Range Concepts Archives - West Texas Rangelands

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

August 20, 2026 by kara.matheney

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.

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

Adaptability Is Key as Drought Persists Across Texas Rangelands

May 20, 2026 by kara.matheney

Across much of Texas, drought remains a defining challenge for rangeland managers. A recent AgriLife Today article highlights an important reality for producers: while some areas have seen timely rainfall, much of the state is still managing through ongoing drought conditions, and adaptability remains critical for long-term rangeland resilience.

👉 Read the full AgriLife Today article: https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2026/05/19/adaptability-and-managing-for-rangeland-resilience-remain-key-as-drought-covers-much-of-the-state/

A Mixed Picture Across the State
Texas rangelands are experiencing a wide range of conditions this year. Some regions, including parts of the Cross Timbers, Concho Valley, and Hill Country, are seeing improved forage production due to spring rainfall. These areas present an opportunity for producers to allow pastures time to recover after extended drought conditions.

At the same time, much of the state remains in drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor cited in the article, 81 percent of Texas is experiencing some level of drought. While fewer areas are in the most extreme categories compared to last year, drought is still widespread and continues to impact forage availability and management decisions.

For producers in the Panhandle, South Texas, and other regions facing more severe conditions, the message is clear: careful evaluation and planning are still essential.

Recovery Starts with Rest
One of the most important takeaways from the article is the value of rest during periods of active plant growth. When moisture is available, and grasses begin to respond, reducing grazing pressure allows plants to rebuild energy reserves.
This recovery period helps promote:

Root development
Leaf growth
Improved plant vigor

Allowing plants time to recover can have long-term benefits for both forage production and overall rangeland health. Resilient rangelands depend on maintaining this balance between use and recovery.

Managing for Resilience, Not Just Production
Producers are not just managing livestock. They are managing ecosystems. The article emphasizes that stewardship of rangeland resources includes maintaining ground cover and building organic matter in the soil.

These practices support essential ecosystem services, including:

Forage production for livestock
Habitat for wildlife, especially during critical periods
Soil health and water infiltration

A focus on resilience helps ensure that rangelands can continue to function through both wet and dry periods.

Drought Planning Still Matters
Even in areas that have received rain, it is important not to assume the drought is over. Conditions can change quickly, and the forage available now may need to carry operations through the remainder of the growing season.

Producers are encouraged to continually evaluate forage availability and compare it to expected needs. This is a key part of any drought contingency plan and helps guide decisions about stocking rates and grazing pressure.

In areas still experiencing severe drought, proactive steps such as adjusting stocking rates or reassessing grazing strategies may be necessary to avoid long-term damage to the land.

A Practical Takeaway for West Texas
For West Texas producers, where variability is the norm and drought cycles are familiar, this message reinforces what many already know. Flexibility is not optional. It is essential.
Whether your operation has received recent rain or is still waiting for relief, the same principles apply:

Take advantage of good conditions to build recovery
Protect plant health through strategic grazing decisions
Monitor forage conditions closely
Be prepared to adjust as conditions change

Looking Ahead
Drought will continue to be part of managing rangelands in Texas. While rainfall patterns and seasonal conditions are beyond our control, management decisions are not.

By focusing on adaptability and resilience, landowners and managers can position their operations to better withstand drought and recover more quickly when conditions improve.

Resilient rangelands are built over time with careful management, timely decisions, and a long-term perspective.

The Hidden Cost of Overgrazing: How It Drains Your Watershed, Your Rainfall, and Your Bottom Line

April 22, 2026 by kara.matheney

The Hidden Cost of Overgrazing: How It Drains Your Watershed, Your Rainfall, and Your Bottom Line

Across Texas, every drop of rain is precious. On healthy rangeland, most of that rainfall enters the soil (infiltration), is stored in the profile, and then drives forage production. Under prolonged overgrazing, however, plant vigor declines, roots shrink, litter disappears, and soils compact, reducing infiltration, increasing runoff and erosion, and shrinking the water available for grass growth. Over time, that damages both watershed function and ranch profitability.

