Spring in East Texas rarely arrives all at once. One week may feel like winter, the next like early summer. For lawns, this transition period is critical—and how homeowners respond often determines how their yard performs for the rest of the year.
Rather than rushing into spring maintenance, the healthiest lawns follow a thoughtful sequence.
Understanding the Spring Transition
As daylight increases and soil temperatures begin to rise, grass roots slowly come out of dormancy. During this time, growth may look uneven, and weeds often appear before turf fully fills in. This early imbalance can be misleading, causing homeowners to apply treatments too aggressively or too soon.
Addressing Priorities First
Early spring lawn care focuses on creating the right environment for grass to grow strong:
Managing early weed pressure before it becomes widespread
Mowing only when grass is actively growing and avoiding short cuts
Clearing debris that blocks sunlight and airflow
These steps support gradual, even growth rather than forcing quick results.
Why Patience Pays Off
Heavy fertilization and aggressive watering too early can do more harm than good. Grass needs time to establish strong roots before it can handle rapid growth or stress from warmer weather. Rushing the process often leads to shallow roots, thinning turf, and persistent weed problems.
A Smarter Way to Approach Spring Lawn Care
Instead of treating spring as a single event, it’s better viewed as a transition period. Paying attention to soil conditions, growth patterns, and timing helps lawns respond naturally and perform better throughout the season.
Setting the Stage for the Year Ahead
Lawns that are allowed to wake up gradually—without being pushed too hard—are better equipped to handle summer heat and maintain healthy color and density.
Spring success isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right things, in the right order, at the right time.
Drug-Free All Stars attend Project Sticker Shock Kick Off Press Conference. First row from left to right are First row, from left to right are Sarahi Sanchez, Lufkin HS All Star; Vanessa Sanchez, Central HS All Star; Jolina Hernandez, Lufkin HS All Star; Celeste Cruz, Lufkin HS All Star; Leanne Burke; PCA HS All Star. Second row, from left to right are Rebekah Sapp, Huntington HS All Star; Rhyla Jacildo, PCA HS All Star; Audrey Barton, Huntington HS All Star; Victoria Alonso, PCA HS All Star; Nevaeh Garcia, PCA HS All Star. Back row, from left to right are Joesph Riccio; PCA HS All Star; Madison Hamilton, PCA HS All Star; Addyson Arnold, Lufkin HS All Star.
The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently completed their annual event, Project Sticker Shock. The Project Sticker Shock campaign is aimed at preventing underage drinking by reminding adults not to provide alcohol for minors. The 71 Drug-Free All Stars stickered over 30 grocery and convenience stores throughout Angelina County to help prevent underage alcohol use. The Coalition, Inc. and the Drug-Free All Stars would like to thank Brookshire Brothers, La Michoacana Meat Market, Hernandez Grocery, Big’s convenience stores, Walgreens on Frank Ave., Little Boots Grocery in Huntington, and Coleman’s convenience store in Zavalla for participating in this year’s Project Sticker Shock.
Through Project Sticker Shock, The Coalition intends to make the community aware of the dangers of providing alcohol to minors; not only is it against the law, but it can have deadly consequences. Huntington High School Drug-Free All Star, Rebekah Sapp, commented, “Sticker Shock is very important because it gives adults in the community a physical reminder of the very real dangers of providing alcohol to minors. By placing the stickers, we not only hope to educate, but to prevent harm to our community.” Research shows that teens who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop substance dependence later in life than those who wait to drink until age 21 or older.
Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. The Drug-Free All Stars are a group of high school seniors that serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. For more information about the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.
Central HS Drug-Free All Stars Allison Montero and Ethan Basham stickering package of alcohol at Brookshire Brothers. Layla McCarty and Kelcie Ponder, Zavalla HS Drug-Free All Stars, stickering at a local Brookshire Brothers location. Hudson Drug-Free All Stars Maggie Allen, Aubrey Mays and Lufkin Drug-Free All Stars and Za’nyia Johnson, Miranda Paulin, and Savannah Bergman after stickering at the Hudson Brookshire Brothers.
Solar panels and battery systems are becoming more common across Texas. But they aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions — and understanding what they can and can’t do is the first step toward making a smart decision.
Texas is in the middle of a solar and battery storage expansion unlike anything the state has seen before. Utility-scale solar generation broke 17 records in 2025, and Texas is projected to host about 40% of all planned utility-scale solar construction in the country this year. Battery storage is growing just as fast, with Texas expected to overtake California as the nation’s largest battery storage market in 2026.
