By Nathan Smith

Any self-respecting Texan knows the significance of this Friday. On March 2, we stop to remember the Alamo and pay our respects to the Texians who fought and won independence from Mexico.

I am a big fan of Texas country music and recently bought an album titled The Eagle and the Snake. Most of the songs are themed around the fight for Texas independence.

One song, called “Travis’ Letter,” is a half-spoken tune reciting the letter that Colonel William Travis sent to Sam Houston requesting reinforcements. If you recall seventh grade history, you will remember that backup didn’t arrive in time and the Alamo volunteers became martyrs.

I wonder what Travis, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and the other patriots would think if they could see the Texas I see. How would they react to the bounty that Texas offers to the world?

Think of the strides we’ve made in growing food in Texas since 1836. You won’t find farmers with horses and plows today. They still work just as hard, but they are not just laborers. They are soil scientists, mechanics, accountants, conservationists, engineers and business managers. And that’s all on Tuesday.

Now Texans send our pecans to China, our cotton to Europe, our beef to Japan, our fruit to Canada. Texas products are found near and far and it’s because of the spirit of independence still alive here today.

Texas cattle ranchers weathering a drought may sometimes feel like a volunteer inside the Alamo. Farmers who lose a crop from a hailstorm must feel defeated like Sam Houston did early in the war. But thankfully, they don’t give up. Without them, where would we be?

Texas still has challenges. But not knowing where our next meal will come from is not one. Our grocery stores always have food on the shelves. Our meat counters are stocked to the brim. We have the freedom to make the right nutrition choices for our families.

This Texas Independence Day, celebrate Texas and celebrate Texas agriculture.