By Nathan Smith

There’s no place like Texas!

I just returned home from a trip with a group of Texas farmers and ranchers who took a few days off their own farms to see how things are done down south–way south.

Brazil has come a long way in recent years in efforts to feed its growing population. Now they are among the top exporters of beef, sugar, cotton and coffee. We found out along the way that Texas farmers have a lot in common with our neighbors to the south. Take a look at our trip through Brazilian farm country.

Texas farmers and ranchers meet with Brazilian cooperative officials in Curitiba.

A true Brazilian-style steak house serves authentic cuisine.

Corn harvest near Ponta Grossa.   

 

Brazilian coffee farmer stands in his field ready for harvest. 

These coffee beans will soon be harvested.


 
Texas farmers inspect fruit at a local farmers market in Curitiba, Brazil.


 
A San Angelo cotton farmer compares Brazilian cotton in Mato Grosso.


 
Feed grains await shipment to a southern port in Brazil.

Most areas of Brazil receive an average of 80 inches of rain per year, allowing farmers to grow two crops per year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While there are many similarities, there is still a large percentage of Brazilian people who are unable to find enough food on a daily basis. The gap between rich and poor is wide and growing. The natural resources and agricultural production potential is astounding, but Brazil still lacks the sophisticated food system we enjoy here in the U.S.

Thankfully, both countries have farmers willing to work hard to feed us. Hats off to them all!