What overgrazing does to water

Less plant cover → less infiltration. Texas A&M Extension work shows that rangeland sites with robust bunchgrass or oak-understory cover retain more rainfall and lose less to runoff than sites dominated by sodgrasses or bare ground. Heavily grazed watersheds at the Sonora Station have shown runoff approaching 10% of annual precipitation, water that could have been growing grass.
More bare ground and compaction → more runoff and sediment. Vegetation and ground cover are the two attributes managers can influence most to control raindrop impact, maintain soil structure, and limit concentrated flow erosion; when cover is lost, rills and sheet flow move soil, nutrients, and carbon off the pasture and downstream.
Hydrologic decline scales from paddock to watershed. AgriLife Research modeling in northwest Texas found heavy continuous grazing increased bare ground and reduced infiltration, elevating surface runoff, soil erosion, and carbon export to streams, while adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing reduced those losses at both ranch and watershed scales.
Stream water quality takes a hit. Edge-of-field monitoring in Northeast Texas showed continuously grazed sites produced >24% more runoff than pastures under prescribed grazing and had significantly higher loads of nitrate/nitrite and total suspended solids, reflecting the combined effects of reduced infiltration and increased overland flow.

Economic Incentives for Reducing Wildfire Risk

April 15, 2026 by kara.matheney

What Landowners, Educators, and Technical Assistance Providers Should Know
Wildfire risk across Texas rangelands and working lands continues to rise. Larger fires, longer fire seasons, and increased exposure at the wildland–urban interface are no longer isolated concerns, they are becoming part of routine land management decisions. While traditional wildfire response has focused heavily on suppression, growing attention is being given to prevention and risk reduction, particularly through economic incentives that encourage proactive land stewardship. Recent research examining economic incentives for reducing wildfire risk highlights both opportunities and challenges for landowners and those who support them through education and technical assistance.

Why Wildfire Risk Is Increasing
Several interacting forces are driving higher wildfire risk on rangelands:

Climate and weather variability, including hotter temperatures and more frequent droughts
Fuel buildup from invasive grasses, brush encroachment, and reduced disturbance
Land use change and fragmentation, which complicates coordinated fire management

The social and economic impacts extend beyond burned acres. Wildfires affect ranch operations, infrastructure, natural resources, insurance markets, and community safety. As a result, there is growing interest in tools that shift investments from post-fire response to pre-fire prevention.

What Are Economic Incentives for Wildfire Risk Reduction?
Economic incentives are mechanisms designed to lower the financial barriers to adopting wildfire-mitigating practices or to reward landowners for reducing risk on their properties. The research summarized in the infographic identifies four broad categories of incentives:

Command-and-Control Policies – These include regulations such as burn bans, fuel treatment requirements, or zoning rules. While they can be effective in certain contexts, they often face resistance if they limit landowner flexibility or fail to account for local conditions.
Information-Based Incentives – Programs such as cost-share education, outreach campaigns, and technical guidance aim to increase awareness and capacity. These approaches are common in Extension programming and are most effective when paired with financial or operational support.
Market-Based Incentives
- Cost-share programs for prescribed burning, brush management, or grazing infrastructure
- Payments for ecosystem services
- Insurance premium adjustments tied to risk reduction
- Research shows that direct subsidies and cost-share programs are among the most frequently used and most studied incentive types for wildfire risk reduction.
Hybrid Incentives – Hybrid approaches combine regulatory frameworks with market or informational tools. For example, insurance programs that reward compliance with fuel management standards.

Cost, Effectiveness, and Tradeoffs
One of the most important takeaways for landowners and advisors is that upfront investment matters, but long-term savings can be substantial.

Prescribed burning, targeted grazing, and mechanical treatments require planning and initial costs.
Over time, these practices can reduce wildfire suppression costs, limit infrastructure damage, and improve ecological resilience.
Studies summarized in the research indicate that prevention investments can yield significant cost savings compared to repeated emergency response and recovery.

