Top News Stories – Page 24

Voting card errors explained in City of Devine election, corrections made

“As for the how the incorrect precinct/districts were assigned, it was due to a clerical error made during the redistricting process”, said Lupe C Torres, Elections Administrator for Medina County.
During Early Voting for the City of Devine municipal elections, it was discovered by the City’s Voting Clerk, Dora Rodriguez, and her Election Judges, that the certified list of registered voters for the City of Devine was not correct.
“The Official List of Registered Voters (OLRV) was sent to both the City of Devine and ESD2 prior to the start of Early Voting. Since we did not hear from either entity, it was understood that all voters had been correctly assigned to their districts/precincts,” said Torres.
“As for the Mayor’s contest (City of Devine, Butch Cook vs Cory Thompson), all voters should have received that contest on their ballot, as this is a city wide contest and not a district/precinct contest,” said Torres.
“However, as for the Council Pct. 2 contest (Michael Hernandez vs Angela Pichardo, which is specific to that District), any legal action to be taken if any, will be a decision for a candidate to make, “ explained Torres when asked if the difference in the Council Pct. 2 contest ended up being six votes or less.
“We were informed that there were voters who had been assigned to the incorrect precinct with the City of Devine, however voters have been identified and placed on the correct precinct,” said Torres. The errors were discovered during the first couple days of early voting.
As for MCESD2, it was isolated to two voters who had also been assigned to the incorrect ESD. As soon as it was brought to our attention, the list was reviewed and corrections were made to ensure that all MCESD2 registered voters were in the correct jurisdiction/precinct.
The following is a public notice that explains the situation that was published online on The Devine News social media last week upon the discovery of the errors.
It reads as follows:
During Early Voting for the City of Devine municipal elections, it was discovered by the City’s Voting Clerk, Dora Rodriguez, and her Election Judges, that the certified list of registered voters for the City of Devine was not correct. The certified list was provided to the City by the Medina County Elections Administrator. By statute, the Elections Administrator has the duty to provide the City with a certified list of voters. The list of voters provided to the City listed voters as residing in City Council Districts in which they actually did not live.
When the residency error was discovered, the Voting Clerk and her staff reviewed the list of voters provided by the Elections Administrator. There were over 201 voters whose residency was inaccurately listed. After reviewing the sign-in sheets for voters, it was determined that six voters who actually lived in District 2 were not given ballots for the District 2 election contest. This problem has been reported by the Voting Clerk to the Elections Division of the Texas Secretary of State.
Because of the incorrect list of voters provided to the City by the Medina County Elections Administrator, there may be a slight delay in the voting process. Now that they are aware of the problem, the Voting Clerk and Election Judges are taking the necessary time to determine the correct residence of each voter.
The early voting totals are up this year from the prior City of Devine election. And the county election officials are saying they have had a steady stream of voters at the Medina County Annex across from Tractor Supply in Devine as well (Devine ISD, ESDs, and Lytle ISD elections).
Election day is this Saturday, May 6, 2023. Early voting ended Tuesday.
Voting is taking place 7am to 7pm on May 6 at City of Devine office, Medina County Annex in Devine, Lytle ISD Admin office, and all polling locations in Medina County. Devine ISD also have a polling location in downtown Bigfoot. See stories for complete locations.

Butch Cook challenging
incumbent Cory Thompson in City of Devine Mayor’s race

One day of voting left……

Mayor Cory Thompson is a local freelance home builder and developer. He has served as mayor for close to four years. Previous to being appointed mayor, he also served on city council.

Mayoral Candidate Butch Cook is a local businessman, who owns South Texas Trophies/ Image Matters. A long time Devine resident, he also served on city council from 1997-2003.

Devine ISD hires two new teachers, elections divided into 2 propositions

Devine ISD hired two teachers at this past week’s meeting, and also accepted some exciting grants.
Renee Frieda moved and seconded by Chris Davis to approve hiring Kaelyn Campsey and Merritt Gensen as recommended by the Superintendent. Both will work on the Intermediate Campus.
Renee Frieda also moved and was seconded by Keri James to authorize the superintendent to hire professional staff for the 2023-24 school year between April 18, 2023 and August 21, 2023 as presented.
Carl Brown moved and seconded by Henry Moreno to Approve Devine Education Foundation Grants as presented.
This includes two micro-grants–one is for $594.44 for art class to make Cultural Heritage Skateboards and the 2nd is for $1,042 to fund a field trip to HR Farms to study plants.
There are also two innovative teaching grants totaling $8,754.88 which will be funded next school year. These grants have not been announced to the recipients yet, and will remain a surprise until the end of year ceremony.

