81R27987 JGH-D
By: Sheffield H.C.R. No. 211
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, For 100 years, scientists at the Blackland Research
and Extension Center have worked to ensure a safe and affordable
food supply, protect the environment, and invigorate the economy;
and
WHEREAS, The Blackland Experiment Station, Substation No. 5,
was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1909 to conduct research
on cotton root rot and a variety of other soil and crop problems;
the Research and Extension Center today occupies a 542-acre site in
the south-central part of the Blackland Prairie region, on the
southeastern edge of Temple; it is one of 13 off-campus stations
affiliated with The Texas A&M University System as part of Texas
AgriLife Research, the state's premier research agency in
agriculture, natural resources, and the life sciences; and
WHEREAS, In 1931, the Blackland Research and Extension Center
began soil and water research in cooperation with the USDA Soil
Conservation Service; its early projects also included hybrid corn
breeding and research in cattle grazing and feeding; in recent
years, researchers have used weather data collected over many
decades to develop important guidelines for conservation and
improved crop performance, and studies of mechanization for major
crops, especially cotton, have provided information of great value
to farmers and agricultural agencies; and
WHEREAS, The Blackland Research and Extension Center shares
research facilities with the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research
Laboratory of the USDA/Agricultural Research Service, and their
scientists have cooperated closely for more than 80 years;
Blackland Research and Extension Center researchers also
collaborate extensively with their counterparts from the Natural
Resources Conservation Service and the Environmental Protection
Agency; the large national Conservation Effects Assessment Program
to quantify the environmental benefits of USDA conservation efforts
is among the key projects made possible by these relationships; and
WHEREAS, Responding to the needs of Texas residents, the
center is currently undertaking research related to healthy rivers
and streams, rangeland drought monitoring and management,
agriculture and natural resource risk management, and other crucial
issues; over the past century, the distinguished scientists and
dedicated staff of the Blackland Research and Extension Center have
been instrumental in improving land, water, and soil resources in
Central Texas, and they continue to enhance our knowledge of
agriculture and the environment while developing new technologies
that benefit countless people in our region and elsewhere; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby congratulate all those associated with the Blackland
Research and Extension Center on the occasion of its 100th
anniversary and extend to them best wishes for continued success in
their noteworthy endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Blackland Research and Extension Center as an
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and
Senate.