Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Wichita County

08/31/2026

When a NWS Infested Zone (IZ) is released, here's what happens:

1. TAHC posts a new executive order announcing the area is released.
2. Effective immediately, movement restrictions are lifted in the released area.
3. Response efforts may continue in the area, including sterile fly releases, fly trapping, and animal inspections.
4. Producers remain vigilant and continue to regularly check their animals.

Zone releases mark an important milestone, but it doesn't mean the risk is gone. Keep checking animals regularly, practice NWS prevention, and report suspected cases right away. These activities help detect problems early and protect Texas livestock, wildlife, and other animals from NWS.

08/31/2026

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) executive director officially released movement restrictions for areas of Texas previously deemed as New World screwworm (NWS) Infested Zones. Following months of coordinated surveillance and eradication activities, designated areas of Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, and Webb Counties were released from New World Screwworm (NWS) movement restrictions on August 31, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Texas' ongoing NWS response.

Read the full press release:https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2026/2026-08-31_EDO_NWSZoneReleases.pdf

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

If you need hay, feed, transport, or grazing land, or if you can donate or provide support, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Hay & Feed Hotline is here to help.

This free statewide marketplace connects ranchers, farmers, sellers, transporters, and landowners to keep livestock supported during disaster. Post what you need, offer what you can, and access real‑time tools and alerts—all in one place.

Visit the Hay & Feed Hotline to get or give help today: https://texasagriculture.gov/Home/Production-Agriculture/Hay-Hotline

08/28/2026

Education that leads to action is what strengthens Texas rangelands.

The Midland/Ector County Rangeland Revival Seminar brought together landowners, ranchers, and natural resource professionals to learn about key topics impacting working lands across West Texas. The results demonstrate the value of investing in producer education and science-based management.

✅ 275,553 acres represented
✅ 100% of participants increased their knowledge
✅ 80% plan to adopt at least one practice learned at the seminar
✅ 100% increased their understanding of remediation, reclamation, and restoration
✅ 71% learned more about the value of targeted grazing
✅ 71% increased their understanding of prescribed fire as a range management tool

A special shoutout to Brady Evans, Midland/Ector County Extension Agent, for organizing and hosting this impactful program. Brady's commitment to delivering practical, research-based information continues to benefit landowners and natural resource managers across the region.

When knowledge turns into action on the ground, the benefits extend beyond individual ranches to healthier rangelands, more resilient operations, and stronger rural communities.

08/27/2026

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension) sharing a Landowner Liability Resources guide. The resource highlights key legal topics for agricultural landowners, including liability protection strategies, required and recommended farm and ranch signage, recreational user liability, risk management practices, and related educational resources such as fact sheets, blog posts, and podcast episodes.
Landowner Liability Factsheet: https://agrilife.org/texasaglaw/files/2022/09/How-Landowners-Can-Protect-Themselves-From-Liability.pdf
Farm Signage:
https://agrilife.org/texasaglaw/2021/08/16/questions-from-tiffanys-desk-what-signs-do-i-need-on-my-farm-ranch/
Landowner Liability Episodes:
https://aglaw.libsyn.com/category/Landowner+Liability

08/27/2026

Tooth & Claw Thursday: Coyote Myths
Myth: If you see coyotes, your LGDs are failing.
Truth: Predator presence does not always mean predator loss. LGDs reduce risk, but coyotes may still move through the landscape.
LGD Tip: Measure success by reduced losses, dog-livestock association, and predator avoidance, not by whether coyotes disappear completely.

08/26/2026

This week's fires south of us drives home the point to PREPARE! Check out these links for information on how you can prepare yourself and your land for a potential wildfire.

Protect your ranch from wildfires with strategies for risk management, infrastructure protection, livestock evacuation, and recovery planning.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

On National Dog Day, we're celebrating the unsung heroes of agriculture. 🐾

Farm and ranch dogs embody loyalty, grit, and a strong work ethic. They help move cattle, watch over livestock, greet visitors, and stand by our side from sunrise to sunset.

Life on the farm just wouldn't be the same without them.

Here's to the dogs who work hard, love unconditionally, and never miss a ride in the pickup. ❤️🚜

Share a picture of your farm or ranch dog below!