Texas Farmers and Ranchers face another summer

 Yes, it seems that Texas farmers and ranchers are facing a tough situation this year, as drought and heat are affecting their crops and livestock. According to the web search results, Texas just recorded its second hottest summer on record, with an average temperature of 85.3 degrees between June and the end of August1 This follows a prolonged drought that has been affecting West Texas since last August, and some areas for much longer2

The drought and heat are threatening the water supplies, soil quality, and crop yields of many farmers, especially those who grow cotton, corn, and soybeans. Some farmers are relying on irrigation systems to keep their crops alive, but they are also facing higher costs and limited water availability. Others are trying to adapt to the changing conditions by planting different crops, using conservation practices, or seeking alternative sources of income23

The drought and heat are also posing challenges for ranchers, who have to deal with limited feed availability, heat stress, and increased risk of disease and parasites for their cattle. Some ranchers are reducing their herd size, selling their animals, or moving them to other locations. Others are supplementing their feed, providing shade and water, or using genetic selection to breed more heat-tolerant cattle24

The drought and heat are not only affecting the farmers and ranchers, but also the consumers, the environment, and the economy. The reduced agricultural production could lead to higher food prices, lower quality, and less variety. The increased water use and land degradation could worsen the environmental problems, such as groundwater depletion, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. The economic losses could affect the income, employment, and well-being of many people who depend on the agricultural sector234

Therefore, Texas farmers and ranchers are facing a difficult and uncertain future, as drought and heat are making their work harder and riskier. They are trying to cope and adapt to the situation, but they also need more support and assistance from the government, the industry, and the public. They also need more research and innovation to develop more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices234

1: Texas just recorded its second hottest summer on record 2: West Texas farmers and ranchers fear the worst as drought, heat near 2011 records 3: Texas will face driest conditions of the last 1,000 years 4: Texas Farmers and Ranchers Challenged by Drought, Economy

Feed Store/Silos

The railroad tracks, that have run through this town for years and the building on the left was once a lumber yard.  Then there's the Feed store across from it, with the grain silos for storage, until the train cars get loaded and transported to other towns.
I borrowed this photo from Jack Palmer Photos.

Tumbleweed

Now that's a Texas size tumbleweed........ wow, :)

TEXAS THANG.........

It's a Texas "thang".......so we, say.......and rightly proud at that!  The way we talk, walk, eat, live and breath........all Texas style!  Yes, we brag and most of the time we can back it up!  It's our Texas, where we live, and grew up.  Where we make our life and move forward with our country ways, that we all consider true Texas values.  Our Stetson cowboy hats, cowboy boots, Levi jeans, western shirts and don't forget our Texas BBQ's!  We could go on and on about the things that make up the Texas Thang, but you'd get tired of our bragging and go get your own, Texas way of life.  That's just the way it is, here in TEXAS! 

Hail

 Yesterday, found us with storms once again.  This time we got some of the rough stuff. and believe me, it was not  a good show of mother nature.

 Hail started small and suddenly got mixed with larger balls of ice.  Then the even larger one's started coming down and it got scary.  From local reports, there were areas which received even larger size hail, to the point of baseball size.  Our area got tennis ball size, on down............and that was enough for us.

Funny how the "iris alert" in our town always alerts you after the fact????  Go figured?

We Got It

If you've ever been to the "Lone Star State" then you know how great Texas is!  You name it, and we got it!  There's never a dull moment here in our state and you can find events, rodeos, fishing, caverns, amusement parks, skyscrapers, large cities, small rural towns, and so many more things I don't have time to mention.  Oh yeah, did I mention snakes?
Right now we are in the middle of the summer months and in Texas you know what that means, especially if you've visited during that time or live here.  HOT and DRY!  All this week we are in the 100's and you can see wide cracks in the ground, where there was water all the month of May. What a difference a month makes!  The lakes picked up good levels of water, so the fishermen and boating enthusiasts are having a great summer.
If you come to Texas, be sure to enjoy some BBQ while your here.  That's just one of the good things you'll be able to have memories of, when you return to your home.  TEXAS, a great place to be.

