A recent survey of Texas landowners provided insights to help guide programming from state agencies. Over 5,000 Texas landowners responded to the 2022 Texas Landowner Survey, conducted by the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute (NRI).
The survey provides insights into demographics, needs, challenges and preferences of landowners in Texas for natural resource and conservation agencies, as well as policy makers.
The data collected helps develop resources and programming for landowners and their land.
The survey is conducted every five years in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The report shows 83% of Texas is comprised of private, rural working lands that produce food, fiber, recreation, ecosystem services and energy.
“Since private, rural working lands comprise most of the open space in Texas, private, rural landowners and their management decisions help shape our statewide resources,” Dr. Roel Lopez, NRI director, said.
The majority (60%) of these operations own less than 500 acres, 15% own between 500 and 1,000 acres, and 25% own more than 1,000 acres.
The survey found 90% of respondents earned less than 30% of their income from their lands.
“From a public outreach perspective, this offers an opportunity to get more creative with programs developed for landowners, offering landowners a menu of options for them to then determine which is better suited for their unique operations,” Dr. Angelica Lopez, NRI research scientist, said.
The survey found the top three reasons for owning land were wildlife, family and hunting. Additional reasons were ranching and recreation.
“These stated interests and preferences for wildlife, recreation and ranching indicate that Texas landowners have a vested interest in land stewardship, with many stating that they are willing to participate in landowner programs like tax valuations, landowner cooperatives and technical assistance programs,” Lopez said.
The respondents who hunt suggested they manage their land for a variety of game.
The landowners show concern for the loss of Texas working lands to urban sprawl and associated development, as well as water issues, invasive species and ownership rights.
MULTI-COUNTY RANGE/BRUSH PROGRAM SET FOR JUNE 29TH
Thursday, June 29th is the date of the Multi-County Range/Brush program. This program is being conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. It will be held at the Adams Street Community Center located at 511 East Baker Brownwood, TX. Registration will begin at 8:30am and the program at 9:00am.
Brush encroachment continues to be an expensive problem to deal with. If left unchecked, these pasture invaders reduce grazable acres for livestock and can make areas undesirable for some wildlife. The current drought has not impeded brush encroachment.
Speakers and topics for the June 29th program include:
Dr. Morgan Treadwell – Extension Range Specialist, San Angelo
Mechanical Brush Control
Greg Wilson – Extension Entomologist, San Angelo
Range/Pasture Insect Pest Management
Billy Campbell – Bayer Environmental Science Range & Pasture Specialist
Range/Pasture Herbicides
Scott Nolte – Extension Weed Specialist, College Station
Reducing Pesticide Drift
Scott Anderson – CEA-AG/NR
Pesticide Laws and Regulations
There will be a $50 registration fee payable at the door. A catered meal is included. Pre-registration is required by June 21, 2023.
This program has been approved for 5 CEUs from the Texas Department of Agriculture for TDA licensed pesticide applicators. 1 laws and regulation, 2 integrated pest management, 1 drift minimization, and 1 general. This program is open to anyone interested.
To pre-register or for more information contact the Brown County Extension Office at 325-646-0386.