West Texas Rangelands
West Texas RangelandsWe hope to provide a variety of science-based rangeland information and current research on prescribed fire, wildfires, brush management, and grazing management!

Burning From the Ground Up: How Prescribed Burn Associations Are Expanding Fire Across the Great Plains

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Prescribed fire has long been one of the most effective tools for managing woody plant encroachment, improving wildlife habitat, enhancing forage production, and reducing wildfire risk. Yet for many landowners, implementing prescribed fire can seem out of reach due to concerns about labor, equipment, experience, liability, and planning requirements.

Across the Great Plains, Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) are helping overcome those barriers through a simple but powerful concept: neighbors helping neighbors. New research published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire demonstrates that these landowner-led organizations are expanding access to prescribed fire, building local capacity, and making meaningful contributions to rangeland stewardship across the United States.

A Movement Built by Landowners
Prescribed Burn Associations first emerged in the Great Plains in the 1990s to help ranchers gain the education, equipment, training, and support needed to safely implement prescribed fire on private lands. Since then, the model has spread nationwide, with more than 140 PBAs now operating across the country.

Unlike traditional top-down approaches, PBAs are community-led organizations that bring together landowners, volunteers, and natural resource professionals to share knowledge, labor, equipment, and experience. These local networks help reduce costs, increase confidence, and provide opportunities for people to gain hands-on experience using prescribed fire.

The impact of these organizations continues to grow. Survey responses from PBAs across the United States showed that associations collectively conduct an average of 660 prescribed burns across 84,508 acres annually, mobilizing thousands of volunteers to restore fire to ecosystems where it has historically been excluded.

Infographic titled "The Structure and Impact of Great Plains Prescribed Burn Associations" showing survey results, statistics on prescribed burns, and information on managing invasive species. [Read more…] about Burning From the Ground Up: How Prescribed Burn Associations Are Expanding Fire Across the Great Plains

Juniper Management on Texas Rangelands

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Article written by Jacob Court
West Texas Rangelands Intern
Graduate Student – Texas A&M University

With the widespread issue of woody encroachment on the Texas rangelands, the proper management of juniper is crucial. Unfortunately, due to overgrazing and poor land management, much of our rangelands have already been taken over by large juniper trees.

Prescribed fire is a great method to manage juniper when it is utilized correctly. One thing to note is that some juniper like Alligator Juniper (J. deppeana) and Redberry Juniper (J. pinchottii) can resprout from a bud bank beneath the surface. These bud banks make plants more resilient to the effects of burning; although fire can help to kill smaller trees, higher-intensity fires can work to kill larger trees. Even so, other management methods may be more effectively used to try and kill these resprouters. For non-resprouting trees, fire is an effective method throughout the early life cycles. Often, conducting growing season fires will help kill seedlings, preventing more growth while also helping to kill any larger trees. Like with the resprouting trees, more intense fire might be necessary for the removal of any larger non-sprouting trees, and the concern of them recovering from that damage is much less.

A great way to create these high-intensity fires is with the cut-and-stuff method. The idea behind this method is to cut branches off (or gather other fuels) and pile them underneath large juniper trees. This creates a continuous ladder of fuel all the way up the tree. Utilizing this method solves both of the two main issues when trying to burn larger trees: a lack of fuel to catch the tree on fire and not having flames long enough to burn the branches. By letting the flames climb this fuel ladder, we can successfully ignite the entire tree, greatly increasing the effectiveness of our prescribed fire. Some more things to consider when trying to burn juniper are waiting for the fuel beneath the tree to dry out so that it ignites and burns more effectively. It’s also important to put the fuel beneath the upwind side of the tree as this allows the majority of the fire to be blown into the main part of the tree instead of away from it.

While prescribed fire is a great method of juniper control, the implementation of grazing alongside burning can increase the overall effectiveness. Goats are especially good in this sense, as they will target the high-quality new growth from these juniper trees post-fire. The idea behind this method is to have fires in an area to kill off large swaths of juniper and then have the goats graze it afterward. Fire will kill the aboveground sections, allowing for new plants to sprout. Then the goats can target these sprouts, preventing any large-scale regrowth from happening. The utilization of pyric herbivory in this manner is cost-effective and will work for a variety of situations. One issue is still the management of the larger and more developed juniper trees. In these cases, chemical or mechanical methods may be the best strategy.

References
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Managing Texas Juniper with Prescribed Burning
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Managing Juniper (Cedar) with Goats
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service- Cut and Stuff Practices for Enhancing Cedar Control with Prescribed Fire

Making the Most of Every Bite: How Goats and Cattle Complement One Another on Texas Rangelands

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Across much of Texas, producers are continually looking for ways to improve forage utilization, increase ranch productivity, and manage woody plant encroachment without sacrificing livestock performance. While cattle are the foundation of many ranching operations, growing evidence suggests that adding small ruminants such as goats can provide benefits that extend beyond simply adding another revenue stream.

