Alternative crops offer producers diversification and late-planting options

Across Texas, alternative or nontraditional crops continue to find a significant role in many farming operations because they offer crop diversification or an additional opportunity for late-season planting after failed crops.

While some crops are limited by contract availability and marketing options, Texas producers plant almost 1 million acres of alternative crops such as sunflowers, sesame, Sudan grass, alfalfa and hemp, said Calvin Trostle, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agronomist, statewide hemp and alternative crop specialist and professor, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock.

“Alternative crops in Texas, especially for those producers who are willing to take the time to understand and optimize production practices and marketing opportunities, certainly have a place in diversified farming operations,” Trostle said. “And we in Texas A&M AgriLife have the expertise to help farmers make those management decisions.”

While rains have been scattered around the state, he said conditions in the lower South Plains and South Texas improved slightly from severe drought. However, the Panhandle region has not changed much in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Alternative crops around the state

Sunflowers

The 10,000-15,000 acres of sunflowers in the lower Rio Grande Valley, planted in February, will be ready for harvest in late June to July. Sunflowers in the High Plains, which are headed to the bird food market in Lubbock and oil crush market in Colorado, have kept acreage steady at about 15,000 acres and 10,000 acres, respectively.

“The sunflower has taught producers in these semi-arid regions that their roots are really good at getting to deep-soil moisture,” Trostle said. “This has definitely given those farmers in Hildalgo and Starr counties an alternative when moisture is short.”

In 2025, sunflower prices were good, he said, but the market has come down a bit this year to about $22 per hundredweight for oil crush and slightly higher for bird food. In 2025, the bird food market was offering $26 per hundredweight, and the oil crush market was $24-$25 per hundredweight.

Guar

Some farmers are planting guar on a contract basis as it offers a heat and drought-tolerant rotational crop, Trostle said. The processing plant in Brownfield is taking more acres, so now there are 15,000-20,000 acres planted.

The market price is low, 22.5 cents per hundredweight, but guar is inexpensive to grow and often chosen after a failed crop, he said. Also, cotton yields following a guar crop are typically better.

Guar is a nitrogen-fixing legume that producers have utilized as a rotation crop, especially for cotton. Its gum has also been marketed as an emulsifier for products used in oil and gas production and cosmetics.

“They have the processing plant running again and are having to import guar to stay at capacity,” he said. “The hope is to get the acreage up so they can offer a higher price for U.S.-grown guar and have less reliance on imports.”

Sesame and black-eyed peas

Sesame production in Texas continues in the Rolling Plains and into the Winter Garden area, with planting taking place primarily in May and June. Typically, somewhere between 50,000-75,000 acres are grown on a contract basis in Texas and directed to a processing plant in Oklahoma.

Black-eyed peas are another contracted crop, with growers spread across the state, but primarily in the High Plains. They are planted in June and early July, and acreage is dependent on contracts.

Summer annual forages

Another alternative is summer annual forage crops such as hybrid pearl millet and sorghum Sudan grass grown statewide on about 500,000 acres. They have a wide planting window and are very valuable to the livestock industry, including feedlots and dairy operations, Trostle said.

“They can be planted throughout the summer until August around Lubbock and still get a harvest, which makes them a valuable replacement for failed crops,” he said. “They are versatile because they don’t rely on physiological seed maturing, so they only need about 60-75 days to grow.”

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a perennial alternative crop where growers expect to get up to four years of growth. Texas grows about 60,000 acres of alfalfa annually. The high-value crop gets producers $275-$300 a ton for premium-to-supreme quality, prices that have remained steady from last year, Trostle said.

“It is the queen of forages for our dairy industry, but it is highly dependent on irrigation water in West Texas,” he said.

Hemp

Fiber hemp acreage has fallen to less than 500 acres in Texas, Trostle said, because the main processing plant is looking to northern Oklahoma and Kansas for production.

Trostle said multiple factors have contributed to declining hemp acreage.

“We are realizing the optimum production requires an earlier planting date that doesn’t align with traditional cropping patterns in Texas,” he said. “Producers also need a premium price to cover the involved risks associated with the regulatory requirements.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Panhandle

Rainfall was scattered across the district, with amounts ranging from less than 0.5 inches in some areas to 2.3 inches. A high temperature of 102 degrees was reported. Measurable moisture improved topsoil conditions in several counties and provided a significant boost to corn, sorghum and cotton that were emerging and developing across the district. Corn was growing quickly, while sorghum stands were reported as good, and cotton crop progress ranged from first to third true leaf stage. Wheat fields intended for grain continued to mature under generally favorable conditions, with harvest underway in some areas. Pastures began greening up where rain fell, and post-wildfire grass recovery was noted in some locations, though additional precipitation remained critical for rangeland and dryland crops throughout the district. Pasture and rangeland were in very poor to fair condition, and livestock were in poor to good condition across the district.

