Caldwell-Travis SWCD

09/05/2026

The Board of Directors of the Caldwell-Travis Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) are pleased to announce the 2027 Youth Conservation Poster and Essay Contests are open now with cash prizes for first, second, and third place winners in each category!

“From Source to Sea: Every Drop Has a Journey”. Water is one of our most valuable natural resources and every drop has a story. This year students will explore water’s journey through the water cycle from streams and rivers to wetlands, lakes, estuaries, and the sea and discover how each of us can help protect our water resources.

Each year through the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), the poster and essay contests provide students the opportunity to create original works while learning about conservation and the wise use of our natural resources. For complete details and entry forms for both contests, visit the District’s website through the link below. The contest closes on November 13, 2026.
https://sites.google.com/swcd.texas.gov/caldwelltravis

08/31/2026

It's the end of August - let's look back on topics of interest in agricultural law, courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Agriculture Law Blog. Read more:

As the summer draws to a close and students head back to school, the ag law developments continue around the country! * Hearing date set for John Deere right to repair settlement; claims due December 31, 2026. The $99 million settlement between John Deere and class members impacted by its right-to-r...

08/28/2026

The Caldwell-Travis Soil and Water Conservation District will meet in a regular session on Thursday, September, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Visit our website to view the meeting notice and location information.
https://bit.ly/CTSWCD304

08/26/2026

Sometimes the best use of an acre isn't always another crop when turning nine low-producing acres into a pollinator habitat, creating a place for monarchs and other wildlife while making better use of ground that had struggled to produce a profitable crop. It's a great example of how conservation can be incorporated into a working farm and how looking at the whole operation can reveal opportunities to improve both the land and the bottom line. Read more:

Pollinator habitat can help support monarch butterflies, while improving returns on marginal acres. Learn how one Indiana farmer used CRP and NRCS programs to convert low-yielding ground into a thriving habitat.

08/24/2026

Restoring the land, one acre at a time. A rancher's conservation journey is a great example of how thoughtful land management can benefit both livestock and wildlife. Through cedar removal, native grass restoration, cross-fencing and improved grazing management, a 400-acre property is being transformed into healthier grazing land with improved water resources. The partnership with USDA NRCS demonstrates how conservation assistance and good land stewardship can help ranchers improve their operations while restoring the health and productivity of the landscape. Read more:

In Pawnee, Oklahoma, one landowner needed a plan and assistance to manage and transform his 400 acres, which included three ponds and acres packed with Eastern Red Cedars, into usable land for cattle and wildlife.

08/22/2026

What We've Learned About Cover Crops: A Farmer-to-Farmer Discussion - join online for a practical conversation with experienced farmers as they share lessons learned from implementing cover crops on their operations. This webinar is offered through Farmers for Soil Health, an initiative designed to increase cover crop adoption by providing technical assistance, financial incentives, and educational resources. Follow the link to register: https://umsystem.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WwhPuIy1SmSbcYUdg239pQ #/registration

08/20/2026

Producers rely on certified wetland determinations to make decisions about their agricultural operations, which impacts USDA program eligibility such as farm loans, conservation assistance, crop insurance and commodity programs. Read more about how USDA is putting farmers first by providing clear guidance around wetland determinations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting farmers first by providing clear guidance around wetland determinations. NRCS published an interim final rule that ensures most determinations made since 1990 are considered certified, and producers can rely on the determinations to work farmland.

08/17/2026

Owning rural property comes with many rewards, but also important responsibilities. While there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of liability or a lawsuit if someone is injured on your property, Texas landowners can take practical steps to reduce their risk and protect themselves financially. This helpful resource explains steps landowners can take before an accident happens to better protect their property, their guests, and their investment. A worthwhile read for Texas farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Follow the link to read:https://agrilife.org/texasaglaw/files/2022/09/How-Landowners-Can-Protect-Themselves-From-Liability.pdf

08/12/2026

We all use water in ways we can see, showers, laundry, lawns and household leaks, however much of our water footprint is hidden in the food, clothing and products we use every day. A Texas Water Resources Institute article breaks down these direct and indirect uses and offers simple ways to conserve water, from fixing leaks and watering landscapes efficiently to choosing water-wise plants and reducing unnecessary consumption. It’s a great reminder that every drop counts and water conservation starts with understanding how we use this valuable resource. Learn more:

Considering personal and indirect water consumption can help households make water-wise choices.

08/10/2026

Did you miss the recent Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's New World Screwworm update or what to review what you learned? Follow the link below to view a recording of the presentation.

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