Rains County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

08/20/2026

Man, it’s hot outside! Make sure you pay attention to the signs your body is giving and stay safe!

Summer has officially arrived! Know the signs of and ways to respond to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Also, make sure kids know when and how to call important phone numbers like 9-1-1. 🌞

ready.gov/summer-ready

08/13/2026

New World Screwworm Informational Webinar
Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Visit https://tx.ag/uj04kZQ to register.

08/03/2026

07/01/2026

Texas A&M AgriLife is leading the effort to stop the New World screwworm.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced funding for 40 research projects through its New World Screwworm Grand Challenge. Out of 226 applications nationwide, Texas A&M AgriLife was selected to lead seven of the 40 funded projects and contribute to seven more — 14 in all.

The work spans sterile fly production, AI-enabled wound detection on ranches and dairies, drone surveillance, new traps and treatments, and electron beam technology as a non-radioactive way to sterilize screwworm pupae.

The goal is simple: catch outbreaks earlier and stop the pest before it spreads across Texas.

06/26/2026

Does this fly look like a New World screwworm (NWS) fly?
Well…it is but it’s a sterile one, released as part of ongoing eradication efforts.

Sterile NWS flies are coated with fluorescent dye that glows under a blacklight, helping scientists quickly tell them apart from wild flies. Because the dye can be hard to see, we don’t encourage people to look for flies.

Instead, please watch your animals closely and report any signs of NWS infestation, such as draining wounds, maggots, egg masses, or discomfort. Early reporting protects animals and helps us stop the spread.

05/26/2026

Dance, dance, dance! 💃🕺🏼

Medical professionals say that moving to music is a great way for older adults to stay healthier as they age. It doesn't matter what kind of dancing.

04/27/2026

04/20/2026

Spring migration in Texas will peak beginning April 22nd! Remember to turn off all non-essential nighttime lighting on homes, buildings, and other structures from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each night.

Texas is globally important for birds. Each spring, approximately 1 of every 3 birds migrating through the U.S. passes through Texas.
Most migrating birds of North American travel at night.

Spring Migration:
• Full Migration: March 1 – June 15
• Peak Migration: April 22 – May 12



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Help document and reduce incidents by reporting any bird-building collisions you encounter by visiting: http://tx.ag/birdreport

04/08/2026

Texas is globally important for birds. Each spring, approximately 1 of every 3 birds migrating through the U.S. passes through Texas.
Most migrating birds of North American travel at night.

Unfortunately, light emanating from our cities can disorient birds, leaving them confused and vulnerable to threats like collisions with buildings. More than one hundred million birds die every year in collisions with manmade structures.

is a campaign of education, awareness, and action that focuses on protecting the billions of migratory birds traveling through Texas.

Spring Migration:
• Full Migration: March 1 – June 15
• Peak Migration: April 22 – May 12



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Help document and reduce incidents by reporting any bird-building collisions you encounter by visiting: http://tx.ag/birdreport