Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Randall County Ag / Natural Resources

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Randall County Ag / Natural Resources

Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Agent serving Randall County by providing a variety of Extension educational programs.

Welcome to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Randall County Ag / Natural Resources Page. I am pleased to help answer your Agriculture and Natural Resource questions. We have many programs such as the Urban Rancher, Annual Crops Tour and many more that you can get involved in to enrich your agricultural knowledge.

05/22/2026

5-22-26@5:56am
Subject: Randall County Wildfires
From: Dr. J. D. Ragland

The recent Randall County Wildfires on May 14 and 15 were divesting! Wiped out a total 35,261 acres, 9 homes were destroyed, multiple barns and small structures and 154 miles of fences!

The good Lord took care of us and blessed us with NO human fatalities or loss of cattle or horses! Our overwhelming gratitude and continues Thank You is shared with all first responders who assisted during this horrible tragedy!

Randall County Producers are in immediate need of donated hay and trucking along with monetary contributions for fence rebuilding!

YOUR IMMEDIATE HELP IS REQUESTED! Here’s how, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Randall County has set up a 501c3 account to assist Randall County Producers. The account is at Happy State Bank (1908 4th Ave Canyon, Texas 79015).

The account is now ready to receive any monetary contributions. You may stop by or simply call the bank at (806) 655-2265 and they can assist you with your request. Please ask for the “Randall County Agriculture Wildfire Relief Fund”.

If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call at the Randall County Extension Service (806) 468-5543.

We’d ask that you please continue to pray for our Randall County Producers and families!
Thanks,
J. D.

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO: Randall County Fire Department, Randall County Sheriff’s Department, Randall County Judge Christy Dyer, Texas A&M Forest Service, multiple neighboring fire departments, Excel Energy and of hundreds more that I’m sure I’m missing!

05/17/2026

5-17-26@ 2:55pm
Subject: Randall County Wildfire Assessment
From: Dr. J. D. Ragland

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is needing your immediate assistance in obtaining damage assessment information of agricultural losses from the recent Randall County Wildfires.

If your property sustained significant damage, please complete the short (8) question survey located at the following link.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_Bet0Rmr4AXdjFYanR9DL57uOJZf3XCVtzhVl0klnSVBd1A/viewform?usp=publish-editor

All survey’s must be completed by 5:00pm (Tuesday May 26).

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Randall County Extension Office at (806) 468-5543.

We’d ask that you please “Like” and “Share” this post!
Thank You for Your help!
J. D.

05/12/2026

5-12-26@ 7:35am
Subject: High Plains- Cotton Planting Update for the week of (May 11-20, 2026)
From Dr. J. D. Ragland

This week marks the second full week in May and cotton planting condition looks extremely favorable all week. For the past few weeks, we’ve been sharing comments from Dr. Ken Lege, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cotton Specialist; Lubbock, Tx.

Attached are planting conditions forecasts for (3) Panhandle locations; Spearman, Panhandle and Dumas. As well as (3) South Plains locations; Plainview, Lubbock and Lamesa.

Here is Dr. Lege’s commentary for week (3) May 11-20, 2026……….

While the region received a little rain yesterday, it was very spotty and did not amount to much in most locations, according to the West Texas Mesonet and our RACE trial weather station network. The forecast shows some more chances of rain by late this week into this weekend in most areas. Let’s hope that materializes. We still have time to complete planting, so there’s no need to panic yet.

In the meantime, temperatures will not be the limiting factor for cotton planting over the next week or so. In fact, in some areas, the high temperatures are a little concerning because the evaporative demand will be high and could dry out the seed zone very quickly. Thankfully, the forecast does not show any excessive wind for the next few days.

Similarly, soil temperatures are not a limiting factor: 60s in the panhandle and 70s in the southern high plains (at 8” depth).

This may be a good week to plant some irrigated acres, and some folks are dry-planting some dryland in hopes of an upcoming rain. While dry-planting is not ideal, it helps with logistics for some farming operations and gives time to consider a potential replant decision, should an adequate stand not be achieved. That scenario may not fit every farming operation, but it may be worth thinking about.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s cotton planting season update!

Thanks,
J. D.

04/27/2026

4-27-26@ 11:06am
Subject: High Plains- Cotton Planting Update for the week of (April 27-May 5, 2026)
From Dr. J. D. Ragland

This week we reported the first weeks planting condition updates from Dr. Ken Lege, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cotton Specialist; Lubbock Tx.

