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Rain was the word of the year in Texas agriculture, as the state saw increased levels of moisture that helped it recover from droughts in the previous years.

The increase in rain led to favorable climate conditions. Combined with an increase in commodity prices, this allowed the Texas agricultural sector to thrive, according to Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples.

"The most exciting news is for the first time in Texas history, the economic impact of agriculture on our economy has surpassed the $100 billion mark for 2007," he said.

Over the year, hay production increased 40 percent from 2006, resulting in 8.1 million bales. Corn production increased 52 percent from 2006, resulting in 285 million bushels. Sorghum production increased 177 percent from 2006.

"Texas agriculture is a powerhouse of productivity, and we've been very blessed with good moisture conditions and higher prices for Texas commodities," Staples said.

He attributed the higher prices for Texas commodities to unfavorable conditions elsewhere.

"I think commodity prices this year have increased because of difficulties they've had in other parts of the world due to record droughts, and in other regions of our nation," he said.

Because of conditions in Georgia and California, such as the recent strand of forest fires, demand for grain, sorghum and corn has shifted on to Texas producers.

Despite the increase in demand, Texas producers are still faced with high production costs, including gasoline, diesel and fertilizer costs, Staples said.

"We're hopeful we can lessen our dependence on foreign oil and technology will continue to develop to provide a more fuel-efficient process for farmers and consumers in the United States," he said.

The state is already on its way to finding more fuel-efficient energy sources that could save agricultural producers money.

"Texas is a leader in our nation in terms of wind energy and biodiesel production," Staples said.

Also emerging in Texas is the process of converting manure in a methane digester to energy for use as a source of power.

"We've long been a leader in agriculture and in energy," he said. "It makes good economic sense for these two sectors to combine. That will mean jobs for Texans."

The local agricultural sector benefited from the increased rainfall over the past year but also found that the added moisture level brought problems of its own, according to Dale Rankin, Colorado County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"It helped with our pastures," he said. "They were basically depleted of all grass and forage out there and the rain gave them ample time to recover."

The growth of grass meant more food for livestock.

"It did help the livestock that was out there," Rankin said.

In addition to helping the grass to grow, though, the rain also brought some problems with it for livestock.

"There was an increase of internal parasites, and probably an increase in foot problems with our livestock, (such as) beef cattle, sheep, goats and horses," he said.

The rainfall proved beneficial for both the corn and rice crops, though.

"Our corn yields were up," Rankin said. "The amount of rainfall that we had really helped out the corn. Our rice yields were decent or fair. Some producers did an exceptional job. Some fell short a little bit."

In some areas, the increased moisture levels also brought sets of benefits and challenges, according to Cody Dennison, Waller County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"The most important thing was the rainfall," he said. "It was significant as far as the quality of hay and the amount of the yield. The hay yield was way up and that was a great relief to small landowners, as well as to large landowners, that used up their supplies during last year's drought."

While hay grew more abundantly, the delay in harvesting hindered the quality of part of the yield. As a result, some of the hay was "lower in protein and higher in fiber," Dennison said.

Nevertheless, the livestock market was aided by the increase in hay.

"The hay production greatly affected the livestock market because of the availability of forage," he said.

The watermelon crop was also affected by the rain, with the harvest being good for some, and not as good for others.

"That affected the watermelon crop to some extent," Dennison said. "There were more problems with fungus and diseases earlier in the year because with wet, humid conditions, there's more fungus and viruses."

In the corn and rice markets, farmers were able to capitalize on the rainfall to benefit production.

"They didn't have to irrigate as much and so they were able to save on fuel costs," Dennison said.

In the pecan market, inconsistencies in rainfall affected part of the yield. Rain early in the growing season allowed the outer shells of pecans to grow large, but a dry spell in August and September affected the kernel inside.

"That's when the pecan trees really need the water to fill the kernels out," Dennison said. "What you may find are big nuts that are full on the outside and shriveled up on the inside."

During the next year, Staples is hopeful the state will experience good weather conditions that improve upon this year's yield.

"The commodities market seems to indicate strong and stable prices for the next production year," he said.

Nonetheless, many producers are still awaiting the farm bill negotiations in order to know what to expect, he said.

"The farm bill is our foreign policy for the next five years," Staples said. "It helps establish a safety net by establishing payment limits and other principal variables to ensure a safety net for our producers. Right now it's in the senate, and we're hopeful the senate can pass a farm bill by the end of the year so the house and senate can go to conference."

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