By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Rainfall is important for crop and livestock production, but the amounts falling in May and early June have some farmers and ranchers concerned about the long-term impacts.
“Due to the heavy, continuous rains, farmers and ranchers are seeing the effects on livestock and the hay market,” Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said.
Hoof rot
He noted ranchers are seeing increased cases of foot rot due to the wet, soggy ground from the continuous rainfall across much of the state.
Foot rot is a bacterial infection that leads to necrosis of tissue and inflammation. Symptoms of foot rot include holding or raising a hoof, lameness, impaired movement, reduced appetite and weight loss.
“Foot rot is a serious issue that can get worse quickly if not properly treated,” Tomascik said.
He encourages ranchers who see signs of foot rot to contact their veterinarian for treatment options.
Increased fly population
The fly population exploded after the rains. Ranchers have reported seeing an increase of horn flies, houseflies and stable flies.
“Don’t let flies take a bite out of your profits,” Tomascik said. “When cattle are bothered by flies, they spend extra energy tossing their heads, stomping their feet and being restless. This could lead to issues with weight gain.”
There are several options for control including pour-ons, sprays, fly-repellant ear tags, back rubbers and feed additives.
“Some of these products aren’t as effective during periods of continuous rainfall like we’ve been experiencing,” Tomascik said. “So, it’s important to keep an eye on the herd and the weather to know how best to treat for flies.”
Hay season
The rain that helped improve growing conditions for this year’s hay season following an extended period of dry conditions is also hurting the crop.
“With the overabundance of rain, some ranchers haven’t been able to fertilize their fields. Others can’t get in for their first cutting or lost the first cutting on the ground,” Tomascik said.
The hay quality can also suffer.
“The nutritional value can decrease if grass continues to grow and gets more mature than ideal,” he said. “Those nutrients get relocated from forage leaves to seeds so the plant can reproduce. The ideal harvest time for most hay crops is just prior to reaching maturity.”
Accessing the pastures with equipment is a problem, but even when the ground is dry enough to get in, farmers and ranchers have to consider if there’s enough time for the hay to be cut, cured and baled before another rain.
If hay is cut and remains on the ground during a rain, Tomascik noted the nutritional value decreases.
“Timing and harvest conditions are critical components for making hay,” Tomascik said.
The wet weather also has Texas farmers concerned about their crops. Read more from a Grayson County farmer in Texas Agriculture Daily.