West Texas Rangelands
West Texas RangelandsWe hope to provide a variety of science-based rangeland information and current research on prescribed fire, wildfires, brush management, and grazing management!

Using Birds to Read Rangeland Health

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Birds are more than just a welcome sight on Texas rangelands. They can also tell us a great deal about the condition of our land. Because birds respond quickly to changes in vegetation, water availability, and management practices, they are valuable indicators of overall land health.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recently released A Texas Landowner’s Guide to Conducting a Bird Survey, a research-based publication designed to help landowners better understand the bird species using their property and what those observations can reveal about habitat conditions.

Why Conduct a Bird Survey?

Bird surveys give landowners a practical way to “check the pulse” of their property. The presence or absence of certain bird species can reflect changes in plant diversity, forage structure, and wildlife habitat. Rather than focusing on a single species, a general bird survey looks at the broader bird community and how it relates to current land management.

Over time, repeated observations can help landowners track trends, document stewardship efforts, and evaluate whether management goals are being met.

Designed with Landowners in Mind

This AgriLife Extension guide is written specifically for Texas landowners, not professional bird biologists. It introduces bird surveys in a practical, approachable way that fits working ranches and rural properties.

The publication explains the basics of conducting a general bird survey, why bird data are useful for land management, and where to find birding resources and equipment. It is especially helpful for landowners who are new to bird surveys or looking to incorporate wildlife monitoring into an existing management plan.

Turning Observations into Action

Collecting information is only useful if it can inform decisions. Bird survey data can help landowners evaluate habitat conditions, identify areas for improvement, and better understand how wildlife responds to management practices.

While bird surveys are not regulatory requirements, they offer a voluntary, science-based tool that complements broader rangeland and wildlife management strategies. They can also help landowners better communicate their stewardship efforts with partners, agencies, or the community.

Building Skills Over Time

The guide recognizes that bird identification can feel intimidating at first. However, bird surveying is a skill that improves with practice. By using available resources and learning over time, landowners can gain confidence and make bird surveys a meaningful part of their land management toolbox.

Learn More

A Texas Landowner’s Guide to Conducting a Bird Survey is available through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. For more information or assistance, contact your local AgriLife Extension office and explore additional wildlife and rangeland management resources.

Fire Field Day – Mason, Tx: A Hands-On Learning Experience for Landowners

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Landowners, ranchers, and natural resource managers across the region are invited to take part in an exciting and educational Fire Field Day.  The event is slated for March 21, 2026, at the scenic White Ranch in Mason, Texas. This in-person workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from prescribed fire experts and the Central Basin Prescribed Burn Association (PBA).

With growiA promotional flyer for a “Fire Field Day” event in Mason, Texas, featuring a background photo of an active grass fire with flames and smoke. Event details include date, time, location at White Ranch, and host information. The flyer highlights topics such as prescribed burning, brushpile burning, fire management objectives, regulations, and safe techniques. It notes lunch is provided, the event is free, CEUs are available, and participants may observe a live demonstration. A registration link is included at the bottom.ng interest in safe and effective rangeland management practices, prescribed fire has become an essential tool for improving rangeland health, reducing wildfire risk, and managing brush and tree encroachment. This event is designed to equip participants with both foundational knowledge and practical, hands-on experience.

What to Expect at Fire Field Day
The workshop runs from 8:30am to 2:00pm, and lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees. The day includes expert-led discussions and demonstrations focusing on:

⭐ Fire Management Objectives
Learn why fire is such an effective ecological tool, how it benefits rangelands, and what outcomes you can expect when applying prescribed burning on your property.

⭐ Laws and Regulations
Prescribed fire is a powerful tool that comes with responsibilities. Attendees will gain clarity on Texas laws governing burn plans, permitting, liability, and proper safety protocols.

⭐ Safe Fire Techniques for Your Property
From ignition methods to firebreak preparation, participants will walk away with practical strategies they can apply at home.

Weather permitting, the event will also feature a live prescribed fire or brushpile burn demonstration, giving attendees a chance to observe fire behavior and management techniques in real time.

This Fire Field Day is proudly hosted by the Central Basin Prescribed Burn Association, with support from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Prescribed Burn Alliance of Texas. These organizations are committed to helping landowners apply safe, science-based fire practices to improve their rangeland and encourage healthier ecosystems across the region.

