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Texas Farmers and Ranchers Face War at Home

VERONICA OBREGON

While thousands of U.S. troops engage in a war overseas, many Texas farmers and ranchers are facing another war here at home.

"We used to never feel threatened in our own country and now all of a sudden things are changing." said Dale Murden with Rio Farms Inc. "I am afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better. I go to D.C. a lot and it just seems they don't really get it yet."

The threats from this border war have become too real for some farmers, forcing them to quit after generations of .4. farming. Joe Aguilar never anticipated the day he would abandon the life he and his family knew so well. But after seeing a group of Mexican cartel members dressed in soldier uniforms on his property, Aguilar knew he had no other "Our farmers and ranchers along the Rio Grande are choice but to sell his family farm. caught in the middle of a war that affects every citizen of our nation," Commissioner Staples said. "A threat to our food "After so many years it's upsetting, but either you move supply is a threat to our homeland security. Texas stands on or you know it's dangerous for your family so I didn't ready to fight these terrorists and protect our residents, want to put them through that, and we just moved on from but we must have increased federal support to secure our farming," Aguilar said. borders, defeat our enemies and safeguard our national food supply. As providers of the safest, most abundant and In an effort to prevent more farmers from walking away most affordable food supply in the world, Texas farmers and from the critical role they play in supplying our nation's ranchers deserve the protection of our federal government." food, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples unveiled ProtectYourTexasBorder.com. The site uses For more information about the Texas border war on Texas video, photos and news stories to document the realities farms and ranches, visit ProtectYourTexasBorder.com. of the border war impacting Texas farms and ranches. Commissioner Staples hopes the site will wake up federal officials who don't understand the real and present impact of Mexican drug cartel violence on American soil. f/Il

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International Trade Represents Overdue Opportunities

DAVID GLESSNER

As a world leader in agricultural production, Texas has Closer to home, Mexico began imposing retaliatory much to gain in the international marketplace if the tariffs on almost 90 U.S. products in March 2009 after President and Congress green light three long-pending Congress ended a long-haul trucking program that free trade agreements, and re-establish a trucking allowed Mexican trucks to enter the United States as part program with Mexico. of NAFTA.

Expanded free trade agreements with South Korea and Recent developments in resolving this dispute are Panama have been awaiting federal approval for nearly four encouraging. President Barack Obama and Mexican years. Meanwhile, a pact with Colombia that had stalled President Felipe Calder6n recently announced for more than four years and could increase agricultural significant progress has been made in negotiations, and exports by $815 million a year, moved a step closer to a resolution could be found sometime this summer. In ratification this month when a labor plan was finalized. exchange for a new cross-border trucking agreement, Mexican officials have indicated they will suspend 50 "Agriculture is one of the most export-dependent sectors percent of the tariffs when an agreement is signed, and of the U.S. economy," Agriculture Commissioner Todd suspend the remaining tariffs when the first Mexican Staples said. "The completion of these pending free trade carrier is authorized to participate in the program. agreements is imperative to the future growth of this industry and also a vital part of our nation's economy." "For too long, Texas farmers and ranchers have paid the price for broken negotiations," Commissioner Staples said. At a recent meeting with U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk, Commissioner Staples expressed the dire need for At the recent National Association of State Departments completing the trade agreements. Regaining broader of Agriculture meeting in Washington, D.C., America's access to markets in South Korea, Colombia and agriculture leaders voiced unanimous approval of the Panama will increase U.S. agricultural exports by nearly pending free trade agreements and the re-establishment 83 billion, for a total of $9.2 billion in agricultural of a cross-border trucking program with Mexico. export opportunities each year. On behalf of U.S. and Texas farmers and ranchers, it's According to the U.S. National Trade Commission, time for our federal leaders to answer the call for swift the implementation of these trade agreements would action. What are we waiting for? increase U.S. exports by at least $13 billion and add $10 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. One has to wonder, what are we waiting for? ;J;,

Agriculture is 1' Y

V Your Culture f

ERIC FAULK 1,

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Did you know agriculture contributes to the products, science and energy that sustain our daily lives? Did you know: Agriculture is Your Culture? UR C

AGRICULTURE "Agriculture is Your Culture" is the Texas Department of j YOUR CULTURE Agriculture's new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the ways in which agriculture touches our everyday lives. It also serves to dispel myths set forth by vocal activist groups in an w _.__ Tu 7_u...... _ _ ...... r.... effort to distort public perception.

