Mid-December 2024 TRFS Update

HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS NEW HORIZONS AND FRESH OPPORTUNITIES!

NEW! Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, located just outside of Pittsburg, TX, is a captivating 27± acre property that combines the charm of a working vineyard with the tranquility of peaceful country living. The property features a renowned tasting room, a cozy restaurant, and picturesque vineyard views. Established in 2001, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards produces award-winning Old World-style wines, offering a serene retreat for wine enthusiasts and visitors alike.

NEW! Singer Ranch features an exceptional mix of terrain, including the wet-weather Live Oak Creek, a large stock tank, and a well-maintained double-wide manufactured home. Its dense cover of mature hardwoods and bull mesquites makes it ideal for local wildlife, while cleared areas near the tank and power line create excellent opportunities for hunting blinds or future improvements. Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway, a full-time residence, or a prime hunting property, Singer Ranch delivers.

PRICE REDUCTION! Twelve Mile Creek Ranch is now available at a NEW reduced price! Spanning gently rolling terrain with picturesque granite outcroppings, this property offers unobstructed long-range Hill Country views and 3,500'± of Twelve Mile Creek. The 1,750± sf family home, two equipment barns, working sheds, and cross-fenced pastures make this an ideal retreat or working ranch. A mix of hardwoods, brush savannah, and grassland complete the landscape, with a great road system for easy exploration.

CHECK OUT THE CURRENT TEXAS DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

We're continuing to closely monitor the Texas drought conditions. Texas has seen recent rainfall which has helped the state avoid serious drought concerns. The state is showing 6.03% exceptional drought conditions. Extreme drought conditions have decreased to 12.99% statewide. Stay informed about current water conditions.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article emphasizes practical safety and regulatory tips for hunters this season. Read more. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

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We genuinely value your participation in the TRFS community. We eagerly look forward to sharing upcoming property updates and opportunities with you!

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Texas Wildfire Preliminary Agriculture Losses Total $23.1 Million

AgriLife Extension economists tally wildfire fence damage, lost grazing value, livestock deaths

Preliminary estimates from devastating Texas wildfires are $23.1 million, which includes fence repair costs. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Kay Ledbetter)

The losses include more than 400 livestock deaths, lost grazing values and fence repair costs. Dry, windy conditions throughout the winter season and into early spring heightened the fire danger threat.

“AgriLife Extension continues its commitment to providing the resources needed for landowners and livestock producers to help recover from this tragic event,” said Rick Avery, Ph.D., director of AgriLife Extension, Bryan-College Station. “We appreciate the ongoing efforts of our dedicated agent network and industry partners. Texas agriculture producers are resilient, although the damages to thousands of acres of grazing land, livestock and infrastructure will be long lasting.”

“The Texas Division of Emergency Management will continue to support local officials’ response and recovery efforts from the devastating wildfires that have impacted the state this year,” said Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “I thank the hundreds of local and state first responders who worked around the clock to protect life and property from these wildfires. TDEM field staff will continue supporting local partners in affected areas as those communities recover.”

The preliminary estimates were calculated beginning with the early March fires and running through the end of April. AgriLife Extension economists say the preliminary loss estimates could climb higher due to ongoing fire threats.

“Drought conditions are only intensifying the potential for further economic losses moving forward considering the prospects of hay availability and associated feed costs,” said David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock economist, Bryan-College Station.

AgriLife Extension deployed its Disaster Assessment Recovery agents along with its county agents to implement animal supply points in the Eastland Complex at Rising Star, Cross Plains and Gorman. Agents assisted with collecting donations and distributing hay, feed and other resources. They also provided field and damage assessment support.

“Our Disaster Assessment Recovery agents worked tirelessly to establish and operate animal supply points at key areas,” said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment Recovery program coordinator, Bryan-College Station. “Agents were working around the clock coordinating the distribution of hundreds of round bales of hay, livestock and pet food, assisting with field assessments and identification of cattle during this catastrophic event. Again, we thank those throughout Texas and our friends out of state who donated during this critical time of need.”

AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management, all part of The Texas A&M University System, have provided numerous support and response efforts throughout the wildfire event that began in March.

During a seven-day span in late March, state, federal and local fire resources responded to 192 wildfires that burned 173,559 acres. More than 300 Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters and more than 200 Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System firefighters, along with firefighting personnel from 28 states, were positioned across the state to respond.

Disaster assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has approved low-interest physical loss loans to help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed qualifying physical property. To confirm eligibility and access application information, contact your local USDA Service Center.

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Gov. Greg Abbott’s request for a disaster declaration in communities affected by the Eastland Complex Fire, unlocking access to multiple loan programs. Applicants may apply for loans, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications online. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

Texans affected by wildfires are encouraged to submit property damage at damage.tdem.texas.gov to help officials identify resource needs and determine the state’s eligibility for additional disaster assistance.