Research conducted in the Cross Timbers region found that cattle and goats utilize available plants very differently throughout the year, allowing them to occupy distinct feeding niches on the same landscape. The study demonstrated that goats consumed substantially more woody vegetation and forbs than cattle, while cattle relied more heavily on grasses and legumes. This dietary separation is one reason co-grazing systems can be so effective. Lippy et al. (2024), Journal of Animal Science 102:38-39.

Understanding the Grazing Niche
Every grazing animal has evolved to take advantage of different plant resources. Cattle are generally classified as grazers, meaning they prefer grasses and grass-like plants. Their anatomy, grazing behavior, and digestive systems are well-suited for harvesting large amounts of herbaceous forage close to the ground.

Goats, on the other hand, behave more like browsers. Rather than focusing primarily on grasses, they frequently select leaves, twigs, shrubs, vines, and broadleaf plants. Their smaller mouths and unique feeding behavior allow them to be highly selective and utilize vegetation that cattle may largely ignore.

This difference is important because rangelands rarely consist of a single plant type. A healthy landscape often contains a mixture of grasses, forbs, legumes, and woody species. When only one livestock species is present, portions of the available forage resource may remain underutilized, while preferred plants receive disproportionate grazing pressure.

Why Dietary Diversity Matters
The infographic illustrates that cattle and goats shift their diets seasonally while maintaining different forage preferences throughout the year. Those differences allow multiple livestock species to harvest forage from different parts of the plant community rather than directly competing for the same forage resources.

From a ranch management perspective, this creates opportunities to increase overall forage utilization while distributing grazing pressure across a greater variety of plant species. Instead of concentrating consumption on a narrow subset of desirable plants, co-grazing can encourage more balanced use of the landscape.

Research has shown that diverse grazing pressure can influence plant community composition over time. By incorporating animals that utilize different forage types, producers may be able to improve forage distribution and reduce the competitive advantage of less desirable species.

Managing Woody Plant Encroachment
One of the most significant rangeland challenges facing Texas is the expansion of woody plants into grass-dominated ecosystems. Species such as mesquite, juniper, and various brush species can reduce forage production, alter wildlife habitat, and impact water resources.

Traditional brush management tools remain important, but goats can serve as a valuable component of an integrated management strategy. Because goats readily consume many woody plant species, they can apply consistent browsing pressure that complements mechanical and chemical control efforts.

While goats are not a silver bullet for brush management, their dietary preferences allow them to target vegetation that cattle generally avoid. Over time, this additional grazing pressure can help suppress regrowth and provide another tool for managing woody plant expansion.

Improving Drought Resilience
Diverse grazing systems may also improve flexibility during variable forage conditions.

Texas producers are no strangers to drought. During dry periods, forage availability often changes rapidly. Some plant groups decline earlier than others, and livestock that can utilize a broader range of available vegetation may offer additional management options.

Because goats and cattle respond differently to changing forage conditions, co-grazing can help producers access forage resources across multiple plant communities. This flexibility can be particularly valuable when environmental conditions limit the growth of preferred forage species.

Maintaining diverse plant communities and utilizing multiple grazing niches can contribute to the overall resilience of both livestock operations and the rangelands on which they depend.

Looking Beyond Production
The benefits of co-grazing extend beyond forage utilization alone. Many producers find that incorporating multiple livestock species supports broader ranch objectives, including:

  • Improved use of available forage resources
  • Increased management flexibility
  • Enhanced brush management efforts
  • Diversified income opportunities
  • More balanced grazing pressure across plant communities
  • Potential improvements in rangeland condition over time

As with any management practice, successful implementation depends on factors such as fencing, predator management, labor availability, marketing opportunities, and operation-specific goals. However, understanding how different livestock species interact with vegetation can help producers make informed management decisions.

A Rangeland Perspective
One of the most important lessons from this research is that livestock should not simply be viewed as consumers of forage. Different animal species interact with rangelands in unique ways, creating opportunities for managers to influence plant communities through grazing management.

The differences highlighted in the infographic demonstrate why co-grazing has become an important consideration for many Texas producers. By combining grazers and browsers, ranchers may be able to utilize more of the available forage base, address vegetation management challenges, and support healthier, more resilient rangelands.

When cattle and goats are allowed to do what they naturally do best, the result is often a more efficient use of the landscape and a management approach that works with ecological processes rather than against them.

