Across the state, corn and sorghum crops are thriving where moisture is available, but suffering in areas with drought conditions, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

As in most years, crop conditions depend on the weather. The spring months and planting time have taken a turn from drought and freeze damage on early planted corn to large parts of Central Texas receiving rain.

A dry start throughout South and South Central Texas put many producers behind schedule, said Ronnie Schnell, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension state cropping system specialist and professor, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station. 

 “We’ll see what the weather does moving forward; we seem to have a favorable forecast in the next few weeks, so things should continue to improve,” Schnell said. “The young crops are hanging in there.”

Central Texas production fields picked up some rain, and progressing crops are looking better in those areas. In the High Plains, where planting is just getting underway for many, the ongoing dry spell continues.

“The whole state is waiting to see a change in the weather pattern,” Schnell said. “We might see smaller plants and skinnier leaves initially, but there’s still room to capture yield potential if the beneficial moisture falls.”

Another positive note, he said, is there are no major insect or disease issues, and the very dry conditions are holding weeds in check.

The slow start and pricing situation this year has a few people growing some soybeans that normally wouldn’t, Schnell said.

Prices improve, but input costs rise

Overall, commodities are improving amid geopolitical events in the Middle East that are affecting a lot of markets, said Mark Welch, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist-grain marketing and policy and professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station.

Corn, grain sorghum and soybeans are all seeing higher prices because of their strong fuel-use component, Welch said. If their prices go up, it brings the entire grain complex up.

“We are seeing strong price increases, but we are just putting those corn and soybean crops in the ground – we don’t know about acres or yields or what the weather conditions will be during the growing season, so it is early still,” he said.

At the same time, producers are not seeing any relief from higher input costs. Fuel prices are up, and fertilizer prices are much higher than at the beginning of the year.

“We expect those prices to remain high into 2027,” Welch said. “Any anhydrous that was prepaid or bought was good for those producers, but the later you are getting things going, the more it will hit in 2026, and everyone can expect to pay higher prices into 2027, even if the disruptions stopped today.”

China and other Asian countries rely heavily on fertilizer imports. Brazil imports 95% of its nitrogen, and producers there will start buying fertilizer for their spring crops, which will keep demand higher.

Welch said it may be too early for fertilizer price spikes to show their impact on global grain production, but trends may appear later this summer, especially with continued shipping disruption and higher diesel prices. There will likely be higher demand for fertilizer if the supply is disrupted.

“We may see some increase in fuel use for feed grains and soybeans based on volatility in the crude oil and energy markets,” he said. “The high prices we’re seeing in corn and soybeans, I think, are much more speculative in that we don’t even know what those acres are going to be or what the weather and growing conditions will be.”

In May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report will provide the first official outlook for 2026 crops. It will include early estimates for wheat, corn and soybean acres and yields, as well as initial demand projections for feed, fuel and exports. Welch said the report will make clearer the cumulative effects of the current market turmoil and projected production.

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Panhandle

Dry and windy conditions continued. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels continued to drop due to the lack of precipitation. Small-grain crop conditions continued to decline. Many small-grain fields with pivot irrigation were steadily being watered to keep up with crop demand. Most growers continued to irrigate to build moisture reserves in soil profiles before planting warm-season crops. A few fields were harvested for silage due to deteriorating crop conditions. Most dryland wheat will not be harvested. Cotton and peanut producers were behind schedule. Some small-grain fields planted for grain production were being grazed out. Winter wheat, pasture and range conditions were very poor to poor.

South Plains

Dry conditions persisted. Corn started to sprout, although some fields under drip irrigation were struggling due to high winds. Most producers were sand fighting on land that was pre-irrigated for corn. Prewatering cotton ground continued. Wheat was struggling with some fields drying down prematurely. Some producers were cutting wheat for silage before conditions worsened. Most native grass was slow to emerge due to the lack of moisture. Livestock needed supplemental rations and forage.

