Zavala County
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.
Zavala County Newsletters Sign Up
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Zavala County Staff
Leslie Dominguez
- County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources
- County Coordinator
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Julieta Leija
- Extension Agent - Better Living for Texans
- Better Living for Texans (BLT)
- Extension Agent
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.
Zavala County 4-H County Council Application
Agriculture and Natural Resources Newsletters
Result Demonstration Summaries
Zavala County Junior Livestock Show Info & Updates
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Dimmit County AgriLife Extension Office
Date: August 9, 2025
Location: Downtown Crystal City
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Sign up as a vendor: https://forms.office.com/r/MNtSuv18Ps
Date: August 22, 2025
Location: Chaparrosa Ranch
Time: 1:00 – 3:15 PM
RSVP by emailing [email protected]

Zavala County 4-H County Council Application

2025 Zavala County Validation Dates
- Steer and Heifer Validation (County & State)
- June 25, 2025—6 PM – 8 PM@ Chaparrosa Ranch
- Fall Major Shows Sheep and Goat Validation (State)
- June 25, 2025—6 PM – 8 PM@ Chaparrosa Ranch
- Sheep and Goat Validation (County & State)
- October 11, 2025—8 AM – 10 AM @ ZAE Show barn
- Swine Validation (County & State)
- November 15, 2025—8 AM – 10 AM @ ZAE Show barn
- Poultry Validation/ Pick Up
- November 21, 2025—5 PM @ ZAE Show barn
Extension Topics for Zavala County
Texas 4-H Youth Development

Business & Community

Life & Health

Plants & Crops

Environment & Natural Resources

Animals & Livestock

News from Across the State
Zavala County
Contact Us
Crystal City, TX 78839-3503