 

Texas Working Lands: What Land Fragmentation Means for the Future of Texas Rangelands

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Texas is known for its wide-open spaces, productive ranches, working farms, and privately owned forests. These working lands support agricultural production, wildlife habitat, water resources, recreation, and rural economies across the state. Today, approximately 139 million acres, or 81% of Texas, remain in privately owned working lands, making private land stewardship one of the most important factors shaping the future of Texas natural resources.

A recent article from the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute highlights a growing challenge facing these landscapes: land fragmentation. Using an updated Texas Land Trends Fragmentation Risk Map, researchers identified areas where farms, ranches, and forests may be most vulnerable to subdivision and conversion in the future. While growth and development are a natural part of a thriving state, understanding where these changes are occurring can help landowners, communities, and conservation partners make informed decisions about the future of Texas working lands.

What Is Land Fragmentation?
Land fragmentation occurs when large properties are divided into smaller ownership parcels, often leading to conversion from agricultural uses to residential, commercial, or other non-agricultural development. While an individual subdivision may seem insignificant on its own, the cumulative impact can fundamentally alter rural landscapes. Fragmentation can reduce the viability of agricultural operations, disrupt wildlife habitat, increase management challenges, and limit opportunities for landscape-scale conservation efforts.

The Texas Land Trends program points to several interconnected drivers of fragmentation, including rapid population growth, rising land values, and changing ownership patterns. As urban areas continue to expand outward, demand for nearby rural land increases. Higher land values can create incentives to subdivide property or convert working lands to other uses, particularly in areas experiencing development pressure.

Texas Continues to Grow
The pressures contributing to fragmentation are closely tied to Texas’ remarkable growth. Between 1997 and 2022, the state’s population increased from 19 million to 30 million residents, a 55% increase. More than 1.7 million people were added during the most recent five-year period alone. The majority of that growth occurred within counties surrounding major metropolitan areas, particularly within the Texas Triangle that connects Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

The updated Fragmentation Risk Map reflects these growth patterns, showing elevated fragmentation risk in many counties surrounding major population centers and transportation corridors. The map serves as a decision-support tool that helps identify where future conversion and subdivision pressures may be greatest.

Why This Matters for Texas Rangelands
For ranchers and landowners, fragmentation is about much more than changing property boundaries. Large, intact ranches provide the scale necessary to support productive livestock operations, functioning watersheds, connected wildlife habitat, and many of the conservation practices that sustain healthy rangelands.

Landscape-scale management approaches such as prescribed fire, invasive species control, brush management, wildlife habitat conservation, and grazing management often depend on cooperation across large areas. As ownerships become smaller and more fragmented, coordinating these efforts can become increasingly difficult. Fragmentation can also contribute to habitat fragmentation, increased infrastructure development, and reduced opportunities for long-term stewardship of natural resources.

These challenges are particularly important in Texas, where privately owned lands provide the vast majority of wildlife habitat and support many of the ecosystem services that benefit all Texans.

The Numbers Tell an Important Story
According to the latest Texas Land Trends report, the state lost nearly 3.7 million acres of working lands to non-agricultural uses between 1997 and 2022. More than 1.8 million acres were lost during the most recent five-year reporting period alone. Grazing lands have experienced some of the largest declines, with approximately 6.7 million acres converted to other uses since 1997.

These figures highlight the importance of understanding where future changes may occur and why proactive planning matters. Conservation efforts, succession planning, educational outreach, and support for working lands all play a role in maintaining the farms and ranches that contribute to Texas’ agricultural heritage and economic strength.

Looking Ahead
The updated Texas Land Trends Fragmentation Risk Map is not intended to predict the future with certainty. Instead, it provides a valuable lens through which landowners, conservation organizations, and communities can better understand ongoing changes and identify areas where proactive conversations may be needed. By understanding fragmentation trends today, Texans can make more informed decisions about the stewardship of working lands tomorrow.

As Texas continues to grow, the challenge will be finding ways to balance development with the conservation of the farms, ranches, and forests that define the state’s landscape. The future of Texas rangelands depends not only on how we manage the land, but also on how we retain the large, connected working landscapes that make effective stewardship possible.

Original Source: This article was adapted from “Updated Texas Land Trends map shows where working lands face growing fragmentation risk” by the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute. Readers can view the original article and explore additional Texas Land Trends resources through the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute.

Fall Weather Update and Winter Weather Preparation

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West Texas Rangelands would like to extend our gratitude to Mr. Luke Drosche for collaborating with us and providing this weather update for our readers.  We thank him for sharing his time, talents, and knowledge with us as a guest contributor.  Luke serves with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as a Disaster Assessment and Recovery Specialist.  

