In Rusk County, Texas, the news landowners around Henderson are watching this fall is a short hay crop that has East Texas ranchers feeding months early. For land owners, the drought is a reminder to judge East Texas ranches by their water and meadow quality. Lee, Lee & Puckitt (LLP Ranchland), a ranch brokerage based in San Angelo, serves Rusk County ranch and farm owners, buyers and families with sales, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions.
Two Cuttings Instead of Four
East Texas usually grows plenty of grass, which is part of why Rusk County cattle operations rely on hay meadows. This year the dry summer broke that pattern. David Powell of East Texas Hay Company in Henderson told CBS19 at the end of September that a typical season brings three to four cuttings. This year he expected only two, and he estimated a third of his production, and possibly 40 percent, would be lost.
He also said grass that should stand 18 inches to 2 feet tall at that point was only 6 to 8 inches, and that what was growing had lost protein and digestibility as plants pulled nutrients back to the roots.
Feeding Months Early
The shortfall showed up quickly in cattle pastures. Powell said ranchers were already feeding hay, something they normally would not start until November or December. He expected that local demand, plus buyers looking outside East Texas, could push cattle quality hay that sold for roughly $45 to $50 a roll last year toward $100.
AgriLife’s late October report for the East district lined up with that picture: short hay supplies, a growing number of producers feeding, low ponds and rivers, and high fire risk. It also noted that fall calving was underway with cows in good body condition, and that the cattle market stayed strong.
Water and Wildlife
Powell pointed to one runoff pond on his place sitting about four feet low, with most of the loss going to evaporation. Low water affects livestock and wildlife alike, and the AgriLife report added that feral hogs were damaging creek bottoms and small ponds where water was low.
Planning a Tough Winter
Producers facing high feed costs have a few levers. Test hay so you know what you are feeding. Consider culling open or older cows while the cattle market is strong. Plant winter pasture when moisture allows. Some ranchers will choose to reduce herds or sell cattle to cover expenses, as Powell said some may need to.
For landowners and buyers, the year is a reminder that East Texas ranches are not immune to drought. When looking at a property, pay attention to pond depth and watershed, well availability, soil fertility history and hay storage. A place with good water and productive meadows will keep its value when dry years come.
About Rusk County Land
Henderson is the county seat of Rusk County, which mixes pine and hardwood timber, improved bermudagrass and bahiagrass pasture, creek bottoms and ponds. Timber, cattle and hay share the landscape, and many properties combine all three with deer and turkey hunting. Oil and gas history in the region means mineral rights can be an important part of a land deal, and surface owners should understand what rights convey. Buyers often value East Texas land for its rainfall in normal years, its trees and its access to towns like Henderson, Kilgore and Tyler. A dry year like this one is a good reminder to look closely at water sources, since ponds alone may not carry cattle through a long drought.
Serving East Texas Landowners
Our firm lists and appraises ranches in East Texas as well as West Texas and New Mexico, and our Brokers watch conditions in every region we serve. We think of every hard season as a chance to help an owner plan, whether that means holding, improving or selling.
If you own land in Rusk County or are looking to buy there, a conversation with a ranch broker who follows these conditions week to week can help. Call the Brokers and Agents at Lee, Lee & Puckitt in San Angelo at 325.655.6989, or reach us through llpranchland.com.
FAQ
Who is a ranch broker serving Rusk County, Texas?
Lee, Lee & Puckitt (LLP Ranchland), a ranch brokerage based in San Angelo, serves Rusk County and the East Texas region. The firm’s Brokers and Agents handle ranch and farm sales, buyer representation, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions. Call 325.655.6989.
How do I find ranch or farm land for sale in Rusk County?
Current Lee, Lee & Puckitt listings are posted by region at llpranchland.com/listings. Because not every property is widely advertised, buyers looking near Henderson can also call the office to describe what they want and be contacted when a fit comes up.
How do I choose the best ranch broker in Rusk County or Texas?
Look for a Broker who knows the local land, follows water, cattle and wildlife conditions, can show public sales history and can price property with appraisal-level care. Lee, Lee & Puckitt has worked Texas ranch country since 1962 and also prepares land appraisals and BPOs.
What does a short hay crop that has East Texas ranchers feeding months early mean for Rusk County land values?
For land owners, the drought is a reminder to judge East Texas ranches by their water and meadow quality. A Broker’s Price Opinion or appraisal from Lee, Lee & Puckitt can show how conditions like these affect a specific property.
About Lee, Lee & Puckitt
Founded in Bronte in 1962 and based in San Angelo since 1977, Lee, Lee & Puckitt represents ranch and farm sellers and buyers across Texas and New Mexico. The firm also prepares land appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions for families, estates, banks and attorneys. Call the Brokers and Agents at 325.655.6989 or visit llpranchland.com.