Howdy,

The 2023 calendar year is coming to an end, and it is an opportunity for me to reflect on some of the exceptional achievements of our faculty, staff and students during the past 12 months. A record $240 million in external grants and contracts this year was a major increase over fiscal year 2022, which held our previous record of $160 million. These wins demonstrate the value that funding entities place on our research enterprise to achieve great things. 

An outstanding state legislative session also resulted in a significant infusion of funds to stabilize and advance our agency. Receiving funding this year were cost-of-living increases for employees of AgriLife Research, our legislative appropriations request (LAR) for $25 million to enhance research capital and equipment infrastructure across the state, and $15 million to rebuild the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Vernon following significant tornado damage. 

These accomplishments could not have been achieved without the dedication of the faculty, staff and students who contribute to our enterprise. Thanks for all you do!

Other significant highlights of 2023 

• Establishment of the Institute for Equine Sciences
• Establishment of the Center for Greenhouse Gas Management in Agriculture and Forestry, including a $5 million endowment from the Hood Family Foundation to name the center 
• Groundbreaking of the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Center at Texas A&M RELLIS
• Construction approval to relocate the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center from Amarillo to Canyon
• Donation receipt of the ~1,000-acre Slaughter Harris Ranch in Palo Pinto County 
• Donation receipt of the ~2,400-acre Thomas Ranch in Grimes County
• Initiation of plans to establish the AgriTech Innovation Hub at the McGregor Research facility
• Construction approval of the new Meat Science and Technology Center at RELLIS

Positioning for new opportunities in the coming year

This past year has also allowed our AgriLife Research leadership to work on many new and potential future opportunities. As a result of our spike in funding, we were able to commit more than $12 million to significantly upgrade our research infrastructure, laboratory equipment and farm equipment. 

In addition to state and national research opportunities, contingents representing AgriLife Research have visited Austria, Botswana, Mexico, Guatemala, Pakistan and Qatar, forging new opportunities for global collaboration. As these research and workforce development plans take shape, I hope you will be engaged. 

Looking ahead into the new year

I look forward to an exciting and productive 2024. We have a lot to do in upgrading our processes to make the best use of current technologies. We will work in close collaboration with our units in these comprehensive efforts. 

We know that our agricultural systems are changing, and we will build on our successes by seeking opportunities to support work in the fast-emerging focal points of the future, including: 

• Big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Enhanced opportunities in controlled-environment agriculture.
• Increased state and federal support in bioenergy.
• Enhanced research, workforce development and surveillance in food-supply-chain safety.
• Proactive work with entities on the problem of “forever chemicals” (PFAS).

Congratulations to you all on an outstanding year. Please enjoy a safe and restful holiday with friends and family.

I look forward to an equally successful 2024.

Gig 'em!