*Drought is still shrinking the cow herd.  *The upcoming Texas Pecan Growers conference will host a Mini Pecan Short Course.  *A Farm Bill extension is very likely, according to the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.  *An opportunity to protect farming and ranching in the Texas constitution is coming up this fall.  *International economics are affecting U.S. beef exports.  *Cotton harvest is underway in the Texas Coastal Bend.*A Texas A&M researcher is working to improve beef cattle systems in South Texas. *The first deadline for Texas Parks & Wildlife’s drawn hunts program is approaching.