YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Not your typical farmer and rancher

By Gene Hall

What picture leaps into your mind when you think of a farmer? Is it one of those unfortunate stereotypes? How about a rancher? Some can’t get away from American Gothic. But I know better. I think well-educated, experienced, market-driven and well-spoken.

Farmers and ranchers, today, are breaking the stereotype. They're tech savvy. They use GPS and smartphones for planting, harvesting and marketing. They grow not only corn, cotton and grain sorghum, but asparagus, sunflowers and Christmas trees.

Texas ranchers raise the grass-fed, grain-fed and organic beef choices found in the meat counter. They are delivering the demands of today's diverse consumers.

By focusing on efficiency, they are doing more with less. Some even have jobs in town or own another business. Their small town values and ethics translate to community activities, church events and school functions.

So, next time you're in the coffee shop, take a look around. You might be surrounded by farmers and ranchers.

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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