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TExAS AGRICULTURE TODAYcA 3\fe's/etter of the Texas Department of c.ogriculture
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Texas Farmers and Ranchers Face War at HomeVERONICA OBREGON
While thousands of U.S. troops engage in a war overseas,
many Texas farmers and ranchers are facing another war
here at home.
"We used to never feel threatened in our own country and
now all of a sudden things are changing." said Dale Murden
with Rio Farms Inc. "I am afraid it's going to get worse
before it gets better. I go to D.C. a lot and it just seems
they don't really get it yet."
The threats from this border war have become too real for
some farmers, forcing them to quit after generations of
farming. Joe Aguilar never anticipated the day he would
abandon the life he and his family knew so well. But after
seeing a group of Mexican cartel members dressed in soldier
uniforms on his property, Aguilar knew he had no other
choice but to sell his family farm.
"After so many years it's upsetting, but either you move
on or you know it's dangerous for your family so I didn't
want to put them through that, and we just moved on from
farming," Aguilar said.
In an effort to prevent more farmers from walking away
from the critical role they play in supplying our nation's
food, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples
unveiled ProtectYourTexasBorder.com. The site uses
video, photos and news stories to document the realities
of the border war impacting Texas farms and ranches.
Commissioner Staples hopes the site will wake up federal
officials who don't understand the real and present impact
of Mexican drug cartel violence on American soil.
"Our farmers and ranchers along the Rio Grande are
caught in the middle of a war that affects every citizen of our
nation," Commissioner Staples said. "A threat to our food
supply is a threat to our homeland security. Texas stands
ready to fight these terrorists and protect our residents,
but we must have increased federal support to secure our
borders, defeat our enemies and safeguard our national
food supply. As providers of the safest, most abundant and
most affordable food supply in the world, Texas farmers and
ranchers deserve the protection of our federal government."
For more information about the Texas border war on Texas
farms and ranches, visit ProtectYourTexasBorder.com.
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International Trade RepresentsOverdue OpportunitiesDAVID GLESSNER
As a world leader in agricultural production, Texas has
much to gain in the international marketplace if the
President and Congress green light three long-pending
free trade agreements, and re-establish a trucking
program with Mexico.
Expanded free trade agreements with South Korea and
Panama have been awaiting federal approval for nearly four
years. Meanwhile, a pact with Colombia that had stalled
for more than four years and could increase agricultural
exports by $815 million a year, moved a step closer to
ratification this month when a labor plan was finalized.
"Agriculture is one of the most export-dependent sectors
of the U.S. economy," Agriculture Commissioner Todd
Staples said. "The completion of these pending free trade
agreements is imperative to the future growth of this
industry and also a vital part of our nation's economy."
At a recent meeting with U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron
Kirk, Commissioner Staples expressed the dire need for
completing the trade agreements. Regaining broader
access to markets in South Korea, Colombia and
Panama will increase U.S. agricultural exports by nearly
83 billion, for a total of $9.2 billion in agricultural
export opportunities each year.
According to the U.S. National Trade Commission,
the implementation of these trade agreements would
increase U.S. exports by at least $13 billion and add
$10 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. One
has to wonder, what are we waiting for?
Closer to home, Mexico began imposing retaliatory
tariffs on almost 90 U.S. products in March 2009 after
Congress ended a long-haul trucking program that
allowed Mexican trucks to enter the United States as part
of NAFTA.
Recent developments in resolving this dispute are
encouraging. President Barack Obama and Mexican
President Felipe Calder6n recently announced
significant progress has been made in negotiations, and
a resolution could be found sometime this summer. In
exchange for a new cross-border trucking agreement,
Mexican officials have indicated they will suspend 50
percent of the tariffs when an agreement is signed, and
suspend the remaining tariffs when the first Mexican
carrier is authorized to participate in the program.
"For too long, Texas farmers and ranchers have paid the
price for broken negotiations," Commissioner Staples said.
At the recent National Association of State Departments
of Agriculture meeting in Washington, D.C., America's
agriculture leaders voiced unanimous approval of the
pending free trade agreements and the re-establishment
of a cross-border trucking program with Mexico.
On behalf of U.S. and Texas farmers and ranchers, it's
time for our federal leaders to answer the call for swift
action. What are we waiting for?