3-Month Precipitation Outlook
After an extremely dry August, we are moving into a wetter seasonal pattern.  While tropical mischief remains in the Gulf, we will see heightened rain chances throughout October before we begin to trend away from Hurricane Season and look towards more cold fronts. Most of Texas is in an equal-chances category for precipitation, with some lucky areas included and a “Leaning Above” category for receiving higher-than-average rainfall.

3-Month Temperature Outlook
Exceedingly hot August temperatures have thoroughly cooked our state, as we have seen all the once-green grass turn brown and become gasoline for wildfires.  Unfortunately, we appear to have a higher chance of recording warmer-than-average temperatures on our thermometers through November.  Does this mean it will not get cold? Absolutely not; we will see some fronts and temperature changes, but we are less likely to see cooler-than-average temperatures through the next three months.  These two NOAA outlooks highlight the trends we will begin to see as we move into an El Niño fall and winter.  See more below in our El Niño discussion.

Drought Update:

The State of Texas saw no relief from drought in August.  Last month, the state had a total of 22.1% of its area in drought.  None of the state was in an exceptional drought category.  Unfortunately, this month has shown a rather drastic change.  57.4% of the State is now in a drought category.  We have seen drying conditions over most of the state, with 2.5% now in Exceptional Drought.  While the 2.5% is not a lot, it is a sign of the seriousness of our drought. Wildfire risk has been extremely dangerous, but hopefully some of that will be mitigated as we should receive some rain over the next few months and certainly will over our winter season.

Winter El Niño and Preparation
More rainfall, potentially some snow, chilly temperatures, and an overall more active weather pattern are what we are expecting beginning in fall and really kicking in for our Winter months.  With strong El Ninos, more winter storms and rainfall occur in the Southern parts of the United States.  Winter Storms are more common along with periods of very cold weather.  This is due to changes in the “Pacific Jet Stream,” which pushes storms through our neck of the woods.

Cooler weather, the potential for winter storms, and the winter season in general mean it is time to start preparing feeding plans and management.  There are some winterizing techniques we can plan now to help prepare us for later.  Now is the time to have plans to make liquid drinking water available if pumps/pipes freeze up and tanks freeze over.  Access to these may also be cut off by ice for farm equipment.  Make sure water access is available to both you, the producer, and your livestock.  Also important is choosing feed that increases body heat without negative side effects during periods of cooler weather.  When choosing different feeding plans, always consult a vet or feed specialist.  During winter weather, having a windbreak in the form of a brush barrier, barns, forests, or embankments can provide some shelter for livestock.  Feeding livestock and providing supplements in these areas help keep cattle concentrated during winter storms.  Winterizing equipment before the cold season is essential for continuity of operations.  Choosing the correct diesel and/or gas additive for your motorized machinery can be accomplished according to the user manual or local mechanic shop technicians.  Wrapping pipes, disconnecting hoses, and warming pumphouses are also part of this winterization.  By ensuring adequate water, food, shelter, and upkeep, your operation can fare the weather better.

*https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
*https://www.drought.gov/states/texas

Grubbing Mesquite Trees: A Long-Term Brush Management Solution for West Texas

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Article written by Holt Teplicek
West Texas Rangelands Intern
Undergraduate Student – Texas A&M University

Mesquite trees are one of the most persistent brush species found across West Texas rangelands. While they provide some wildlife habitat, dense mesquite infestations compete with desirable grasses for sunlight, soil moisture, and nutrients. Over time, this competition can reduce forage production, limit grazing capacity, and make rangeland management more difficult.

One effective method of controlling mesquite is grubbing, a mechanical practice that removes the entire root crown of the tree. Unlike simply cutting a mesquite tree at ground level, grubbing removes the portion of the root system where new shoots develop. When the root crown is completely removed below the bud zone, the tree is much less likely to resprout, making grubbing a long-term control option.

Grubbing is most effective on small to medium-sized mesquite trees and is commonly performed using hand tools such as grub hoes or specialized grubbing tools. This method is especially useful for treating scattered trees, fence lines, wildlife food plots, and areas where herbicide applications may not be practical or desired.

Timing can also influence success. Grubbing can be performed throughout much of the year, but favorable soil moisture conditions make the job easier by allowing the root crown to be removed more completely. It is important to remove enough of the root crown to prevent regrowth. Leaving any portion of the bud zone behind can allow the tree to resprout.

Removing mesquite provides several benefits for rangeland health. Native grasses and other desirable plants have greater access to water, nutrients, and sunlight, allowing them to establish and produce more forage. Improved grass cover also helps reduce soil erosion, improves rainfall infiltration, and supports healthier wildlife habitat. For livestock producers, increased forage production can lead to improved grazing opportunities and better overall pasture condition.