"With 'Agriculture is Your Culture,' we introduce you to some of our original environmentalists - our farmers and ranchers - as they take great care to nurture their land and animals in order to provide for their families and yours," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Through this truth campaign, we invite you to explore the bounty of the land and the ways it touches our world."

The campaign reconnects those who produce the products we need to live to those who regularly use those products - two things that have unfortunately grown distant in recent decades. With consumers having a growing desire to know where their food comes from and how it is produced, this campaign reminds consumers of the hard work and dedication that goes into their food and fiber production each day. AGRICULTURE , YOUR CULTURE To learn more about the bounty of our land and the way it

touches our world, visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov/culture. .. 2 Mien'ue' i rrYiir tnv Agriculture is more than dirt. Agriculture is Your Culture. STAFF

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\ >L. 18 IssuE 3 . (. I y 12847 1 Austin, Texas 78711 - 17 culture.gov

3OMSSIONER TODD STAPLES

r EDITORS - Pryan Black \ eronica Obregon

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS George Ayres James Bernsen Prescribed Burns Help Jeremy Fuchs David Glessner Joyce Hill Prevent Texas Wildfires Bill McLean Becky Ozuna JOYCE HILL TDA's MISSION: Partner with all Texans to make Texas the Recent wildfires in West, North and are stark examples of nation's leader in agriculture, fortify our economy, empower rural communities, the devastating impact of nature. Throughout Texas, parched grass and promote healthy lifestyles, and cultivate brush are familiar sights, but they also can become fuel for wildfires. winning strategies for rural, suburban, and urban Texas through exceptional service and the common threads of In the first quarter of this year, the Texas Forest Service reports 5,297 agriculture in our daily lives. wildfires swept across the state scorching more than 902,924 acres and Texas Agriculture Today is published quarterly destroying 617 structures, including homes and barns. The risk of these by the Texas Department of Agriculture. wildfires, which endanger the lives of citizens and can cause millions of Direct questions or comments concerning dollars in damage to crops and livestock, can be minimized through the Texas Agriculture Today articles to: use of prescribed burns. (512) 463-7476; for the hearing impaired: Relay Texas (800) 735-2989 (TTY) Prescribed fires planned and conducted under safe conditions by Or (800) 735-2988 (voice). experienced personnel can reduce or eliminate dry grass and brush For direct address or change of address that can fuel wildfires. These burns, of course, require proper training and information call (512) 463-7476. experience, and should not be attempted without proper qualifications. This publication is printed on recycled paper.

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Prescribed Burning Board TEXAS AGRICULTURE TODAY provides a comprehensive training curriculum for prescribed burn (USPS 081610, ISSN 10690522) managers. The board also licenses individuals as commercial certified newsletter is published quarterly by and insured prescribed burn managers (CCIPBM) or private certified the Texas Department of Agriculture, 1700 N. and insured prescribed burn managers (PCIPBM). The latter allows Congress, Room 1100, Austin, TX 78701. Free. Periodical private license holders to burn only their land or that of their Postage Paid at Austin, Texas. employer. Each CCIPBM is insured with $1 million of property and POSTMASTER: liability coverage for the public's protection. And let's not forget that Send address changes to TEXAS AGRICULTURE TODAY, one of the main purposes of prescribed fire is to burn fuels that could P.O. Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711 lead to community-destroying wildfires.

For a list of CCIPBMs available for hire throughout the state, visit the FIND US ON: Prescribed Burning Board website at www.TexasAgriculture.gov and search for "prescribed burns." Commodity Focus: if Texas Carrots

BECKY OZUNA

The delicious taste and healthy benefits of carrots have made them a popular snack in the Lone Star State.