Rolling Plains

Light showers fell in parts of the district last week. Wheat headed out and started to turn color. Pasture conditions were a growing concern due to persistent dry weather. Livestock remained in good condition with ongoing supplemental feeding, as forage quality declined. Some wheat acreage was being grazed out or has failed. Corn showed improvement with recent rains but faced fertility and weed management challenges as many farmers delayed or reduced fertilizer and herbicide applications due to high costs. Some land preparation and cover crop spraying was underway for cotton. Hay fields were ready for the growing season and wildlife food plots were emerging. Overall, crops were struggling due to drought, while livestock continued to fare well with supplemental support.

North

Some counties received 1-4 inches of rain, with golf ball to baseball-sized hail damaging multiple crops in some locations. The topsoil was completely saturated and described as adequate and surplus. Spring fruits and vegetables were planted or near planting completion. Counties reported planting of cotton and peanuts. Late harvest of winter vegetables continued. Corn was in good condition, and oats were fair. Sorghum emerged. Winter wheat conditions were fair to good, but stripe and leaf rust were observed in some fields. Powdery mildew was observed on crops and weeds. Bermuda and Bahia grass growth slowed due to cooler night temperatures. Ryegrass displayed quick maturing. Livestock conditions were good. The improved pastures supported strong livestock performance and reduced reliance on supplemental feeding across most operations. Feral hogs were active. Noctuid moths, caterpillars, June bugs, mosquitoes and ticks increased in population.

Far West

Warm, windy conditions persisted through the end of the week, contributing to continued drying. Fieldwork and planting activities were progressing normally, with melons and hay grazer being planted, and cotton producers continued field preparation. Corn emergence was complete in some areas, while sorghum planting continued. Winter wheat and oats were mostly headed, with conditions ranging from fair to poor. Weed pressure increased following recent moisture events, and producers were actively managing fields with herbicide applications. Soil moisture was mostly rated short to very short, though isolated areas reported improved topsoil moisture following limited rainfall. Pasture and range conditions were largely poor to very poor, with some fair to good conditions in areas receiving moisture. Livestock conditions were generally fair to poor, with ongoing stress due to limited forage. Feral hog populations continued to be a persistent issue across the district.

West Central

Welcomed rain fell across portions of the district, but other areas remained dry. Spring rains helped improve soil moisture and pasture conditions significantly where they fell. Hay fields that were fertilized were growing well, as were coastal fields. Weed control was a top priority after the moisture. Wheat was in poor condition, with some producers struggling to harvest seed for the next planting season. Cotton farmers needed rain to get fields ready to plant. More moisture was needed to improve rangelands in some areas. Livestock were in good condition, although some areas were still waiting on grass growth. Mosquitoes and flies were increasing in number.

Central

Rain fell early in the week with cooler temperatures, and the drought impacts were subsiding. Corn and sorghum crops looked excellent. Wheat continued to rapidly advance toward maturity. Cotton planting operations should resume with dryer soil conditions. Emerged cotton struggled with cool and wet conditions. Pecan trees appeared to be loaded with nutlets, and catkins were thick, promising good pollination and with more moisture the potential for a great pecan crop. Disease and insect pressure remained but no longer posed a threat to yield potential. Seed treatments were currently holding against thrips and other early-season pests. The moisture has provided good spring grazing and a good start for perennial grasses, but also weeds. Stock tanks were at acceptable levels. Livestock were in fair to good condition on native pasture. Some supplemental feeding continued. The cattle market was still high and strong.

Southeast

Beneficial rainfall supported pasture, forage and crop development, though moisture levels remained uneven across the district. Corn and sorghum acreage was largely planted and emerged. Rice planting was near completion with mixed emergence reported. Wheat and oats were fully headed in most areas and conditions, ranging from fair to good overall. Many locations reported greener pastures, improved grazing conditions and refilled ponds, while a few localized storm events caused weather‑related setbacks such as wheat lodging. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied widely across the region, ranging from excellent to poor, reflecting differences in rainfall distribution and soil moisture.