Although grubbing is an effective tool, it is often most successful when used as part of an integrated brush management program. Depending on the size of the infestation and land management goals, grubbing may be combined with prescribed fire, herbicide applications, proper grazing management, or reseeding efforts to maintain healthy, productive rangelands over the long term.

Every ranch is different, and selecting the best brush management strategy depends on factors such as mesquite density, tree size, labor availability, equipment, and management objectives. Working with your local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office can help determine the most effective and economical approach for your operation.

By removing mesquite before it becomes well established, landowners can improve forage production, conserve valuable soil moisture, and promote healthier West Texas rangelands for future generations.

Source: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-external/brush-management-methods/

Know Your Forage Before Winter: Why Fall Forage Testing Pays Off

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As summer transitions into fall, many ranchers begin taking stock of hay inventories, pasture conditions, and winter feeding plans. While it’s easy to focus on how much forage is available, an equally important question is often overlooked:

What is the quality of the forage you have?
Forage testing is one of the most cost-effective management tools available to livestock producers. A relatively inexpensive analysis can provide valuable information that helps reduce feed costs, improve livestock performance, and support sustainable grazing management throughout the winter months. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialists consistently emphasize that successful winter feeding programs begin with knowing the nutrient value of available forage resources.

Why Forage Quality Matters
Winter feeding decisions are often based on assumptions. Hay that appears green and leafy may seem adequate, while coarse or weathered hay may be dismissed as low quality. However, visual appearance is not always a reliable indicator of nutritional value.

Forage quality is influenced by numerous factors, including:

  • Plant species and variety
  • Stage of maturity at harvest
  • Fertility management
  • Rainfall and weathering
  • Leaf-to-stem ratio
  • Harvest and storage conditions

As a result, nutrient levels can vary significantly between hay cuttings, fields, and even bales harvested from the same operation.

Without testing, producers are left guessing about the protein and energy content being delivered to their livestock.

 

Hay bales sit alongside a farm road. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)

Winter Feeding Costs Start with Forage Quality
Feed costs often represent the largest annual expense for cow-calf operations. Every dollar spent on supplements should be targeted toward an actual nutritional need.

A forage test provides information that helps answer critical management questions:

  • Will this hay meet the needs of dry cows?
  • How much supplementation will lactating females require?
  • Can replacement heifers maintain desired gains?
  • Are protein supplements necessary?
  • Is energy the limiting nutrient?

Making supplementation decisions without this information can result in either underfeeding or spending money on unnecessary feed. Both scenarios affect profitability.

Match the Forage to the Livestock
One of the greatest advantages of forage testing is the ability to allocate resources strategically.

Different classes of livestock have different nutrient requirements. Lactating cows, first-calf heifers, growing replacement females, and mature bulls all require different levels of protein and energy.

Rather than feeding the same forage to all animals, producers can use test results to:

  • Reserve higher-quality hay for animals with greater nutrient demands.
  • Utilize lower-quality forage where requirements are lower.
  • Reduce unnecessary supplementation.
  • Improve overall feed efficiency.

This approach helps maximize the value of stored forage while maintaining animal performance throughout the winter.

Grazing Management Benefits Too
Forage testing is not just for hay. Many producers rely on stockpiled forage, winter annuals, crop residues, or dormant native rangelands to extend grazing and reduce feeding costs. Understanding the nutritional value of those forage resources provides important information for winter grazing decisions.

Testing standing forage can help determine:

  • When supplementation may become necessary.
  • How long available forage can support livestock requirements.
  • Whether stocking rates are appropriate.
  • How grazing pressure may affect winter pasture condition.

These decisions influence both livestock performance and long-term rangeland health. When producers understand forage quality, they can better balance animal needs with available resources while avoiding excessive grazing pressure during vulnerable periods.

Protein Is Important. Energy Is Essential.
Many producers immediately look at crude protein when a forage analysis arrives.

Protein is certainly important, but AgriLife forage specialists frequently note that energy values can be equally important, and in some cases even more critical, when evaluating winter feeding programs. Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) provide an estimate of the energy available in forage and play a major role in maintaining body condition and supporting production.

When cows lose condition during winter, energy deficiencies are often a major contributor. Understanding both protein and energy levels allows producers to build more effective supplementation programs.

Don’t Overlook Minerals
While protein and energy often receive the most attention, minerals are another critical piece of winter nutrition. Forage quality is not just about crude protein and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). Mineral concentrations can vary significantly among forage species, seasons, and environmental conditions, making it difficult to know whether livestock nutritional requirements are being met without testing.

