Flood Tips for Texas Ranchers - Protect Livestock Before and After

Oct 01, 2026

By Blair Fannin

With the potential for rising rivers and flooding in parts of the state, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Disaster Assessment and Recovery, DAR, specialists are offering guidance to help ranchers and livestock owners prepare for high water and recover once it recedes.

Floodwaters can injure or displace animals, contaminate feed and water, damage fences and gates, and leave hazards hidden in pastures. DAR’s recommendations span the full event — from planning ahead of a flood to caring for livestock, documenting losses and finding assistance afterward.

“Our Disaster Assessment and Recovery specialists are ready to quickly respond to any immediate needs,” said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., DAR program director, Bryan-College Station.

Once waters recede, Bryan Davis, DAR South Region chief, Seguin, said livestock owners should move quickly to check animals for injury and illness, watch for longer-term health problems and document every loss.

Source : tamu.edu

Video: Assessing Welfare Resources During Late Finish - Dr. Anna Johnson & Emma Coursey

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Johnson from Iowa State University and Emma Coursey from the University of Illinois discuss research evaluating welfare resources during the late finishing stage on commercial swine farms. They explain how feeder management, water use, space allocation, and pig health influence welfare outcomes and practical on-farm management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Small resource issues can become larger welfare problems when multiple stressors interact across finishing barns."

Meet the guests: Dr. Anna Johnson / anna-johnson-05028a14 is the Morrill Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University and completed her master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on practical solutions that improve farm animal welfare, including sow productive lifetime, animal-human interaction, environmental enrichment, and Precision Livestock Farming.

Emma Coursey / emma-coursey-183810241 is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Her academic interests include swine health, production, and animal welfare, with research experience evaluating welfare resources in commercial finishing pigs.