By Julie Tomascik

You and me—we’re both different. We’re unique. And thank goodness! It’d be a boring world if we were all the same.

That also goes for farmers and ranchers in the Lone Star State.

Because Texas agriculture is vastly different from the other 49 states in the good ol’ USA, and we’re proud of that. We are Texan after all. But we’re also different from each other—agriculturally speaking.

There are folks, however, who tear down farmers and ranchers. They criticize farmers for their choice to use genetically modified organisms (GMOs), certain farming methods or the size of the farms.

But some companies stick by agriculture. Like Domino’s Pizza, who has recognized farmers and ranchers as experts.

Tim McIntyre, vice president of Communications for the Michigan-based chain, put it simply in the following to Brownfield Ag News:

“We will never tell a farmer how to farm. We will never tell a rancher how to raise his or her animals. What we believe is they’re the experts. They have the most vested interest in raising their livestock. It’s not just a job, we recognize that. It’s a life and we appreciate that—and we’re not afraid to stand up and say it.”

He’s right. Farmers and ranchers do know best. They know what grows best in their soil. They know how to best care for their livestock. And some have been doing it for generations.

No two farmers are alike. Just like no two teachers are the same. That’s what makes agriculture great—diversity.

They have choices—GMOs, organic, grass-fed, grain-fed and more. And we should support all of them. Because there is room for everyone.

Texas agriculture is far from black and white. It isn’t one size fits all. It’s diverse. Sustainable. And downright Texan.

And I hope you support farmers and ranchers of all kinds. I know I do.