YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

More than just farmers and ranchers 

By Gene Hall

Farmers and ranchers have skills—many skills. But their job description changes. Sometimes daily, and always subject to weather.

With each day come new challenges and new opportunities. To learn, teach and grow.

There’s more going on than just farming and ranching.

Farmers and ranchers are also truck drivers, mechanics and welders.

They might drive a tractor in the morning. A truck and trailer in the evening. In between, repairs and taking care of routine maintenance.

As environmentalists, they take care of the land for future generations.

They are meteorologists, economists and agronomists.

They use science, math and engineering. Don’t forget their communication skills.

They trade in jeans and hats for coats and ties to advocate for agriculture in Austin and Washington. They share their stories with consumers through newspapers, social media and broadcast.

They’re family members and community leaders, too.

It’s all in a day’s work for farmers and ranchers, who are growing more than just food and fiber.

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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