Removing Cactus on Texas Land: Burning Spines for Cattle Feed

Paul considered buying Texas land with heavy cactus cover. He'd heard of burning spines with a propane torch so cattle can eat the pads.

Feasibility

This is practiced (especially for spineless Opuntia cultivars or after burning spines off wild ones). Cattle eat the pads readily once spines/glochids are gone.

Questions

• Are they mostly Opuntia (flat pads)?
• Mechanical removal (grubbing) may be more practical for large areas.
• Prescribed fire can control but not eradicate.

The expert offered to discuss further if Paul shared details.