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Agriculture isYour CultureERIC FAULK
Did you know agriculture contributes to the products,
science and energy that sustain our daily lives? Did you know:
Agriculture is Your Culture?
"Agriculture is Your Culture" is the Texas Department of
Agriculture's new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the
ways in which agriculture touches our everyday lives. It also
serves to dispel myths set forth by vocal activist groups in an
effort to distort public perception.
"With 'Agriculture is Your Culture,' we introduce you to
some of our original environmentalists - our farmers and
ranchers - as they take great care to nurture their land and
animals in order to provide for their families and yours,"
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Through this
truth campaign, we invite you to explore the bounty of the
land and the ways it touches our world."
The campaign reconnects those who produce the
products we need to live to those who regularly use those
products - two things that have unfortunately grown
distant in recent decades. With consumers having a
growing desire to know where their food comes from
and how it is produced, this campaign reminds consumers
of the hard work and dedication that goes into their food
and fiber production each day.
To learn more about the bounty of our land and the way it
touches our world, visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov/culture.
Agriculture is more than dirt. Agriculture is Your Culture.
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3OMSSIONER TODD STAPLES
EDITORSPryan Black
\ eronica Obregon
Prescribed Burns HelpPrevent Texas WildfiresJOYCE HILL
Recent wildfires in West, North and East Texas are stark examples of
the devastating impact of nature. Throughout Texas, parched grass and
brush are familiar sights, but they also can become fuel for wildfires.
In the first quarter of this year, the Texas Forest Service reports 5,297
wildfires swept across the state scorching more than 902,924 acres and
destroying 617 structures, including homes and barns. The risk of these
wildfires, which endanger the lives of citizens and can cause millions of
dollars in damage to crops and livestock, can be minimized through the
use of prescribed burns.
Prescribed fires planned and conducted under safe conditions by
experienced personnel can reduce or eliminate dry grass and brush
that can fuel wildfires. These burns, of course, require proper training and
experience, and should not be attempted without proper qualifications.
The Texas Department of Agriculture's Prescribed Burning Board
provides a comprehensive training curriculum for prescribed burn
managers. The board also licenses individuals as commercial certified
and insured prescribed burn managers (CCIPBM) or private certified
and insured prescribed burn managers (PCIPBM). The latter allows
private license holders to burn only their land or that of their
employer. Each CCIPBM is insured with $1 million of property and
liability coverage for the public's protection. And let's not forget that
one of the main purposes of prescribed fire is to burn fuels that could
lead to community-destroying wildfires.
For a list of CCIPBMs available for hire throughout the state, visit the
Prescribed Burning Board website at www.TexasAgriculture.gov and
search for "prescribed burns."
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSGeorge Ayres
James Bernsen
Jeremy Fuchs
David Glessner
Joyce Hill
Bill McLean
Becky Ozuna
TDA's MISSION:Partner with all Texans to make Texas the
nation's leader in agriculture, fortify our
economy, empower rural communities,
promote healthy lifestyles, and cultivate
winning strategies for rural, suburban,and urban Texas through exceptional
service and the common threads of
agriculture in our daily lives.
Texas Agriculture Today is published quarterly
by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Direct questions or comments concerning
Texas Agriculture Today articles to:
(512) 463-7476;
for the hearing impaired:
Relay Texas (800) 735-2989 (TTY)
Or (800) 735-2988 (voice).
For direct address or change of address
information call (512) 463-7476.
This publication is printed on recycled paper.
TEXAS AGRICULTURE TODAY
(USPS 081610, ISSN 10690522)newsletter is published quarterly by
the Texas Department of Agriculture,
1700 N. Congress, Room 1100,
Austin, TX 78701. Free. Periodical
Postage Paid at Austin, Texas.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to
TEXAS AGRICULTURE TODAY,
P.O. Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711
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Commodity Focus:Texas CarrotsBECKY OZUNA
The delicious taste and healthy benefits of carrots have
made them a popular snack in the Lone Star State.
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Carrots are high in vitamins A, K and C,
as well as dietary fiber. They also are high
in beta-carotene, which gives them their
signature orange color. Carrots' high
antioxidant and mineral qualities have
recently made them a popular ingredient
in beauty products.