At the grid level, this is promising. Solar and battery capacity helped ERCOT avoid issuing any conservation alerts during summer 2025 — a notable improvement over recent years. But at the household level, the picture is more nuanced. Whether solar and battery storage make sense for your home depends on your specific situation, and the marketing doesn’t always tell the full story.
When Solar Helps
Solar can be effective when systems are properly sized and matched to how electricity is actually used. A home with strong roof orientation, minimal shading, and high daytime electricity consumption is the ideal candidate. In those cases, solar panels can meaningfully reduce the energy supply portion of your electricity bill and lower your dependence on grid-purchased power.
But solar economics depend on more than just how many panels you install. Buyback rates — what your utility pays for excess electricity your system sends back to the grid — vary by provider in Texas and are often well below retail rates. That means a system that produces more than you use during the day doesn’t return as much financial value as you might expect. Financing terms also matter: a system that looks affordable at a low monthly payment can add up to significant interest costs over a 20- or 25-year loan.
On the positive side, Texas recently passed SB 1252, which simplifies the permitting process for residential solar and battery systems. Cities can no longer add extra local rules or delays for typical home installations under 50 kW and 100 kWh of storage. That removes a real barrier. But easier installation doesn’t change the underlying financial equation — the decision still needs to be based on your home’s actual consumption patterns and financial situation.
Understanding Battery Storage
Batteries provide backup power during outages and flexibility in how you use grid electricity. In a state where extreme weather events have caused grid stress in recent years, the peace of mind that comes with backup power is a real benefit.
Financial savings from batteries, however, depend on how they’re used — not just that they exist. A typical home battery system costs between $10,000 and $17,000 installed before incentives. The 30% federal tax credit that helped offset those costs expired at the end of 2025. Texas still offers property tax exemptions for solar and associated storage, but the upfront math has become more challenging for homeowners considering an installation in 2026.
Batteries make the most sense when you have solar panels to charge them during the day, when you want reliable backup for essential loads during outages, or when you’re on a time-of-use rate plan and can shift your consumption to lower-cost hours. For homeowners who simply want a lower monthly bill without changing their usage patterns, a battery alone is unlikely to deliver the return that marketing materials suggest.
The Grid Isn’t Going Away
Even with renewable technologies growing rapidly, most Texans remain connected to the grid — and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Grid-connected solar systems are designed to work alongside the grid, not replace it. Delivery charges from your local utility still apply regardless of how many panels you have on your roof, and those delivery fees typically make up 40% to 50% of a residential bill in Texas.
Understanding that relationship helps set realistic expectations. Solar and battery storage can be valuable additions to a home’s energy setup, but they don’t eliminate the need for a good electricity plan, attention to usage patterns, or awareness of how grid pricing works. The technology is improving and costs are coming down over time. But the decision to invest should be based on informed analysis, not marketing hype.
This article is part of an ongoing energy education series for Texas Forest Country Living.
The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Electricity markets are complex and subject to change. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
On Saturday, March 28, from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, The Coalition and other community partners will be hosting the Color Me Drug-Free: An Obstacle Challenge Course, to celebrate and encourage students to live a healthy and substance-free life. Participants will make their way through an obstacle course filled with fun challenges but watch out! Color will be flying to mark students drug-free!
The first 50 participants will receive a FREE t-shirt (white) that can be worn during the event, and free swag will be awarded, while supplies last! Join us at the Boys & Girls Club of Lufkin field on Saturday, March 28.
Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about this free event, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308 or visit @TheCoalition936 on social media.
Fredericksburg, TX — The National Museum of the Pacific War will present a live World War II battle reenactment as part of its Pacific Valor program on March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Pacific Combat Zone, located at 311 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
The reenactment features live performers, authentic military equipment, and battlefield simulations to illustrate the experiences of American servicemen during the Pacific War. This program highlights the fighting on Leyte in the Philippine Islands and the actions of PFC George Benjamin Jr., who was killed while escorting a tank during an attack on Japanese defenses.
Seating is first come, first served, andonline ticket purchases are highly encouraged.
The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Smithsonian Affiliations
Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.
“Praying in Jesus’ name is like having a VIP pass to talk to God,” says Mia, 10. “Because of Jesus, we can go straight to God and He listens!”
Before we dive in, let’s be clear: saying “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer isn’t magic. You probably won’t see candy fall from the sky or teleport your homework from another galaxy. There’s a reason praying in Jesus’ name is far more powerful and real.
