Zavala County

AgriLife Extension Service Office

Zavala County is in Southwest Texas, bordered by Uvalde, Dimmit, Frio, and Maverick counties. Its county seat, Crystal City—known as the “Spinach Capital of the World”—is located in the southwest area. Other communities include La Pryor and Batesville, both unincorporated but served by their own school districts. Farming, ranching, food processing, and hunting dominate the local economy. Winter vegetable crops like spinach, onions, and cabbage are prominent, along with watermelons, cantaloupes, sunflowers, cucumbers, and pecans. Grain crops include corn, wheat, oats, and sorghum. Cotton is a major crop, with two local gins serving a wide area. Hunting is a major economic activity from September to January, with deer, quail, and dove hunting being particularly popular. Most land is leased for hunting, often with high-fence operations and year-round lease options. Livestock includes cow-calf operations, stockers, feedlots, and some goat production, often combined with hunting services.

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.

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Zavala County Staff

Leslie Dominguez

  • County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • County Coordinator
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Fax: (830) 374-3351

Julieta Leija

  • Extension Agent - Better Living for Texans
  • Better Living for Texans (BLT)
  • Extension Agent
Fax: (830) 374-3351

Mariana Vargas

  • Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
  • Office Manager
  • Support Staff

Resources Available in Zavala 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.

Programs in Zavala County

Learn more about the special programs offered in Zavala County

2025 Zavala County Validation Dates

  1. Steer and Heifer Validation (County & State)
    1. June 25, 2025—6 PM – 8 PM@ Chaparrosa Ranch
  2. Fall Major Shows Sheep and Goat Validation (State)
    1. June 25, 2025—6 PM – 8 PM@ Chaparrosa Ranch
  3. Sheep and Goat Validation (County & State)
    1. October 11, 2025—8 AM – 10 AM @ ZAE Show barn
  4. Swine Validation (County & State)
    1. November 15, 2025—8 AM – 10 AM @ ZAE Show barn
  5. Poultry Validation/ Pick Up
    1. November 21, 2025—5 PM @ ZAE Show barn

Extension Topics for Zavala County

Zavala County

Contact Us

Address: 221 N 1st Ave
Crystal City, TX 78839-3503
Phone: (830) 374-2883
Fax: (830) 374-3351