One mineral that deserves particular attention is phosphorus. Research conducted by Texas A&M University on native forage species in the Edwards Plateau documented considerable variation in phosphorus concentrations among grasses, forbs, and browse species, as well as across seasons. In general, nutrient levels are highest during periods of active growth and decline as plants mature and enter dormancy.  The study found that forbs and browse species often contained higher concentrations of nutrients, including phosphorus, than warm-season perennial grasses. Researchers also observed that nutrient levels generally decline with advancing maturity and during dormant periods.

These seasonal changes are particularly important as rangelands enter the fall and winter months. Livestock grazing dormant native rangeland, mature hay, or weathered forage may not be receiving adequate amounts of key minerals even if sufficient forage quantity is available.

Mineral deficiencies can impact:

  • Reproductive performance
  • Growth rates
  • Immune function
  • Milk production
  • Overall animal health

Because mineral availability varies widely among forage resources, forage testing provides valuable information that can help producers develop more targeted mineral supplementation programs instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

The long-term Edwards Plateau research also highlights another important lesson for range managers: diverse plant communities often provide a wider range of nutritional benefits than single-species forage systems. Researchers concluded that plant diversity provides greater opportunities for animals to select high-quality diets and meet nutritional needs throughout the year.

As you evaluate winter feeding programs, remember that a forage test can help identify not only protein and energy deficiencies but also potential mineral gaps that may affect livestock performance. The information gained can help improve supplementation decisions while supporting more efficient use of both forage and feed resources.

Getting an Accurate Sample
A forage analysis is only as good as the sample submitted.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends using a hay probe to collect representative samples from multiple bales within a lot. Samples should be combined into a composite sample that accurately reflects the forage being fed. Proper sampling is critical because pulling hay by hand from a single bale rarely provides representative results.

Many county Extension offices can assist producers with sampling recommendations and may have hay probes available for use. Producers can also submit samples through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory.

Overton

Extension Specialist, examines hay. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Planning Ahead for a Better Winter
The best time to address nutritional challenges is before cattle begin losing body condition.

Fall forage testing provides time to:

  • Evaluate forage inventories.
  • Budget winter feed costs.
  • Purchase supplements before they are urgently needed.
  • Adjust stocking plans if necessary.
  • Develop targeted feeding programs.

Ultimately, forage testing transforms winter feeding from guesswork into a management decision based on data.

As producers prepare for the months ahead, understanding both the quantity and quality of available forage can help stretch feed resources, maintain livestock performance, and protect rangeland health.

Winter feeding may never be inexpensive, but having accurate information allows producers to make smarter decisions that benefit both their livestock and their land.

Source: Huston, J.E., B.S. Rector, L.B. Merrill, and B.S. Engdahl. Nutritional Value of Range Plants in the Edwards Plateau Region of Texas. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin B-1357, Texas A&M University System

Wildfire Resilience Starts Before the Fire: Lessons from Fire Scientist Jack Cohen

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When headlines focus on record-setting wildfires, the conversation often centers on flame lengths, acres burned, and suppression efforts. While these factors matter, one of the nation’s leading wildfire scientists argues that we may be asking the wrong question.

Instead of asking how to stop every wildfire, Dr. Jack Cohen encourages us to ask how we can better prepare homes, ranches, and communities to withstand them. In a recent interview published in Forest News, Cohen discussed decades of research that have transformed our understanding of wildfire risk and what truly drives losses during wildfire events.

For landowners and producers across Texas, his message is both practical and empowering: wildfire resilience begins long before smoke appears on the horizon.

Rethinking Wildfire Risk
Cohen’s work as a Forest Service fire scientist helped reshape how wildfire professionals think about community losses. According to the interview, his research demonstrated that the ignitability of homes and structures is often the decisive factor in wildfire disasters, rather than the behavior of the wildfire itself.

That idea challenges a common assumption. Many people believe homes are destroyed primarily because a large wildfire directly engulfs them. In reality, homes and infrastructure are often vulnerable because of conditions immediately surrounding the structure. Cohen’s research has helped shift the focus toward creating ignition-resistant homes and fire-adapted communities.

For Texas landowners, this means wildfire preparedness is not solely about what happens across the landscape. It is also about what happens within a few feet of homes, barns, equipment sheds, livestock facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

The Growing Importance of Preparedness
Texas has experienced several significant wildfire events in recent years, including fires that moved quickly across rangelands under extreme weather conditions. As drought, heat, and wind combine to create elevated fire danger, reducing vulnerability before a wildfire occurs becomes increasingly important.

While ranchers cannot control weather conditions, they can influence how prepared their operations are when fire occurs.

Preparation may include:

  • Reducing combustible materials around structures.
  • Maintaining access routes for emergency vehicles.
  • Developing livestock evacuation or relocation plans.
  • Managing fine fuels around homes and working facilities.
  • Identifying water sources and suppression resources.
  • Coordinating with neighbors and local fire departments.

