October 2025 TRFS Update

BIG NEWS THIS OCTOBER – CHECK OUT OUR LATEST UPDATES...

NEW! Keyes Ranch is a spectacular Hill Country property offering stunning long-range vistas, two lakes, and a landscape ideally suited for recreation, grazing, or equestrian use. With rolling terrain, impressive 360° views, and abundant hardwoods, this property combines natural beauty with superior raw acreage, making it a rare find in a prime location near Austin, San Marcos, and San Antonio.

NEW! Hackberry Road Ranch offers a turnkey opportunity for hunting, recreation, and relaxation—all within a well-managed game ranch. This stunning property combines dramatic topography, Hill Country hardwoods, and prime wildlife habitat with modern comforts. The 1,392± sf cabin was custom-built in 2021 and comes fully furnished, ready for immediate enjoyment. With approximately 100’± of elevation change, the land delivers sweeping views and a diverse landscape, highlighted by the dry East Prong of the Nueces River running through the property.

JUST SOLD! Sage Oaks Estate showcases a spectacular custom-built home on a secluded 6.1± acre property in Comal County’s desirable Sage Oaks Subdivision. This rare Hill Country offering combines serene natural surroundings, refined luxury living, and exceptional outdoor amenities. Privately gated and Ag-exempt, the estate provides the space, privacy, and versatility sought by discerning Buyers, with no HOA and plenty of room for enjoyment of the outdoors.

CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR THE HILL COUNTRY!

Our thoughts and prayers are still with everyone impacted.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article informs farmers that the USDA is issuing a second economic assistance payment. Read More. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

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Texas Wheat Farmers Prepare for Hessian Fly Threat

Hessian fly infestations are a concern for many wheat farmers

Hessian fly infestations are a concern for many wheat farmers.

“The worst part about the Hessian fly is you don’t realize it’s in your crop until it’s too late,” Rodney Schmalriede, a wheat farmer near McGregor, said. “They come in, lay their eggs and then the larvae eats on the inside of the stem of the wheat. If they get in there bad enough, it can be a complete loss of the crop.”

Warmer winters allow the Hessian fly to grow and spread through crops, wiping out an entire field.

The small fly can severely damage wheat and other small grain crops, like barley and rye, during its larval state. The cigar-shaped larvae have a creamy white body with a green streak down the middle of its back. The larvae then forms a puparium ranging in color from dark brown to black, resembling flaxseed.

Once fields are infested, there’s not much that can be done.

“I’ve probably experienced it 10 different times in my years of farming,” Schmalriede said. “But maybe two or three times it was bad enough to where we knew we had been hit, and it caused some financial loss.”

Farmers won’t know if their wheat was impacted by the Hessian fly until springtime when the crop is ready for harvest.

Currently, there is no way to manage the pest once it is known to be in the field.

“It’s really frustrating because it’s too late to do anything by the time you really notice the damage. There has been some work using pyrethroids,” he said. “If you can catch them just at the right time, you can lessen the damage, but it doesn’t take care of the fly completely.”

Staying proactive is key in pest management decisions. Farmers can work alongside county Extension agents and local farmers to mitigate Hessian fly infestations.

There are certain wheat varieties that are less susceptible to the Hessian fly and can withstand feeding and yield loss, according to AgriLife Extension Integrated Pest Management Specialist David Drake.

He recommends farmers delay planting until late-October or November to avoid flies depositing eggs. Fly eggs are deposited near the base of plants between September and December, depending on temperatures. Pupae emerge three to 10 days later, moving between the leaf sheath and stem to set up feeding sites in the crown of the plant.

Crop rotation in fields and nearby fields is necessary to mitigate Hessian fly infestations, Drake said. Cropping wheat to wheat in the same fields should be avoided, and farmers should consider the stage of progress and soil moisture conditions.