Mid-April 2025 TRFS Update

FRESH MID-APRIL LISTINGS THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS...

NEW! Discover the allure of the Hill Country at Lazy Valley Ranch South, where expansive, awe-inspiring views set the stage for an exceptional property. Perfectly positioned near the charming towns of Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Boerne, this remarkable ranch encompasses rolling hills, lush-productive fields, and elevations ranging from approximately 1,560’± to 1,700’± asl. Its versatile terrain offers endless possibilities, whether you envision bountiful hay production, grazing livestock, or simply enjoying serene countryside living at its finest.

NEW! Perched at the highest elevation in the entire subdivision—Canyon Creek Preserve Lot offers a spectacular setting with breathtaking, long-range views that stretch for miles. This 3.5± acre slice of paradise features a stunning mix of open hilltop space and a shaded, tree-filled valley below. A gentle breeze often graces the summit, providing a cool escape from the Texas heat, while the valley’s towering hardwoods create a peaceful, shaded retreat. Wildlife is abundant, with well-worn deer trails meandering across the land. Located just 12± miles from Helotes, this is a prime opportunity to build your dream home in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

FEATURED! With 675’± of both sides of Bear Creek frontage – Bear Creek Ranch offers stunning views and well-manicured land ready for immediate enjoyment. This perfect-sized ranch includes essential amenities such as a double-wide modular home and an equipment barn. Separating from a larger property, it promises an idyllic retreat with Bear Creek as its standout feature. Owned by the same family since the late 1990s, this ranch offers a serene country feel yet is close to all the amenities of New Braunfels and San Antonio.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST TEXAS DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

We're continuing to closely monitor the Texas drought conditions. Texas has seen recent rainfall which has helped the state avoid serious drought concerns. The state is experiencing an increase to 16.83% in exceptional drought conditions. Extreme drought conditions have increased to 29.99% statewide. Stay informed about current water conditions.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article discusses the Texas Land Trends Report and what that means for Texas. 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.