Agriculturalists have visions of ‘06 in their heads 

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Dec. 29, 2005 - With 2005 winding down after a year of high cattle prices and dry, hot weather, Texas producers are wondering what 2006 will bring. While most of the people contacted claimed “not to have a crystal ball,” many of the comments were the same.

�Can you tell me when it�s going to rain next?� asked Robin Roark, Texas state statistician for the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service. Obviously, the dry weather most of the state has experienced, this year, has contributed to hay shortages and lowered crop yields.

That … along with higher fuel and fertilizer prices have cut into profits for many producers, noted Roark.  “Many have to buy hay and supplements earlier,” he explained. Although he hasn’t heard of anyone quitting the ag business, it’s definitely harder to make ends meet, he said.

Of course, there are questions concerning changes to the 2002 Farm Bill, along with the new 2007 bill that is already being considered, cited Roark.

Along with the uncertainty in the weather and prices, Roark said he knows a couple of ranchers in the state who have resorted to using a horse-pulled wagon to take hay out to the cattle. It saves on fuel costs and is relaxing for them, too!

Mike Brzozowski, general manager at the Hills Prairie Livestock Auction Co. in Bastrop County, explained that the cattle market is ending very well, with good demands and, now, the Japan market re-opening to the United States.

Brzozowski did note calves’ weights are down between 20 to 45 pounds, due to early weaning. While he expects the first quarter of 2006 to be “excellent,” he said expectation are for an over supply of cows.

� � Cattle prices will likely remain stable, he predicted, with the weather affecting trends. The first part of February is always the best market for calves, but April and May could find smaller cows at the sale barn, due to the lack of grazing. And, prices should remain good, said Brzozowski.

Jerome Rozsypal, a Jackson County farmer, noted he has grown corn, cotton, sorghum and soybeans, plans are for more cotton in 2006.

Rozsypal, like other farmers, have felt the effects of high prices in his operation. “There’s just no room to cut anymore,” he said, concerning the price of fuel and fertilizer.

Shane Sklar, former Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas executive director and a candidate for the U.S. Senate in District 14, is a fourth-generation rancher, and has definite opinions concerning the future of Texas producers.

�Next year will be important for Texas farmers and ranchers from several aspects. It is imperative that our producers participate in the dialogue that will take place concerning the next Farm Bill. Serious discussions are taking place about our commodity programs and how they will look in the future, as well as some unavoidable cuts, cue to our growing national deficit. Agriculture and rural America have a lot at stake,� explained Sklar.

He encourages livestock producers to “give input either on their own or through their state cattle association,” concerning the National Animal Identification System.  If producers aren’t members of any association, Sklar noted they should make a point of becoming a member.

Another area of concern for Sklar is the fact that there are fewer young people “getting into agriculture,” which creates a real concern for future policy decisions. “We must address our aging industry if we want to remain self sufficient in 2006 and beyond,” he concluded.