Extreme weather and pasture pests challenge crops and livestock
According to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert, farmers and ranchers across Texas continued to manage challenging weather conditions as high temperatures, dry conditions and pest pressures affected agricultural operations.
Harvest activities moved forward in many areas due to favorable drying conditions. Corn, grain sorghum, sunflower, and other crop harvests were either completed or nearing completion. Cotton harvesting began in some regions, while sesame and buffelgrass seed harvests also progressed. Peanut crops continued developing under irrigation, and cotton fields showed steady growth where water was available.
“We’re producing the same amount of pork as we did last year, yet prices have really lagged behind,” said David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics. “We haven’t seen the increase, and it’s kind of a conundrum.”
A major concern this season was the widespread presence of pasture mealybugs. The pest spread through several counties and caused significant damage to pasture grasses and forage crops. Producers continued closely monitoring affected areas to limit further losses.
Dry weather remained a challenge across the state. Some regions entered moderate drought conditions after extended periods without meaningful rainfall. The lack of moisture reduced forage growth, slowed dryland hay production, and increased stress on crops and trees. Pecan trees shed nuts due to unfavorable weather conditions, while some hay fields turned dormant because of limited soil moisture.
Livestock producers faced additional difficulties as water supplies declined. Ranchers hauled water to support herds where tanks and ponds dried up. Supplemental feeding with hay and nutritional cubes increased as pasture quality deteriorated. Despite these challenges, livestock conditions ranged from poor to excellent depending on local conditions and management practices.
Pasture and rangeland conditions varied widely across the state. Some areas maintained good forage supplies through irrigation, while others experienced declining pasture quality due to heat, drought, and pest pressure. Wildfire risks also increased in several locations because of the hot, dry, and windy weather.
Agricultural producers continued adapting to changing conditions through irrigation, pest monitoring, and herd management strategies. While harvest results remained positive in many areas, ongoing weather concerns highlighted the importance of careful resource management throughout the growing season.
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