Pasture mealybug and dry conditions have reduced hay production in parts of Texas, while other areas have fared well this season, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Vanessa Corriher, an AgriLife Extension forage specialist, said areas that received rainfall produced good hay. Producers affected by pasture mealybug will rely on last year's hay, she said.
In South Central Texas, dry weather hampered hay yields and supplies after rain stopped later in the growing season, and many operations will not make a third cutting. Shane McLellan, an AgriLife Extension agent for McLennan County, said Central Texas hay production was average. He said more than 70 days without rain and above-average temperatures negatively affected production. McLellan said hay prices remain lower than expected due to supplies and carryover bales from the 2025 season.
Chadd Caperton, an AgriLife Extension agent for Brazos County, said producers in his area had a decent hay season despite the pasture mealybug. He said producers appear to be in good shape going into the colder months, and that they were working to combat fall armyworms in pastures. Jason Banta, an AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, said that in most cases there is no reason at this time to buy extra hay.