Mid-May 2025 TRFS Update

NEW, JUST SOLD — DON'T MISS OUR LATEST UPDATES...

NEW! Canyon Lake Retreat offers a flexible and spacious layout, with dual primary suites—one on each floor—each complete with private bathrooms and walk-in closets. A third upstairs bedroom serves as a flex room and can be used as a guest space, office, gym, or media room. Designed for easy living and entertaining, the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is filled with natural light and opens to multiple outdoor spaces with picturesque Hill Country views.

NEW! Lazy Rock Ranch is an 80.65± acre property located within the High Point Ranch Subdivision. The land showcases gently rolling terrain, a mix of open flats, and pockets of dense native vegetation—creating prime habitat for wildlife. Positioned at the end of a subdivision road and bordered by a large, low-fenced ranch, this private setting offers exceptional views and a peaceful atmosphere.

SOLD! Das Steinhaus Ranch is a stunning 60.25± acre retreat located 6± miles west of Leakey along the renowned RR 337. With a diverse landscape of open spaces and mature oak trees, this Hill Country property offers breathtaking views, excellent accessibility, and a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. Whether you seek a private getaway, a hunting retreat, or a full-time residence, this property is ready to accommodate your vision.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST TEXAS DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

We're continuing to closely monitor the Texas drought conditions. Texas has seen recent rainfall which has helped the state avoid serious drought concerns. The state is experiencing a lower percentage of exceptional drought conditions at 14.47%. Extreme drought conditions have also decreased to 23.02% statewide. Stay informed about current water conditions.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article discusses that the USDA suspends Mexican livestock imports. Read more. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

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Agricultural Losses in Panhandle Wildfires Top $123 Million

Preliminary Estimates show agricultural losses as the costliest on record

Preliminary estimates show wildfires that burned across the Panhandle earlier this year resulted in $123 million in agricultural losses, making it the costliest on record.

The losses include more than 12,000 cattle deaths, lost grazing values and ranch infrastructure costs, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economists who compiled the data.

“The fires were devastating to agriculture, and the initial estimates really illustrate that,” said Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities. “Recovery efforts are underway and off to a great start, but it’s a long path getting back to normal conditions for those impacted.”

The Panhandle wildfires started burning Feb. 26 and continued through March, destroying over 1.2 million acres, making it the largest wildfire in Texas history and one of the largest in the nation.

Agricultural losses


The highest category of losses at $68.7 million was to ranch infrastructure, fences, barns, corrals and well pump motors and windmills, along with stocks of hay and feed.

Cattle losses due to the fires totaled $27 million. The livestock estimates include both cows and estimated losses to the season’s calf crop.

An additional $1 million in miscellaneous costs include disposing of deceased animals and forced marketing losses.

Lost long-term grazing in fire damaged pastures and range and short-term emergency feeding is estimated to cost $26 million.

Repairing and rebuilding fences also will be a considerable cost for farmers and ranchers.

“What we will see is a significant increase in replacement costs for fencing due to the increase in materials cost,” said DeDe Jones, AgriLife Extension risk management specialist in Amarillo. “Fence rebuilding costs are in the range of $3 per foot to $4 per foot depending on the type of fencing and the type of country.”

The preliminary estimates were calculated from February through the middle of March. AgriLife Extension economists noted the loss estimates could climb higher due to ongoing fire threats this spring.

Disaster assistance


Farmers and ranchers with unreimbursed agricultural losses can apply for assistance through Texas Farm Bureau’s Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund.

Unreimbursed losses include, but are not limited to, livestock, feed, fences and equipment. Unreimbursed additional expenses such as the cost of temporary pastures will also be considered.

Applications must be submitted by May 31.

It is not required that applicants be Farm Bureau members.

Click here for an application. Both a digital and PDF application are available.

Additional resources and information regarding assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies is available on TFB’s Wildfire Relief and Recovery Resources webpage.