Southwest

Heavy rains last week adequately saturated the ground with 1.5-3.5 inches of rain. Some runoff benefited stock tanks. Gardens were still being planted, with some tomatoes and peppers blooming already. Hay crops, sorghum and corn were growing. Large flower blooms were seen, and warm-season grasses largely broke dormancy. Cool-season forages remained active despite the warm weather. Pest presence in pecans and in livestock was low, however horn fly presence was expected to increase. Pasture and rangeland responded to rains. Livestock body conditions continued to improve. Spring shearing continued. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Migratory birds and turkeys were active. Whitetail deer looked better; bucks were starting to grow antlers and does appeared to be in better condition.

Coastal Bend

Rain fell throughout much of the area last week, with some areas receiving 3-7 inches, while other areas remained dry or only received spotty precipitation. This rainfall improved soil moisture in many locations. Most conventional rice fields were planted and emerged, with organic rice planting underway. Cotton and soybean planting should resume as fields dry out. Corn and sorghum stands improved overall, with corn showing strong recovery where moisture was received, but isolated issues such as tornado damage and floppy root syndrome persisted. Aphids were reported in Bermuda grass hay fields. Pasture conditions in areas that received rain improved, with green-up and new forage growth visible, though pastures remain stressed in drier sections. Hay feeding and supplementation for cattle slowed but continued where forages were limited. Livestock conditions were expected to improve as grazing resources recovered.

South

Weather conditions returned to hot, humid and dry with temperatures reaching 88 degrees, after the district received beneficial rainfall the past few weeks. Rainfall reports ranged from 0.75-3 inches. Hay cutting and baling operations were expected to resume once the overcast weather cleared. Farmers were cultivating fields and applied herbicides to control weeds. Dryland crops such as grain sorghum and corn were beginning to emerge and establish stands, though irrigation was still needed. Hay-grazer crops were beginning to sprout. Leafy greens were being harvested. Wheat and oat harvest began in some areas. Field activity increased as cotton planting neared completion. Peanut planting was expected to begin soon. A few onion fields remained for harvest. Citrus trees were doing well. Range and pasture conditions were steadily improving. Topsoil moisture conditions improved significantly and triggered green-up in range and pasture forages, providing much-needed grazing opportunities for cattle and wildlife. Supplementation of beef herds decreased. Prices continued to be strong for all classes of beef cattle. Producers were supplementing their livestock and wildlife.

Bengaluru, May 4 (BNP): Chanakya University has inaugurated a new academic block at its Global Campus near Kempegowda International Airport.

The facility was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the presence of Sudha Gopalakrishnan and Kris Gopalakrishnan, along with university officials.

The newly built block is designed to support modern teaching and research, with classrooms, laboratories, and learning spaces for over 3,600 students. It also includes an auditorium named after K. Kasturirangan.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan said institutions must focus on skills, innovation, and research to prepare students for the future. Gopalakrishnan highlighted the importance of technology and critical thinking in higher education.

The new block aims to strengthen the university’s academic infrastructure and support future-ready learning.

 

 

Ras Al Khaimah, May 04: Hira Industries, a global manufacturer and supplier serving the construction sector since 1980, has expanded its operations at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) with the addition of a new factory and warehouse facility at Al Ghail Industrial Zone.

 

Spanning approximately 7,450 m², the new facility will support the increased production of thermal and acoustic insulation solutions under Hira’s Aerofoam and Aerosound divisions, adding a total production capacity of over 500,000 m² per month. The expansion is also expected to create more than 100 jobs, reflecting Hira Industries’ continued contribution to Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial sector.

 

Hira Industries Operations Director – Middle East & Africa, Umesh Unni, said, “Our expansion in Ras Al Khaimah reflects sustained demand for high-performance insulation solutions and our confidence in the emirate as a strong base for industrial growth. RAKEZ has supported our journey with efficient processes and reliable coordination, enabling us to scale our operations smoothly. With this expansion, we are well-positioned to enhance our production capabilities and serve key markets with greater agility.”

 

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Hira Industries’ continued investment reflects the confidence long-term partners place in Ras Al Khaimah as a base for sustainable growth. We are seeing businesses take a long-term view, choosing environments that give them the clarity and consistency needed to scale with confidence.”