In John 16:23, Jesus said: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you” (John 16:23).
Jesus was pointing to a big change that was about to happen, the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, people couldn’t come directly to God. They needed priests, animal sacrifices and religious rituals to get near Him. But Jesus was about to change everything.
When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He became the final sacrifice for our sin. The temple veil that separated people from God’s presence was torn in two. Why? Because through Jesus, we now have direct access to the Father. That’s the heart of the New Covenant.
In John 16:26–27, Jesus explained more: “In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.”
Because of Jesus, we no longer need a human priest to approach God for us. Jesus made all believers part of God’s family. Now, under the New Covenant, every believer can talk to God personally, anytime, anywhere.
“When I pray in Jesus’ name, I think about what He would do,” says Olivia, 11. “It helps me pray better.”
“When I pray, I imagine Jesus standing next to me, helping me find the right words,” says Ethan, 9. “It makes me feel like He’s really listening.”
Praying in Jesus’ name means praying in line with His heart and mission. It’s not about asking for a mansion with a waterslide and a candy machine. It’s about praying for what Jesus values, which are fruits of his indwelling Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience and more (Galatians 5:22-23).
Jesus finished His teaching in John 16 with a promise of peace and victory: “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
When we pray in Jesus’ name under the New Covenant, we’re not begging. We’re believing. We’re standing on the victory Jesus already won.
Under the Old Covenant, God visited his people through prophets and a physical temple in Jerusalem. In the New Covenant, God inhabits his people. All Christians are living temples of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19). Under the Old Covenant, God visited his people. In the New Covenant, God inhabits his people. The Old Covenant was a mere shadow of a greater reality.
Think About This: Under the New Covenant, praying in Jesus’ name means we come boldly to the Father, trusting in Jesus’ finished work, not our own.
Memorize This Truth: John 16:23 previously quoted.
Ask This Question: When I pray, am I trusting in what Jesus has done or what I have done?
Few things test a leader’s faith like doing the right thing – and not seeing results.
You made the hard decision. You corrected the issue. You committed to the discipline.
And still, nothing seems to move.
No breakthrough. No applause. No visible progress.
This is where many leaders quietly lose heart – not because they were wrong, but because obedience didn’t produce immediate reward.
The Gap Every Leader Must Endure
There is almost always a gap between obedience and outcome.
Scripture is honest about this reality, even if leadership culture is not.
“You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” – Hebrews 10:36
Notice the order. Obedience first. Endurance second. Promise later.
Leadership often lives in that middle space – where faithfulness must continue without feedback.
Why Delayed Results Feel So Discouraging
Leaders are wired to measure progress. We look for signs that effort is working, that sacrifice is paying off, that the path chosen is right.
When results lag, doubt creeps in.
Was this the right call? Did I move too soon – or too late? Is anyone even noticing?
Delayed results don’t mean wasted effort. They mean roots are growing where fruit isn’t visible yet.
Faithfulness Is Not the Same as Failure
In leadership, silence is often misinterpreted as stagnation.
But Scripture consistently shows that God does His deepest work out of sight.
Joseph waited years between promise and promotion. David was anointed long before he was crowned. Jesus served faithfully long before the cross changed history.
Waiting doesn’t negate calling. It refines it.
The Temptation to Abandon the Process
When results lag, leaders feel pressure to adjust – not strategy, but standards.
Shortcuts begin to look appealing. Compromise begins to feel justified. The slow, faithful path starts to feel naive.
But leaders who abandon obedience to chase outcomes often lose both.
The cost of impatience is usually paid later, quietly, and painfully.
Faith Anchors Leaders When Metrics Can’t
Faith-driven leaders learn to anchor themselves somewhere deeper than numbers.
They measure success not only by outcomes, but by obedience to God’s direction.
Scripture reminds us:
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” – Psalm 126:5
Sowing comes before reaping. Always.
Your Action Step This Week
If you’re in a season where progress feels slow, ask yourself:
Am I being faithful – or just frustrated?
Stay obedient. Stay steady. Stay aligned.
Fruit often appears after leaders decide not to quit.
That’s a Wrap
Leadership isn’t proven by immediate results. It’s proven by faithful endurance.
God never wastes obedience – even when it feels invisible.
Next week, we’ll challenge how leaders define success itself and explore why stewardship matters more than winning.