2014 Shooting for the Stars

TEX/MEX ORIGINS?

Tex/Mex Culture?

Father's of Texas

A good story about our forefathers here in Texas.

Mexican American War

The Mexican American war is one of the most published war.

Backyard chickens|garden makeover|Central Texas

You can see this couple have a great idea for life in Texas.  I love having fresh eggs from yard chickens, but many towns in Texas won't allow you to have chickens.

A Part of Texas

Above you see just a few of the things that makes up a small part of our great state.  Texas, is one of the best places to visit and more importantly live.  I have been a native Texan all my life and am proud of my heritage here in the "Lone Star State".  

It's Over

The "State Fair of Texas" came and went without a hitch this year.  We are glad for that because in recent years, you have seen disasters happen to mar the occasion for "Fair" goers.  The last year has shown us what can be done when this type of thing happens.  "Big Tex" burning and being rebuilt has been one to take us aside and show us that tradition is special to many people.  At least he's back and no one got hurt from the disaster.  Other times, there were accidents which cause injuries and death to some of the people enjoying the amusement  rides.  Tragic as it was, the Fair managed to get on past these times and survive the trauma.  I haven't been to the Fair recently and it seems as I get older the walking of the vast area gets even me down and tires me out.  I noticed that the exhibits aren't as exciting as they once were and maybe that's the part that keeps me from going.  My age is taking the fun out of the partaking in vast games, exhibits and exotic foods.  Now, that the time has come and gone for the year, we look toward the coming holiday's and hope for much needed family times together.

Texas State Fair

Today, is the first day of the "Fair" which will last into October.  It is my hope that this year's event will go without a hitch and fun will be had by all.  I didn't get around to the new items of food that is being offered this year.  Usually, they have a contest and get the best listing of new food types that will be offered at the "Fair" to be enjoyed.  There are many things to enjoy and the new "Big Tex" was unveiled yesterday by high winds, instead of today as planned.  Some people say that his skin tone is too dark, hinting that the ethnic values may have been changed.  What do you think, when you look at his new colors on TV?

Mr. Texas

Almost Over

The State Fair is into it's last week of running and will end next Sunday.  It's been a wet year for the Fair and I'm sure the people who went anyway, had to carry umbrellas and raincoats.  Otherwise they had to borrow trash sacks and poke holes in them for head and arms to exit.  I'll bet there were some who just enjoy playing in the rain, and getting wet.  The vendors had a time keeping things running well and keeping customers happy.  I'm sure the buildings were flooded with traffic each time a shower began.  The cleaning people had to keep the floors moped so that they would be as safe as possible for people to walk on. 
As for the games, it's really a sad thing to admit that "Oklahoma", beat us.  What's worse is they gave us a good old fashion "ass whooping".  That hurts!

State Fair Begins

 The Texas State Fair begins today, with a big parade downtown Dallas and then on to the "fair grounds".  There'll be plenty of food, rides, games and exhibits for all to see and enjoy.  Of course we wouldn't want to leave out "Big Tex", who has been the major attraction each year, since the Fair began.

State Fair

You will find that many of the official contests for s1st 2nd and 3rd places in events which take place at the Fair each year, have been put into gear.  It won't be long until it will start for 2012, this September 28, through October 21.  I  for one, will try to attend.  I say this every year, but many years have been abandoned by myself.  I just couldn't get up the money or the urge to make the trip and wall all day.
 I have extended family members who work at the Fair in one of the concession stands.  I worked in it one year and was worn out in just one day.  Long grueling hours are what it takes to make a concession stand pull in good returns.
Either way you will find it a great place to have fun, eat plenty of good food and see all sorts of people and their cultures. 

Horse & Buggy Days

I notice the writing on this photo as being July 4th, but the two vertical slashes beside it leave me to think it might have been 1911.  It has the name Lewisville, which must give us the destination of Lewisville, Tx on that particular day.  Wow, just look at the old buildings, what a sight to see.  The town was full of people coming to celebrate the 4th.  They had on their "Sunday best", just look at the long sleeve shirts..........on a hot day, too.