What to watch: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the Rangeland Revival Seminar, a hands-on, science-based stewardship event,  on Saturday, April 11, at the Ratliff Ranch in Odessa. This practical program is designed for landowners, producers, and anyone interested in sustainable land management in West Texas.

Why it matters: Rangeland is the foundation of West Texas ranching and wildlife habitat. These vast, naturally vegetated landscapes, dominated by grasses, forbs, and shrubs suitable for grazing and browsing, support livestock, wildlife, clean water, and the rural economy. Effective land management helps keep these working lands healthy and productive for generations, even in our challenging arid climate.

The big picture: The seminar brings together experts to share research-based tools for improving rangeland health. Topics include functional vegetation, watershed and playa-lake health, fire management with livestock utilization, and landowner rights, leases, and conservation agreements. It also covers Texas Parks & Wildlife programs available to support local landowners.

The agenda for the event is as follows:

  • 9:00–9:30 a.m. — Welcome to the Ratliff Ranch (Betsy Triplett-Hurt)
  • 9:30–10:15 a.m. — Functional Vegetation (Dr. Silverio Avila, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Range Specialist)
  • 10:15–11:00 a.m. — Watersheds & Playa Lake Health (Heather Johnson, Texas Parks & Wildlife)
  • 11:15–12:00 p.m. — Fire Management & Utilizing Livestock (Dr. Morgan Treadwell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Range Specialist)
  • 12:00–12:45 p.m. — Lunch
  • 12:45–1:30 p.m. — Landowner Rights, Lease & Conservation Agreements (Tammy Fisher, Attorney at Law)
  • 1:30–2:00 p.m. — Texas Parks & Wildlife Programs (Ryan Rajabi, Texas Parks & Wildlife)

Go deeper: “This program is designed to provide useful, hands-on information that producers and landowners can apply directly to their operations,” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Ag and Natural Resources Agent for Ector and Midland Counties Brady Evans said. “We are excited to offer an opportunity for the community to learn and engage with research-based practices that support long-term land health.”

What’s next: Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 11, at the Ratliff Ranch (4701 E. Yukon Rd., Odessa) and register soon. For more information, contact Brady Evans at [email protected] or 432-686-4700. AgriLife Extension programs are open to the public and continue to deliver education that supports agriculture, natural resources, and community well-being across the Permian Basin.