Podcast: Play in new window | Download

If you ask someone what the top priority of a farmer or rancher is, you will likely get mixed feelings and misconceptions.  But a farmer’s top priority is the welfare of their animals. A farmer’s top priority is to tend to their animals to give them the best quality of life possible.  

As we all know, within any industry or operation, some people witness and experience things first-hand and behind the scenes. Some people witness just a glimpse or a glance of what may be occurring. This can often lead to misconceptions and misunderstandings. 

Misconceptions: Clearing the Crop Circles of Confusion  

In this episode, I will talk to a former livestock showman and cotton, wheat, sorghum, and corn farmer about her top priority as a pig and crop farmer.  Addie Hicks is a 5th-generation farmer from Canyon, Texas. Hicks is a current Texas A&M University student in the Agricultural and Life Sciences Department. Hicks will share just how important the health and safety of her animals on the farm is to her.  

We will talk about the importance of animal safety and welfare, also acknowledging the misconceptions about a farmer’s top priorities and how they can be misleading.  

How Can We Bring Awareness to the Agriculture Industry? 

As agriculturalists, we cannot control what outsiders see or believe about the industry, but we can educate them and encourage them to dive deeper into the industry and see all of the good it has to offer.  

Additionally, we can also educate outsiders and bring awareness to what truly occurs on a farm, ranch, and the industry as a whole daily.  

As the backbone of America, the agriculture industry provides the clothes on our backs and the food on our tables.  Furthermore, as agriculturalists, we need to do better in educating outsiders on what the industry truly is about. We also need to show that our animals are taken care of. The health and safety of our animals is our top priority.

We learn by seeing, doing, and engaging.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

If you ask someone if small family-owned and operated farms contribute to the food industry at a large scale, you will get a variety of responses. However, small family-owned and operated farms play a vital role in our food industry.  

How Do Small Farms Feed the World? 

Nearly 90% of farming operations are small-scale farms.  While one small farm does not contribute significantly to the food industry, combined they make up a large portion of the food industry.  

In this episode, I will talk to a former livestock showman and current show cattle raiser, Parker Wilson.  Wilson is from Navasota, Texas, and is a senior at Texas A&M University.  Wilson will graduate in May with a degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism and Agricultural Leadership and Development.  

Wilson is an agriculturalist who raises show cattle.  Her family owns and operates a small cattle operation.  

We will talk about how small farming operations and businesses contribute to the food industry.  The beef cattle industry provides beef locally and globally.  

Why are Small Farms Essential for Food Security? 

So while small farms and ranches may appear to be small, they are mighty.  Small farms and ranches play a crucial role in certain markets.  Equally, small-scale farms are essential for diversity and food resilience.  

Furthermore, Wilson was able to contribute to the food industry by showing and raising market steers.  Within her 10-year show career, Wilson raised 70 steers.  Raising livestock is a cornerstone of the food industry.  

Again, small-scale farms often focus on the quality and sustainability of their crops and/or livestock.  They foster strong ties between communities.  In addition, these farms also provide food directly to consumers.  

Therefore, not only do these small farms contribute to the food industry, but they also educate the youth and bring awareness to the agriculture industry.  Lastly, small farms are the root of the food industry and are essential to food security.