These actions may not prevent a wildfire from occurring, but they can significantly improve an operation’s ability to withstand one.

Fire Is a Natural Part of the Landscape
Another important takeaway from Cohen’s work is the recognition that fire is a natural ecological process. Throughout history, fire has shaped grasslands, woodlands, and forests across North America.

Many Texas ecosystems evolved with periodic fire. Historically, naturally occurring fires and Indigenous burning practices helped maintain healthy plant communities, recycle nutrients, reduce woody encroachment, and create diverse wildlife habitat.

When fire is excluded from fire-adapted landscapes for extended periods, fuels can accumulate. This build-up can contribute to more challenging fire behavior when wildfires eventually occur.

For many landowners, prescribed fire remains one of the most effective tools available for reducing hazardous fuels while maintaining healthy and productive rangelands.

Building Fire-Adapted Communities
Cohen emphasized the importance of creating wildfire-resistant communities rather than relying solely on fire suppression. His research helped influence national programs such as Firewise USA and broader efforts to improve community resilience.

Although much of the national conversation focuses on neighborhoods in forested regions, the same principles apply to rural communities and ranching operations across Texas.

Fire-adapted communities often share several characteristics:

  • Awareness of local fire risk.
  • Coordinated planning among landowners.
  • Regular fuel management.
  • Infrastructure designed to reduce vulnerability.
  • Strong partnerships with local emergency responders.

These efforts help communities prepare for wildfire as an inevitable event rather than treating it as a rare possibility.

What This Means for Texas Ranchers
For producers, wildfire resilience extends beyond protecting homes. Livestock, fences, water infrastructure, hay supplies, equipment, and grazing resources are all vulnerable to wildfire impacts.

A wildfire preparedness plan should consider:

Livestock Management
Identify potential evacuation routes, temporary holding areas, and transportation resources before they are needed.

Infrastructure Protection
Evaluate vulnerable structures and facilities. Simple maintenance actions can reduce fire risk around homes, barns, and equipment storage areas.

Fuel Management
Maintain defensible space around critical infrastructure and consider long-term fuel reduction strategies where appropriate.

Communication
Know how emergency information will be received and shared during a wildfire incident.

Recovery Planning
Think beyond response. Consider how fencing, grazing management, and livestock operations would recover following a wildfire.

Resilience Starts Now
One of the most important lessons from Cohen’s career is that successful wildfire management is not solely measured by fires extinguished. It is also measured by communities that are prepared, landscapes that are resilient, and structures that can survive when wildfire occurs.

For Texas landowners, that is encouraging news. While wildfire is an unavoidable part of many landscapes, there are practical actions that can reduce risk and improve outcomes.

The most effective wildfire response often begins months or even years before the first spark. Whether through fuel management, prescribed fire, preparedness planning, or community collaboration, every step taken today can help create a more resilient tomorrow.

As wildfires continue to shape landscapes across the West, Cohen’s message remains highly relevant: protecting communities starts with making them less vulnerable to ignition in the first place.

Source: “A Conversation With Jack Cohen,” Forest News, Summer 2026, Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics.

Wildfire Wisdom: Proven Strategies to Protect Your Property and Livestock

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Article written by Kathryn O’Daniel
West Texas Rangelands Intern and Senior, Texas A&M University

Wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly under the correct conditions. High winds, dry conditions, and high fuel amounts can cause wildfires to spread across long distances, causing immense damage. As a landowner, it is imperative that your rangeland is protected from possible cases of wildfire ignition and spread.

Historically, fires were common; however, after European settlement, fires were greatly suppressed, causing high fuel loads. These high fuel loads cause wildfires to be a real threat to landowners. It is important to learn how to protect against wildfires, one of which is structural protection. Consider the materials for your buildings to be the first defense in your structural protection. Stay away from any highly flammable wood because it often becomes extremely dry, causing rapid ignition from embers. Instead, consider asphalt shingles or a metal roof and steel siding. Additionally, ensure there are no accumulations of fuel around the buildings to reduce the chance of material igniting. Consider the distance of trees, shrubs, grass, firewood, and propane tanks from the building, as proximity can be an issue.

The ‘home ignition zone’ includes the structure and the 200-foot radius around it. This area is sectioned into 3 smaller portions. The smallest zone, closest to the house, also known as zone 1, includes the 30 feet outside of the building. This area should be mowed regularly, free of dead vegetation, and contain fire-resistant material for any outdoor furniture. Additionally, the closest 5 feet to the house should be a “fire-free area”, containing nonflammable, high-moisture plants.

Zone 2 is considered the area 30-100 feet from the house. This area should have spaced-out trees, with 20 feet between individual trees or 30 feet between clusters of trees. Driveways and walkways are used as fuel breaks, and mowing should be used to reduce fuel loads.

