YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

U.S. agriculture: Doing more with less, sustainably

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

U.S. farmers and ranchers have long been at the forefront of climate-smart farming. They use scientific solutions, technology and innovations to grow crops and care for livestock.

By doing so, they protect soil and water, efficiently manage manure and produce clean and renewable energy. They also capture carbon and improve sustainability.

It’s quite the success story. Over the past two generations, American farmers and ranchers have increased productivity by 287 percent. All while using the same resources.

Doing more with less is an understatement.

The carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture is also shrinking. Agriculture accounts for about 10% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. That’s far less than transportation, electricity generation and industry sectors.

And its footprint could soon be even less. Officials say with increased investment in agricultural research, new frontier technologies can be developed to capture even more carbon in croplands, forests and grasslands. Net zero emissions in some sectors of agriculture are a real possibility.

America’s farmers and ranchers are part of the climate solution. Working hard everyday in a sustainable way.

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.

Media outlets: This content may be used without further permission.