By Haley Herzog

Pride in our state, determination and southern hospitality—it’s what everyone loves about Texas. And our unique culture is rooted in agriculture.

But what makes Texas agriculture so special other than the people? Our diversity.

With 254 counties, you’re sure to see different crops, farming practices and various livestock. One thing that’s always consistent, though, is the pride and passion for a job well done.

From the fields to the jobs it creates, Texas agriculture is unique.

There are more than 248,000 farms and 130 million acres of farmland in Texas.

We lead the nation in number of cattle. In fact, Texas has more cattle than 48 states have people.

And we also have the 14th largest cattle inventory in the world. There are more cattle on feed in Texas than in Australia and Canada combined. Cowabunga!

The Lone Star State also leads the nation in sheep and goat production. Did you know there are more sheep and goats in Texas than there are people in Philadelphia, San Antonio and San Francisco? And we’re the largest producer of mohair in the United States. Not that we’re bragging…

Cotton is king in Texas. Why? Because we grow more than any other state, of course! And it’s well-suited for our climate.

Texas ranks second in grain sorghum production. We can’t be the leader in every crop after all.

Texas farmers also grow wheat, grapes, corn, watermelon, hay, citrus, lettuce, tomatoes and a lot more of our fruits and veggies!

Floydada, a smaller Texas town, is home to the Pumpkin Capital of the World.

And Texas is the only state to grow all four varieties of peanuts—Runner, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia. One acre of peanuts is enough to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches. Now, that’s a lot of PB&J!

As you head to East Texas, you enter the land of trees. Timber farmers are like other crop farmers. The only difference is their crop—trees—takes longer to grow.

Throughout the state, a variety of wildlife is sure to be found. Deer, turkeys and more call Texas home.

Horses, dairy, poultry, pork and more are all part of the diversity of Texas agriculture.

There’s a lot going on in the Lone Star State. Big or small. Organic or conventional. Livestock or crops. They all have their place in the Lone Star State.

Because it’s diverse and unique. But connected. Feeding, clothing, fueling and sustaining—that’s Texas agriculture.

 

Haley Herzog is Texas Farm Bureau’s Communications intern. She is a recent graduate from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. She raises Brahman cattle with her family on their Central Texas ranch.