AUSTIN CO., Texas — The 2022 Multi-County New Landowner Program begins Feb. 18 and will also be held the third Friday of March, May, August, September, October and November.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service series costs $125 per person or $200 per couple. If paying for individual events, the cost is $20 per person. Each program runs from 1:30-5 p.m. with on-site check-in starting at 1 p.m.
Preregistration is required at https://tx.ag/NLOSeries.
Fees may be paid in advance or at the door. Each program will offer door prizes.
What is the Multi-County New Landowner Program?
The program is a series of meetings, seminars and field days designed to provide information and resources related to agriculture, natural resources, wildlife and land stewardship for new landowners in Austin, Colorado, Fayette and Washington counties.
Participants in the program will hear from AgriLife Extension experts in various fields about best management practices they can implement on their own property.
Dates, locations and topics
The sessions will rotate, being held at each of the supporting counties. Directions and additional information for each session will be emailed to registered participants.
— Feb. 18, Austin County, Introduction and Ag/Wildlife Valuations.
— March 18, Fayette County, Weed and Brush Control.
— May 20, Washington County, Pond Management.
— Aug. 19, Austin County, Fruit Trees, Pecans and Grapes for Small Acreage.
— Sept. 16, Colorado County, Forage Production and Livestock Production.
— Oct. 21, Fayette County, Wildlife Management and Native Grass Restoration.
— Nov. 18, Washington County, Bees and Trees for Homeowners.
Program benefits
Participants who attend the entire series receive over 24 hours of instruction and training from experts and a notebook with extensive publications and resources.
By attending the series, participants also have the time to have one-on-one discussion with speakers, experts and AgriLife Extension county agents. This is also an opportunity for participants to have their agriculture and natural resource questions answered and to dispel any incorrect myths about land ownership.
There will also be opportunities to visit local farms and ranches as well as network with other landowners.
Praise from past participants
“We found the Multi-County New Landowner program to be well worth our time,” wrote past attendees Dave and Patricia Penner in their post-program survey. “Not only did we learn a great deal about managing ponds, hay fields and trees, but we also were able to develop a personal relationship with our Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent. This ongoing relationship has been very helpful as we encounter new situations and have questions. We highly recommend the program.”
Eric and Andie Wolfer participated in the program and said that after purchasing land for their retirement, they had a lot they needed to learn — and the AgriLife New Landowner series delivered.
“The expertise of the agents who run the program and the speakers they bring to the seminars was outstanding,” they write in their survey. “Whether you have specific questions, or just want to expand your knowledge of landowner issues and solutions, this is your No. 1 source.”
For questions or additional information, contact the following AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agents: Stacie Villarreal, Austin County, 979-865-2072, stacievillarreal@ag.tamu.edu; Laramie Kettler, Colorado County, 979-732-2082, laramie.kettler@ag.tamu.edu; Scott Willey, Fayette County, 979-968-5831, sawilley@ag.tamu.edu; or Kara Matheney, Washington County, 979-277-6212, kjmatheney@ag.tamu.edu.
–Susan Himes
Texas A&M AgriLife Today
