One of the biggest confusion points in brush management is the decision between removing, reducing, or manipulating woody plants. Past management decisions have addressed the symptoms of woody encroachment but not the root cause of the problem. To contribute to the efforts to confront the loss of grasslands at county and state, clarity is needed on which woody species need complete removal versus species who can be reduced or manipulated without the threat of grassland loss.
Prescribed Fire Grants for Texas Plains Region are Open
The Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting grant applications for the State Fire Assistance for Mitigation – Plains Prescribed Fire Grant through August 30th, 2023.
[Read more…] about Prescribed Fire Grants for Texas Plains Region are Open
Weak El Niño Now, But Likely to Grow Through Winter
Despite being weak, El Niño conditions continue to be in place, after the event was deemed officially underway a month ago. This is the first El Niño in four years and there is a 90% chance that these conditions will remain throughout winter.
[Read more…] about Weak El Niño Now, But Likely to Grow Through Winter
NIFA Invests $9 million in Extension, Education and USDA Climate Hubs Partnership
We are excited to announce that Drs. Morgan Treadwell, Melissa Shehane, and Ben Wu will be continuing education and extension Prairie Project efforts after receiving a $1.5 million grant from the USDA-NIFA Extension, Education and USDA Climate Hubs Partnership program area priority within AFRI’s Foundational and Applied Science Program to support a project titled, “Promoting Climate-Smart Agricultural Practice to Reduce Risk and Impacts of Drought, Wildfire and Woody Encroachment on Livestock Production.”
[Read more…] about NIFA Invests $9 million in Extension, Education and USDA Climate Hubs Partnership
22.4 Million Tons of Rangeland Production Lost to Woody Encroachment in Great Plains Grasslands
Did you know that 22.4 million tons of rangeland production are lost annually in the Great Plains to woody encroachment? Or that The Great Plains accounts for approximately 95% of the nation’s lost rangeland production to woody encroachment?
Fire Field Day, CIPBM Exam, and 6 CFTS!
Are you interested in becoming a licensed Prescribed Burn Manager with the Texas Department of Agriculture? Have you seen our Fire Field Day that we are having in August?
Intense and Lengthened Fire Weather Conditions – Becoming More Common
As the peak of summer approaches, drought conditions become alarmingly extended, and extended triple digit heat cripples and crunches native grasses, and convective storms rage dry lightning, it’s crucial that ranchers equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to combat any extreme conditions, namely summer wildfire season. Fire weather days are a mix of low humidity, strong winds and high temperatures. The number of these days has increased in the lower 48 states in the past 50 years alone.
[Read more…] about Intense and Lengthened Fire Weather Conditions – Becoming More Common
Wildfire SAFE App!
Depending on where you live in the United States, Wildfire season is either upon you or coming up. Crucial information about weather updates and knowing when and where potential severe fire conditions are key. Did you know that the Wildfire SAFE is an app that provides all of this information?
A Drought, El Niño, and Forage Update
Parts of Texas have received quite a bit of rain over the last month, some more than 5 inches, while some parts in West Texas have seen less than an inch. However, the rain across the state has helped significantly with drought conditions.
Evaluating Predation on Livestock
With newborn livestock on the ground, predators can increase on your lands. Depending on where you live, some of the most common predators include; coyotes, birds, dogs, hogs, and snakes.