Why Prescribed Fire Matters
Prescribed burning is one of the most cost-effective and natural methods for managing unwanted brush and trees, improving wildlife habitat, stimulating new plant growth, and reducing the intensity of future wildfires. For many Texas landowners, gaining confidence and practical knowledge is the key first step toward implementing burns on their own property.

This workshop is an ideal starting point, whether you are brand new to prescribed fire or looking to expand your experience with support from certified professionals.

We hope you will mark your calendar and JOIN US!
📍 Location: White Ranch – 15071 Ranch Road 1871, Mason, TX
📅 Date: March 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM–2:00 PM
💲 Cost: FREE
🍽️ Lunch Included
📜 CEU’s Available

For more information and to register please visit: TX.AG/MASONFIREFIELDDAY
Spaces often fill quickly for hands-on burn workshops so don’t miss this chance to learn from experts and connect with landowners across the region.

Stay Connected with Us!
Follow along for more land management events, educational workshops, and updates across the region.

The Long-Term Cost of Overgrazing—and How to Avoid It

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Rangeland health is shaped by cumulative management decisions rather than single events. Grazing practices that consider timing, recovery, and monitoring support long-term productivity and resilience.

Avoiding overgrazing requires consistency, observation, and flexibility. Just as our environmental conditions change (whiplash drought), so must our grazing strategies.

Connecting the Pieces

Understanding overgrazing, reading rangeland condition, and applying recovery-based grazing strategies work together. Each piece informs the next, creating a management approach that responds to what rangeland needs.

When these elements are aligned, rangelands are better equipped to handle drought, variable weather, fires, woody plant encroachment, and changing conditions.

Long-Term Benefits of Intentional Grazing

Over time, well-managed grazing supports stronger plant communities, improved soil cover, and greater forage stability. These benefits accumulate gradually, reinforcing the importance of patience and long-term thinking.

Stewardship Over Short-Term Gains

Successful rangeland management prioritizes sustainability over short-term use. Grazing decisions made with long-term outcomes in mind help ensure rangelands remain productive and functional for future generations. These strategies also create more flexibility across the operation because pastures are kept productive, healthy, and ready for the next grazing rotation despite challenging environmental conditions.

What Long-Term Success Looks Like on Rangeland

Long-term rangeland success is not defined by a single good year, but by consistent patterns over time. Healthy rangelands tend to show stable plant communities, adequate ground cover, and the ability to recover after grazing or environmental stress.

Successful grazing systems remain flexible. Stocking rates, timing, and pasture use are adjusted based on current conditions rather than fixed plans or continuous use. Monitoring becomes a regular habit, allowing managers to respond early instead of reacting after damage has occurred.

Over time, this approach supports more reliable forage production, improved soil protection, and greater resilience during drought and variable weather. Long-term success is built through intentional decisions made season after season, with the rangeland guiding every single management choice.

Prepared Today, Resilient Tomorrow: Making Wildfire Preparedness Part of Rangeland Stewardship

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Wildfire risk is a natural part of West Texas rangelands, but preparedness is most effective when it is part of ongoing land stewardship. Managing rangelands with long-term resilience in mind not only protects property and resources, but also supports ecosystem health and sustainable operations. 

Integrating Preparedness into Stewardship Practices 
Preparedness begins with everyday land management decisions. Practices such as targeted grazing, rotational grazing, and selective vegetation management help reduce fuel loads while maintaining healthy grass and brush cover. These strategies are not one-time solutions—they are ongoing practices that strengthen the landscape over years. 

Infrastructure and Access as a Stewardship Tool 
Maintaining roads, fence lines, water sources, and access points is a long-term investment in rangeland resilience. Clear access allows for safe movement of equipment and personnel if wildfire conditions arise. Roads and defensible corridors also serve as strategic breaks in fuel, reducing potential fire spread while supporting everyday operations. 

Monitoring Conditions Over Time 
Ongoing observation of vegetation, fuel, and weather trends is central to long-term preparedness. Tools like the Jornada Rangeland Analysis Platform provide historical and current data on vegetation growth and drought patterns. Combining this data with on-the-ground monitoring helps landowners make adaptive decisions, such as adjusting grazing or vegetation treatments, in a way that supports both land health and wildfire preparedness. 

