Pasture mealybugs pose new threat to Texas hay fields

Pasture mealybugs pose new threat to Texas hay fields

By Shelby Shank Field Editor Texas farmers and ranchers are facing growing challenges as an unexpected new pest begins damaging hay fields and pastures. “Last spring or the fall before, we noticed some yellow spots in our hay fields. It almost looked like somebody had been through there with a spot sprayer,” said Matt Chachere, a farmer and rancher from Liberty County. At first glance, the affected areas appeared brown or reddish. Small circular…