The Southern Plains region of the United States is represented by Texas and Oklahoma which combine for over 160 million acres of crop and pasture/ranchland. Due to the sheer size of the area, it represents a substantial portion of the agricultural land mass in the U.S. and is responsible for a large share of both beef and wheat production. It also occupies a pivotal role in the energy market complex, both for traditional oil and gas production, and as a corridor for wind and solar energy conversion potential in the future.
Texas leads the nation in beef production with over 4.4 million beef cows and over 15 million calves and cattle on feed. Its broiler industry is growing rapidly with nearly 725 million broilers produced annually. The primary agricultural activities surround cattle, wheat, and a growing poultry presence. In terms of annual production values, Texas’ annual production values are $12.3 billion cattle, $2.9 billion broilers, $2.6 billion cotton, $2.1 million milk products, over $1 billion corn, and $500 million sorghum. While these numbers are exceptionally large, they are dwarfed by the value of oil and gas production in the state which has provided incredibly strong support for state and local governments through royalties and taxes, and for landowners through energy rights leases and production payments.
Oklahoma is second in the country in beef production behind Texas, with roughly one-third of the scale in terms of cows and cattle on feed. Oklahoma ranks second in the U.S. for hard red winter wheat production and third for total bushels harvest of all wheat. Oklahoma has a relatively diverse set of production regions with strong areas devoted primarily to sorghum, soybeans, and cotton as well. The Southern Plains states are prone to periodic droughts. In response, the irrigation infrastructure has been built up through time with significant upgrades to improve efficiency in use, but water access and cost remain key issues for the future. There are ongoing efforts to develop more drought-resistant crop varieties to sustain agricultural productivity, and farmers and ranchers also have embraced conservation practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the land.
The energy industry in the Southern Plains is a dynamic and influential sector that plays a pivotal role in shaping the region's economic landscape and in turn land values.
Renewable energy efforts have also gained significant traction in the Southern Plains, with the region emerging as a major player in wind energy production. Wind farms in Texas and Oklahoma take advantage of consistent winds that sweep across the plains, contributing to a substantial portion of the region’s and nation’s total wind power capacity. This diversification towards renewables aligns with broader trends in the energy industry, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Solar projects are also gaining momentum, taking advantage of the abundant sunlight in the region and relative valuations of land for alternative uses. The development of solar farms, coupled with advancements in solar technology, positions the Southern Plains as a promising player in the solar energy market for the future.
The energy industry's impact on the Southern Plains extends beyond production, influencing infrastructure development, job creation, and economic growth. The region's strategic location, well-established transportation networks, and supportive regulatory environment have attracted significant investments, leading to the expansion of energy-related infrastructure, including pipelines, refineries, and power plants as well as major import/export linkages in the crude oil space.
SUMMARY
The energy industry in the Southern Plains is a powerhouse, driven both by its agricultural outputs and its role in the energy complex in the U.S. It stands to maintain its leadership in both the traditional oil and gas production sector and in the rapid growth of renewable energy sources. The region’s ability to navigate both water and energy-related challenges, and to continue to evolve with consumer’s protein demands, will be crucial in determining its long-term success and impacts on land values that result.
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