Farming and Ranching

Consumers think about food production constantly, but know very little about how food is brought to the dinner table or about farming or ranching. However, consumers, farmers, and ranchers seem to care about the same things: food safety, animal health, and the environment. The most recent and notable concern to ranchers and farmers are the wildfires that have roared across Texas in the past nine months have caused $152 million in direct losses to the state's farmers and ranchers.

Approximately 3.7 million acres have burned in Texas since wildfire season began in November 2010, making it the most destructive in state history. Due to the wildfires, Texas agriculture has seen more than $150 million in agricultural losses, and experts say those figures are expected to continue to roll upward. In addition, workers have lost their jobs and self-employed individuals have been unable to work due to wildfires.

This industry needs the support of federal disaster relief fund to prevent further lose in food, livestock, and property.

Texas Farm Bureau

Texas Forest Service

Texas Parks and Wildlife