Jim Wells County

AgriLife Extension Service Office
Close up of corn seedlings in a field.

Through an expansive network of 250 county offices and more than 900 professional educators, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides practical, accessible solutions to everyday challenges. Connect with an AgriLife Extension representative in your area to explore the wide range of educational resources, programming and activities available to you.

Resources Available in Jim Wells County

AgriLife Extension offers key programs across the state that are organized and supported at the county level. Click the links below for more information about local programming or contact your county office.

4-H Announcements

Reminders

  • 5/11 Orange Grove Country Kids 4-H Meeting
  • 5/15 Broiler/Roaster Order Form Due to JWC Fair Office
  • 5/16 Stewer Validation
  • 5/17 Premont Cactus 4-H Meeting
  • 5/17 Hoppin 4-H Meeting
  • 5/18 JWC Horticulture
  • 5/19 JWC Horticulture
  • 5/20 JWC Horticulture
  • 5/22 Leadership Lab Registration Closes
  • 5/25 County Courthouse Close
  • 5/27 D12 Horse Show – Edna
  • 5/28 D12 Horse Show – Edna
  • 5/29 Election Convention Registration Closes

May 11, 2026

Reminder: Broiler Order Forms are due at the Jim Wells County Fair Office Friday May 15th.

Stewer Rabbit Validation will be May 16th.

May 8, 2026

As we continue to recognize our seniors one of our very own has been chosen to receive a Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship! Kinleigh Carr will be receiving $20,000 from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! Congratulations!

Congratulations to our very own Cyreniah Hinojosa! She will be continuing her 4-H rifle career with Schreiner University Rifle team this Fall!

May 5, 2026

Our first day of Ag Fair received great coverage from our news media. Only 100 4th grade students today but we will be busting at the seams Wednesday and Thursday with over 200 students each day. Thanks to Melissa Cantu-Trevino for coming out and interviewing the students!

April 22

Class of 2026! The Friends of Jim Wells County 4-H Scholarship is now available! The purpose of the scholarship is to honor the giving spirit of the many volunteers and 4-H members that embodied the selfless attitude, both past and present. The scholarship fund has been established to award graduating Senior(s) with a scholarship who have shown the same “Making the Best Better” character towards helping others, in both community service and mentoring.

Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to the Jim Wells County Extension Office by 5:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026. Requirements 1-3 must be turned in at one time.

Winner(s) will be announced at the upcoming Jim Wells County 4-H Banquet on August 1st. The check will be made out to the University or Trade School noted on the application and will be voided if not used by December 31, 2026. Number of scholarships given depends on fundraising, proof of enrollments, and is at the discretion of the application Judges.

Friends of Jim Wells County 4-H Scholarship Application

March 28

All of our Jim Well County Members did an amazing job over the last two days at District Contest!
Fashion Show
– Logan Saenz 2nd Place Semi Formal to Formal
– Kinleigh Carr 2nd Place Semi Formal to Formal
Ag Product ID participants
– Amanda Conway, Adriane Cadena, Richard Dunnan, Rylee Quintanilla, Justine Cadena, Kinleigh Carr, Rebekah Gordon, Eli Walker
Educational Presentation
– Kinleigh Carr 2nd Place Family & Consumer Science (State Qualifier)
– Rylee Quintanilla 2nd Place Sheep & Goat
Food Show
– Logan Saenz 2nd Place Junior Main Dish
– Christianna Recio 3rd Place Junior Appetizer
– Ethan Saenz Junior Healthy Dessert
– Robert Kaiser – 1st Place Intermediate Main Dish
– Kinleigh Carr 1st Place Senior Main Dish(State Qualifier)
Consumer Decision Making
– Kinleigh Carr 2nd Place Senior individual( Stare Qualifier)
Food Challenge
– 4th place Junior Team Food Fighters
– Grant Zelaya, Helen Weatherston, George Weatherston, Ava Cabrera
– 3rd Place Junior Team The Munchkins
– Amanda Conway, Allison Villarreal, Ethan Saenz, Adriane Cadena
– 3rd Place Intermediate Team Royal Cuisines
– Sareth Heffington, Robert Olivarez, Richard Dunnan
– Intermediate Team Appetizing Athletes
– Logan Saenz, Nova Mejia, Leilani Mejia, Mikayla Perez
– 2nd Place Senior Team Menu Masters (State Qualifier)
– Kinleigh Carr, Eli Walker, Ezekiel Mejia, Rebekah Gordon

 

Shooting Sports

Please keep up with the GroupMe for updated information on Shot Gun Practice.

Rifle Practice will be Saturday at 9:00 AM

Check out our Facebook page!

