Wilson County Soil and Water Conservation District #301

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

The New World Screwworm is at the top of many producer’s minds, and WHF can help. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service recommends the following actions:

• Brush management – thinning encroachment can improve airflow, creating an environment unfavorable to flies.
• Grazing management – facilitate livestock movement as part of an integrated plan to support continuity of business.
• Livestock shelter structure – improve distribution of grazing animals to enhance wildlife habitat, reduce over-used areas, or correct other resource concerns resulting from improper animal distribution that would attract flies, provide breeding habitat, or encourage infestation.

works alongside NRCS in planning and implementing conservation practices to reduce the potential for New World Screwworm (NWS) establishment and risk of infestation and spread. Learn more with our facts and resources: https://whf-texas.org/new-world-screwworm/

05/15/2026

The Wilson County SWCD was well-recognized at the Area 3 Conservation Awards Banquet in George West, Texas last week.

Grayson Gebhardt from La Vernia had the 2nd Place essay in the Junior Division for students age 13 and under. Area 3 covers 50 counties in Texas, so this is a wonderful accomplishment for Grayson!

The Wilson County SWCD was awarded Runner-Up Outstanding Conservation District for the second year in a row. We're going to get that 1st Place prize one of these days! Congratulations to the fine people in the Winter Garden Soil & Water Conservation District #326 for getting 1st Place this year. They are doing great things in Zavala County.

Our neighbors in the Alamo Soil and Water Conservation District nominated the San Antonio River Authority for Friend of Conservation, and they came away with 1st Place this year! Our SWCD works very closely with SARA, so this is very well deserved. Congratulations to the Alamo SWCD and SARA!

Finally, the Boening Bros. Dairy, Inc. were recognized as the 1st Place Conservation Farmer! We even found out that they are the State Winners for Conservation Farmer! This family has done great things in Wilson County for many years, so we are happy to see them recognized for their promotion and implementation of conservation practices.

Great job, everybody!

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

🌾Plant of the Month 🌾
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)

This month we’re highlighting buffalograss, a native warm‑season grass well adapted to West Texas rangelands. Known for its low‑growing, sod‑forming habit, buffalograss has long been valued for its drought tolerance, grazing potential, and role in supporting resilient working lands.

Buffalograss forms a dense turf through creeping stolons and typically grows just a few inches tall. It is dioecious, meaning male and female plants occur in separate colonies, with distinctive seedheads that make it recognizable during the growing season. After frost, its foliage turns a reddish‑brown, adding seasonal character to the landscape. When managed appropriately, buffalograss provides good forage value and contributes to soil protection and long‑term rangeland stability.

Whether you’re managing grazing pressure or considering restoration options, understanding native grasses like buffalograss is key to maintaining productive, sustainable rangelands. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s West Texas Rangelands resources offer science‑based information to support land stewards across the region.

The Plant of the Month is proudly sponsored by Bamert Seed, a trusted source for high‑quality native seed and restoration solutions across Texas.

To learn more about buffalograss, visit:
https://rangeplants.tamu.edu/plant/buffalograss/

Explore Bamert Seed’s offerings at:
https://bamertseed.com/

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

Have you ever thought about teaching ag? Now is the time to join this rewarding profession! With over 100+ current job openings, WE NEED YOU! View a full list of openings here: https://www.texasagteachers.org/vatatcareers.aspx

05/02/2026

May is Beef Month, but around here we call it USA Beef Month.

Because it matters where your beef comes from and there’s nothing better than beef born, raised, and harvested in the USA. 🇺🇸🥩

Buy your beef direct from American ranchers at USAbeef.org.