If you’re a new landowner in Texas, you’re in a great position to take advantage of the many resources available to you!!! Texas has a rich and diverse group of natural resource organizations, agencies, and experts ready to assist you, often at little to no cost. There is a new publication written by Chase Brooke, Dr. Morgan Treadwell, Dr. David Matarrita-Cascante, and MK Futrell from the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management that highlights a variety of services, including cost-share opportunities, expert knowledge, planning assistance, and other support aimed at improving rangeland management practices and conservation.
There are several state agencies and organizations provide valuable resources for Texas landowners:
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
- Texas Grazing Land Coalition (TXGLC)
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
There are Federal agencies that also offer significant support to Texas landowners:
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):
- USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA):
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
- USDA Rural Development (RD):
- National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS):
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE):
In addition to State and Federal, there are local and regional agencies/organizations
- Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD):
- County Appraisal District (CAD):
- Prescribed Burn Associations (PBA):
- Wildlife Management Associations (WMA):
Texas has a vast number of Professional Associations and Organizations. These organizations also offer valuable networking opportunities. Some of these organizations include:
- Texas Farm Bureau
- Texas Section – Society for Range Management
- Texas Wildlife Association
- Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
- Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association
To gain a complete understanding of what the listed agencies and associations do and how they can support you, be sure to check out the full publication.