Texas A&M AgriLife Research - Lubbock/Halfway & Pecos

https://agrilifeorganic.org/2026/04/13/building-local-hybrid-seed-for-organic-farms-a-project-to-watch/

Building Local Hybrid Seed for Organic Farms (A Project to Watch) One of the biggest limitations I continue to see in organic grain and dairy systems—especially here in Texas and across the southern region—is not just fertility or w**d control. It is genetics. We…

Happy Birthday to Extension! 🌾🎂

Today we’re celebrating the impact, innovation, and outreach that Extension brings to communities across Texas and beyond. From research-driven solutions to hands-on education, Extension continues to grow knowledge, cultivate success, empower agriculture, support producers, and inspire the next generation! 🌿📚🚜✨

Congratulations to AgriLife Research turfgrass breeder Ambika Chandra, professor in the Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas, who will be featured as one of 26 life-size, 3D-printed statues recognizing women whose leadership shows how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fuels the world of sports.

The display is part of the – The Exhibit: Game Changers, presented by LH Capital, Inc. and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, which will debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival at Fair Park in Dallas, June 11–July 19.

We’re proud to celebrate Katie Lewis, Soil and Crop Sciences professor and AgriLife Research scientist, for earning the 2026 Texas Environmental Excellence Award for Agriculture! 🌾

Her innovative work in soil health, nutrient management, and regenerative practices continues to make a lasting impact on agriculture in Texas and beyond.

Congratulations to Todd Baughman, director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock, on receiving the Southern W**d Science Society Outstanding Educator Award.

His decades of service and commitment to research-based education and extension continue to make a lasting impact across Texas.

Read more about Todd Baughman by clicking the link in the comments.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research - Lubbock/Halfway & Pecos

Congratulations to Caroline Rydell who was named assistant vice chancellor for federal relations at Texas A&M AgriLife. Rydell brings more than three decades of experience in agricultural policy and government relations to the role.

Learn more: tx.ag/Rydell

Congratulations Dr. Katie Lewis!

Congratulations to AgriLife Research scientist Katie Lewis on being honored with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) 2026 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Award for Agriculture.

Katie is a soil chemistry and fertility scientist and professor in the Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research - Lubbock/Halfway & Pecos, and was recognized for her work on regenerative agricultural management practices.

These annual awards celebrate efforts to protect the Texas environment and inspire environmental stewardship. Read more: tx.ag/KatieLewisAward

Texas A&M AgriLife held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center, a state-of-the-art facility that combines research and education outreach for the greater Texas High Plains region.

Read more about the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center: tx.ag/HighPlainsCenter

The Texas A&M University System | Texas A&M AgriLife Research | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | Texas A&M VMBS VERO | Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL) | West Texas A&M University