By Julie Vrazel

At the beginning of this year, Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” speech touched Americans during the anticipated Super Bowl commercials and declared 2013 as the year of the farmer, something I think has been a long time coming.

With this commercial, agriculture moved into the spotlight and it helped spark much needed dialogue between those who grow food and you, the American consumer.

Farmers and ranchers jumped at the opportunity and began answering questions, sharing their stories and building relationships.

Now as the year comes to an end this evening, farmers and ranchers across the Lone Star State and the nation aren’t leaving the conversation. They will continue to share with you their secret ingredients for your safe and affordable food supply, because farmers and ranchers are ready—no matter what challenges come their way—to face the uncertainty of 2014 with optimism and a proven recipe for success.

Farmers are preparing their kitchen by plowing and fertilizing the land. They have gathered their seeds and will combine them with handfuls of faith and love, a pinch of passion and two heaping scoops of determination and work ethic.

And for the same reason Momma’s biscuits always taste better than yours, the same holds true for growing food and fiber. Because it’s more than the fundamentals of farming; it’s the continued perseverance in the face of adversity to provide for their families and their urban neighbors that makes farming and ranching a noble profession.

Looking ahead to 2014, remember how relevant these secret ingredients are in life and when you’re shopping at your local grocery store.

After all, there’s a farmer, a family and a way of life down every aisle.