The state’s booming population, expanding industries, and new technology demands are reshaping how Texans think about – and plan for – their electricity.
A State That Keeps Growing
Texas continues to attract people, businesses, and technology at a pace that few other states can match. According to U.S. Census Bureau data released in early 2026, Texas added more residents than any other state in 2025 – bringing the state’s population to roughly 31.7 million. While the rate of growth slowed somewhat compared to previous years, the sheer volume of new Texans remains remarkable.
Growth in Texas is concentrated in and around the major metropolitan areas – Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio – as well as the suburban and exurban “ring counties” that surround them. According to the Texas Demographic Center, the state’s population could reach 42.6 million by 2060 under mid-level migration projections. That kind of sustained growth touches every part of daily life, from housing and roads to schools and, critically, electricity.
What’s Driving Electricity Demand
Every new home, business, and factory built in Texas needs power. But population growth is only part of the story. Several large-scale forces are converging to push electricity demand higher than at any point in the state’s history.
Data Centers and Artificial Intelligence
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing has turned Texas into a magnet for data centers – massive facilities that require enormous amounts of electricity to run and cool their servers around the clock. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that electricity demand managed by ERCOT, the operator of roughly 90% of the Texas grid, could grow by around 10% in 2026, with data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations among the primary drivers. ERCOT itself has forecast that total demand could nearly double by 2030.
Industrial Expansion
Beyond data centers, industrial processes like hydrogen electrolysis and expanded manufacturing are adding significant load to the grid. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities along the Gulf Coast are also growing. These industrial consumers don’t just raise total electricity demand – they can create concentrated pockets of high usage that stress local transmission infrastructure.
Extreme Weather
Texas weather has always been a factor in electricity planning, but recent years have made that relationship even more pronounced. Blistering summer heat drives air conditioning use to record levels, while occasional severe winter events spike heating demand. The ERCOT grid set a peak demand record of over 85 gigawatts in August 2023, more than 14% higher than the peak from just four years earlier. Weather volatility makes accurate forecasting both more important and more difficult.
How Texas Is Responding
The good news is that Texas is not standing still. On the generation side, solar and wind power have been growing rapidly. According to EIA data, wind and solar together supplied about 36% of ERCOT’s electricity in the first nine months of 2025, with utility-scale solar generation growing roughly 50% year over year. Battery storage is also expanding, helping to smooth out the gaps between when renewable energy is produced and when it’s needed most.
Natural gas remains the single largest source of power in Texas, accounting for about 43% of generation through September 2025. However, its share has been gradually declining as renewables take on a bigger role, particularly during midday hours when solar output peaks.
On the policy front, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Energy Fund, a $10 billion loan program designed to incentivize the construction of new natural gas-fired power plants. Lawmakers are also working on reforms to transmission planning and the process by which large new users connect to the grid, including proposals for better reporting requirements from data center developers.
Why Demand Matters for Everyday Texans
None of this means that a crisis is imminent. But it does mean that electricity decisions carry more weight than they once did.
As more electricity is required statewide, wholesale prices become more sensitive to the balance between supply and demand. Industry analysts project a modest 3–5% increase in Texas electricity prices from 2025 to 2026, with residential rates averaging roughly 14–19 cents per kilowatt-hour including delivery costs. Longer-term forecasts suggest continued upward pressure through the end of the decade, driven by infrastructure investment, rising demand, and the cost of keeping up with growth.
For individual households, this means that the timing and structure of your electricity plan matters more than it used to. In Texas’s deregulated market, consumers in most parts of the state have the power to choose their electricity provider and plan type. That’s a real advantage – but only if you use it thoughtfully.
Practical Steps You Can Take
Shop at the right time. Electricity rates in Texas tend to be lower in the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), when demand is moderate. Locking in a fixed-rate plan during these windows can help you avoid the price spikes that often accompany peak summer and winter months.
Know your usage. Texas electricity plans are priced at different tiers – typically 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kilowatt-hours per month. Understanding your household’s typical monthly consumption allows you to compare plans on an apples-to-apples basis and avoid plans with hidden thresholds or gimmicky bill credits that don’t match your usage pattern.
Read the Electricity Facts Label. Every plan in Texas comes with a standardized disclosure document called the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). It details the plan’s true cost at different usage levels, contract length, early termination fees, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. Taking a few minutes to read it can prevent unpleasant surprises.