At Texas A&M University, scientists
developed the Beta Sweet variety, which
News Clips3E'S MORE IMPORTANTTHAN EVER
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples
says the obesity epidemic is not only
costing all taxpayers and consumers, but
those dollars are being diverted from other
services. Obesity, he says, drains public
resources from education, transportation
and other services. "Every dollar spent
on obesity-related health care is one less
dollar available for the classroom. The
3E's of Healthy Living - Education,
Exercise and Eating Right are as important
today as the 3R's were for previous
generations." Obesity costs for Texas
businesses nearly tripled to $9.5 billion
from $3.3 billion in a two-year period
beginning in 2007.
CHILD NUTRITIONPROGRAMS REAUTHORIZED
With the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
Act of 2010, Congress renewed its
commitment to the child nutrition
programs that feed millions of low-income
children in school and at eligible summer
programs. Provider reimbursement
rates will increase more than they have
in 30 years as the child nutrition
programs offer healthier foods;
is a maroon carrot that contains about
40 percent more beta-carotene and the
antioxidant, anthocyanin, than its typical
orange counterparts.
Texas ranks third in U.S. carrot
production with 1,500 acres planted in
2010, producing 33.8 million pounds
valued at $8.6 million. Texas-grown
carrots are available year-round.
increase access for eligible children; and
focus more on local foods and agriculture.
In Texas, the Texas Department of
Agriculture administers these programs.
SUMMER FEEDING SITES
While students might take a summer
vacation, hunger does not. That's why
the Texas Department of Agriculture isfinalizing contracts with organizations
across Texas to feed children when school
is out. Community groups statewide,
such as Boys and Girls Clubs, local parks
departments, churches and other service
organizations will fill the gap when school
is out. Those interested can dial 2-1-1 to
locate the nearest service provider.
ECONOMIST PRAISES TEXAS'RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman
says TDA's GO TEXAN CertifiedRetirement Community Program (CRC) is
a model for any state that wants to boost the
economic stability of its rural communities.
According to the 2007 Census of
Agriculture, the top two carrot-producing
Texas counties were Cameron and Hidalgo
in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Whether used in a sweet cake, a savory salad
or a skin cream, Texas carrots offer a variety
of uses. Visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov for
some delicious carrot recipes.
A CRC designation is the red carpet used
by more than 40 rural Texas communities
to welcome retirees as record numbers
of baby boomers consider their options.
Perryman says the program gives potential
new residents an extra measure of welcome
when they are planning the investment of
that major life change.
PROJECTED GROWTH INLIVESTOCK HERDS
USDA's long-term forecast predicts the
nation's cattle inventory will continue to
shrink through 2012, but rebounding
markets will give producers the economic
incentive to rebuild culled herds
beginning in 2013. Based on current
weather expectations, government policies
and market conditions, USDA forecasts
that expansion to continue through at least
2020, driven largely by export markets.
The current inventory of U.S. cattle is the
lowest in 50 years.
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
P.O. Box 1 2847
AUSTIN, TEXAS 787 1 1
With the 82nd Legislative Session in
full swing, the Texas Department of
Agriculture is keeping busy with some
very important issues. Some of the most
pressing issues we are addressing are
international ones.
A key concern this year is border security.
The realities of Mexican drug cartels are already apparent
in Texas and are now being documented on our new
website, ProtectYourTexasBorder.com, where we profile
Texas farmers and ranchers who are subjected to daily
intimidation, drug smuggling, property damage and violence
at the hands of criminals who illegally enter the United
States. It is my hope that ProtectYourTexasBorder.com
will help prompt Washington, D.C. into deploying the full
force of our federal government to secure our borders,
defend our citizens and protect our food supply, upon
which we rely every day.
PeriodicalPostage
PAIDAt Austin,Texas
Other items of international concern are the pending
free trade agreements between South Korea, Colombia
and Panama. Gaining access to these markets will add
value for Texas farmers and ranchers - and when
American farmers and ranchers benefit, it means good
things for American food security, consumers and jobs.
We are proud of the work in our agriculture industry and
always look forward to seeing it thrive on a global level.
Protecting and serving Texas consumers, farmers
and ranchers is always our mission at TDA. Let's
hope it also becomes a demonstrated priority for
our federal government.
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