Jim Wells County 4-H Facebook

Ag & Natural Resources Publications and Information

Here you can find publication information regarding livestock, crops, soil, and other natural resources.

Healthy South Texas Announcements

May 11, 2026

Hey Jim Wells County!!! Save the Date!

Join us for a Family Health Fair & Car Seat Safety Check! Explore a variety of vendors offering resources for our community, plus get expert help to ensure your child’s car seat is safely installed. Don’t miss it! – May 20, 2026, from 4 – 6 PM.
May 4, 2026
Protect your brain at any age. Discover 8 simple habits like exercise, better sleep, and staying social that may help reduce cognitive decline and support overall wellness. Start today for a healthier brain and body!
May 1, 2026
How much water do you really need each day? Learn simple guidelines plus benefits like better digestion, improved blood flow, and healthier skin. Get easy tips to stay hydrated and feel your best
May 1, 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Explore this resource with warning signs, types of conditions, treatments, and ways to find local support. Learn more and take a step toward better mental health
March 17, 2026
Come Join us May 20th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM for a Family Health Fair and Car Seat Safety Check! This is a free event located at 520 E 2nd St, Alice, Tx (Old HEB Parking Lot).
March 15, 2026
Strong People, Strong Bodies (SPSB) is off to a strong start with the amazing participants from the South Texas Community Clubhouse in San Diego! Thank you for being part of this journey and for allowing me to continue building experience as I lead one of my first SPSB groups after certification. Your enthusiasm, commitment, and encouragement make each session rewarding and meaningful.
SPSB is a progressive strength‑training program that focuses on improving muscle strength, balance, and overall functional fitness in a safe, supportive group setting. As the program continues, participants demonstrate that strength extends beyond physical activity—it fosters confidence, connection, and community.
March 24, 2026
Make home-cooked meals simple!
Plan theme nights, batch cook, or try sheet pan and foil-pack meals. These strategies save time while helping you prep balanced dishes your whole family will love.
March 17, 2026
Take the stress out of weeknights with 3 smart meal planning strategies. From building a flexible menu to stocking your pantry and freezer with the five food groups, learn how to save time, cut waste, and make balanced meals your family will love.
March 9, 2026
Sustainable eating and regular activity are the real keys to feeling your best. Learn how to spot fad diet red flags and build healthy habits that actually last.
Check our our Facebook Page!

Ag and Natural Resources Announcements

May 14

A USDA-NRCS funded program led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research that provides financial Incentives to help Texas Farmers, ranchers, and foresters adopt conservation practices that improve soil health and long term productivity. Program requirements include: participants must be working lands in the state of Texas, must have a Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm number, Producer must not already be receiving federal incentives for planned practices.

Participation benefits include: incentives up to $100,000 while improving resilience, enhance soil, water, and land health, support sustainability markets and future research, technical assistance from the TCSI team from start to finish.

To apply visit tcsi-data.tamu.edu

April 29, 2026

Our Third Annual South Texas Beef & Forage Field Day was held today in Beeville. Great program and information was shared amongst 50-60 participants throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!!!

April 22, 2026

Do you have a problem with brush encroachment? Join us Thursday, May 7th from 9:00 – 11:30 AM at Ranchos De La Paz (272 N Co Rd 1020, Kingsville, Tx, 78363) to come and see one of the most efficient ways to increase the forage productivity of your land, keep your brush at bay, and help your grass recover from drought.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Pepe Martinez at 361-944-4597.

Breakfast will be included.

Drone Spraying Demonstration

April 22, 2026

Don’t Forget!

Join us for Free Estate Planning, Financial Planning, and Farm Stress Workshop Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the San Patricio County Fairgrounds located at 219 W 5th St, Sinton, Tx, 78387. Registration opens at 5:30 and dinner will be provided. The program will focus on farm and ranch estate and financial planning. Topics will include key estate planning documents, determining the financial condition of the operation, and more. Presenters will also discuss stressors unique to farming and ranching strategies to help manage them. Speakers will be Tiffany Lashment, Joe Newcomb, Emma Vassaur, Miquela Smith, Dr. Mikaela Spooner.

There is NO FEE to attend, but pre-registration is required. you can register for this event at the following link https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=877244&

April 13, 2026

Join us April 29, 2026 for the South Texas Beef and Forage Field Day in Beeville, Tx.

Registration and a chuckwagon breakfast begin at 7 a.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station at Beeville, 3507 Highway 59 E. The program then moves for a trade show and lunch at 11:45 a.m. to Twisted Ranch Events and Design, 3360 U.S. Highway 59 N, with afternoon sessions to follow.

The registration fee is $40, and two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available. To register, call 361-621-1552.

Payment can also be made at the venue.

