This Side of the Highway's Grass May Be Greener, But Is It Edible?

Since so many of you were wondering, we're passing along word the Dallas District Office of Texas Department of Transportation is checking to see if the grass growing on the side of the highway is viable for livestock feed. After we wrote about this rancher who drove six hours north...

By Kimberly Thorpe

August 13, 2009

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Since so many of you were wondering, we're passing along word the Dallas District Office of Texas Department of Transportation is checking to see if the grass growing on the side of the highway is viable for livestock feed.

After we wrote about this rancher who drove six hours north to buy bales of hay for his cattle because of the severe drought in south-central Texas, we wondered about the grass growing near the intersection of eastbound Highway 80 and LBJ Freeway. Is it hay? Can it be sent south to ranchers?

The TxDot public information officer in Mesquite tells Unfair Park that while it sounded like a good idea, there were a number of possible complications. For one, if it's not hay, can the stuff still be used for feed? Will local drivers complain if TxDOT lets the grass grow long along the highways?

We'll keep you posted.

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