UTRGV Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement - SARA

Not just for livestock owners. All warm-blooded animals may be affected.

From umbilical lesions to tick bites, New World screwworm (NWS) infestations can start from many kinds of wounds. Laying eyes on your animals is the key to protecting them from this pest. If you observe these signs in your animals:
1. Do NOT move the animal (even to the vet clinic)
2. Report to the TAHC 1-800-550-8242
3. Don't panic. This is a highly preventable and treatable condition.

Stay updated on NWS here: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html

Important informational event in Starr County.

PLEASE SHARE!

Public Educational Forum on the New World Screwworm 🚨

The Starr County Industrial Foundation, Starr Camargo Bridge Co., and our community partners invite ranchers, farmers, livestock owners, wildlife enthusiasts, and community members to attend a FREE educational forum on the New World Screwworm.

Join experts from the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services as they discuss what the New World Screwworm is, potential impacts on livestock, wildlife, agriculture, and public health. Additionally, prevention, detection, and reporting procedures and how our community can stay informed and prepared.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10:30 AM
WHERE: South Texas College – Starr County Campus
Student Activities Center, Building H

Featuring:
• Dr. Sandra Leyendecker – Texas Animal Health Commission
• Dr. Ronald Tyler – Department of State Health Services
• Dr. Alberto Perez – Department of State Health Services

Spanish and English materials will be available.

Help protect our livestock, agriculture, wildlife, and communities through education, awareness, and preparedness. We look forward to seeing you there!
Starr County Texas

Grant availability alert!

Eligible applicants for MPPEP-4 include entities that are currently engaged in the Primary Processing of cattle for commercial markets or toll process and have been in business for at least one
year.

Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4 The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 provides grants to help eligible entities that primary process cattle expand their capacity.

The 2026 hurricane season begins on June 1, and USDA is asking producers to prepare their operations for potential impacts and explore recovery resources.

Are you prepared?
https://www.farmers.gov/blog/usda-urges-farmers-and-ranchers-take-action-ahead-2026-hurricane-season

Texas producers can apply for conservation assistance.

The Texas Conservation and Sustainability Initiative (TCSI) is now accepting applications for technical assistance and cost-share funding to help producers implement conservation practices that make a real impact.

From improving soil health and water efficiency to strengthening long-term sustainability, TCSI supports practices like:
🌱 Cover crops
🐄 Prescribed grazing
🌾 Reduced tillage
🌳 Forest management
🌿 Perennial forages

With funding available to producers across Texas, this is your opportunity to put conservation into action with support from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and partners.

Apply today: https://tcsi.tamu.edu/

See the agenda here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:1505c9d7-35aa-4bc7-b15d-7ae44ebb3fb0

There's still time to RSVP!

Tuesday, March 24th at
at Salon Cassia on the UTRGV campus in Brownsville starting at 9am.
This workshop is designed for new and experienced small- to medium-scale growers of produce and animals.

RSVP: This is a free event, but please register at https://forms.office.com/r/NqLUR0BYSC . For more information, contact Aisha at 956-298-0709.

A great source of info

Our Five Strands Handbook walks landowners through the history and evolution of Texas fence law, clarifies the rules that apply today, and offers straightforward guidance for handling common fence disputes. It is a practical resource designed to help you better understand your rights and responsibilities as a Texas landowner.
https://agrilife.org/texasaglaw/files/2022/07/Second-Edition-Five-Strands.pdf

These are jobs that are opening up at the New World Screwworm facility at Moore Airbase.

Laboratory Worker https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859778000 *Closes March 12, 2026

Maintenance Worker https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859778300 *Closes March 12, 2026

Insect Production Worker https://www.usajobs.gov/job/860331600 *Closes March 16, 2026

Insect Production Worker Supervisor https://www.usajobs.gov/job/860332700 *Closes March 16, 2026

Insect Production Worker Supervisor The Insect Production Worker Supervisor supervises and performs routine, repetitive assignments involved in insect mass production, packaging, storing, sterilization, and delivering of insects, and is also involved in the cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of work areas in support of the insect...

Please join us to commemorate National Ag Day and International Month of the Woman Farmer on Tuesday, March 24th. We will meet at Salon Cassia on the UTRGV campus in Brownsville starting at 9am.

This workshop is designed for new and experienced small- to medium-scale growers of produce and animals.

RSVP: This is a free event, but please register at https://forms.office.com/r/NqLUR0BYSC . For more information, contact Aisha at 956-298-0709.

BE THE LINK! Farmers and Ranchers registered with the USDA Farm Service Agency should have received a ballot for your local FSA County Committee. Be sure to vote and send it back.