Devine ISD bond elections divided into 2 propositions

DISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call for a $33.2 million bond election for Saturday, May 6, 2023.
The decision was made at a called meeting, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.
“It was after much thought and discussion that we decided that this is the best route for the district. Facilities Committee members looked at and considered many things before they made their presentation to the board detailing what they thought were our most important areas, especially those concerning the increase of safety and security,” DISD Board President Mrs. Nancy Pepper said.
Calling for a bond election comes after several months of Facilities Committee meetings to determine the district facility priorities.
“We formed this committee in the fall. We reached out to both our staff and the community so that everyone could have input,” Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjean said.
Two propositions will be on the ballot. All projects are recommended with the priority given to improving the safety and security of DISD campuses and students.
Proposition A recommends projects at all four campuses and the special education building.
High school projects encompass measures to increase security, which include moving the DHS office downstairs and remodeling the current space into classrooms. Also on the list are a new band hall, and converting the existing band hall into a black-box theater. (A black-box theater is a simple space, typically a square room with black walls and a flat floor that will be used as a classroom for theater classes.)
Recommended projects at the middle school are an expansion of the boys and girls locker rooms, expanding the library, and a repurposing/remodeling of the cafeteria.
At the intermediate school, a secure vestibule (entrance) is recommended to increase safety and security.
Ciavarra Elementary recommended improvements include closing in all outdoor corridors, a new building that will include office space with a secure vestibule, early childhood center, including PreK and special education classrooms, a gym and dining area, and improvements to the drop-off and pick-up areas. The new facility will bring the youngest children much closer to the central campus.
A total of $2.5 million of the bond is allocated to renovating/expanding or building a new special education building. The current space at the facility is too small to accommodate the current number of staff members, meeting rooms, etc.
“After results of the bond election, we will determine the most cost-effective way to proceed with the special ed building,” Dr. Grandjean said.
Bond election regulations require recreation facilities to be separate propositions; therefore, Proposition B recommends the addition of four new tennis courts, doubling what is in existence currently.
“We are planning to have discussions with all aspects of the community, citizens, clubs–everyone. We will do these in-person and also on a virtual platform,” Dr. Grandjean said.
The current interest and sinking tax rate will not increase on the first $11.665 million of the bond.
After that there will be a $0.1807 per $100 valuation tax rate increase to the interest and sinking rate. (Interest and sinking is the budget that pays for debt that has been incurred by prior bond sales. The maintenance and operating side includes all the day-to-day running of the district. Bonds can be sold for facilities, purchase of buses, technology.)
That increase will bring the total DISD tax rate to $1.2753 per $100 valuation pending maintenance and operation tax rate compression at the end of the current legislative session.
The following table assumes the Local Homestead Exemption of $40,000.
Home Value Less Homestead Exemption Daily Increase Monthly Increase Yearly Increase
$100,000 $60,000 $0.30 $9.04 $108.45
$150,000 $110,000 $0.54 $16.57 $198.82
$200,000 $160,000 $0.79 $24.10 $289.19
$250,000 $210,000 $1.04 $31.63 $379.56

Election Info…

City of Devine Voters-

All registered voters in Devine can vote in the mayoral race, and early voting is now underway at City Hall.
There are two contested races in the City of Devine, including:
Mayoral Race
-Cory Thompson (i) and
challenger Butch Cook.

District 2 Race
-Angela Pichardo (i) and challenger Michael Hernandez

Distict 5 councilwoman Debbie Randall is unopposed.

Early Voting:
April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.;
May 1-2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting one Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
You can Vote at City Hall, 303 S. Teel, Devine.

Devine ISD Voters-
Polling locations in both Medina and Frio Counties

Vote For or Against the following Bond issues:

Proposition A – 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall

Proposition B – 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts

Medina County Polls:
Vote at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building this year (317 TX-132 N, Devine).
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm; May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Frio County Polls-
Voting at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472, Bigfoot, TX 78005
April 24-28, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; April 29, 2023 (Early Voting) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and May 1-2, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Lytle ISD- Vote for one or none, Single Member District 2

Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales , and one write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport.
Voting in a trustee for Single Member District 2. (Voters must vote in the Single Member District where they are registered to vote.)
Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting the special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline.
Polling places:
Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx.
Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx.
Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N. , Devine, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S. , Castroville, Tx.
Early Voting weekdays: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29 9am-2pm.
Election Day: May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Lytle – cancelled election due to uncontested races.
Natalia City/Schools – no elections
LaCoste City – no elections

