Howdy,

As we ramp up productivity in the new year, I extend heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication, hard work and commitment to scientific excellence. Your contributions have propelled Texas A&M AgriLife Research amid a host of challenges in the past year. The success and progress of our organization rest firmly on your shoulders, and for that, we sincerely thank you. 

Connecting across our organizations

Early this month, AgriLife Connect provided us an opportunity to come together, forge new relationships and expand on existing ones. The new year offers us a chance to build on the innovations and breakthroughs we achieved last year and to set ambitious new goals for the future. From advancing sustainable agriculture and food systems to exploring new frontiers in environmental stewardship, our research holds the promise of lasting impacts in Texas, across the nation and around the world.

We will build our future successes on the foundation of your expertise and creativity. We encourage you to share ideas, seek out new partnerships and embrace the spirit of curiosity that defines AgriLife Research. 

Supporting your career development

To support your careers, AgriLife Research will offer workshops, seminars, and professional development opportunities that help you grow and spark innovative thinking throughout our organization. The Faculty Tour of Texas we launched in 2025 created important professional connections, which have already spurred innovations across AgriLife Research’s statewide enterprise. We will continue to invest in employees who advance our strategic plan and commitment to serve. 

On the heels of the faculty tour, which I highlighted at AgriLife Connect, we have identified key opportunities for advancement. Fostering professional networks, broadening areas of expertise, and enhancing overall career success are areas of focus. To facilitate these, we have assembled multiple resources on our AgriLife Research SharePoint Intranet site. Please bookmark this site, as it aims to develop and enhance the professional journeys of all AgriLife Research employees.

Recognizing extraordinary contributions

In January, we celebrated the achievements of several individuals during the 2026 AgriLife Research Awards banquet. The event was an opportunity to acknowledge outstanding contributions and dedication within our community. We look forward to future nominations to recognize the excellent work that our faculty and staff contribute toward life-changing impacts throughout the world. 

Read more about each of this year’s awardees and their accomplishments below.

I look forward to another year of research excellence and meaningful contribution.

Thank you again for everything you do. Your work truly makes a difference, and together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. Let’s make this a remarkable year for Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

Gig 'em!

AgriLife Research across the state has benefitted significantly from the support of several congressional members, to whom we are grateful. Projects funded in the November minibus, which included the USDA, are:

• Feral Hog Community Cooperative Management Program ($300,000; NRCS) – supported by Congressman Jake Ellzey
• Turfgrass Water Conservation Initiative, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas ($1,000,000; NRCS) – supported by Congresswoman Julie Johnson
• Reducing Flood Risk while Enhancing Future Water Supplies ($2,500,000; NRCS) – supported by Congressman Jake Ellzey

In January, the President signed a second three-bill minibus. The package includes the Commerce- Justice-Science, Energy & Water, and Interior appropriations bills. These will fund the following Texas A&M AgriLife community project funding requests:

• Oyster Research Project in Matagorda County ($1,250,000; NOAA) – supported by Congressman Troy Nehls.
• Texas Gulf Coast Oyster Research in Galveston County ($1,250,000; NOAA) – supported by Congressman Randy Weber.
• Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Facilities ($1,950,000; NIST) – supported by Congressman Mike McCaul.
• Building a Personalized Phage Bank – Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Infections ($750,000; NIST) – supported by Congressman Mike McCaul.
• Research on PFAS Surveillance and Removal in Johnson County ($4,200,000; NIST) – supported by Congressman Jake Ellzey.

Multiple construction projects supported by AgriLife Research continue to advance: 

1. The relocation of the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center is complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for April 7. 
2. The Meat Science and Technology Center at Texas A&M-RELLIS was approved for construction at the November Board of Regents meeting.
3. The greenhouse project at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas has initiated design. 
4. The AgriTech Innovation Hub at our McGregor research station has initiated design. 
5. The Texas A&M University System is near completion of the design process for a Research and Innovation Building in Fort Worth. This project is likely to be presented to the Board of Regents in May for approval to proceed with construction. 
6. The AgriLife Research building at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen has initiated design.
7. Texas A&M University has approved the Department of Poultry Science to initiate a plan for a new research and teaching facility.
8. The Southern Crop Improvement Greenhouse renovation project is complete and provides researchers with additional greenhouse facilities on campus.