YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Why farmers matter

By Gene Hall

Some people wish for the good old days.

You know. Those days when most people lived on the farm. The 40 acres and a mule thing. Brutally hard work with little reward. People ate what they grew. And scratched out a living the best they could.

That’s not for me.

Not that I’m adverse to hard work. I’d rather direct my energy to where I can be more productive.

That’s how modern agriculture came to be. People left the farm. They pursued a different way of life. They applied their aptitude and skill with the goal of providing a better life for their families.

Those who stayed on the land were a tough bunch. They had a true passion for farming. And a true gift. They gained the knowledge to make things grow.

The result is America. The greatest, most powerful and most prosperous nation in history. With an agricultural powerhouse that is second to none. Providing food security for its people and many more around the world.

Some look back with fondness for the good old days. And that’s well and good.

I prefer to look forward. To the good days to come.

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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