A recent survey of Texas landowners provided insights to help guide programming from state agencies.

Over 5,000 Texas landowners responded to the 2022 Texas Landowner Survey, conducted by the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute (NRI).

The survey provides insights into demographics, needs, challenges and preferences of landowners in Texas for natural resource and conservation agencies, as well as policy makers.

The data collected helps develop resources and programming for landowners and their land.

The survey is conducted every five years in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The report shows 83% of Texas is comprised of private, rural working lands that produce food, fiber, recreation, ecosystem services and energy.

“Since private, rural working lands comprise most of the open space in Texas, private, rural landowners and their management decisions help shape our statewide resources,” Dr. Roel Lopez, NRI director, said.

The majority (60%) of these operations own less than 500 acres, 15% own between 500 and 1,000 acres, and 25% own more than 1,000 acres.

The survey found 90% of respondents earned less than 30% of their income from their lands.

“From a public outreach perspective, this offers an opportunity to get more creative with programs developed for landowners, offering landowners a menu of options for them to then determine which is better suited for their unique operations,” Dr. Angelica Lopez, NRI research scientist, said.

The survey found the top three reasons for owning land were wildlife, family and hunting. Additional reasons were ranching and recreation.

“These stated interests and preferences for wildlife, recreation and ranching indicate that Texas landowners have a vested interest in land stewardship, with many stating that they are willing to participate in landowner programs like tax valuations, landowner cooperatives and technical assistance programs,” Lopez said.

The respondents who hunt suggested they manage their land for a variety of game.

The landowners show concern for the loss of Texas working lands to urban sprawl and associated development, as well as water issues, invasive species and ownership rights.

View the results of the 2022 Texas Landowner Survey.