For Texas ranchers, hay is something you want to have before you need it.
As summer continues, forage conditions across the country remain uneven. Heat and moisture stress are affecting portions of the Plains and West, while producers in some areas are already relying more heavily on hay and supplemental feed.
That makes August a good time to take a hard look at your hay inventory — not when the pasture is already short and winter is around the corner.
Start With What You Have
Before purchasing more hay, take inventory of what is already on hand.
Consider how many bales you have, what type of forage each bale contains, how the hay has been stored and how much livestock you expect to feed through the coming months.
It’s also important to consider quality. Two bales may look similar from the outside but provide very different nutritional value depending on forage species, maturity at harvest and storage conditions.
Hay testing can provide a much better picture of what you’re actually feeding.
Weather Can Change the Plan
Texas producers know better than most that forage conditions can change quickly.
Dry conditions can slow pasture growth and increase demand for supplemental feed. Earlier this year, Texas A&M AgriLife reported that dry conditions had already reduced hay supplies in some areas, with drought influencing both grazing and supplemental feeding decisions.
That doesn’t mean every Texas operation is facing the same situation. It means having a plan matters.
Monitoring pasture conditions, keeping an eye on rainfall and knowing how much hay is available can make decisions easier when conditions change.
Quality Matters
When hay supplies tighten, it’s tempting to focus only on price and availability.
But quality should remain part of the conversation.
The right hay depends on the livestock being fed, their stage of production and the nutritional needs of the herd. A good feeding program isn’t necessarily about finding the cheapest bale — it’s about finding forage that fits the operation.
Current forage markets continue to show differences in price and demand based on quality and region.
Don’t Wait Until Winter
One of the simplest ways to reduce stress during winter is to plan before winter arrives.
If your operation typically needs supplemental hay, start evaluating your supply now. If you’re short, buying ahead can give you more options than waiting until demand increases.
Storage matters, too. Keeping hay protected from moisture and off the ground can help reduce unnecessary losses and preserve the value of the forage you’ve already purchased.
Keep the Feed Plan Flexible
Agriculture rarely follows the exact plan we make in January.
Rain changes. Pastures change. Hay markets change. Livestock needs change.
The best approach is to stay flexible and keep a close eye on the resources available to you.
At Morales, we know that good livestock management starts with having the right feed and forage available when you need it. Whether you’re preparing for winter or simply trying to stay ahead of changing pasture conditions, a little planning now can go a long way.
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