For more information on the South Texas Beef and Forage Field Day please visit the following link South Texas Beef and Forage Field Day

March 24, 2026

Farm Hope April 28, 2026

Join us for Free Estate Planning, Financial Planning, and Farm Stress Workshop Tuesday, April 28, 2026 From 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the San Patricio County Fairgrounds located at 219 W 5th St, Sinton, Tx, 78387. Registration opens at 5:30 and dinner will be provided. The program will focus on farm and ranch estate and financial planning. Topics will include key estate planning documents, determining the financial condition of the operation, and more. Presenters will also discuss stressors unique to farming and ranching and strategies to help manage them. Speakers will be Tiffany Lashment, Joe Newcomb, Emma Vassaur, Miquela Smith, Dr. Mikaela Spooner.

There is NO FEE to attend, but pre-registration is required. You can pre-register for this event at the following link Farm Hope April 28, 2026 Pre-Registration

March 13, 2026

Where’s the Fire? We have received numerous calls about smoke. There are a number of controlled burns in the area causing the smoky smells and haze.
Did you know? Prescribed Fire Benefits – Texas A&M Forest Service

 

February 13, 2026

Pre-emergent herbicides in preparation for spring weed germination. Watch the Thermometer: Apply spring pre-emergents when soil temperatures reach an average of 52 degrees Fahrenheit at a 4-inch depth to target germinating seeds before they emerge. The Second Window: don’t forget the fall application. Split your Applications: use a split application strategy to extend residual control throughout the entire germination windows of spring and fall. Activation is mandatory: Herbicides must be “watered in” to be effective. Know your Turf: Verify that your chosen product is safe for your specific gras type to avoid causing injury to your lawn. Product Selection: Effective options are available for homeowners and professions alike.

If you would like to read more information regarding this topic please click on the link below.

Preemergence Herbicides for Warm-Season Turfgrass Lawns

Soil Temperature Maps

Texas Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Course Information: This online course is designed for pesticide applicators in Texas that want to obtain a pesticide license. It provides crucial information that will prepare them to take the Private Applicator Exam by the Texas Department of Agriculture and administered by Metro Institute. The instructor for this course is Dr. Mark Matocha, and the course length is 3 hours. This online course has a fee of $100. Please note that printed manuals will be shipped to all course registrants. Please provide a physical shipping address during registration.

Is this course right for you? A private pesticide applicator is someone who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides or regulated herbicides to produce an agricultural commodity on personally owned property, rented property, property owned by his/her employer, property under his/her general control or the property of another person if applied without compensation, other than the trading of personal services between producers or agricultural commodities.

Please visit the link below to learn more about the training course.

Texas Private Pesticide Applicator Training

 

Events Calendar

Stay up to date on monthly 4-H Meetings, Competitions, Deadlines and Events. Explore the events calendar to stay current on what is happening throughout the year.

    • 5/1 Texas Horse Validation Closes
    • 5/2 Cupcake Wars
    • 5/2 Ag Product ID
    • 5/3 Ben Bolt Palito Blanco 4-H Meeting
    • 5/3 Clover Campaign Ends
    • 5/5 JWC Ag Fair
    • 5/5 Round Up Registration Closes
    • 5/6 JWC Ag Fair
    • 5/7 JWC Ag Fair
    • 5/11 Orange Grove Country Kids 4-H Meeting
    • 5/15 Broiler/Roaster Order Form Due to JWC Fair Office
    • 5/16 Stewer Validation
    • 5/17 Premont Cactus 4-H Meeting
    • 5/17 Hoppin 4-H Meeting
    • 5/18 JWC Horticulture
    • 5/19 JWC Horticulture
    • 5/20 JWC Horticulture
    • 5/22 Leadership Lab Registration Closes
    • 5/25 County Courthouse Close
    • 5/27 D12 Horse Show – Edna
    • 5/28 D12 Horse Show – Edna
    • 5/29 Election Convention Registration Closes
    • 6/1 District Record Book Registration Opens
    • 6/2 Round Up Begins
    • 6/10-6/12 Leadership Lab
    • 6/10 Turkey Validation
    • 6/12 Election Convention
    • 6/13 County Steer Validation
    • 6/20 County Swine Validation
    • 6/23 District Record Book Registration Closes
    • 6/27 County Market Goat and Market Lamb Validation

Upcoming Events

May
19
Aquatic Vegetation Herbicides and Application
Jun
02
Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program: Weslaco
Jun
10
District 12 Leadership Lab
Jun
11
Soil Critique Meeting
Jun
12
District 12 Election Convention
Jul
01
District 12 Record Book
All Jim Wells County Events

Extension Topics for Jim Wells County

Business & Community

Group of runners before race

News from Across the State

More News available on AgriLife Today

Visit Agrilife Today

Jim Wells County