By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Hale County Farm Bureau unveiled an agricultural mural on the side of the organization’s building in Plainview.

The mural, which is 110-feet long, highlights Hale County agriculture, the evolution of agriculture and shares the story of Hale County Farm Bureau.

“The mural tells a story of the progression of agriculture and shows long, long ago what that process looked like up until current day,” Mark True, Hale County Farm Bureau president, said. “You can see all the crops that are grown in Hale County and that Hale County has done really well with over the years.”

The diversity of Hale County agriculture was an important component of the mural, True noted.

The mural pays homage to agriculture’s heritage and shows tools and equipment used in the past, beginning with a plow and horse. The painting includes an International Farmall tractor, a John Deere tractor plowing the soil and a cotton stripper baler, which reflects newer technology.

“It lets you put a visual on agriculture. It’s an industry that is vital to not only Hale County, but to the United States and the world,” he said. “I think it’s good when we take the time to give a visual representation of something of that magnitude to where maybe you get a little bit better engagement from people.”

Hale County Farm Bureau has received a great response from the mural. It has allowed some a first glance at agriculture and provided others a new perspective.

The mural ties all the components together to resemble a Texas flag.

“As a county Farm Bureau board, we’re charged with the promotion of agriculture. So, I think that dovetails really well into something like this mural,” True said. “It also sets us up in a position where people are asking questions.”

True said the artist, Alfonso Garcia, has painted other murals around Plainview.

The mural took about three weeks to complete, including preparing the wall.

Hale County Farm Bureau also hosted its county annual meeting outdoors in September to showcase the mural.

“The mural puts a stamp on the fact that agriculture is vital to our community and to everyone,” True said. “It also shows that Hale County Farm Bureau is an ag organization, and we’re proud of our agricultural heritage.”