AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife's digital magazine and newsroom

Susan Himes

Susan Himes is a writer and media relations specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife. She writes news releases and features from science-based information generated by the agency. She also covers human interest stories and events across the state.

All posts by Susan Himes

A barn swallow sits on a sprinkler head attached to a building.

March 18, 2025

Tips to prevent barn swallow nests this spring

Federal law prohibits disturbing barn swallows once they nest, so take preventative action now

Environment Lawn & Garden Trending
Red and orange oak tree leaves on a branch.

November 7, 2024

Leave leaf litter alone for overwintering insects

AgriLife Extension November Gardening Guide

Lawn & Garden
A roasted turkey sits atop a grill with a meat thermometer in it

November 6, 2024

Picking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey

Things to know when selecting your centerpiece bird

Life & Health
A honeybee entering a cell in a honeycomb.

October 29, 2024

Honey production up in 2024 after a difficult 2023

Texas Crop and Weather Report

Farm & Ranch
A man, Samson Oladokun, Ph.D., wearing glasses and a purple shirt smiles into the camera outside a poultry science building at Texas A&M.

October 25, 2024

Samson Oladokun brings microbiome expertise to the Department of Poultry Science

Research focuses on harnessing the chicken microbiome to improve health and welfare

Around Texas A&M AgriLife Farm & Ranch
Snowfall covers the ground and has dusted three plants in bright yellow large pots in a garden.

October 16, 2024

Five steps to prepare your garden for winter

Texas A&M horticulturist offers expert garden advice to enter the cool season with confidence

Lawn & Garden
A cluster of bats hanging upside down in a cave.

October 8, 2024

Millions of bats call Texas home sweet home

Separating fact from fiction about this fascinating flying mammal

Environment Trending
red, yellow, white and pink mums fill the picture frame

October 8, 2024

10 quick tips to help your mums survive and thrive

What to look for, how to care for fall favorite flower

Lawn & Garden Trending
The Gardens at Texas A&M fall decor features pumpkins of different colors in front of planters with white flowers in one and red in the other.

October 3, 2024

Prepare your garden for the holiday season

AgriLife Extension October Garden Guide

Lawn & Garden
A group of pumpkins ranging from white to dark orange as viewed from above. They have been picked and are on display.

September 24, 2024

Texas pumpkin yields and quality up despite hot summer

Texas Crop and Weather Report.

Farm & Ranch
Matt Baker sits on a bench wearing a grey suit and smiling at the camera. An ornate window is behind him.

September 18, 2024

Matt Baker: An impactful career shaping leaders of agriculture

Department head for Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications to retire Sept. 30

Around Texas A&M AgriLife Press Releases

September 18, 2024

Poultry camp and a passion for helping others

Immersive experience set Madison Perkins '27 on Department of Poultry Science path

Farm & Ranch
Recently harvested Texas red grapes sit in a large storage tub in a vineyard.

September 17, 2024

2024 wine grape harvest comes early with good quality, quantity

Texas Crop and Weather Report.

Farm & Ranch
A young teacher with long dark hair instructs her students on floral design. A large floral display in in front of thenm.

September 16, 2024

Sara Burke: From student to agricultural education leader

Former student transforms lives through floral science and inspires new educators.

Around Texas A&M AgriLife Impact on Texas

September 6, 2024

Livestock judging camp lays foundation for successes

Turner Matkin’s journey from camper to counselor to college.

Around Texas A&M AgriLife
A bunch of carrots freshly pulled from the earth with soil still on them

September 5, 2024

Time to transition your garden for fall and start cool-season vegetables

AgriLife Extension September Gardening Guide.

Lawn & Garden

August 12, 2024

From Colombia to College Station, in search of an Aggie leadership education

International student Miguel Diaz’s path to agricultural leadership

Around Texas A&M AgriLife

August 12, 2024

How are hurricanes named?

Experts offer some history, insights into storms

Impact on Texas
A large and small tomato against a bright blue background. Both tomatoes show splits in their skin as a result of too much soil moisture,

August 8, 2024

The best time to pick produce, keep tomatoes from splitting

AgriLife Extension August Gardening Guide

Lawn & Garden
A hummingbird drinks from a flower mid-air.

August 5, 2024

How to feed a hummingbird

From feeders to flowers, hummingbird basics for Texans

Environment Lawn & Garden