YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Climate change the top ag issue for the next decade

By Gene Hall
Publisher

Climate change is still perhaps the best way to start an argument at every coffee shop and family gathering in Texas.

I’m not a scientist, and I can’t settle it in my 60 seconds here. However, I am convinced it will be the top agricultural issue of the next decade. Because it’s not something farmers and ranchers can settle by themselves. Everyone believes they have a stake in what happens.

I also know that agriculture absolutely must have a seat at the table. That will require aggressively stating concerns but also listening and adapting.

Modern agriculture has a good story to tell. Biotechnology, for example, means fewer trips across the field. Less fuel. Less water and a smaller carbon footprint.

Right now, agricultural research is looking to develop carbon negative farming–meaning we can use crops and livestock to reduce carbon in the atmosphere.

We should tell that story. And listen to others, as well.

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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