However, challenges remain:

Incentive programs are often short-term, while wildfire risk reduction requires sustained management.
Programs may not align well with local ecological conditions or landowner objectives.
Participation can be limited by administrative burden or lack of technical support.

Implications for Extension and Technical Assistance
For Extension educators and technical assistance providers, the findings reinforce several key points:

Cultural context matters. Landowners are more likely to engage when incentives align with local norms, production goals, and stewardship values.
One-size-fits-all approaches rarely work. Flexible, locally adapted programs outperform rigid designs.
Education alone is not enough. Information is most effective when paired with financial or operational incentives that reduce risk and uncertainty for landowners.

Extension’s trusted role positions educators to:

Translate incentive opportunities into practical decision tools
Facilitate cooperative approaches across fence lines
Support landowners in navigating cost-share, insurance, and hybrid programs

Looking Ahead
As wildfire risk continues to shape rangeland management, future incentive programs are likely to place greater emphasis on:

Long-term contracts and sustained funding
Risk-based insurance models
Integrated approaches that combine grazing management, prescribed fire, and fuel reduction

For landowners, proactive participation in wildfire risk reduction can protect livelihoods, landscapes, and communities. For educators and technical assistance providers, aligning economic incentives with sound land management remains a powerful strategy for building more fire-resilient rangelands.

Learn More and Stay Connected
For additional resources on rangeland fire management, prescribed burning, and incentive programs, contact your local Extension office or rangeland specialist.

The Cost of Prolonged Overgrazing: Ripple Effects on Watershed Health, Rainfall Infiltration, and Ranch Production

April 1, 2026 by morgan.treadwell

Producers often face tough choices when managing rangeland, especially during drought or market fluctuations. While maximizing livestock numbers might bring short-term profit, prolonged overgrazing can deal lasting damage to the overall health and productivity of the land. One of the most critical, but sometimes overlooked, impacts is how overgrazing disrupts the watershed and reduces rainfall infiltration, setting off a chain reaction that threatens both present and future production.

What Is Overgrazing?

Overgrazing happens when livestock remove more plant material than the land can regenerate, reducing vegetative cover. Without sufficient rest and recovery for grasses and forbs, root systems shrink, soil structure declines, and bare ground increases.

Watershed Function and Why It Matters

A healthy watershed collects, stores, and distributes water efficiently across the landscape. Vegetation intercepts rainfall, slows surface runoff, and helps water infiltrate into the soil, replenishing aquifers and supporting plant growth during dry periods. When this function is degraded, so is the life of a ranch.

The Impact of Overgrazing on Rainfall Infiltration

Intact vegetation and litter (dead plant material) act as a sponge, allowing more rainfall to soak in rather than run off. Texas A&M research consistently shows that overgrazed pastures lose this critical function (Briske et al., 2011). The results:

Increased Bare Soil – without enough cover, droplets hit bare soil directly, compacting it and reducing pore spaces.
More Runoff – compacted, crusted soils shed water, sending it downhill rather than storing it for plant growth.
Erosion – runoff carries away topsoil, further reducing the land’s ability to support vegetation.

Effects on Production and Range Health

Lower Forage Yields – less water stored means less forage growth through the season. Productivity drops, resulting in further pressure to overstock in a vicious cycle.
Reliance on Supplemental Feed – with reduced native forage, producers must purchase feed or de-stock, both of which cut into profits.
Increased Weed Invasion – bare patches and disturbed soil invite invasive species, which further outcompete desirable native plants.
Reduced Drought Resilience – healthy rangeland can buffer drought impacts; degraded rangeland cannot.

Economic and Environmental Tradeoff

“A pound of prevention is worth a ton of cure,” says Dr. Larry Redmon, Professor & Extension Forage Specialist at Texas A&M. Repairing watershed function, restoring infiltration, and rebuilding soil health can take years and significant expense.

