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Posted on Oct 10, 2016 in Audio, Editorial, Featured, Your Texas Agriculture Minute

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

 

Big isn't bad in agriculture

By Gene Hall

Big is bad. It’s what we’ve been led to believe about agriculture.

There does seem to be a lot of talk about big farms squeezing out small farms.

But big isn’t bad.

Farms are growing in size to generate income to support more family members coming back to the farm—the family business.

There are also fewer people willing to work, because farming is tough. And expensive. Time is a limited commodity. Tractors and equipment cost big money. Want to own livestock? Add more bills to the pile.

Agriculture’s profit margins are very thin right now. Like any business, farmers and ranchers closely watch the dollars coming in and going out. Growing the business is often the only choice to bring young family members back to agriculture, expanding opportunities.

About 97 percent of all U.S. farms are family owned. There is room for mid-sized and small farms. They work together to supply our food, resulting in quality and choice. For all of us.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

You may read this week’s editorial above or listen to the audio version.

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