Drought conditions challenge cool season forage planting across Texas
Texas cattle producers are facing difficult choices this fall as prolonged dry conditions continue to affect much of the state. The ongoing lack of rainfall has left many pastures and fields, typically planted with cool-season forages, sitting idle as ranchers wait for moisture before seeding.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension forage specialist Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, some East Texas producers are delaying or even skipping cool-season plantings. She explained that many operations currently have sufficient hay reserves from earlier in the year, reducing the immediate need for green forage. However, she cautioned that producers could face feed shortages later if hay quality declines.
In the Texas High Plains, Dr. Jourdan Bell noted that rangeland remains in fair condition but is beginning to dry out. Many producers in the region are planting dual-purpose small grains for grazing and silage. Bell urged those with adequate soil moisture to plant early to ensure good establishment.
“One good region-wide rain could set things off,” said Dr. Josh McGinty. “It’s still early for us, so there is no need to dry plant yet, but it is a little concerning that we didn’t catch any significant tropical moisture going into fall and winter.”
Texas State Climatologist Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon forecasted a weak La Niña through the fall and winter, bringing higher chances of dry and warm weather across southern Texas. Despite limited moisture, experts say the planting window remains open for a few more weeks.
Corriher-Olson recommends seeding cool-season forages about six weeks before the first frost, around mid-November in East Texas. Late plantings may reduce yield potential, though annual ryegrass remains a flexible option. She also advised producers to monitor for fall armyworms, which can quickly damage young seedlings if conditions improve.
Overall, Texas ranchers are balancing between waiting for rain and ensuring enough winter forage to sustain their herds through another potentially dry season.
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