Carrots are high in vitamins A, K and C, is a maroon carrot that contains about According to the 2007 Census of as well as dietary fiber. They also are high 40 percent more beta-carotene and the Agriculture, the top two carrot-producing in beta-carotene, which gives them their antioxidant, anthocyanin, than its typical Texas counties were Cameron and Hidalgo signature orange color. Carrots' high orange counterparts. in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. antioxidant and mineral qualities have recently made them a popular ingredient Texas ranks third in U.S. carrot Whether used in a sweet cake, a savory salad in beauty products. production with 1,500 acres planted in or a skin cream, Texas carrots offer a variety 2010, producing 33.8 million pounds of uses. Visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov for At Texas A&M University, scientists valued at $8.6 million. Texas-grown some delicious carrot recipes. developed the Beta Sweet variety, which carrots are available year-round.

News Clips

3E'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples says the obesity epidemic is not only costing all taxpayers and consumers, but those dollars are being diverted from other increase access for eligible children; and A CRC designation is the red carpet used services. Obesity, he says, drains public focus more on local foods and agriculture. by more than 40 rural Texas communities resources from education, transportation In Texas, the Texas Department of to welcome retirees as record numbers and other services. "Every dollar spent Agriculture administers these programs. of baby boomers consider their options. on obesity-related health care is one less Perryman says the program gives potential dollar available for the classroom. The SUMMER FEEDING SITES new residents an extra measure of welcome 3E's of Healthy Living - Education, when they are planning the investment of While students might take a summer Exercise and Eating Right are as important that major life change. vacation, hunger does not. That's why today as the 3R's were for previous the Texas Department of Agriculture is generations." Obesity costs for Texas PROJECTED GROWTH IN finalizing contracts with organizations businesses nearly tripled to $9.5 billion LIVESTOCK HERDS across Texas to feed children when school from $3.3 billion in a two-year period is out. Community groups statewide, USDA's long-term forecast predicts the beginning in 2007. such as Boys and Girls Clubs, local parks nation's cattle inventory will continue to departments, churches and other service shrink through 2012, but rebounding CHILD NUTRITION organizations will fill the gap when school markets will give producers the economic PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZED is out. Those interested can dial 2-1-1 to incentive to rebuild culled herds With the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids locate the nearest service provider. beginning in 2013. Based on current Act of 2010, Congress renewed its weather expectations, government policies commitment to the child nutrition ECONOMIST PRAISES TEXAS' and market conditions, USDA forecasts programs that feed millions of low-income RETIREMENT PROGRAM that expansion to continue through at least children in school and at eligible summer 2020, driven largely by export markets. Renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman programs. Provider reimbursement The current inventory of U.S. cattle says TDA's GO TEXAN Certified is the rates will increase more than they have lowest in 50 years. Retirement Community Program (CRC) is in 30 years as the child nutrition a model for any state that wants to boost the programs offer healthier foods; economic stability of its rural communities. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Periodical P.O. Box 1 2847 Postage AUSTIN, TEXAS 787 1 1 PAID At Austin,Texas

With the 82nd Legislative Session in Other items of international concern are the pending full swing, the Texas Department of free trade agreements between South Korea, Colombia Agriculture is keeping busy with some and Panama. Gaining access to these markets will add very important issues. Some of the most value for Texas farmers and ranchers - and when pressing issues we are addressing are American farmers and ranchers benefit, it means good international ones. things for American food security, consumers and jobs. We are proud of the work in our agriculture industry and A key concern this year is border security. always look forward to seeing it thrive on a global level. The realities of Mexican drug cartels are already apparent in Texas and are now being documented on our new Protecting and serving Texas consumers, farmers website, ProtectYourTexasBorder.com, where we profile and ranchers is always our mission at TDA. Let's Texas farmers and ranchers who are subjected to daily hope it also becomes a demonstrated priority for intimidation, drug smuggling, property damage and violence our federal government. at the hands of criminals who illegally enter the United States. It is my hope that ProtectYourTexasBorder.com will help prompt Washington, D.C. into deploying the full force of our federal government to secure our borders, 10&) f4W defend our citizens and protect our food supply, upon which we rely every day.