System Spotlight: TVMDL, one of our 8 state agencies!

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) helps protect the health of livestock, poultry, companion and exotic animals, racing animals, and wildlife around the nation and world.

AgriLife research, extension and teaching initiatives work to develop increasingly resilient and sustainable turfgrasses that ensure user safety and thriving industry while building up the next generation of leaders in the field. tx.ag/TurfGrass

Today, for the first time since 2017, a total solar eclipse was visible in North America and parts of Texas were in the path of totality! Williamson County had a viewing event and some of our agents were there helping and providing education about the awesome natural phenomenon.

Texans and visitors viewing the solar eclipse in the path of totality today: have a plan, stay alert, remain weather aware, and follow instructions from local officials.

☀️The #TotalSolarEclipse passes through Texas today! As you prepare to watch, remember:

- Practice responsible and resepctful recreation.
- If you use firewood, use it where you buy it.
- Don't drive or park on tall, dry grass.

Learn more here: ow.ly/KQIJ50R9Hwm

⚠️Texas Faces Multiple Extreme Weather Threats This Week⚠️

🔥Critical Wildfire Threat: Sun-Tues

⛈️Severe Storm Threat: Mon-Wed

🌙Eclipse: Mon

Be Prepared, Have a Plan, Stay Alert, and Heed Warnings of Local Officials.

Safety Tips: texasready.gov

🔥 Alert: Extreme Wildfire Danger Today.

Extreme fire weather conditions are expected to be widespread in the Texas Panhandle and Southwest Texas near Alpine, Amarillo, Childress, Fort Davis, Fort Stockton, Lubbock and Midland.

Stay WILDFIRE ALERT today!

Update: the #DominguezFire in Presidio County is an estimated 175 acres and 40% contained. Forward progression has been stopped and the fire showed little activity overnight. Crews will patrol and mop up across the fire area today. #txfire

As the total solar eclipse crosses Texas on Monday, recreate responsibly and prevent wildfires:

🔥 Don’t drive or park on tall, dry grass.
🔥 Be cautious of dragging chains.
🔥 Check your tire pressure.
🔥 Don’t leave campfires hot. Drown, stir, drown again and feel.

Make sure you have a plan in place before April 8th!

Happy National #Volunteer Month! Thank you to all the wonderful, hardworking volunteers across AgriLife Extension Service, we couldn't do what we do without you! TX Master Naturalist Texas 4-H #TexasMasterGardener #TexasMasterWellness

Thank you to all who tirelessly work to support our food and fiber systems, ensuring our world is nourished and sustained. Together, we pioneer knowledge, strengthen communities and fuel a rapidly growing world.

Happy #NationalAgDay !

As first responders continue to battle wildfires in the Panhandle, College Station-based teams have also been working tirelessly.

Nearly 500 miles away, Texas A&M Forest Service personnel lead a complex operation directing life-saving resources to those in need: tx.ag/TXFS2024

The Texas A&M Forest Service Emergency Operations Center is the central hub for real-time Texas wildfire analysis and response, headquartered in College Station. The EOC provides support to ground crews responding to wildfires by directing personnel and equipment resources.

Paul DeLaune, Ph.D., has been named interim center director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo. More about Dr. DeLaune at Texas A&M AgriLife Today: agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2024/03/11/del… with TAMU Department of Soil and Crop Sciences TAMU College of Agriculture & Life Sciences 👍 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle is the largest wildfire in Texas history, spanning the size of Rhode Island. The fire is an estimated 1,058,482 acres and 87% contained.

When disaster strikes in Texas, it's often members of the A&M System who are the first to respond. We are proud of the emergency management, coordination, & response efforts underway in the Panhandle by our System members Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service, @teextweet, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service & Texas A&M University.

The largest wildfire in Texas history, the #SmokehouseCreekfire , started in Hutchinson County and has burned an estimated 1,059,570 acres. Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service responded and have been on the front lines with volunteers to serve and support. tx.ag/InsideTheFireL…

Please be cautious and help prevent any new wildfires.

The Disaster Assessment and Recovery team compiled a list of wildfire resources available to anyone who has been impacted by the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle: tx.ag/WildfireResour…