Are you Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture? Most 4-H and FFA members are! However, some don’t share our passion for agriculture… Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture is a program to help inform consumers and policy makers to understand the importance of agriculture to our state, country and world! AG IS LIFE! LED BY YOUTH!!!

Our Goal The mission of Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture is for the youth of Texas to unite with a common voice to promote the positives of agriculture across the Lone Star State. Communicate with a public that has not heard from farmers, ranchers, 4-H and FFA members TELL YOUR STORY!

Our Messages 1. Texas Agriculture – Leading America to food security with a safe, affordable and sustainable food supply. 2. We trust our farmers and ranchers to take care of the land, preserving and improving this priceless resource for future generations. 3. Farm and ranch families feed the American people – and – provide jobs for many of them.

The production of food and fiber in America – and in Texas – is nothing short of a miracle. It’s been brought about by research, development of safe and sustainable technology and skill in applying it. For much of recorded history and before, food security has been more of a dream than a reality. Much of human history has been a search for food –sometimes a desperate one. This still is true in some parts of the world today. Modern agriculture has relieved American society of the burden of producing – and worrying about – its own food. Modern agriculture has developed systems based on efficiency, high yields and technological expertise. The result is a safe and reliable food supply that almost everyone in America can afford. Texas Agriculture- Leading America to food security with a safe, affordable and sustainable food supply. Enthusiasm is key!

We trust our farmers and ranchers to take care of the land, preserving and improving this priceless resource for future generations. Food production yields in America have increased dramatically in the last half century. According to the Natural Resource Inventory of USDA, chemical use has declined and farms and ranches have become much more efficient. Many of today’s farm & ranch families have produced for multiple family generations in the same location. Taking care of the land is good business and common sense. It is the fondest hope of most farmers and ranchers to pass their land and agricultural heritage on to the next generation of their families. This is not possible without solid planning and good, sustainable management practices. Good conservation today is about preserving resources and improving the quality of the land with science-based best management practices and common sense. No one has a more compelling cause for environmental protection, improvement and overall stewardship than those who depend on that very environment for their livelihood and financial well being...the farmers and ranchers.

The development of agriculture as a high-yield and efficient enterprise has become very important in the Texas and American economies. Texas agriculture is responsible for more than $100 billion worth of economic impact in the state. One in seven jobs – almost 20% of the total – is created to grow, harvest, transport, retail and market food and fiber products. The production of crops and livestock all across Texas is the economic engine that drives the economic well being of many Texas communities. Farmers and ranchers buy mostly local – the tools of their trade – along with all the other things every family needs. This helps build strong rural communities. Texas leads the nation in the production of cattle, cotton, hay, sheep, wool, goats, mohair and horses. Farm and ranch families feed the American people – and – provide jobs for many of them. AG IS LIFE!

Our messages are good. Our ideas are sound. Our commitment is solid. What do we do next? Tell our story! Enthusiasm is key! DON’T BE SHY! AG IS LIFE! TELL YOUR STORY!!!

The 3 messages all have great talking points to help you tell YOUR story! Visit the Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture to see more! Don’t forget to talk about what it’s like to grow up in agriculture Our Messages…in detail BE PROUD

What’s Next? After you start getting your story out there, don’t be surprised if others take notice They may even start asking you questions about your agriculture story—be yourself! Don’t be afraid to seek an adult mentor like your Ag teacher or county agent STEP UP! RECRUIT FRIENDS Enthusiasm is key! DON’T BE SHY! AG IS LIFE! TELL YOUR STORY!!!

And don’t forget to be Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture!