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Invasive pasture mealybug spreads to 70 Texas counties, threatening hayfields and pastures, report says
By Joseph Rowe at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
An invasive insect is rapidly spreading across Texas, threatening millions of acres of pastureland and raising new concerns for the state's cattle and hay producers.
Why this matters in Westlake News
The spread of the invasive pasture mealybug to 70 Texas counties has significant implications for Westlake's agricultural community. With the region's strong presence of cattle and hay producers, the potential economic impact of this infestation cannot be overstated. Local farmers and ranchers who rely on healthy pastures and hayfields to sustain their livestock may face substantial losses if the mealybug is not effectively managed. The effects could also be felt by consumers, as decreased hay production and lower cattle yields may lead to increased prices for beef and dairy products in the Austin area. As the situation unfolds, Westlake residents can expect to see increased efforts from local agricultural extension offices and pest management services to educate farmers and ranchers on strategies to mitigate the damage caused by the invasive mealybug.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Westlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An invasive insect is rapidly spreading across Texas, threatening millions of acres of pastureland and raising new concerns for the state's cattle and hay producers.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News and curated for Westlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joseph Rowe at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News. To learn more about how Westlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from Westlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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