Why should we care about the farm bill?
By Jessica Domel
If you like food, you should support the farm bill.
The Senate voted for a new farm bill yesterday and action now shifts to the House. I’ve been keeping up with the farm bill’s progress in Washington, D.C., and I found myself asking others on our staff, “What does this mean for the typical American consumer?”
I have some answers for you.
The irony of the farm bill is that only about 20 percent of its funding is for farm-related programs. But that 20 percent is vital to American farmers. Without the funding provided through federally subsidized crop insurance, many farmers would probably have to leave the business.
read moreCelebrating 140 years of blue jeans
By Jessica Domel
Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis forever changed American wardrobes 140 years ago this week when they used a small copper rivet and and some sturdy cotton twill to create blue jeans.
Using blue demin material, the patented cotton rivet allowed Strauss and Davis to manufacture stout work pants that, 140 years later, have become an icon in American culture and fashionable wear for both work and play.
Blue jeans are definitely at the heart of the activities on my family farm. When we were younger, my brother and I used to joke that we had never seen my dad in anything but denim blue jeans and a denim work shirt. His closet was comprised of denim.
read moreMeet a Texas onion plant farmer: Bruce Frasier
By Jessica Domel
Farmers in the Lone Star State are doing more than helping to feed and clothe the world. They’re also helping agricultural production in other states. Did you know the nation’s largest onion plant supplier is located in Carrizo Springs, Texas?
Meet Bruce “Onion Man” Frasier, president of Dixondale Farms.
Dixondale Farms ships millions of onion plants across the nation each year to be planted in states with shorter growing seasons. This year, Dixondale Farms is celebrating a milestone–100 years in business–and millions of plants sold to garden centers, farms and home gardeners across the United States.
read moreHomemade Kolaches
By Kelly Bogard
As many of you know, we live in Waco not too far from a small community that, in the past couple of weeks, has been in the news quite a bit. The town of West, Texas is near and dear to our hearts.
In fact, I have written about the great people of West before. One of my favorite things about this town of less than 3,000 is their hospitality and food.
read moreExploring the many crops of the Lone Star State
By Jessica Domel
You never know what you’re going to find on the back roads of Texas. I’ve lived in this state my entire life, and every time we go on a trip, I find something new at which to marvel. Sometimes I feel like a little kid because I get so excited learning about the different foods grown in the Lone Star State.
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