South Plains

Rainfall was highly variable across the district, with some areas recording more than 2 inches while others received only trace amounts. Hot, dry winds continued to crust soil surfaces and strip topsoil moisture in drier pockets. Cotton was progressing, with most fields showing decent stands emerging following recent rains. Producers addressed irrigated fields that needed replanting. Corn and sorghum both showed improvement following recent moisture, and sorghum was progressing well, with some fields already headed. Wheat harvest accelerated where conditions allowed, though yields were low in some counties. Pest pressure was active in several areas, with corn leafhopper, thrips cotton and heavy wireworm pressure reported. Weed control was an ongoing challenge following the rains. Potato harvest was expected by the end of the month, and cucumber planting was about 30% complete. Native pastures were greening up, and producers were reducing supplemental feeding, though subsoil moisture deficits remained a concern across much of the district.

Rolling Plains

Conditions across the district were mixed, with rainfall ranging from 2-4 inches in some eastern and northern areas while western and central portions remained hot, dry and windy. Soil moisture levels were mostly short to adequate. Wheat harvest was wrapping up in most areas, though some grain quality loss was reported where late rains interrupted harvest. Cotton planting continued at varying paces, with some fields showing spotty stands due to erratic soil moisture and some acres expected to be replanted. Sudan grass planting was more active than it has been in recent years, with producers taking advantage of planting windows between weather events. Corn was silking in many fields, and sorghum was approaching the boot stage and expected to head soon. Coastal Bermuda grass hay yields of 3,500 to more than 5,000 pounds per acre were reported in areas that received adequate rain, though some cut hay was damaged by subsequent showers. New World screwworm remained a concern for livestock producers across the district, and heat and humidity were affecting stocker cattle health in some areas. Livestock were mostly in fair to good condition, with some reports of poor and excellent conditions.

North

Wet conditions dominated the district, with cumulative rainfall totaling 1-6 inches and soils approaching saturation in some areas. Wheat harvest stalled across much of the district. One county estimated that roughly 30% of the wheat crop may not be harvested due to quality deterioration from continued wet weather. Corn and soybeans were progressing well, with soybeans in bloom across much of the district. Sorghum was planted and ranged from early development to headed. Nuisance and tabanid flies were numerous. Feral hog activity remained elevated. Pastures looked outstanding with abundant forage, and spring-born calves were performing well on grass. Farmers markets were active, with new potatoes, green beans, onions, squash, tomatoes and melons all being offered. Watermelon harvest was underway.

East

Conditions across the district were variable, and a moderate drought put stress on pastures and crops. Some counties received scattered showers, including reports of up to 2 inches of rain in localized areas. Temperatures reached the upper 80s to 90 degrees in several areas, with humidity building as the week progressed. Hay production was active with producers cutting and baling between dry intervals; one county reported hay yields of 2 tons per acre. Livestock were in fair to excellent condition overall, with forage availability strong across most of the district. Cattle markets remained mostly strong and steady, though prices dipped in some markets. New World screwworm detections in Texas generated significant producer concern and high volumes of questions to Extension offices, with agents working to direct producers to accurate information. Gardens and vegetable production were active, with new potatoes, green beans, onions, squash, tomatoes and melons appearing at local farmers markets.

Far West

Hot, dry and windy conditions prevailed across most of the district, though some areas received meaningful precipitation that provided relief to rangeland and crops. Temperatures climbed to 105 degrees in some areas. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were very short to short. Cotton planting was nearly complete across the eastern portions of the district, with emergence generally good despite wind and sand damage to young fields in some locations. Irrigated corn was in good condition, with roughly half of the fields tasseling and pollination progressing well. Melons were beginning to set fruit but running slightly behind schedule. Irrigation water from the Rio Grande River was supporting Pima and upland cotton, alfalfa and pecans. Haygrazer fields looked good in areas that received rain. Winter wheat harvests were significantly lower than recent seasons. Supplemental feeding for livestock continued. Pasture and rangeland showed improvement where rain fell but remained under stress in the driest portions of the district. New World screwworm was raising concern.

