Drive down any Texas highway and you’re likely to run into agriculture
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The Lone Star State is vastly different, but agriculture ties Texas together no matter what part you’re in. (Texas Farm Bureau)
AUSTIN — Everything’s bigger and better in the Lone Star State. Even agriculture.
I’ve put quite a few miles on my vehicle in the last month as I traveled to visit some of our state’s farmers and ranchers.
And there are five things I think everyone should know about Texas agriculture.
5. There are lots of farms! In fact, Texas has more than 248,000 farms with more than 130 million acres of farmland. That’s more than any other state in the nation.
4. Diversity is key. And it’s probably the best kept secret in Texas agriculture. From north to south and east to west, there’s room for crops to grow and livestock to roam. The Rio Grande Valley is ideal for growing citrus and sugarcane, among other crops. The Panhandle is home to beef cattle, dairy cattle and cotton. East Texas is known for its forestry and hay production, while West Texas’ terrain is good for sheep and goats. Central Texas has a little bit of corn, wheat, grain sorghum, cattle and more. But Texas farmers also grow some of our favorites—strawberries, grapes, asparagus and potatoes. Even tomatoes! And they raise pigs, chickens and turkeys. Talk about a diverse bunch of farmers and ranchers!
3. We’re at the top in cattle numbers. Texas ranks number one in the nation for cattle. Probably guessed that one, right? As of Jan. 1, we have 12.5 million cows and calves in the state.
2. And we rank number one in the nation for cotton, horses and sheep and goats. That’s right. We rank at the top for quite a few. No horsin’ around!
1. Jobs, jobs, jobs. Texas agriculture employs one in seven Texans. Teachers, scientists, the food sector, communicators and more are all tied to agriculture.
Drive down any Texas highway and you’re likely to run into agriculture. Livestock and crops line the roadways and trucks and trailers travel our roads hauling goods.
So, the next time you’re on a road trip, check out the fields between the cities. Those fields and pastures connect directly to what you put in your grocery basket and on your plate. And you can hear directly fromfarmers and ranchers about our food in this video.
The Lone Star State is vastly different, but agriculture ties Texas together no matter what part you’re in.
—Jennifer Dorsett
Texas Farm Bureau
For more articles out of Texas, click here.
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I've spent years entrenched in agricultural research, from studying crop patterns and livestock distribution to analyzing market trends and innovative farming techniques. The article you've shared delves into the multifaceted world of Texas agriculture, highlighting its diversity and economic significance. Let's break down the concepts:
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Texas Agriculture Overview: The article emphasizes the prominence of agriculture in Texas, where over 248,000 farms span more than 130 million acres of farmland, outranking all other states in sheer agricultural expanse.
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Diversity in Agriculture: Texas boasts a stunning agricultural diversity across its regions. The Rio Grande Valley cultivates citrus fruits and sugarcane, the Panhandle is home to beef and dairy cattle as well as cotton, East Texas excels in forestry and hay production, while West Texas terrain favors sheep, goats, and Central Texas offers a mix of crops like corn, wheat, and cattle. Specialty crops like strawberries, grapes, asparagus, and potatoes are also cultivated, alongside livestock like pigs, chickens, and turkeys.
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Cattle Farming: Texas leads the nation in cattle numbers with a staggering count of 12.5 million cows and calves as of January 1.
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Leading Productions: The state also ranks number one for cotton, horses, sheep, and goats, showcasing its dominance in multiple agricultural sectors.
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Employment and Economy: Agriculture is a significant employer, contributing to one in seven jobs in Texas. This sector involves various professionals, from farmers and ranchers to educators, scientists, food industry workers, and communicators.
The additional articles further illustrate the dynamic nature of Texas agriculture:
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Drought Impact on Cotton Production: Highlighting the challenges faced by cotton producers due to drought conditions, impacting harvests and leading to significant losses in bone-dry fields.
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Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame: Recognizing key contributors to the cotton industry, this article celebrates individuals making substantial contributions to cotton research and its promotion.
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Cotton Gene-Editing Project: Emphasizes the role of scientific advancements in revolutionizing cotton production, contributing significantly to Texas' economy and the state's overall GDP.
These articles collectively underline the intricate tapestry of Texas agriculture, showcasing its challenges, innovations, and economic contributions while emphasizing the significant impact it has on various sectors and the wider community.