Key findings from Texas A&M’s “Rangeland Watershed Management” (B-6136) highlight how managed grazing increases infiltration by 12–60% compared to overgrazed sites.

Steps for Ranchers

Monitor Utilization – Leave adequate stubble height and ground cover after grazing.
Rest Pastures – Allow for seasonal or rotational rest to restore plant and root health.
Observe Hydrology – Monitor for runoff, erosion, and infiltration after rains.
Consult Local Extension – Texas A&M AgriLife can provide technical assistance and region-specific recommendations.

Conclusion

The hidden cost of overgrazing is the undermining of the ranch’s very foundation which starts and ends with the soil and water resources. By prioritizing range health and managing for watershed function, producers secure not only the current year’s paycheck but the resilience and productivity of their land for years to come.

References

Briske, D.D., et al. (2011). [Rangeland Watershed Management – B-6136] (https://agrilife.org/texasrangelands/files/2011/02/B-6136.pdf), Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
What Is a Watershed? (https://wrri.tamu.edu/watersheds/what-is-a-watershed/), Texas Water Resources Institute.

For more infographics and resources, visit AgriLife Extension’s West Texas Rangelands https://agrilife.org/westtexasrangelands/extension-publications/

Are you seeing signs of overgrazing, runoff, or diminished production on your ranch? Contact your county’s AgriLife Extension Office for a site assessment and recommendations today.

Fire Field Day – Mason, Tx: A Hands-On Learning Experience for Landowners

March 4, 2026 by morgan.treadwell

Landowners, ranchers, and natural resource managers across the region are invited to take part in an exciting and educational Fire Field Day. The event is slated for March 21, 2026, at the scenic White Ranch in Mason, Texas. This in-person workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from prescribed fire experts and the Central Basin Prescribed Burn Association (PBA).

With growing interest in safe and effective rangeland management practices, prescribed fire has become an essential tool for improving rangeland health, reducing wildfire risk, and managing brush and tree encroachment. This event is designed to equip participants with both foundational knowledge and practical, hands-on experience.

What to Expect at Fire Field Day
The workshop runs from 8:30am to 2:00pm, and lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees. The day includes expert-led discussions and demonstrations focusing on:

⭐ Fire Management Objectives
Learn why fire is such an effective ecological tool, how it benefits rangelands, and what outcomes you can expect when applying prescribed burning on your property.

⭐ Laws and Regulations
Prescribed fire is a powerful tool that comes with responsibilities. Attendees will gain clarity on Texas laws governing burn plans, permitting, liability, and proper safety protocols.

⭐ Safe Fire Techniques for Your Property
From ignition methods to firebreak preparation, participants will walk away with practical strategies they can apply at home.

Weather permitting, the event will also feature a live prescribed fire or brushpile burn demonstration, giving attendees a chance to observe fire behavior and management techniques in real time.

This Fire Field Day is proudly hosted by the Central Basin Prescribed Burn Association, with support from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Prescribed Burn Alliance of Texas. These organizations are committed to helping landowners apply safe, science-based fire practices to improve their rangeland and encourage healthier ecosystems across the region.

Why Prescribed Fire Matters
Prescribed burning is one of the most cost-effective and natural methods for managing unwanted brush and trees, improving wildlife habitat, stimulating new plant growth, and reducing the intensity of future wildfires. For many Texas landowners, gaining confidence and practical knowledge is the key first step toward implementing burns on their own property.

This workshop is an ideal starting point, whether you are brand new to prescribed fire or looking to expand your experience with support from certified professionals.

We hope you will mark your calendar and JOIN US!
📍 Location: White Ranch – 15071 Ranch Road 1871, Mason, TX
📅 Date: March 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM–2:00 PM
💲 Cost: FREE
🍽️ Lunch Included
📜 CEU’s Available

For more information and to register please visit: TX.AG/MASONFIREFIELDDAY
Spaces often fill quickly for hands-on burn workshops so don’t miss this chance to learn from experts and connect with landowners across the region.

