Texas is known for its rugged landscapes and iconic, opportunistic, and problematic prickly pear. While these plants readily provide headaches to the grazing manager, oftentimes pear also serves as food and habitat for wildlife and is a native species on Texas rangelands. However, the South American Cactus Moth has been found and confirmed in five Texas counties.
[Read more…] about Prickly Pear and the South American Cactus Moth
The Water Supply Stress Index (WaSSI) Dashboard, developed by the USDA U.S. Forest Service is an easy-to-use, FREE, online tool that helps producers see how changes in land use, climate, and water use might affect rivers, water supply, and rangeland’s ability to grow herbaceous plants and maintain ecosystem services. It uses weather and land data to determine water flow and plant growth, so users can understand various management strategy impacts and make smart choices about managing rangeland and watersheds.
[Read more…] about Water Supply Stress Index (WaSSI) Dashboard
Dr. Jacob Dykes and colleagues have recently published a factsheet exploring the diversity of wildlife using free water sources in arid environments in Far West Texas. As we know in that neck of the world, access to water is crucial. As extreme climatic events and variability intensify spurring flash droughts, dry spells, and extended drought conditions, the availability and predictability of water sources is becoming increasingly unpredictable and that much more of a priority.
[Read more…] about Save for a Rainy Day: Navigating Wildlife Water Needs in a Changing Climate
Rangelands, vast and vital, are more than just scenic landscapes. They’re complex ecosystems providing essential services, from clean air and water to livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. But these valuable areas face a growing threat: woody plant encroachment. This occurs when shrubs and trees increase in density and coverage, often at the expense of grasslands. While it might seem like a simple change in vegetation, the consequences are far-reaching, impacting everything from soil health to water availability.
[Read more…] about Structural Changes Drive Functional Changes
If you felt like 2024 was a scorcher, you weren’t wrong. Texas experienced its warmest year in 130 years, mirroring a global trend that likely marks the hottest year in nearly 100,000 years. That’s not just hot; it’s historically significant (Figure 1a courtesy of Texas + Water)!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released 2022 Census of Agriculture data. The graphic presents a fascinating snapshot of the ranching landscape impacting four West Texas counties: Tom Green, Schleicher, Crockett, and Menard. Using data from the 2017 and 2022 USDA Agricultural Census, we can glean valuable insights into trends and shifts within this vital sector of Texas’s economy and heritage.
[Read more…] about A Comparison of the 2017 & 2022 USDA Ag Census Data for West Texas Counties
As Texas A&M AgriLife experts and colleagues, Dr. Todd Sink and Brittany Chesser, can certainly attest that ponds are just a continuation of rangelands. Brittany Chesser and Dr. Todd Sink continue to dedicate their expertise to advancing aquaculture, fisheries management, and aquatic conservation through innovative research and community education. Their unwavering commitment to sustainable resource management and public outreach empowers stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance aquatic ecosystems across Texas and beyond. Check out this new factsheet by the best of the best!
Ranchers in West Texas frequently encounter a double-decker challenge with intense canopy coverage from honey mesquite and dense pricklypear in the understory. Synergistic broadcast herbicide applications are commonly employed to tackle these layered problematic, opportunistic, and abundant species. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential for unintended consequences on nontarget woody plant species. A recent study delved into the effects of various herbicide treatments on both target and nontarget woody plant species.
[Read more…] about Non-Target Woody Plant Response to Herbicides
Texas A&M AgriLife has released a new publication in preparing the ranch for wildfire!
Wildfire: Preparing the Ranch is an online educational resource debuting at Texas Panhandle wildfire preparedness educational meetings in Pampa and Canadian. The resource is designed to equip Texas agricultural producers with educational information and tools to prepare for wildfires.
[Read more…] about Wildfire Preparedness: Protecting Your Ranch
Solar and wind energy development on rangeland is everywhere. They accounted for a whopping 40% and 18% of new electricity generation capacity in the United States in 2019, respectively. Inevitably, these projects often lead to habitat fragmentation, soil disturbance, and changes in hydrology, which can negatively impact native vegetation and wildlife species reliant on these landscapes. However, few ecological studies exist documenting plant community impacts, soil health dynamics, and wildlife habitat alterations, however, some studies conducted on wind and solar development have shown that proximity to wind farms can often reduce overall property values. This reduction is more significant when the wind turbines are visible from the property. The visual impact of wind turbines is a major factor in overall property value depreciation. Research suggests that the visibility radius for wind turbines can extend up to 8.7 miles.
[Read more…] about Gone With the Wind: Examining the Impact of Windfarms on Property Value