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

FIND US ON:

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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.

if

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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