*The beef checkoff is bringing in less money.
*Drought continues to spread across Texas.
*Three senators have introduced a bill to make it easier for beef producers to sell meat directly to consumers.
*As one crop season comes to an end, the planning for the next one begins.
*Winter wheat is going in the ground in the Texas Rolling Plains.
*USDA is expanding its outreach to veterans interested in agriculture.
*The cool fall has moved into East Texas.
*Salmonella is a serious problem in both humans and animals.
