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Posted on May 21, 2018 in Audio, Editorial, Featured, Your Texas Agriculture Minute

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

 

Farmers becoming an endangered species?

By Gene Hall

You can make a good case that farming is an endangered enterprise. Farm income is less than half of what it was five years ago. Agriculture is heavily dependent on trade, and the current environment is rocky at best.

Prior to this administration, agriculture was under a regulatory assault. That, at least, is somewhat better. But some farmers and ranchers feel the government cares more about endangered species than the farm families who have to figure out a way to stay on the land.

Last week, the vital farm bill became a pawn for an unrelated issue. Historically bipartisan legislation, the farm bill is now anything but. It provides a minimum safety net for farmers, mostly in the form of crop insurance, without which the risk becomes too great to plant.

Also at stake are nutrition programs, conservation and animal health issues—like cattle fever tick research funding.

Another farm bill vote will take place soon. Farm and ranch families are watching with concern.

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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