Unlike the year before, farmers and ranchers in 1997 enjoyed favorable weather conditions. Agriculture in Texas in 1996 was a mix of extremes in high and low production and prices. Severe drought devastated crops and rangeland over a widespread area. Although crop failure existed over much of the State's southern half, farmers in the Southern Plains around Lubbock experienced a bumper cotton crop. Non-farm commercial values of these enterprises not included.
Net income represents returns to owned equity and land, family labor, management and risk.