Howdy! 

The fall semester is off to a productive start, including the launch of the new outdoor enterprise management track. This program enables undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management to tailor their coursework to gain the skills necessary for diverse careers in the growing field of outdoor-based enterprises. Joining us to help pilot this new track is Todd Franks, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor. Todd brings a wealth of expertise in the hospitality and hunting industries that will provide students with critical, firsthand knowledge and insights. Be sure to give him a big “Howdy!” if you see him in the hallway.

We recently held our annual fall convocation, which brought together faculty, staff, students and members of our External Advisory Committee. Together, we shared updates, strategized ways to further strengthen the department, and set our sights on the future. We are extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished and engaged network of supporters dedicated to academic rigor and student success.

If you’re keeping up with the news, you know that the northward movement of the New World screwworm is a significant concern for wildlife managers and livestock producers across the state. Given my firsthand experience during Florida’s 2016 outbreak, I understand the importance of a collaborative, multiagency response in combating this threat. I’m proud to say our faculty and extension specialists are playing a key role in Texas A&M AgriLife’s mission to provide Texans with the science-backed education and resources required to protect wildlife and domestic animals susceptible to infestation. I encourage you to visit tx.ag/screwworm for fact sheets, technical bulletins and other resources related to the screwworm threat. We are also excited to announce that the newest fact sheet, "Wildlife Monitoring and Management for New World Screwworm," is the result of a collaborative effort involving our department, the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 

Thank you for your dedication to conserving wild places and wild things.

"Wildlife Monitoring and Management for New World Screwworm" resource available

A new wildlife-focused document from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service draws on the expertise of researchers from Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to provide Texans with the knowledge and resources to monitor for and report possible infestations in free-ranging wildlife.

Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management launches Ranchworthy

The Texas A&M Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management and the National Grazing Lands Coalition have launched Ranchworthy, a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing the stories, wisdom and experiences of America's most resilient ranching operations. From grazing strategies and land stewardship to generational wisdom and emerging ag technologies, Ranchworthy is the real story of ranching told by those who live it.

RWFM 2025 Convocation

RWFM faculty, staff and students celebrated the launch of the Fall 2025 semester by sharing research, socializing and learning about upcoming opportunities for engagement. The event featured Curry Campbell, member of the RWFM External Advisory Committee and the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, as the Dyksterhuis Distinguished Lecturer. 

RWFM alumna crowned Miss Rodeo Texas

Just a month after earning her Master of Science from Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Reanna Santos ’22 ’25 traded her cap and gown for a crown.

Much like the keystone species that uphold the integrity of ecosystems, RWFM is comprised of faculty, staff and students who ensure the strength and health of our department.

Jeff Goodwin, Ph.D., director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management, research assistant professor and recipient of the Thomas M. O'Connor Endowed Directorship in Rangeland and Wildlife Management, has dedicated his career to working directly with rangeland managers to improve their operations’ stewardship, resilience and profitability.

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management is committed to generating sound scientific research, training the next generation of natural resource stewards and realizing the land-grant mission as described through our three focus areas of teaching, research and extension.

We invite you to be a part of our mission to prepare the next generation of natural resource professionals and advance the sound stewardship of natural resources for present and future generations. Your support directly impacts our students by alleviating financial burdens, bolstering experiential learning opportunities and enhancing our living classrooms and labs.