 

Hira Industries has operated from RAKEZ since 2008, and its latest expansion highlights the continued momentum of industrial growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as more manufacturers strengthen their presence and deepen their operations within RAKEZ’s ecosystem.

SSM Health has selected Saint Louis University as its preferred provider of online RN-to-BSN education for its nurses, expanding educational pathways across one of the nation’s largest health systems.

The partnership enables eligible SSM Health registered nurses nationwide to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through SLU’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, while taking advantage of SSM Health’s tuition reimbursement benefit. Nurses can complete the program in as little as one year of full-time study through a flexible, primarily online format designed for working professionals.

“At SSM Health, we have been proactive in seeking out opportunities to retain and recruit nurses, especially since our industry navigates a national shortage of qualified caregivers,” said Amber Wood, SSM Health Vice President of Clinical Education & Clinical Placements. “This new agreement deepens our longstanding relationship with Saint Louis University, while providing affordable career growth and development for RNs.”

Health systems nationwide increasingly seek bachelor-prepared nurses as patient care grows more complex. Evidence continues to link higher levels of nursing education to improved patient outcomes and safety. The SSM Health – SLU collaboration strengthens both institutions’ commitments to advancing the nursing profession and expanding career mobility for nurses.

“This partnership expands opportunities and lowers tuition costs for SSM Health nurses, while strengthening patient care across the communities they serve,” said Kristine L’Ecuyer, Ph.D., R.N., the Joan Hrubetz Dean of the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at SLU. “Our RN-to-BSN program equips nurses with advanced skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, and population health, preparing them to improve outcomes and lead in today’s complex health care environments.”

To qualify, participants must be SSM Health employees who have earned an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and hold an active RN license.

The collaboration continues a relationship between the two institutions that dates to 1903, when the founding Sisters of St. Mary — now the Franciscan Sisters of Mary — welcomed SLU medical students into their hospitals. That partnership led to the establishment of SLU’s School of Nursing in 1928.

SSM Health nurses interested in learning more about the online RN to BSN program can visit the SLU website for more information. There is no fee to apply.

SSM Health

Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential.

With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s more than 40,000 team members and more than 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.”For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing

Founded in 1928, the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University has achieved a national reputation for its innovative and pioneering programs. Offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nursing programs, its faculty members are nationally recognized for their teaching, research and clinical expertise. 

Mumbai, May 4 (BNP): The banking and insurance regulators in India are not in favour of allowing banks and insurance companies to participate in commodity derivatives markets, according to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

Speaking at the IMC Capital Market Conference 2026 in Mumbai, Pandey said that both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) have valid concerns regarding such exposure and are not inclined to permit it at this stage.

He noted that the regulators believe the risks associated with commodity derivatives may not align with the core objectives and risk frameworks of banks and insurance firms.

Pandey also mentioned that the pension regulator had previously examined the possibility of allowing pension funds to participate in commodity derivatives markets, though he did not disclose any final decision on the matter.

Overall, the comments highlight a cautious regulatory approach toward expanding participation in commodity derivatives beyond traditional market participants.

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure and internet access is playing a key role in strengthening small business growth across India, enabling entrepreneurs to reach wider markets and improve operational efficiency.

Increased adoption of smartphones, digital payment systems, and online platforms has helped small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand their customer base beyond local boundaries. This shift has also improved access to financial services, making it easier for businesses to manage transactions, secure credit, and scale operations.

Industry observers note that digital tools are helping reduce traditional barriers such as high distribution costs and limited market visibility. As a result, small businesses in both urban and rural areas are increasingly able to compete in a more connected economy.

The rise of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces has further supported this transition, allowing local sellers, artisans, and service providers to showcase their products to a national audience.

Experts believe that continued investment in digital infrastructure, along with digital literacy initiatives, will further accelerate small business growth and contribute significantly to employment generation and economic development across the country.

Overall, expanding digital access is emerging as a key driver of inclusive growth, empowering small businesses to become a stronger pillar of India’s economy.