Attached are planting conditions forecasts for (3) Panhandle locations; Spearman, Panhandle and Dumas. As well as (3) South Plains locations; Plainview, Lubbock and Lamesa.

Here is Dr. Lege’s commentary for week (2), April 27-May 5, 2026

“This week’s recommendation is easy: keep the planters parked and make sure all planter maintenance is updated!”

“Let’s hope the rain chances later this week materialize.”

We will continue to keep you updated week to week throughout the planting season.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s cotton planting season update!

Thanks,
J. D.

04/20/2026

4-20-26@ 2:35pm
Subject: Landscape Seminar Series Part II
From: Dr. J. D. Ragland

The Randall County AgriLife Extension Service welcomes you to attend the Landscape Seminar Program Part II

The seminar will be held on (Thursday April 23, 2026). This program is specifically targeted for Randall County residents who live in Southwind and Sunset Prairie housing developments, however all is welcome.

Pre-registration is requested by 5:00pm Tuesday April 21 by utilizing the QR Code attached to mail out flyer or by simply calling the Randall County Extension Office at (806) 468-5543.

The program will begin at 6:30pm and will be held at the Randall County AgriLife Extension Office (located 200 North Brown Rd. in Canyon, Texas 79015).

Topics will include:
-Tips On Turf
-Water Wisely
-Property/Small Acreage Management
-Home & Property Wildfire Protection

For more information please call the Randall County Extension Office.
Thanks,
J. D.

04/20/2026

This weekend we hosted our first canning workshop of the season, and our very first cooking class in our newly renovated space! It was an absolute joy to meet everyone, share research-backed food preservation practices, and spend time learning together.

Weekends like this are a reminder of what Extension does best: bringing people together, building confidence through education, and creating practical skills that serve families for years to come.

We’re grateful for everyone who joined us and can’t wait for all that’s ahead this season..♥️

04/20/2026

4-20-26 @ 11:40am
Subject: Wheat Freeze Damage Concerns
From: Dr. J. D. Ragland

The recent cold temperatures received in the Texas Panhandle on the early morning hours of (Sunday April 19) may have cause potential freeze injury to our area wheat fields.

There are (2) main factors that determine potential freeze injury in wheat. But you’ll need to wait a good week to 10 days after the freeze before assessing the damage.

1.) Wheat Growth Stage
2.) Duration (in terms of hours) Freezing Temperatures Accrued

The Texas Tech Mesonet (Mesonet.ttu.edu) provides daily low temps and for Sunday morning (April 19).

24 F Stratford
27 Texline
28 Hereford, Endee, Vega
29 Palo Duro Reservoir
30 NE of Amarillo, Bootleg, Friona
31 Earth, Tulia, Adrian
32 Goodnight, SE of Amarillo, Hart, Pantex west, Dumas

The stage of growth and duration of cold are factors in when potential freeze injury may develop. In a field if you see ‘water soaked” dark green foliage, often accompanied by silage smell, that is initial evidence of freezing. Cutting stems in a bout a week (if boot stage or earlier) or examining the grains in the head for development (if headed) are the next stages of assessment. But these you often need to wait a week for assessment.

These decisions are critically important as wheat seed may be in short supply for early August planting.

If you need any help in assessing or determining individual field damage, feel free to contact me any time at the Randall County Extension Office (806) 468-5543.

Thanks,
J. D.

04/20/2026

4-20-26@ 10:58am
Subject: High Plains- Cotton Planting Update for the week of (April 20-29)
From Dr. J. D. Ragland

It’s ALMOST Cotton Planting Time!

Once again this planting season we will share with you weekly planting condition updates from Dr. Ken Lege, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cotton Specialist; Lubbock Tx

Attached are planting conditions forecasts for (3) Panhandle locations; Spearman, Panhandle and Dumas. As well as (3) South Plains locations; Plainview, Lubbock and Lamesa.

Here Is Dr. Lege’s commentary for this week…..

-Be aware of soil temperatures!
West Texas Mesonet is a great source of soil temperature trends.

-Be aware that dry soils (which is mostly the case for nearly every mesonet site) are generally warmer than moist soil.

-Taking soil temperatures in each of your fields with a soil thermometer is key, as soil texture, cover residue and tillage practices will certainly affect soil temperatures.

