Major Focus:
With a growing urban influence in a traditionally rural setting, Texas AgriLife Research at Stephenville recognizes our society’s shifting needs and priorities in agriculture’s food, fiber, natural resources and environmental management systems. Our scientists develop applicable technologies to sustain healthy ecosystems while ensuring safe and plentiful food production. Current efforts focus on 1) mitigating the rural and urban carbon footprint, 2) expanding biofuel feedstock, 3) peanut breeding to develop genetic resistance or tolerance to diseases and insects, 4) utilizing native plant germplasm to restore grassland ecosystems, 5) sustainable management of insect-transmitted plant diseases, 6) developing cropping systems that result in healthier watersheds.
Mission:
The broad mission of Texas AgriLife Research at Stephenville is to serve the citizens of Texas and beyond through education, research and service programs, which create vital economic, environmental and societal benefits. The role of AgriLife Research at Stephenville is to use science and technology to improve and protect the lives and land of the citizens in the rural/urban interface.
Research Programs:
Environmental/Watershed Quality
Bioenergy
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Dairy Science
Entomology
Horticulture
Plant/Animal Systems
Sustainable Agriculture
Special Initiatives:
Insect Vectored Plant Diseases
Management of Pierce’s Disease of Grape
Peanut Germplasm Collection, Protection and Utilization
Dairy Phosphorous Management and Surface Water Protection
Resident Director:
Dr. Donald L. Cawthon
1229 N. US Hwy. 281
Stephenville, TX 76401
Phone: (254) 968-4144
Fax: (254) 965-3759
E-mail: d-cawthon@tamu.edu
Personnel:
31 full-time employees (15 Research, 16 Extension)
Established:
Since 1887, Texas AgriLife Research has been an integral part of the Texas A&M System. AgriLife Research is the state’s only agency dedicated to research and technology development in food, agriculture and natural resources. There are 13 AgriLife Research and Extension Centers serving the specific research needs of each region and for agricultural and urban citizens across the state.
Facilities:
The Texas Legislature authorized the Stephenville Station on May 9, 1935, and initial land holdings were secured in 1939. Designated in 1940 as Sub-Station No. 20, the Texas A&M Regents approved the Stephenville Station as a Research and Extension Center in 1974, and construction of the current headquarters facility was initiated in 1976. The facility includes a 17,000-square-foot AgriLife Research office/laboratory building; 650 acres of crop/grazing land; and greenhouses, shops and animal handling facilities.
