By Justin Walker

2018 is officially here. Hallelujah!

Sure, 2017 had its good moments. But ask just about any Texas farmer or rancher, and they’ll tell you the New Year couldn’t get here fast enough.

Wildfires. Tornadoes. Hurricane Harvey. Months without rain. It was a long year, and not just for agriculture. We were all impacted by some of those same events.

Thankfully, it’s a new year. A time for a new you, but expect the same Texas agriculture.

Year in and year out, agriculture supports our bodies and our jobs. This year won’t be any different.

Did you make resolutions to get healthier or save money? Texas farmers and ranchers have just what you need.

Vegetables, grains, beef, pork, lamb and poultry. Each plays a role in our balanced and nutritious diet, and all get their start on a farm or ranch.

Heading to the gym? Grab your cotton T-shirt and get your sweat on!

Did you know Texas is the top producer of cotton in the U.S.? Just one bale of cotton, which weighs about 480 pounds, can make 409 men’s T-shirts, 690 bath towels, 4,231 mid-calf socks and quite a bit more.

Next time you’re hitting the weights or going for a run, think about the farmers who helped make your workout gear possible.

Spending less and saving more. It’s a resolution we can all get behind. And yes, agriculture can help.

Farmers and ranchers grow a variety of crops, including traditional and organic foods. While organic is more expensive, traditional-grown foods are quality products at a reasonable price.

One in seven working Texans also has a job related to agriculture. Communicators, teachers, scientists, transportation, processing and more—all tied to agriculture.

Texas farmers and ranchers play a role in just about everything we do. That’s not changing. So, while we begin our new diets, workout routines and money-saving strategies, they will continue to operate under the same goals with the same passion as before.

It’s the start of a new year. But it’s just another day for Texas agriculture.