About
The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont
A comprehensive approach: Rice sustainability and improvement research and innovation
The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont has long served as an authority in rice production. Along with development of increasingly resilient rice cultivars, the center’s strategic priorities include developing new knowledge that expands the frontiers of rice and associated crop research for agricultural improvement, sustainability and human health.
Using multiple test sites in Bay City and Ganado round out the center’s research properties. Using several sites allows scientists to conduct research within the major soil, climate and cultural conditions found across the Texas rice belt. Research at Beaumont and Eagle Lake aim to provide results to producers everywhere in the region.
A Four-pronged mission
Develop new knowledge that expands the frontiers of rice and associated crops research for agricultural improvement, sustainability, and human health.
Develop cellulosic crop production and management systems to increase the economic sustainability of agricultural production in the southeastern U.S. and
elsewhere.
Develop and implement production and management approaches and innovations that enhance the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of Texas, U.S., and international rice production, and improve national and international food security.
Develop improved rice cultivars with the innovation and application of high throughput selection approaches that significantly increase the speed and accuracy
by which high yielding, superior grain quality, health-beneficial, pest-resistant, and abiotic stress-tolerant cultivars are developed
Becoming the premier hub for sub-tropical climate rice breeding, crop production, and crop management
The 5-year living strategic plan of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Beaumont outlines our vision, mission, and goals, our strategic priorities, and our plans for success.
Serving Texas rice producers
An overriding goal of our Center is to provide Texas rice producers with a competitive advantage over producers in other states and other nations. But our service goes beyond just the boundaries of Texas. Our researchers develope scientific knowledge that will serve the agricultural needs of the entire US.
The majority of our scientists hold professorial appointments with the Texas A&M University System. As professors, a primary focus is the development of fundamental knowledge of how rice responds to the environment and to agronomic inputs such as plant nutrients, and to injury or competition from insects, plant disease, and weeds. Some of their research also focuses on unraveling the biology and ecology of the major pest and beneficial organisms found in rice. Together this information serves as a foundation for the development of new rice varieties and improved production and management systems.
A network of research collaboration
Beaumont Center scientists work closely with faculty within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University in Bryan-College Station. The Center sponsors several graduate fellowships and typically has several graduate students working on rice research projects in Beaumont or College Station.
Research and extension activities at the Center largely focus on rice production and management, with a smaller amount directed at the production and management of alternative crops.
One of 13 Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension centers across Texas
The center at Beaumont is one of 13 Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension centers across the state. Each regional center addresses agriculture, life sciences and natural resources issues that are relevant to the food and commodities thriving where we operate. The centers collaborate statewide on a range of teaching, research and extension initiatives. Each of the regional centers is administrated by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and houses faculty and staff from a range of organizations across The Texas A&M University System.
Looking for Extension services?
The Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Beaumont is located within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District 9, spanning Far West Texas. For general inquiries and assistance from AgriLife Extension experts, please contact your county office.