West Central

Some areas received more than 1 inch of rainfall, while others remained dry. Temperatures remained in the 90s with heat indexes crossing 100 degrees. Conditions varied considerably across the district. Some areas enjoyed good soil moisture, while others remained dry with winds accelerating moisture loss. Hay cutting and baling were in full swing where conditions permitted, with coastal Bermuda grass and Sudan grass being harvested. Some fields/pastures were beyond optimum stage for top quality, but yields were good. Cotton planting continued at a fast pace as producers raced ahead of forecast rain chances and a closing planting window. Wheat harvest was wrapping up, with below-average yields reported in multiple counties. Haygrazer pastures were performing well with the recent moisture. Livestock markets were active, with stocker steers, feeder steers and pairs all seeing higher prices at sale. Range and pasture conditions were improving in areas that received rain, but other parts of the district still needed additional moisture to sustain summer forage growth. Livestock were in good condition overall, with some supplemental feeding continuing in drier areas. Stock tank water levels stabilized in some areas.

Central

Rainfall was uneven across the district, from missed showers in some counties to 4-7 inches in others. Street flooding and high water at low-water crossings were reported in the wettest areas. Stock tanks filled where the heaviest rain fell. The heat index climbed well over 100 degrees by the end of the week, and corn was beginning to show signs of heat stress in some locations. Silage harvest was starting, and wheat and oat harvest were nearly complete, though yields were below average in several counties. Cotton was squaring and setting bolls across much of the district, but wet conditions were slowing the crop where soils remained saturated. Hay cutting was active but delayed in some counties, with fields past peak quality due to delays related to persistent rainfall. Pasture mealybug was confirmed in multiple counties and was being monitored. Aerial treatment was applied in some locations. Livestock looked good, but some producers continued to provide supplemental feed. River flows remained high, and stock tanks continued filling across the wetter portions of the district.

Southeast

Rainfall continued across the district, with totals of 1 inch to more than 2 inches reported in several counties. Corn and sorghum continued to respond well to the moisture, with corn silking and sorghum headed in much of the district. Cotton was squaring, with early-planted fields beginning to set bolls. Pasture and range conditions were improving, though pasture mealybug infestations were causing significant damage in some pastures. Hay production was slowed by rain but remained active between events, with haygrazer fields growing well. Producer inquiries about New World screwworm were high throughout the district. White-tailed deer fawns were appearing.

Southwest

Wet and humid conditions continued across the district. Bands of moisture associated with a tropical system brought additional rainfall to eastern counties late in the week. Flooding was expected in some areas. Warm temperatures and consistent rainfall were driving active forage and crop growth, though excessive moisture and humidity were increasing the incidence of fungal diseases in some crops. Pasture and rangeland conditions were generally good and improving in areas with moisture. Pasture mealybug infestations continued to spread, with increasing reports from multiple counties and visible effects on pastures in affected areas. Corn ranged from silking to dough stage, and both rice and sorghum were progressing. Livestock were in fair to excellent condition overall, with ample grazing available.

Coastal Bend

Saturated soils and recurring showers presented difficult field conditions for producers across much of the district. Producers relied on aerial application for pest and weed management in some areas. Cotton was stressed by prolonged wet conditions in some fields. Some cotton was responding well to the combination of moisture and warmth, with many fields in the candle square stage. Fleahopper counts reached treatment thresholds in some fields. Earlier-planted fields already had blooms and small bolls, shifting scouting emphasis toward bollworms, stink bugs and Lygus bugs. Headworms in grain sorghum were a problem in some areas, but harvest was approaching for maturing fields. Corn and grain sorghum prospects were described as fair to excellent where excessive moisture had not caused deterioration. Pasture mealybug continued spreading and was affecting forage quality in some counties. Rice fields had low numbers of rice delphacid identified and were developing well. Range and pasture conditions were excellent, with cattle gaining weight and body condition.

South

Hot, humid conditions persisted across the district, with heat index values reaching 105-110 degrees in parts of the lower Rio Grande Valley. Most counties reported rain. Rainfall was locally heavy, with one area reporting 8 inches in a single event. Soils were saturated in some locations, while other areas received only light scattered showers. Grain sorghum harvest was underway in the southernmost counties but was slowed or halted by rain in several areas. Corn was drying down in some counties while still in dough and dent stages in others. Cotton was progressing through squaring and boll-set stages, with active management for pests. Peanut planting continued and neared completion, with early-planted peanuts in the pegging stage. Cantaloupe and watermelon harvests were active with producers reporting excellent yields and good fruit quality. Citrus trees were developing fruit and should respond well to the additional rainfall. New World screwworm confirmed cases were reported, and producers were monitoring for wounds in livestock, taking fly control measures and in contact with animal health officials. Pasture and range conditions were mostly good to excellent, and livestock were performing well. Cattle sales slowed in some areas as producers held animals on abundant grass. Some hay baling was delayed by wet conditions, but many fields were cut before the rains. Stock tank water levels were replenished.