Senator Ted Cruz worked his way through the Lone Star State this week, growing his Texas agricultural perspective.
Texas Farm Bureau Secretary-Treasurer (District 1) and Panhandle corn farmer Robert Gordon hosted the senator, welcoming him to his farm, fields and family.
“Senator Cruz came to learn about what we do and better understand the daily operations. My son Kent, wife Patty and I were able to talk about agriculture from ag policy to planting and harvest,” Gordon said.
He stopped by during corn harvest and took the opportunity to ride alongside Kent in the combine, getting a firsthand look at agricultural technology at work in real time.
“One thing we wanted to highlight were the advances in agricultural technology and how it helps us do more with less,” he said.
Finances, risk and ag mergers were also part of the conversation.
“We had the opportunity to discuss the current markets, need for sound farm programs and the pending company mergers. He was very eager to learn what goes into farming,” Gordon said.
Cruz’s tour through the region’s agriculture included livestock, grapes, cotton and grains. And it’s one that will have a lasting impression as Cruz represents farmers when he makes it back to D.C.
He also toured Del Rio Dairy of Friona and the Hilmar Cheese plant in Dalhart while he was in the panhandle. Gotta love some dairy!!
I wish everyone who loves dairy could live next to a dairy. You’d change your mind in 5 minutes. Go visit one sometime. Look around the whole property and not just what they want you to see. Then get a copy of the TCEQ General Permit and see if the facility is in compliance. You just might be surprised!
Hi Mark. Thanks for reading. I’ve been on more dairies than I want to count and I still love milk, cheese, ice cream and beef. As a concentrated animal feeding operation, they must have and maintain compliance with TCEQ regulations. It might not always smell like it when you’re downwind, but its managed and safe for the environment and consumers. That’s why those regulations are in place.
As with any farm—or anyone’s home for that matter—there are places or rooms that may fill up with junk. I just hope no one would be so quick to pass judgement. Dairy farmers care for their animals, the environment, their families and consumers.