Preparedness as a Continuous Practice
Long-term wildfire preparedness is not about expecting a fire every year. It is about creating a resilient, well-managed landscape that can better withstand unpredictable events. Maintaining native grasses, managing fuel continuity, and planning infrastructure improvements over time ensures the land remains productive and safer under a variety of conditions. 

Building Resilient Rangelands
By treating preparedness as part of overall stewardship, landowners reinforce their long-term investment in rangeland health. The combined effect of fuel management, infrastructure planning, monitoring, and adaptive management reduces potential wildfire impact while sustaining the ecological and economic productivity of West Texas rangelands. 

Fuel, Weather, and Risk: Monitoring Wildfire Conditions on Your Land

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Wildfire risk on rangelands is influenced by changing conditions rather than a fixed season. Weather patterns, vegetation growth, and fuel dryness all vary throughout the year. Monitoring these conditions helps landowners and managers understand when wildfire risk may increase and supports better decision-making. 

Tracking Fuel Conditions
One of the most important factors to watch is fuel condition. Grasses and other fine fuels dry at different rates depending on temperature, wind, and recent precipitation. After periods of rainfall, rangelands may produce increased vegetation that later becomes dry fuel. Observing changes in fuel amount and dryness over time provides valuable context for management activities. 

Watching Weather Patterns
Weather conditions also play a key role. Low humidity, strong winds, and extended dry periods can increase fire potential. Monitoring forecasts and short-term weather trends helps identify periods when caution may be needed. These conditions can occur at any time of year in West Texas, including winter months. 

Using Regional Data Tools
In addition to on-the-ground observations, land managers can use online tools to track broader trends. The Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) provides data and visual tools that help users assess vegetation productivity, drought patterns, and long-term rangeland conditions. This platform allows landowners to view changes across large areas and compare current conditions to historical averages. 

Connecting Data with Local Knowledge
Using tools like RAP alongside local knowledge creates a clearer picture of rangeland conditions. While no single dataset can predict wildfire, combining field observations with regional data improves awareness and supports informed planning. 

Applying What You Observe
Monitoring conditions also helps guide everyday decisions. Timing of equipment use, grazing rotations, or vegetation treatments can be adjusted based on current fuel and weather conditions. This approach reduces unnecessary risk while maintaining normal land management operations. 

Staying Aware Over Time
Monitoring is not about expecting wildfire to occur. Instead, it is a way to stay informed and adaptable. Conditions change, and understanding those changes helps landowners respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. 

Restoring Rangeland in Sterling County: Combating Compaction with Bamert Seed Company

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In the arid landscapes of West Texas, where shallow soils and unpredictable rainfall define the rangeland ecosystem, stewardship is key to maintaining productivity and preventing long-term degradation. Sterling County has faced a relentless drought over the past few years, exacerbating challenges for livestock producers. Compounded by disturbances from transmission line work in 2023, which compacted soils and stripped vegetation, one particular site required urgent intervention to stabilize against erosion and potential desertification.

 

 

Back in May 2023, the drought spanning about 2.5 years at that point, had already stressed the aboveground plant communities, reducing forage production, species diversity, and ground cover. Belowground, soil health suffered, with diminished water infiltration, stability, and structure. The transmission work further altered the site’s ability to respond to rainfall, threatening infinite impacts on productivity.

 

 

Recommended Seed Mix and Reseeding Protocol

In order to begin restoring the compacted and degraded site, we knew we needed to promote rapid germination and establishment of native, perennial grasses. So we focused on a seed-mix of diverse blend of cool- and warm-season grasses, incorporating short, mid, and tall structures for functional variety. Forbs were also included to enhance biodiversity and soil cover. Here’s the full recommended species list:

Category: Grass

Species include:

  • Common curly mesquite
  • Buffalograss
  • Sideoats grama
  • Little bluestem
  • Green sprangletop
  • Blue grama
  • Hairy grama
  • White tridens
  • Sand dropseed
  • Silver bluestem
  • Hooded Windmill Grass
  • Canada Wildrye

Category: Forbs

Species:

  • Engelmann’s daisy
  • Orange zexmenia
  • Bush sunflower

We worked with Brian Hays of Bamert Seed Company (contact: 806-395-3141) to prep the site and prepare the seed mix. Given the disturbance’s intensity and landowner’s commitment to rangeland function and process, frequent monitoring was advised to detect early erosion or invasive species.