Don’t let your contract lapse. When a fixed-rate contract expires, many providers automatically roll you onto a month-to-month variable rate that can be significantly more expensive. Set a calendar reminder to shop for a new plan before your current one ends. By law, you can switch providers up to 14 days before your contract expires without incurring an early termination fee.
Think about contract length strategically. A 12-month plan signed in October means your next renewal falls in October – another favorable shopping window. A 9-month plan signed at the same time would expire in July, when rates tend to be at their highest. Matching your contract length to the seasonal pricing cycle can save you money over time.
Looking Ahead
Texas’s electricity landscape is evolving – not in a way that demands alarm, but in a way that rewards attention. The forces reshaping the grid – population growth, technological change, weather variability, and policy decisions – are not going away. They are, if anything, accelerating.
Understanding these forces helps Texans make calmer, more informed choices about their electricity – without reacting to headlines or making decisions out of fear. The deregulated market gives you real power as a consumer, and a little planning goes a long way toward protecting your household from unnecessary cost.
The grid that powers Texas is changing. Staying informed is the best thing you can do to stay ahead of it.
This article is part of an ongoing energy education series for Texas Forest Country Living.
The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Electricity markets are complex and subject to change. For more information, contact a broker at AmerigyEnergy.com
They see the problem. They know the solution. They talk about the plan. Yet somehow, the gap between intention and action remains stubbornly wide. Not because leaders are careless – but because execution is harder than inspiration.
And far more spiritual than most people realize.
Why Good Intentions Stall
Leadership environments are full of good intentions.
We intend to improve systems. We intend to develop people. We intend to have difficult conversations.
But intention without action quietly turns into delay. And delay, over time, becomes disobedience.
Scripture doesn’t mince words about this:
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” – James 4:17
Execution isn’t just operational. It’s moral.
Execution Reveals What We Truly Believe
Leaders often say they value excellence, stewardship, and accountability. Execution is where those values are tested.
It’s easy to believe the right things in theory. It’s much harder to act on them when doing so creates discomfort, conflict, or inconvenience.
Execution requires courage. It requires clarity. It requires obedience.
And obedience rarely feels urgent – it feels faithful.
Faith Is Proven Through Movement
In Scripture, faith is almost always paired with action.
Noah built. Abraham went. Moses confronted. Nehemiah rebuilt.
None of them had perfect conditions. All of them acted before certainty arrived.
Execution doesn’t wait for clarity to be complete. It moves forward with what’s already been revealed.
Why Leaders Delay What Matters Most
Leaders delay for many reasons.
Sometimes it’s fear of getting it wrong. Sometimes it’s concern about reactions. Sometimes it’s perfectionism disguised as wisdom.
But execution requires accepting something leaders don’t like: Progress is often messy.
Waiting for the perfect moment often means missing the right one.
Execution Is Built on Small Acts of Obedience
Execution doesn’t usually show up as dramatic breakthroughs.
It shows up in small, unglamorous steps:
Sending the email you’ve avoided
Making the decision you’ve postponed
Addressing the issue you hoped would resolve itself
Those moments rarely feel spiritual – but they are.
Every step of obedience strengthens leadership muscle.
Faith-Driven Leaders Move Before They Feel Ready
Execution isn’t about confidence. It’s about commitment.
Faith-driven leaders act not because they feel ready – but because they trust God more than their own hesitation.
Scripture reminds us:
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – James 2:17
Faith moves. Faith acts. Faith executes.
Your Action Step This Week
Identify one thing you already know needs to be done.
Not someday. Not soon. Now.
Take the first step – even if it’s small.
Momentum follows obedience.
That’s a Wrap
Leadership isn’t defined by what you know. It’s defined by what you do with what you know.
Execution isn’t just productivity – it’s faith in motion.
Next week, we’ll talk about what happens when you execute faithfully but results lag behind expectations – and how leaders stay grounded when progress feels slow.
A bumper hay crop is starting to dwindle as supplies are being used in the wake of dry weather. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife)
Texas Crop and Weather Report
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.
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 drought-plagued 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.
Round bale pricing varies from $75-$85 on average for Texas, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture Texas Direct Hay Report. Premium round bales were between $110-$145.
“We still have a surplus of hay from the major hay providers,” said Shane McLellan, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources 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.”
Drought influences grazing, supplemental feeding
McLellan said the Central Texas region is 8 inches below normal rainfall since September. Lines of recent moisture helped some but were not enough to significantly improve early spring grazing outlooks and pasture recovery.