Zone 3 includes 100 to 200 feet away from the house. In this area, less spacing is required between trees. Remove any woody debris piles and ensure tree canopies are not touching.

Lastly, infrastructure fire breaks can make or break one’s wildfire protection plan. Using gravel or caliche as a fuel break can be extremely helpful, as well as access roads and 2-track roads, which all have the potential to stop a ground-driven fire. Additionally, these firebreaks can be used to stop a wildfire by providing an area for a prescribed backfire to be lit. Backfires remove fuel loads, which can stop the wildlife when it hits the black due to the lack of fuel.

Landowners can also employ heavy grazing during the dormant season around structures to minimize fuel loads. Alternating between grazing and preemptively burning each season keeps the rangeland productivity high compared to solely grazing. In the case of a wildfire, cattle are often capable of finding a safe area on their own. Make quick openings for livestock by cutting fences if needed, and do not attempt to drive livestock to safety when a wildfire is coming. Be sure not to put yourself in harm’s way.

Wildfires are a persistent threat to rangeland owners, especially in areas with high fuel loads and dry conditions. By understanding the factors that contribute to wildfire risk and implementing strategic structural and land management practices, you can significantly reduce the potential danger to your property and livestock. Proactive prevention and preparedness are essential; safeguarding your land and structures not only protects your own assets but also contributes to the resilience of your entire community. By taking these steps, landowners can be better equipped to withstand, manage, and mitigate the challenges presented by wildfires.

Early Fall Outlook Points to Heat, Fire Risk, and Continued Drought Concerns

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West Texas Rangelands would like to extend our gratitude to Mr. Luke Drosche for collaborating with us and providing this weather update for our readers.  We thank him for sharing his time, talents, and knowledge with us as a guest contributor.  Luke serves with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as a Disaster Assessment and Recovery Specialist.  

3-Month Precipitation Outlook
Heavy Rainfall is always two-sided. This month we have seen extremely high rainfall totals across the Hill Country.  All of that rain flows into the Highland Lakes, Choke Canyon, Lake Corpus Christi, and Canyon Lake.  These lakes needed a boost, especially those down in South Texas near Corpus Christi.  While providing necessary drinking water, unfortunately, this extreme event took multiple lives and has cost Texas millions of dollars.  To those who are tired of the rain, the next 3 months are expected to be slightly drier than what we have recently experienced.  Most of the state is in a “Leaning Below” category while El Paso sits in a rare “Leaning Above” category. They are more likely to see some rain.  Both categories are in slight chances, meaning there is less likelihood of deviation from the typical early fall precipitation.

3-Month Temperature Outlook
While rainfall chances sit in the middle, our temperature predictions are confident. That’s right, hot.  It is near August in Texas, and here we are seeing extreme heat across our state.  Nothing new for the majority of us, who have understood what the late dog days of summer typically bring.  NOAA also understands this, as all of the state is in a Higher-than-Average category for summertime temperatures.  We will need to watch areas that have high fuel loads from previous rains and remaining grasses, as the expedited drying will create dangerous fire weather conditions across the State.

Drought Update
We have seen continued improvements in the Hill Country, Northeast, and in West Texas with recent rainfall.  Some light improvements have also found the panhandle with areas of extreme drought shrinking down to 1% rather than 4% from last update.  The Panhandle still needs more rainfall to find further relief before stifling summer temperatures bake the moisture from the ground.  It is also important to note increasing areas of Abnormally Dry Conditions down in Deep South Texas.   We hope to see moderate rainfall amounts for those of us still in drought, especially in the Panhandle and along/East of I-35, and a break from rain for those in the Hill Country areas.

Hurricane Season
Last week we got our first true taste of the Tropical Weather Season.  Tropical Storm Bertha gave some Texans a scare when its track took a southward shift and hung out over warm Gulf Waters.  Luckily, it did not carry any major impacts to Texas, but it served as a wake-up call for all of us that we are still in Hurricane Season and to check our Hurricane Preparedness Plan.  Hurricane Season in Texas is officially June 1st through November 30th.  The US has seen hurricanes on either side of those dates.  For us, our hurricanes come from the Atlantic Basin.  Hurricanes in the Gulf are also categorized under the Atlantic Basin Title.  This area sees hurricanes throughout the entirety of hurricane season, but we are more likely to experience these between August 1st and November 15th.  Our waters warm all through the summer and become energy powerhouses for anything that forms in the early fall.  Texas has seen some of its worst storms in the early fall, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017.  Make a plan, stay informed, and stay prepared for Hurricanes and any disaster.


Resources and References
*https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
*https://www.drought.gov/states/texas