 

 

Collaborative Research Demonstration: Monitoring Reseeding Impacts

Building on these recommendations, reseeding strategies were implemented in 2024 on the disturbed and compacted rangeland. We’re proud to collaborate with Sterling County Extension Agent Caleb Kott on this as a research demonstration project. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts in stabilizing the site and restoring productivity.

 

 

Our monitoring uses on-the-ground monitoring applying point intercept cover transects to assess vegetation establishment and ground cover changes over time. Talk to Caleb for more information on his Research Demonstration report! Complementing this fieldwork, we leverage data from the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) to track biomass production and analyze long-term trends. This dual approach helps quantify how reseeding mitigates erosion risks and combats desertification in vulnerable West Texas soils.

 

 

Insights from Historical and Current Production Data

RAP data provides a clear picture of the site’s challenges and progress. Over the long-term period from 1986 to 2025, the average annual production is 1,100 lbs/acre. In this figure, a distinct drop in production in 2023 occurred, and the second disturbance occurred shortly after from the transmission line construction.

For 2025 specifically, cumulative production through mid-September stands at 572 lbs/acre, which is about 63.13% of the long-term average for that date (906 lbs/acre). Here’s a snapshot of the 16-day incremental production trends for 2025:

These figures underscore the ongoing recovery needs, but early data from our reseeding demonstration suggests positive shifts in cover and stability—insights we’ll continue to share as monitoring progresses.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Rangeland Management

Projects like this highlight the resilience of West Texas rangelands when proactive measures are taken. By addressing soil erosion head-on and restoring native vegetation, we’re not just aiding one producer but contributing to broader efforts against desertification in drought-prone regions. If you’re facing similar challenges, reach out to your local County Extension agent for tailored advice. And definitely have a conversation with our friends at Bamert Seed Company.  They are instrumental at putting all these pieces of the restoration puzzle together, especially on shallow soils of semi-arid rangelands.  Together, we can ensure these vital ecosystems thrive for generations.

 

Five Characteristics of a Rangeland Steward

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What a privilege to be asked by West Texas Rangelands to write a short article about “Five Characteristics of a Rangeland Steward!” My range career started in the seventh grade when I participated in my first 4-H Rangeland Evaluation Contest in Junction, Texas.  However, I didn’t learn about rangeland stewardship until I was a junior in high school while attending the Texas Section Youth Range Workshop.  Since the inception of YRW, the rangeland stewardship component has been a fundamental component.  So important that we start and finish each day with STEWARDSHIP.  The following five characteristics of a rangeland steward are in no particular order for I feel that the whole is greater than the parts.

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Cheatgrass in Texas Lower Rolling Plains

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What is Cheatgrass? Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), is an invasive annual species. This species poses a significant ecological threat to the Southern Great Plains of Texas, particularly in the Rolling Plains Region. Cheatgrass will displace native grasses such as sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). These dominant, perennial, native grasses are key to maintaining soil stability, biodiversity, and forage quality (D’Antonio & Vitousek, 1992; Chambers et al., 2014).

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70 Questions Important for Grassland Conservation

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Did you know that Grasslands are crucial to global food security, rangeland economies, carbon storage, and a variety of ecosystem services? Did you know that 31-43% of global lands are grasslands? 

A Management Priorities Working Group (MPWG) comprised of 11 individuals was tasked with identifying and reviewing the management related documents in order to: 

1) Synthesize grassland management goals and challenges.

2) Identify questions and information needed to allow grassland managers to meet their goals within the context of climate change. 

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Patch Burn Grazing: An Economic Analysis of Pyric Herbivory Rangeland Management by Cow-Calf Producers

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Patch-burn grazing is a practice that requires an understanding of the interaction of fire and grazing (pyric herbivory) (for more information check out www.theprairieproject.org). It divides a pasture into pieces/patches, with one burn rotationally each year. It helps control woody plant encroachment and provides high-quality forages. Despite these known benefits, the adoption of this practice by ranchers has been slow and limited. This study focused on the benefits of patch-burn grazing by estimating the costs and long-term economic benefits. Additionally, researchers compared patch-burning to traditional applications of prescribed fire burning fenceline to fenceline or an entire pasture at once with a 3-year fire return interval. 

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