Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides disaster relief and recovery

Buffalo Bayou Park Houston, flooded after Hurricane Beryl

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides disaster relief and recovery

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In 2025, the state of Texas experienced 31 severe weather events, including drought, floods and major fires. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center activated 21 times in 2025 for a total of 94 days. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery (DAR) is an educational network that focuses on preparing for, mitigating and responding to disasters. The DAR unit deployed to assist with emergency response efforts, working closely with emergency management teams. The unit established Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), temporary facilities to consolidate support and recovery resources. At these facilities, individuals can access local, state and federal resources and receive services such as mold remediation guidance, mental health support, and information about the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund. In 2025, Extension specialists deployed to 16 state and FEMA-led DRCs, supporting over 2,225 individuals impacted by extreme weather events. 

In March of 2025, the Crabapple Fire swept across Gillespie County. In response, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension established an animal supply point for producers whose herds suffered losses, while a team of DAR Specialists focused on receiving and distributing critical farm resources like hay, feed and fencing. With community ties and strong partnerships, AgriLife Extension raised $100,000 in donations to directly reinvest in Gillespie County.  

Also in March, the Rio Grande Valley experienced unprecedented heavy rainfall, which caused damage exceeding $100 million. Extension personnel deployed immediately to assess damage, staff DRCs and create a collaborative group to ensure all affected communities were included in disaster relief and recovery efforts. On July 4, the Guadalupe River swelled to historic levels, causing catastrophic flooding across multiple counties and claiming the lives of over 100 people, including many youths who were at summer camp along the river. AgriLife Extension harnessed personnel resources across every affected county to provide disaster assessment and recovery, and educational resources to over 690 individuals regarding insurance, food safety handling, mold remediation and livestock indemnity information.  

AgriLife Extension took a multi-faceted approach to supporting Texans who experienced extreme weather events in 2025. From connecting individuals to critical recovery information to providing over $155,000 worth of fencing, hay and feed, AgriLife Extension delivered focused services that met immediate and long-term needs of individuals and communities who suffered from disasters.  

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension | Project supported by state appropriations.

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