A Gaines County man faces theft charges after allegedly taking more than 100 tons of hay without payment, at a time when drought conditions are affecting parts of the state and hay remains in steady demand.
Anthony Xavier Flores was arrested Oct. 1 by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Michael Looney on charges of theft of property. The arrest comes after a months-long investigation into hay theft in Terry County.
According to Special Ranger Looney, who opened the investigation in May 2025, evidence and witness statements indicated Flores had unlawfully taken possession of the hay after agreeing to pay for it following pickup. When Flores failed to meet the agreed payment deadline, the victim reported the incident to authorities.
Flores repeatedly avoided Special Rangers Michael Looney and Tod Reed's attempts to make contact before later surrendering at the Gaines County Sheriff's Office.
The theft occurs amid a challenging market for Texas hay producers and livestock owners. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service Texas Direct Hay Report released Oct. 3, hay prices remained steady with light to good demand across the state, bolstered in part by cooler temperatures increasing demand.
The market value of the stolen hay would be substantial, with premium quality large square bales of alfalfa currently selling for $235-245 per ton delivered in the Panhandle region. Even lower quality large round bales of Bermuda grass are commanding $75-85 per bale in South Texas.
The theft is particularly significant as parts of Texas continue to experience drought conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports severe drought expansion in the Austin area, along with moderate drought conditions spreading to neighboring areas. These conditions can lead to higher hay prices and limited availability for ranchers needing to feed livestock.
In central Texas, where some isolated rainfall provided limited relief, premium Bermuda grass in small square bales is selling for $10 per bale, while North Texas producers are receiving $80 per bale for good quality large round bales of second-cut Bermuda.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Terry County District Attorney's Office, Terry County Sheriff's Office and Gaines County Sheriff's Office, highlighting the seriousness with which agricultural theft is treated in the region.
The next Texas hay market report is scheduled to be released on October 17, 2025.