Golf Tournament Saturday… Audrey Jane – Divine Savior Lutheran Church
“Gift of Hope”

At 10:45 am Saturday, April 29, the Divine Savior Lutheran Church’s 7th Annual Gift of Hope Golf Tournament gets underway at the Devine Golf Club Course with a tee time of 11:00 am. The Devine Golf Club and course are at 116 Malone Drive, Devine, Texas.
This tournament was not played when scheduled in the fall of 2022 due to bad weather. The tournament proceeds will go to our 2022 beneficiary, Audrey Jane Capps. The proceeds are to help her directly with her needed therapies. The “Gift of Hope” is a charity established in 2015 by Divine Savior Lutheran Church members to help Medina County families with debt due to a debilitating disease.
Tournament play calls for four-person teams, the maximum handicapped for women is 24, and the maximum handicapped for men is 18. The entry fee for each player is $75.00. The entry fee includes a free meal, golf cart, and green costs. Mulligans are $10.00 per tournament player. Other competitive activities planned are Chipping Contest at $20.00 per participant and Tiger Drive at $40.00 per team. Winners of these competitions will receive a cash prize.
Door prizes for all golf tournament participants are to be awarded.
Cash awards for tournament players winning 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place depending on the number of entries.
Hole number four on the course is dedicated to celebrating the golfing life of Jerry Wayne Busby, the Hondo Municipal Golf Course manager who recently passed away from colon cancer. The $500.0000 award goes to the golfer who scores a hole-in-one on hole number four.
Our beneficiary Audrey Jane Capps, daughter of Josh and Brittany Capps, is the recipient of our November 2022 fundraiser and spilling over into 2023 due to the unforeseeable weather delaying the golf tournament.
Audrey was born with a rare genetic disease called Ataxia Telangiectasia. The A-T disease is rare, occurring only in one out of forty thousand births. Audrey just turned five and is now attending school. She is a precious little girl who believes in all princesses. Her imagination is incredible.

A child with A-T disease usually cannot walk by age ten.
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) is a genetic disease. It causes loss of muscle control, balance, cancer, and lung disease and comprises the immune system in children and young adults.
Devine Acres Farm hosted a benefit last Saturday. The benefit is known as “Audrey Jane’s Light” and is used to raise funds for the “A-T Children Project,” an organization dedicated to finding a cure for all who have A-T. Carriers of the A-T gene are approximately one per hundred in the general population compared to the typical population. The cancer rate in children with A-T is a thousand times higher, and the cancer rate of carriers can be up to four times higher. The “A-T Children Project” has become worldwide.
Last Saturday, at Devine Acres Farm, I was handed a book called “Life’s a Journey” written by Colten Jay Skinner, a young man diagnosed with this disease at birth. “Life’s a Journey” is a nonfiction biography of a boy’s hardships which have become a blessing.
Colten was born in a small town in Illinois in 1992. He was diagnosed with A-T at birth. Colten and his brother Duey, who passed at age twenty-nine, were confined to a wheelchair in elementary school. His brother died of cancer at the age of twenty-nine.
A-T spokesperson for this disease was at Devine Acres Farm last Saturday. She took a picture of my husband and me holding Colten’s book. She immediately sent the photo to Colten, and he immediately responded. What a blessing God gave us. This book will soon become a movie. Colten’s life has become a journey every single day. He is a young man who lives every day of his life to help others.
The “Gift of Hope” has helped many children and adults through the last seven years. We all need to realize that expenses pile up when treatment is necessary. Our gift is only a tiny portion. Donations to the “Gift of Hope” have
helped many families during this journey. I hope to see you all on April 29. This one is for Audrey Jane.

Crash and bailout puts school on high alert

The smuggler in this bailout last Tuesday just left the car in “drive” as she and the occupants bailed out of the vehicle on Hwy 132 just outside Devine. The vehicle actually hit the deputy’s unit after she jumped out, and authorities who are growing more weary every day from the constant bailouts, began the search. There have been over 1,223,000 CPB apprehensions on the Southwest Border in the past six months (October-March) according to US Border Patrol.

Authorities used dogs in an attempt to track down smugglers and several people who bailed out of this vehicle (below). The vehicle’s windshield was shattered to pieces as it crashed through a fence on Zig Zag near the school this Tuesday, April 25. Thankfully the pursuit ended before going through the school zone traffic. Parents got an alert about the situation around 7:30AM as kiddos were being dropped off at school, and authorities secured the area to make sure there was no threat to the students. Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown had only a few minutes to talk as he was in the middle of another bailout case just a few hours later the same day.