Stay Connected with Us!
Follow along for more land management events, educational workshops, and updates across the region.

Grazing Isn’t the Problem. Unmanaged Pressure Is.

February 18, 2026 by morgan.treadwell

Grazing is often viewed as a disturbance or impediment to rangeland health, but it is just the opposite! When applied intentionally, it can support plant diversity and ecosystem function. The key is managing pressure, timing, and recovery rather than applying constant use in a continuous grazing system. Even if managers are conservatively or low-stocked, continuous grazing is a recipe for poor rangeland condition.

Grazing strategies that prioritize rest allow plants to recover and strengthen root systems.

Rest and Recovery Matter

Plants need time after grazing to regrow leaves and rebuild energy reserves that sustains populations during drought and dormancy. Without sufficient recovery, repeated grazing weakens native perennial grasses and reduces long-term productivity and diversity.

Planned grazing systems incorporate rest periods that match plant growth patterns and environmental conditions.

Managing Pressure, Not Just Numbers

Stocking rate alone does not determine grazing success. Duration and distribution of grazing pressure often have a greater impact on plant health than animal numbers.

Adjusting pasture size, rotation timing, and water placement can help distribute grazing pressure more evenly across the landscape.

Grazing as a Management Tool

When managed properly, grazing can reduce excess vegetation, promote plant diversity, and support soil health. Used intentionally, livestock become a win-win synergistic balance that contributes to rangeland resilience rather than degradation.

What Your Rangeland Is Telling You: If You Know How to Look

February 11, 2026 by morgan.treadwell

The condition of your rangeland shows how management decisions are affecting it. By paying attention to plant communities, soil cover, and overall structure, land managers can identify potential issues early and respond effectively. Regular observation is one of the most important tools in long-term rangeland stewardship.

Key Indicators to Watch

Plant diversity is a strong indicator of rangeland health. A mix of grasses, forbs, cool and warm season species, and varying plant heights often signals a functioning system. Uniform vegetation or dominance by a single species may indicate stress or management imbalance. Think monocultures of Purple Threeawn or Texas Wintergrass.

Soil surface condition is equally important. Adequate litter and ground cover protect soil from erosion, temperatures, and help retain moisture. Increasing bare ground can signal declining rangeland condition. Bare ground between bunchgrasses of plants will slowly start to expand, increasing soil movement and soil loss.

Monitoring Beyond the Growing Season

Rangeland monitoring does not stop when plants are dormant! Winter and early spring observations can reveal grazing patterns, hoof impact, and areas where pressure may be too concentrated. Monitoring native perennial grasses during the winter is just as important as monitoring during the growing season, because what you protect in the winter is what jumpstarts new growth this spring.

Tracking changes season-to-season rather than reacting to a single observation provides a clearer picture of trends and management outcomes.

Using Monitoring to Guide Decisions

Monitoring allows managers to make informed adjustments to grazing timing, duration, and intensity. When rangeland conditions are regularly evaluated, management becomes proactive rather than reactive setting pastures off to a great start this spring.

Prickly Pear and the South American Cactus Moth

March 19, 2025 by jaime.sanford

Texas is known for its rugged landscapes and iconic, opportunistic, and problematic prickly pear. While these plants readily provide headaches to the grazing manager, oftentimes pear also serves as food and habitat for wildlife and is a native species on Texas rangelands. However, the South American Cactus Moth has been found and confirmed in five Texas counties.

A Comparison of the 2017 & 2022 USDA Ag Census Data for West Texas Counties

February 12, 2025 by jaime.sanford

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released 2022 Census of Agriculture data. The graphic presents a fascinating snapshot of the ranching landscape impacting four West Texas counties: Tom Green, Schleicher, Crockett, and Menard. Using data from the 2017 and 2022 USDA Agricultural Census, we can glean valuable insights into trends and shifts within this vital sector of Texas’s economy and heritage.