NewsDrop-April-2024

HAY SPRIGGING WITH COLE AND SCOTT YANTA

By: Isabel Martinez EAA Senior Permit & Conservation Coordinator

AGRICULTURE OUT WEST

The EAA region has a rich history in farming and agriculture production given that almost 50% of Edwards Aquifer permits to withdraw water from the Edwards Aquifer are involved in agriculture irriga tion. In Medina and Uvalde Counties, agriculture producers rely on Edwards Aquifer groundwater to grow various crops such as corn, cotton, sorghum, and hay as well as raise various livestock. For gener ations these crops have continued to provide a way of life for these families, sustenance for our com munities, and commodities for various industries.

What better way to tell the stories of these farming communities than to take you out West with us as we meet with these agriculture produc ers who turn their acres of land into bountifully rooted farms. The EAA’s “Agriculture Out West” series will feature some of the crops that are raised in these communities as well as highlight the people who are responsible for continuing the legacy of their agribusinesses.

Tune into our first highlight on this hay crop, which is a vital food source for livestock animals.

For this issue, we hit the road, and arrived at a farm owned by fifth generation farmer, Cole Yanta. This farm was in the process of beginning hay sprigging to grow coastal bermudagrass. This crop is a popular grass variety used to make hay bales, which are eventually purchased by farmers and ranchers to feed their horses, sheep, goats, and cattle due to its high fiber content. It is a

perennial crop, meaning it only needs to be planted once and will continue to grow when given proper care. The hay grass is allowed to grow for approximately one month and then it is cut and allowed to dry. Once dry, it will be baled and shipped to feed stores in the San Antonio area and Hill Country.

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