How PFAS Contamination Reaches Farms in East Texas

Farms across East Texas depend on clean water sources to keep livestock healthy and crops productive. When PFAS chemicals enter those systems, the damage does not always show up right away. You may not know anything is wrong until your animals stop gaining weight or your soil starts behaving differently than it used to.

PFAS in Water Supplies Used by Farmers

Contaminated irrigation canals, runoff collection ponds, and groundwater wells have all been linked to PFAS in agricultural regions. When livestock drink from these water sources or when crops are watered with them, the chemicals can settle into the food chain over time. You might notice changes in milk production, fertility, or soil chemistry that seem hard to explain until testing reveals the presence of PFAS.

Your chemical exposure (PFAS) attorney in East Texas with Goff Law, PLLC can help trace where those chemicals came from and whether nearby industrial sites or military training areas are to blame. Once we know how the contamination spread, we can start gathering records and soil or water testing data to support your case.

PFAS in Soil and Feed Crops

Once PFAS settles into your soil, it tends to stay there. These chemicals do not break down easily, which means they can sit in your pastures and fields for years. If you grow feed crops like corn or hay, your animals may be exposed long before anyone realizes there is a problem. Even low levels of PFAS in the soil can build up over time and affect everything from fertility rates to weight gain.

For many farmers, the first signs show up slowly. Maybe you notice animals eating less, gaining weight more slowly, or acting differently than they used to. However, when you test your soil and the results point to PFAS, your priorities can change quickly, especially if that contamination came from somewhere outside your farm.

PFAS in Dairy and Beef Production

When cattle consume water or feed contaminated with PFAS, the chemicals do not just pass through their system. Over time, those compounds can settle into muscle and fat tissue or show up in the milk produced by lactating cows. You might not notice anything unusual at first, especially if your animals appear healthy and your operation is running smoothly. As more farms test their products, it becomes clear that PFAS contamination can quietly enter the food supply.

If you sell milk or beef to processors, you may be held responsible for contamination you never caused. That makes it even more important to confirm where your water and feed come from, and whether those sources have been tested. We have worked with farmers in similar situations who needed help tracing the contamination back to a specific facility or product. With the right data, you can begin protecting your herd and your reputation before the issue gets worse.