question: Has hemp become too big to ban? The 2018 Farm Bill, once it was passed into law, removed intoxicating hemp from the Controlled Substances Act based on the measurement of one specific cannabinoid, delta-9 THC. Although delta-9 THC is the psychoactive agent in cannabis that can get users high, it is not the only one in cannabis. As a result, states across the country, especially those without legal cannabis markets, are now home to gas stations that sell vapes and THCA flower, and liquor stores that carry delta-8 weed drinks. State regulators across the country are attempting to reign in this wave of new hemp products that are flourishing. Calculating the size of hemp Grand View Research estimated that the industrial hemp market hit $1.63 billion in 2023, with an expectation that it will surpass $6 billion by 2030. The Food and Drug Administration estimated that by 2023 the legal hemp industry was worth $291 million, but nailing down a precise number is difficult because not every state tracks hemp sales in a way that makes it easy to assess the market's overall value, according to cannabis law firm Vicente. In a blog post, Vicente market analyst Andrew Livingston explained that only four states have special taxes on hemp, Minnesota, Tennessee, Louisiana and West Virginia. Tennessee alone experienced over $245 million in sales in 2024. 'I think we're close to the point where the hemp industry is too big to get rid of completely,' said Zachary Kobrin, a partner at Saul Ewing. 'I do think that there will be some kind of correction whether its codifying the total THC formula, or more strict on synthetic cannabinoids, maybe something lie that.' Texas is one of several states where lawmakers are attempting to shut down the hemp-derived intoxicants industry, despite the fact that hemp has grown into a multi-billion industry since the 2018. All eyes are on Texas Currently, the Texas House is considering whether or not it will go along with a hemp ban that has already passed the Senate. Texas hemp has reached $5.5 billion in annual sales, according to a recent market report developed by Whitney Economics and distributed by Hometown Hero CBD. The industry employs about 53,000 workers and operates about 8,500 storefronts across the Lone Star State. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has been an outspoken proponent of banning intoxicating hemp, argued that the size of the Texas market is exactly the problem. "Who opens 8,000 locations in less than four years, most of them since 2023? What business starts out at $8 billion in revenue?" asked Patrick during a March 19 press conference, in support of the ban. 'This is a bill that we have to ban THC and shut all of these stores down. that includes THC being sold in liquor stores in drinks. there's no exception to this. this is a poison to our public.' Last week, a House subcommittee sent a competing hemp bill to the House floor that would still allow edibles and non-synthetic smokable flower as long as it was grown in Texas and not imported. 'If SB 3 ends up getting passed and the governor signs it, that's going to completely destroy the hemp industry in that state,' said Kobrin. 'At the same time, i think there are certain states that even as regulated, allow for a really interesting framework, such as Tennessee, Florida and Minnesota.' Michelle Bodian, a hemp beverage attorney, explained that total bans on hemp products are increasingly less likely in part because that industry has grown so large, but also because the hemp industry has thus far been nimble at maneuvering around state restrictions. 'We've seen prohibition doesn't work, maybe states are getting there faster on the hemp side of the plant. Regulation saying something is prohibited does not necessarily stop the industry from functioning, and I think states are being more strategic,' she said. 'Maybe there's an alternative to an outright 'no.'' Bodian also said that states are more likely to take a second look at the potential economic impact of a hemp ban. 'All the operators and all those selling via the internet, those all of a sudden within 24 hours shut down their business, lay off their entire teams and close their stores or close their businesses,' she said. 'So I do think states are taking a little bit different of approach and looking more at regulation rather than straight prohibition.' Some businesses are pivoting toward hemp Despite the increased scrutiny from state governments, larger companies such as multi-state operators in the cannabis space and even companies with no previous experience in cannabis are getting involved. Edible Arrangements recently announced that it would start offering delivered edible hemp products and beverages in select markets. Meanwhile, established cannabis companies, such as Curaleaf and Glass House Brands are getting into legal hemp. 'If you are a regulated THC company like Curaleaf, moving into hemp-derived products is a natural push. Most THC cannabis companies have been trying to set themselves up to create a national distribution network. Moving into hemp, it's obviously different, but you can do interstate commerce.' Despite the interest from large companies, Kobrin was not optimistic that hemp would remain a financial boon for very long. 'This kind of Wild West mentality, you're capitalizing on as much maximum revenue as quickly as you can, knowing that probably in the next three to five years, this is going to scale down, said Kobrin. 