A federal proposal would study the pasture mealybug threat

What happened

A newly introduced bill would ask USDA to study how pasture mealybugs damage grazing land and how to contain them.

The main points

• Texas Representative Monica De La Cruz introduced the proposal. The article reports a bill, not a law already in force.
• Texas Farm Bureau says the insect had been confirmed in 110 Texas counties when the September 30 story was published.
• The pest attacks several grasses used for grazing and hay. Affected plants can change color, stop growing well and die in patches.
• Texas Farm Bureau supports the proposed federal study and response work.

Why it matters to your ranch

Damage to pasture grass can reduce the feed a ranch grows for its animals.