Big Elections Coming up…Early voting starting next week April 24- May 2
Devine mayor/council races, Lytle ISD,
Medina County: Voters to decide Devine ISD bonds & ESD sales tax issue

City of Devine- Vote at City Hal, 303 S. Teel, Devine
All registered voters in Devine can vote in mayoral race.
Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and challenger Butch Cook.
District 2 and 5 get to vote in their races as well:
Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez
Dist 5 – Debbie Randall ( unopposed).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; May 1-2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting one Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Applications for Ballots by Mail (ABBMs) must be received no later than the close of business on April 25, 2023.
Devine ISD- Polling locations in both Medina and Frio Counties
Vote For or Against
Proposition A – 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall
Proposition B – 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County Polls voting at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building this year (317 TX-132 N, Devine).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm; May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Frio County Polls-voting at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472, Bigfoot, TX 78005
April 24-28, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; April 29, 2023 (Early Voting) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and May 1-2, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Medina County- Vote at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building
(across from Tractor Supply)
Voters can vote in the ESD District elections, where they are registered to vote.
Medina County ESD 2 – (Devine Fire area) – add 1.25 % to sales tax
Medina County ESD 5 – (Natalia Fire area) – add 1.25% to sales tax
Medina County ESD 4 – (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax
ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax
*Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
ESD 2, 4, and 5 – All Voting at County Building:
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Lytle ISD- Vote for one or none, Single Member District 2
Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales , and one write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport.
Voting in a trustee for Single Member District 2. (Voters must vote in the Single Member District where they are registered to vote.)
Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting the special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline.
Polling places:
Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx.
Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx.
Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N. , Devine, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S. , Castroville, Tx.
Early Voting weekdays: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29 9am-2pm.
Election Day: May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Lytle – cancelled election due to uncontested races.
Natalia City/Schools – no elections
LaCoste City – no elections

Groundbreaking May 4th…1/3 scale replica chapel and plaza to be built where St. Joseph’s once stood

By KK Calame
Publisher
Exciting news in this week from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine announcing a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the long awaited replica Chapel of the historic 98 year old church building and steeple that was torn down August 1, 2020 due to safety concerns.
“After years of preparations, we are happy to announce the construction of our new chapel is set to begin. Join us for a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10a.m.
Bishop Gary Janak will be here from the Archdiocese to give a blessing”, said Matthew Balderama, Building Committee Chairman, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devine.
The new Chapel and plaza will be built where the old church once stood. It will be done in two phases, back to back. Phase one will be the construction of the chapel and Phase two will be the construction of the plaza behind the chapel.
The chapel was designed to try to replicate the old one as close as possible, but will be about one third the size of the original one. The design process began with parishioner Candace DeJesus and old photos sent in by parishioners were used as references so it can be replicated inside and out as much as possible..
Architect/planner/consultants is Morkovsky and Associates, Inc of San Antonio, Texas.
“The chapel will be approximately 32 ft wide by 59 feet long with ceiling at 22 feet. The base of the cross at 30’6’’ high and the tip of the steeple close to 37 feet, roughly about a third of the size of the old church. It will have 8 foot pews on each side inside and accommodate up to 100 people,”said Balderamma.
Mass will still be celebrated on the weekends in the current church as they have much larger attendance. Daily Mass will be in the new chapel when it is complete. Also smaller celebrations will take place in the chapel as well, like baptisms, some weddings, etc.

The new project is estimated to take 6 months to complete. Cost estimated to not exceed $900,000. “Currently we have 58% of the money needed, as required by the Archdiocese. Funds have been raised over the 12 years since it was condemned by private donation and events like the annual Octoberfest”, he said. “We will continue to take donations, and will take sponsorships for things like the pews, stained glass windows, statues, saints, and cross. And a decision is yet to be made as to whether the old bell will be used or a new one purchased. A nice sound system and electronic bell system will be in the chapel and sound off like it used to years ago every hour of the day and at mass times. The community will enjoy hearing those again across all over town, “ he said.
The Building Committee of St. Jospeh’s consists of : Don Dunford, Santiago Mendoza, Michael Perez, Laura Holder, Juan Billalobos, Jr., Candace DeJesus, Chairman Matthew Balderama, and Father Antonio Hernandez. Advisors are Ernie Morales, Lydia Benavidez, Todd Summers, and Melissa Rodriguez.