'There's going to be some kind of regulatory correction, but I don't think they're going to close the loop hole completely.' Drinks have especially been booming, in part because they do well in age-gated businesses such as liquor stores. "drinks are particularly interesting because that is an area where we're seeing a ton of growth, in terms of the hemp industry. Popularity is really booming," said Bodian. 'What's the outlook for them? Clearly things are doing great, but there are some states where it's gonna be more and more difficult to get into stores.' 'Whether or not you're an alcohol beverage producer, or a soft drink company, I think moving into that space is a natural movement,' added Kobrin. 'We're already seeing a lot of the beer distributor companies want to be involved in this space. I think the beverage market is a ripe opportunity for these traditional non-cannabis related companies to pivot over.'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senator Cornyn lauds new water agreement with Mexico
Washington, D.C. (FOX 44) – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced they have brokered a new agreement on the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande that secures water for farmers and ranchers in Texas: 'South Texas has been devastated by Mexico's repeated refusal to deliver the water it has owed the United States for far too long, and I commend the Trump administration for securing this critical deal for Mexico to finally send water to the region.' 'This new agreement will bring substantial amounts of acre-feet of water to the U.S., and I thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio, Secretary Rollins, and Deputy Secretary Landau for their leadership after years of the Biden administration sitting on its hands and letting Texans suffer.' 'I will continue working alongside President Trump and his administration to push Mexico for consistent, annual deliveries to live up to its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and ensure our South Texas agriculture community has the resources needed to thrive.' Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000-acre feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande's water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers' ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers' ability to provide water to livestock. The current cycle ends in October and so far, Mexico has paid less than 500,000 acre-feet of water—about a quarter of what it owes, according to IBWC data. Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening was also happy about $280 million in economic relief for Rio Grande Valley farmers suffering from Mexico's ongoing failure to meet water delivery obligations. 'Mexico's failure to deliver the water it owes our nation under the 1944 Water Treaty has created an unprecedented economic crisis for Rio Grande Valley farmers. Texas Farm Bureau is thankful for the efforts of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Texas Congressional leaders who recognized this tremendous hardship and today announced $280 million in critical economic relief to help impacted farmers in the area. 'We agree with Secretary Rollins that this assistance is only a short-term fix. It is imperative Mexico deliver the water it owes the United States. Texas Farm Bureau is committed to finding solutions to force Mexico to abide by the 1944 Water Treaty and ensure annual delivery of water to the U.S. This is a national legislative priority of our organization. 'Texas Farm Bureau appreciates the efforts of U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as the efforts U.S. Reps. Monica De La Cruz, Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, in securing this important funding. The assistance will be provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a block grant agreement with the Texas Department of Agriculture, and we appreciate Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller for his work to deliver this assistance in a timely manner.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Epoch Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Mexico Agrees to Send More Water to Texas Amid Tariff Pressure
Mexico has agreed to immediate water deliveries to Texas farmers in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over a decades-old water-sharing treaty, which has strained relations with the United States and triggered threats of tariffs. The Mexican and U.S. governments on Monday The 1944 Water Treaty, which governs water sharing between the two nations through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs, requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the United States from the Rio Grande every five years. In return, the United States provides Mexico with 1.5 million acre-feet from the Colorado River. Ideally, Mexico is expected to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water each year under the treaty. However, according to data from the International Boundary and Water Commission—an agency composed of officials from both governments that oversees enforcement of the agreement—Mexico delivered just over 400,000 acre-feet between October 2020 and October 2024, amounting to less than 30 percent of its required quota for the current five-year cycle. 'Mexico finally meeting the water needs of Texas farmers and ranchers under the 1944 Water Treaty is a major win for American agriculture,' U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Monday in a statement. 'After weeks of negotiations with Mexican cabinet officials alongside the Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, we secured an agreement to give Texas producers the water they need to thrive.' The agreement helped prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-blown trade conflict. