Abstract (300 words maximum)
Shawnee Gonzalez
GEOG 4100: Direct Applied Research Project Abstract
Dr. Paul McDaniel
Geography of Agriculture and Community Impacts in the Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is located at the southernmost point of Texas. The USA and Mexico border meet at the four-county region called the Valley. This is one of the fastest growing areas within the United States. This location is rich in history and tradition. There are four counties in the RGV - Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy and Cameron. The four county regions share the same richness in agriculture and farming as the rest of the state. Right across the border is Matamoros, Rio Bravo, and Reynosa, Mexico. The Valley is well known for its warmer temperatures and dry conditions year-round. The arid climate is opportune to grow citrus, sugar cane, potatoes, spinach, and other heat tolerant vegetables. Cotton is one of the main crops grown in the valley. According to the latest USDA FSA Acreage Data Report, in 2020 about 162,000 acres of cotton were planted in the four counties of the RGV. Livestock is also huge, and every single year there is a “Livestock Show and Rodeo” where it’s a mixture of carnival entertainment and tons of information on livestock and how important it is in the RGV. Using ArcGIS Online for spatial analysis, cartography, and geovisualization, this project analyzes data about the geography of agriculture and the effects of agriculture on the community in the Rio Grande Valley. Applied results are helpful for local leaders and policymakers.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Geography & Anthropology
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Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Paul McDaniel
Geography of Agriculture and Community Impacts in the Rio Grande Valley
Shawnee Gonzalez
GEOG 4100: Direct Applied Research Project Abstract
Dr. Paul McDaniel
Geography of Agriculture and Community Impacts in the Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is located at the southernmost point of Texas. The USA and Mexico border meet at the four-county region called the Valley. This is one of the fastest growing areas within the United States. This location is rich in history and tradition. There are four counties in the RGV - Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy and Cameron. The four county regions share the same richness in agriculture and farming as the rest of the state. Right across the border is Matamoros, Rio Bravo, and Reynosa, Mexico. The Valley is well known for its warmer temperatures and dry conditions year-round. The arid climate is opportune to grow citrus, sugar cane, potatoes, spinach, and other heat tolerant vegetables. Cotton is one of the main crops grown in the valley. According to the latest USDA FSA Acreage Data Report, in 2020 about 162,000 acres of cotton were planted in the four counties of the RGV. Livestock is also huge, and every single year there is a “Livestock Show and Rodeo” where it’s a mixture of carnival entertainment and tons of information on livestock and how important it is in the RGV. Using ArcGIS Online for spatial analysis, cartography, and geovisualization, this project analyzes data about the geography of agriculture and the effects of agriculture on the community in the Rio Grande Valley. Applied results are helpful for local leaders and policymakers.