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): Gold prices declined in futures trade on Monday, tracking weak global cues as a stronger US dollar and rising crude oil prices weighed on bullion demand.

 On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for June delivery fell by ₹1,149, or 0.76 percent, to ₹1,50,203 per 10 grams, with a total trading volume of 9,510 lots.

The decline comes after a similar trend in the previous week, when gold prices dropped by about 1 percent, or ₹1,347, to settle at ₹1.51 lakh per 10 grams.

Market analysts said pressure on gold was largely driven by firmness in the dollar index, which reduces the appeal of the yellow metal, along with elevated crude oil prices that continue to influence global commodity markets.

Overall, bullion prices remain volatile, with investors closely tracking global economic indicators, currency movements, and geopolitical developments for further direction.

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India’s remittance inflows continue to remain strong despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, although policymakers may need to focus on supporting the reintegration of returning workers into the domestic economy, according to a report by Morgan Stanley.

The report noted that inflows from overseas Indian workers have held up well even amid uncertainty in key Gulf economies, highlighting the resilience of remittance-driven household income in India.

However, it cautioned that if labour market conditions in the West Asia region weaken further, a portion of returning workers may require structured support to transition back into domestic employment opportunities.

Experts suggest that targeted skill development, job placement initiatives, and sector-specific absorption strategies could help ease reintegration challenges and maximise the productive use of returning labour.

Overall, while remittance flows remain stable for now, the report underscores the importance of proactive policy measures to manage potential labour market shifts and sustain income stability for affected households.

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India’s real estate sector recorded a strong uptick in investment activity during the January–March period, with total inflows rising 37 percent year-on-year, according to a report by JLL India.

The growth was primarily driven by robust participation from domestic investors, including institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, highlighting increasing confidence in India’s property market amid global economic uncertainties.

The report noted that domestic capital has emerged as a key pillar of support for the sector, helping offset fluctuations in foreign investment flows and ensuring steady funding across residential, commercial, and industrial real estate segments.

Market experts believe the trend reflects a structural shift in investment behaviour, with local investors taking a more active and long-term view of real estate assets such as office spaces, warehousing, and premium housing projects.

Despite global headwinds, India’s real estate sector continues to attract sustained capital inflows, underscoring strong investor sentiment and long-term growth prospects. The rising share of domestic funding is also seen as a stabilising factor for the industry’s expansion.

Overall, the report highlights a resilient investment environment, with domestic capital playing an increasingly central role in shaping India’s real estate growth story.

This Mother’s Day, Commune, Lower Parel invites guests to celebrate the women in their lives with a specially curated brunch experience that brings together comforting food, meaningful conversations, and community-driven experiences. The celebration promises an afternoon centred around togetherness, indulgence, and thoughtful storytelling.

The specially curated Mother’s Day brunch menu features an expansive selection of dishes spanning global comfort food and contemporary Indian flavours. Guests can look forward to dishes such as Dahi ke Kebab with Mint Foam, Tandoori Broccoli with Almond Cream, Chicken Tikka Tacos, Prawn Koliwada, Paneer Makhani Pizza, Butter Chicken Risotto, Malwani Curry, and indulgent desserts like Rose Pistachio Milk Cake and Mango & Pistachio Delight.

Adding a deeper layer of purpose to the celebration, Commune has also collaborated with an NGO – Shakti, LCCWA for a special Mother’s Day exhibition that celebrates women artisans and handmade craftsmanship. The showcase will feature handcrafted creations made by women artisans, from art pieces and décor to accessories and home accents, each carrying stories of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. The collaboration adds a thoughtful and culturally rooted dimension to the brunch experience, creating a celebration that goes beyond dining and honours the spirit of womanhood through art, storytelling, and community.

With a blend of soulful food, meaningful experiences, and community-driven storytelling, Commune’s Mother’s Day celebration aims to create a warm and memorable afternoon dedicated to mothers and the spirit of womanhood.

Event Details
Date: 10th May
Time: 12:30 PM onwards
Venue: Commune, Lower Parel