“We did receive 0.6 to 0.7 of an inch over much of our area,” he said. “That helped a lot as pastures are trying to green up and there is available moisture for planting. As you get into Bell County they are in better shape, moisture-wise, and the same as you go east.”
He said McLennan and Limestone counties “are kind of on the edge of the drier area as you head east.”
“We need a multi-inch rain to break this cycle of dry weather,” he said.
South Central Texas hay conditions
Hay supplies remained in good shape in Brazos County and surrounding areas, but lack of rainfall and freeze damage in January have set winter forages back. These forages are bouncing back with recent rain and sunshine, but hay will be needed to supplement cattle diets until warm-season forages kick in, said Chadd Caperton, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Brazos County.
Looking ahead, Caperton said supplies are likely to tighten further.
“The weather outlook isn’t strong so we’re expecting hay supplies and new cuttings to be low,” he said. “We hope the pattern changes, but it’s not been encouraging so far.”
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:
Panhandle
A map of the 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service districts.
Overall soil moisture levels were very short to short. High winds pulled moisture from the soil profile and brought additional topsoil erosion across landscapes without cover crops or crop residue. The winds also pushed several major wildfires. Pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair, and winter wheat was poor to fair.
South Plains
Conditions were dry with above-average temperatures and extreme winds. In some areas, irrigation started on small grains. Winter wheat was in poor to fair condition. Grazing was available for livestock in some areas, but producers were relying on supplemental feed. Some started shipping livestock.
Rolling Plains
Overall, winter wheat conditions were improving due to recent rainfall and warm temperatures, with some counties reporting significant moisture gains of up to 2 inches. Wheat pastures and winter grasses were greening up, and cattle body conditions were improving. Fertilizer top dressing and weed control applications were underway. However, dry winds and warm weather reduced moisture levels in some locations, increasing fire danger and leaving crops struggling in drought conditions. Recent rains provided temporary relief, but many areas needed additional rainfall to sustain crop progress, refill stock tanks and improve pasture growth. Supplemental feeding of livestock remained common.
North
Most fields looked good after recent rainfall. Ryegrass and other cool-season forages were growing rapidly with increased rainfall. Topsoil and subsoil levels were very short to adequate. Pasture and range conditions were fair to good. Winter wheat was doing well and started to progressing following rain and sunshine. Livestock conditions were good to excellent.
East
Temperatures were very cool in the morning to above average in the afternoons. Most counties remained dry. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Some counties shared concerns about fire dangers. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Pond, creek and lake levels dropped significantly. Producers began soil testing. Cattle markets remained strong. Livestock were in fair to good condition with supplementation taking place. Feral hog control was underway.
Far West
Recent rainfall events varied widely, with some counties receiving 1-1.5 inches of rain while other areas remained dry as windy conditions quickly evaporated surface moisture. Limited soil moisture continued to raise concerns about yield potential. Conditions remained mostly normal with seasonally warmer temperatures causing winter wheat to break dormancy earlier than usual. Wheat and oat fields were generally in fair to good shape, but overgrazing was evident in certain pastures. Pecan harvest was nearing completion with cleaning operations wrapping up for the season, and orchard irrigation with effluent and brackish well water was ongoing. Ground preparation continued for cotton and some alfalfa, though water allotments were expected to remain very low. Established alfalfa stands may survive on reduced water but with lower yields. Fieldwork continued where moisture allowed, and drip irrigation preparations began for cotton acres. Cattle producers were preparing for upcoming spring activities, including branding season. Pasture and range conditions ranged from very poor to fair, with many areas reporting poor conditions. Livestock conditions were stable to slightly improved overall, with continued supplemental feeding of hay and feed. Feral hogs continued to cause issues in wheat and oat fields near creeks and towns.
West Central
Abnormally dry conditions prevailed. Drought continued to intensify with temperatures in the 70s and low-80s. Winter grasses were green but very short. Menard County reported 0.5 of an inch of rain that helped winter wheat. Wildfire potential increased with elevated winds. Moisture was needed to improve rangeland conditions.
Central
Pastures improved slightly with increased temperatures and added soil moisture. Conditions were still very dry with lots of fuel in most areas, and wildfires were a major concern. Stock tank levels remained full. Wheat and oats were not growing well due to hard freezes. Some producers were starting to plant corn. Cattle were still being fed supplemental cubes and hay.
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. Moisture 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 green-up 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. Livestock 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 enough moisture began planting corn and grain sorghum crops. 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.
