YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Texas agriculture is sustainable

By Gene Hall

Sustainable farming. Buzzword or fact? A label for agriculture or reality?

Whatever your view of the term, it actually fits modern agriculture. Farming and ranching is sustainable or there wouldn’t be any farmers or ranchers.

Some think only small farms are sustainable–an idyllic scenario where the farmer is one with nature. Yes, that is sustainable.

A farm with thousands of acres that uses modern technology can also be sustainable. It’s not the size of a farm that counts. It’s the attitude and mentality of those caring for the land.

Preservation and conservation are part of it. It’s also about making a profit to raise a family. Farmers and ranchers work in partnership with the land, taking care to make wise use of precious resources. Sustainable also means preservation and conservation of a family business.

There are many elements of sustainability. That’s nothing new for farmers and ranchers. They’ve been doing it for generations.

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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