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Mexico of 'stealing' Texas farmers' water and threatened additional tariffs if the water issue was not resolved. Related Stories 4/27/2025 4/24/2025 'Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas farmers,' Trump Hours after Trump's comments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded on X, acknowledging that her country had fallen behind on its water deliveries. She attributed the shortfall to a three-year drought but said Mexico had proposed a comprehensive plan to U.S. diplomats aimed at satisfying both countries' needs. 'To the extent of water availability, Mexico has been complying,' she On Monday, the U.S. State Department Agricultural groups in Texas, who have long complained about Mexico's water debt, welcomed the deal. The Texas Farm Bureau, the largest organization representing farmers and ranchers across the state, called the short-term water relief a 'crucial first step.' 'Texas farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley are grateful Mexico is finally being held accountable for its non-compliance,' According to the organization, prolonged water shortages had already forced the closure of the state's only sugar mill, as sugarcane growers could no longer irrigate their fields. Other water-hungry crops, including citrus and cotton, were also at serious risk. 'The immediate deliveries of water and the deliveries of water in the next six months will be critical for farmers and ranchers who have long suffered because of Mexico's non-compliance,' Boening said. Water shortages have also taken a heavy toll on farmers on the other side of the border, where tensions over treaty compliance had sparked unrest. In September 2020, near the end of the previous five-year cycle, more than 2,000 protesters in the border state of Chihuahua stormed the La Boquilla dam on the Conchos River in an attempt to stop water from being released to the United States. The confrontation turned deadly when two people were killed as Mexican military police reined in to retake the facility.
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
AutoInsuranceInSanAntonioTexas.com Launches New Platform to Simplify Auto Insurance Shopping for San Antonio Texas Drivers
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - March 25, 2025 - Auto Insurance In San Antonio Texas, a new online platform dedicated to helping San Antonio residents find suitable auto insurance coverage, officially launched its services today. The website aims to streamline the process of comparing and selecting car insurance policies by connecting consumers with multiple insurance providers in the San Antonio area. With car insurance rates in San Antonio averaging $2,595 per year for full coverage, the need for an efficient way to compare options has never been greater. addresses this need by offering a user-friendly interface that allows drivers to input their information once and receive quotes from various insurers, potentially saving both time and money. The platform takes into account San Antonio-specific factors that influence insurance rates, such as: 'Our goal is to empower San Antonio drivers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their auto insurance,' said john brown chief sales officer at 'By simplifying the comparison process, we hope to help residents find coverage that meets both their needs and budget.' The website also provides educational resources to help users understand Texas auto insurance requirements, including the state-mandated 30/60/25 liability coverage. Additionally, it offers guidance on factors that can affect premiums, such as driving history, vehicle type, and available discounts. is now live and available for San Antonio residents to use at no cost. For more information, visit As part of its launch, is highlighting the importance of understanding insurance terminology and coverage options. For instance, many drivers may be unfamiliar with the meaning behind liability coverage limits such as $100k/$300k/$100k. This refers to coverage of up to $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $100,000 for property damage per accident. By providing clear explanations and resources, the platform aims to demystify these concepts and help consumers make more informed decisions about their insurance needs. The platform also addresses common questions about car insurance in San Antonio, such as who offers the cheapest rates and how much insurance typically costs. Currently, Texas Farm Bureau is often cited as one of the most affordable options for auto insurance in Texas, with rates averaging around $86 per month for full coverage. However, rates can vary significantly based on individual factors like driving history and vehicle type. By using drivers can quickly compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best fit for their specific circumstances. In addition to its core matching service, plans to expand its offerings with regular updates on insurance trends and tips for saving money on car insurance. This will include advice on how to take advantage of discounts for safe driving habits, insuring multiple vehicles, and bundling policies with other types of insurance like home insurance. By staying informed about these opportunities, San Antonio residents can potentially lower their insurance costs while maintaining comprehensive coverage. The website's commitment to providing valuable insights and resources positions it as a trusted resource for anyone navigating the complex world of auto insurance in San Antonio.
