Dry conditions prevail across Texas, and rainfall outlooks are raising concerns about hay supplies and grazing in the near term and production potential this coming season, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.
A bumper hay crop is starting to dwindle as supplies are being used in the wake of dry weather. (Sam Craft/Tex- as A&M AgriLife)
Vanessa Corriher Olson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension forage specialist and professor, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Overton, said livestock producers continue to deplete hay supplies and the verdict is still out on warm-season haying prospects.
“Folks likely have supplies left over from last year, however the quality might be questionable,” Corriher Olson said. “We are currently dry with some parts of the state in a drought, so things don’t look very promising now. Looking at the long-range forecast, it appears we should expect above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall.”
Beyond drought, an invasive pest found in South Texas pastures – the pasture mealy bug – is raising concerns among hay producers.
“If it spreads, it could be devastating to a lot of forage and hay producers,” she said.
Surplus drawdown
Though 2025 was a bumper hay crop for most, that initial surplus has proven to be a salvation for droughtplagued regions of the state.
Some AgriLife Extension agent reports in drier areas of the state indicate tightening hay supplies, while other areas remain well stocked.
“We still have a surplus of hay from the major hay providers,” said Shane Mc- Lellan, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural re- sources agent, McLennan County. “Most livestock people have dipped fairly deep into their hay supplies, but I know there’s a lot of hay left over and prices are reduced drastically. We just made so much hay last summer that it’s expected to carry over into next year.”
Southeast
Dry conditions continued as corn planting began. Winter forages stunted by a hard freeze showed improvement after receiving 1.5 inches of rain. Livestock diets were still supplemented with hay and other feed. Warmer weather encouraged warm-season grasses to break dormancy.
Wheat looked good and pastures were beginning to green up with fertilizer applications timed ahead of the rain. Fire danger was high due to dry conditions and increased winds.
Southwest
Conditions remained dry. Trace amounts of precipitation were reported. No additional measurable rainfall was received. Soil moisture levels continued to decline for spring planting and pasture conditions. Spring weeds were beginning to emerge in bare soil. Cooler temperatures helped maintain soil moisture. High temperatures reached into the mid-80s.
Dry and windy weather increased fire hazards. Mois ture was critically needed for farmers to begin planting corn and sorghum. Pastures were beginning to green up, and small grains were showing slight improvement in some areas. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Overall, livestock remained in mostly fair condition.
Coastal Bend
Rainfall was very scattered; some areas received spotty showers while much of the district remained extremely dry. Soil moisture was very short to short in most areas. Corn planting was underway where producers had adequate moisture, but many were waiting on rain before moving forward. Winter pastures of oats, wheat and ryegrass were practically non-existent this season. Early spring greenup of annual grasses, forbs and legumes was evident in areas that received more rain. Range and pasture conditions remained very poor to poor in most areas and continued to deteriorate. Hay feeding continued for beef herds, and hay supplies remained tight. Live stock were being supplemented or shipped. Cows looked thin, though calves were holding up.
South
Drought conditions continued and worsened throughout the district. Temperatures were on the rise with windy conditions daily. Topsoil and subsoil conditions were very short. Soil moisture remained limited with little to no water available in the local irrigation canal system. Row-crop producers with sufficient moisture began planting corn and grain sorghum.
Very little field activity was noted as row crop farmers waited for moisture to begin planting. Cotton acreage was expected to be low again, but planting should begin soon. Leafy greens were still
showing signs of freeze damage.
Oats were in the heading
stage, while other fields were being prepared for planting.
Onion harvest began with exceptional yields reported. Citrus and cool-season vegetable harvests continued.
Conditions were windy, preventing any pre-emergent applications. Range and pasture conditions remained poor, as most pastures showed burnt tops from the recent frost. Hay and feed were in great demand as hay supplies tightened. Producers continued to thin herds.
Beef cattle markets continued to run above-average volumes and strong prices for all classes of beef cattle.
