May 28, 2019 - From the panhandle plains to South Padre Island and from as far east and west as its’ borders allow, the State of Texas has room for crops to flourish and livestock to roam. Lands used for agriculture in Texas add up to roughly 130 million acres. Texas is known for its’ cattle and cotton production, but the diversity represented in the Texas agriculture industry is a well-kept secret. The Rio Grande Valley is ideal for growing citrus, sugarcane, and watermelons. The Panhandle is home to beef cattle feedlots, dairy cattle and cotton. Here in East Texas the forestry, poultry, and hay sectors are in the spotlight, while west Texas’ terrain is good for sheep and goats. Central Texas has a little bit of corn, wheat, grain sorghum, and cattle. Texas farmers also grow some of our favorites—strawberries, grapes, asparagus and potatoes. Even tomatoes! In addition, they raise pigs, chickens and turkeys. The agriculture industry in Texas proves the age-old saying to be true – everything is bigger in Texas.
The scope of Texas agriculture is almost as vast as the land it occupies. East Texas agriculture contributes greatly to the overall production of commodities and the economic health of the American agriculture industry – most notably in broiler and hay production. Where cotton is king in west Texas, Coastal Bermuda reigns supreme in east Texas, especially during the summer months.
An uncharacteristically wet Winter and Spring has had east Texas farmers in despair when it comes to the upcoming hay cutting season. The prevalent rain worked wonders on the drought-damaged pastures and replenished the moisture in the soil profile. However, too much moisture on the ground not only wreaks havoc on the landscape but also affects the nutrient quality in the soil and increases the risk of mold damage. In 2018, it was recorded by the National Weather Service that roughly 60 inches of rain graced the soil of east Texas land. Nearly one third of that record has already fallen this year.
When plants are cut for hay, they do not immediately die. As long as moisture is above 40 percent, they will continue to breathe - exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide - a process that burns energy. In a study at Texas A&M Overton Research Station, Coastal bermudagrass went from 11.1 percent crude protein (CP) and 51.6 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN) to 8.9 percent CP and 42 percent TDN at baling after two days of drying. The drying process is a vital component in the production of hay. Drying time has affects on overall hay quality and digestibility.
In the rush to get hay baled in between rains this year, some hay may be baled with extra moisture. Meaning, the hay will not get quite enough drying time. The effects of extra moisture will be visible in the windrow. Higher moisture levels will cause an increase in mold, which leads to animal refusal and animal health concerns. Hay with higher moisture levels will not store well. Storage of bales is critical. Reducing the amount of degradation and spoilage is not only beneficial to the cow or horse consuming the hay but also to the farmers’ bottom line. Therefore, storing hay in a covered area is most beneficial.
April showers might bring May flowers, but the rain may not bring smiles to a farmer preparing for the winter months to come. Although no one can control the elements, local farmers and ranchers are handily responsible for the growth and harvest of quality hay. Not only for their own use and livestock, but also for others who do not have the land or resources.
Here in east Texas, the pace is slower and the gratitude for our local farmers is greater. That is something to be proud of as an east Texan. Our agricultural heritage in this area is rich and prosperous. As you pass a farmer on a slow-moving tractor on that winding county round this summer, be patient. Instead of flashing your headlights with hopes they will get the point and move over, flash a smile! A lot of blood, sweat, and tears goes into being a good steward of the land and our local farmers and ranchers know that all too well. For more information about controlling for the elements and harvesting top quality hay, visit http://forages.tamu.edu/.