-Remember, soil moisture in each particular field will depend on tillage, cover, etc.

-Some of the comments I have inserted either say ‘Do not plant’ or indicate the chilling injury or stand failure risks for that day.

-Soil temperatures from the West Texas Mesonet indicate mid-60s to lower-70s in the SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS and generally upper-50s to upper-60s in the PANHANDLE AREA at the 8” depth. Again, be aware that most of these sensors are likely in dry soil, which tend to be warmer than moist soils. If you pre-water or receive rainfall, those soil temperatures will likely drop.

-Disclaimer: as with most things related to weather, these planting conditions forecasts are only as good as the weather forecasts, in this case, from weather.com.

We will continue to keep you updated week to week throughout the planting season.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s cotton planting season update!

Thanks,
J. D.

04/02/2026

The Randall County AgriLife Extension Service is conducting two Landscape Seminar Series.

The first seminar will be held Thursday April 9, 2026. This program is specifically targeted to Randall County residents who live in Mid-County and Sendora Valley housing developments. Pre-registration is required and has been extended until 5:00pm Tuesday April 7. To register simply call the Randall County Extension Office at (806) 468-5543.

The second seminar will be on Thursday April 23, 2026. This program is specifically targeted to Randall County residents who live in Neighbors of Southwind and Sunset Prairie housing developments. Pre-registration is required by 5:00pm Friday April 17. To register call the Randall County Extension Office at (806) 468-5543.

Both programs will begin at 6:30pm and will be held at the Randall County AgriLife Extension Office (located 200 North Brown Rd. in Canyon, Texas 79015).

Topics presented will include

-Tips On Turf
-Water Wisely
-Property/Small Acreage Management
-Home & Property Wildfire Protection

Please join us by attending these two upcoming Landscape Seminar Programs! For more information or questions please call the Randall County Extension Office.
Thanks,
J. D.

03/25/2026

3-25-26@ 4:20pm
Subject: Summer Validation Ear Tag Orders
From: Dr. J. D. Ragland

This is just a reminder.......If you plan to exhibit any lambs, goats, swine, steers or heifers for the upcoming fall 2026 Dallas State Fair (or) any 2026-2027 Steers you MUST order and pay for ALL your needed validation ear tags by the following deadline dates:

Goats-$28 each if ordered by April 7. After that deadline $33 each plus a $10 per family late fee charge until June 19, at that point NO additional orders may be placed.

Lambs-$28 each if ordered by April 7. After that deadline $33 each plus $10 per family late fee charge until June 19, at that point NO additional orders may be placed.

Swine-$28 each if ordered by April 29. After that deadline $33 each plus a $10 per family late fee charge each until June 19, at that point NO more orders can be placed.

Steer & Heifers- For all steers $28 each. For all heifers $28 each if ordered by April 7. After that deadline $33 each plus $10 per family late fee charge until June 19, at that point NO additional orders may be place.

For ALL 2026-27 Steers-remember this is your one and ONLY time to order any needed validation ear tags.

Heifer Exhibitors-remember
if you are planning to exhibit a heifer at any upcoming 2026 all fairs or the 2026 Dallas State Fair those Validation tags must be ordered by April 7. If you are NOT planning to exhibit a heifer at this falls 2026 Dallas State Fair then you DO NOT need to order validation tags at this time. However, if you plan to exhibit a heifer at the 2027 RCJLS or any Spring major show(s), then those validation tags must be ordered later this fall on/or by October 15.

Bottomline with all heifers you have (2) opportunities to order your needed validation tags, once in the spring/once in the fall depending on which show(s) you plan to exhibit).

Finally, ALL heifers MUST must be register-able!

All (4) valuation order forms are currently available at CEO or you may download them at our Randall County 4-H website @
All (4) valuation order forms are currently available at CEO or you may download them at our Randall County 4-H website @

1.) Randall County - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
2.) Scroll down the page until you see Livestock Shows/ Validation Form
3.) Click on the Validation tag you need

Please make cks. payable to Randall County 4-H Livestock Fund and submit all payments to CEO!

If you have any additional questions feel free to contract me at any time at the office (806) 468-5543 or my cell at (806) 463-0245.
Thanks,
J. D.

Address

200 N. Brown Road
Canyon, TX
79015

Telephone

(806) 468-5543

Website

http://randall.agrilife.org/

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