Community raises $140K at Audrey Jane’s Light fundraiser for a cure

The community really came together once again, to help this sweet little princess Audrey Jane Capps, 5 years old, pictured here with her family Josh and Brittany Capps and baby brother Kenneth and local firefighters who joined the Fun Run Some Run Princess & Protectors event in Devine.
The event will be held annually at Devine Acres Farm until we find a cure for Audrey and all A-T warriors!
It was a full day full of fun with fishing, a giant jump pad, hay rides, and live music, great BBQ and more. The live and silent auctions were a blast and we cannot thank donors and volunteers enough for helping this sweet Princess. Kiddos loved meeting the Paw Patrol, Elsa & Anna, Moana, Ariel, the Power Rangers, and Batman, and you can look forward to an event just as exciting next year at Devine Acres! Follow Audrey Janes Light Facebook Page for more info. A-T (Ataxia Telangiectasia) is a rare nuerological disease facing more families in Texas than any other place in the U.S. Because 1 in 3 kids develop cancer, many experts believe when we find a cure for A-T, we may find the cure for some types of cancer as well. If you would still like to donate, you can do so online at www.atcp.org/Audrey PHOTOS & SPONSORS ON PAGE 9-10

Farms and ranches reduced by 18,300 acres in Medina County

Medina County farmers and ranchers and all Texas Ag producers play an important role in the world’s food supply, with Texas accounting for 13% of the cattle in the U.S. as well as being a top producer of several crops according to the TX Dept of Agriculture.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
The landscape in Medina County and our small towns is changing, and it’s no illusion as fields of cotton and corn become fewer and fewer. In Medina County, over 18,350 acres of farm and ranch land has been developed within the past 10 years, a loss of about 9,000 acres of agriculture land over each five-year period.
Acreage now classified as “Residential” has increased the most–by nearly 13,800 acres in the past ten years.
In the same ten year period, over 3,200 acres has been claimed by the “industrial” industry, with most of this accounted for by the large quarries in Medina County.
Land flagged as “Commercial” has seen the smallest growth acreage-wise (an increase of 232 acres).
The growth of subdivisions and industrial inudustry here has led to substantial increases in tax revenues for the county. According to the last audit, Medina County has approximately a year’s worth of operating funds put away in its reserve “rainy day” account.
On the flip side, rising home and land values has led to a large increase in property tax bills.
Loss in ag production is an issue facing Texas in general right now, with around 250,000 acres of farm and ranch lands being developed each year, according to officials.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas ranks first in the nation in the number of cattle and calves, accounting for 13% of the U.S. total.
Texas is the top producer of cotton, hay, sheep, goats, mohair and horses. Some of the state’s top crops are vegetables, citrus, corn, wheat, peanuts, pecans, sorghum, and rice. Experts estimate that, on average, 1 farmer feeds 160 people annually.
The ag industry employs one out of every seven working Texans as well according to the TX Dept of Agriculture.
With Texas being such an important part of food and fiber production, it is drawing some concern.
It wasn’t too long ago, that the USDA held public comment about “lab grown meat”–also called “cell-based” or “cultivated meat” which hit the grocery stores and some restaurants in 2022. Even Texas BBQ brisket is being grown in a lab in Austin, a 2022 news release announced.
In an op-ed by Ag Commissioner Sid Miller this January, he also highlighted the growing number of solar farms and land purchases by China as a concern.
“Texas Agriculture Matters and in 2023 that has never been truer,” said Commissioner Miller.
More on this issue…
In an op-ed last month, State Representative Justin Holland drew attention to this very matter affecting the whole state. “Every year, Texas loses nearly 250,000 acres of land to development. Rural working lands that make up the wide-open spaces definitive of the Texas character are evaporating at an alarming rate. Not only are these lands meant to be enjoyed by Texans, but they work every day to provide the food we eat and the water we drink,” Holland said.
“We must take bold steps to preserve the landscape and culture that makes Texas a great place to live. Texas is home to 7 of the top 15 most rapidly growing cities in the country. Research also shows that 78% of Texas counties will not have sufficient parks in the coming decades. Texas needs additional parks, open spaces and natural habitats to preserve our quality of life, provide food and fiber and clean water, and to support the multibillion-dollar agricultural and outdoor recreation economy,” Holland adds.
In another interview he noted, the state’s success is great, but Texas is having “a very hard time keeping pace with water, infrastructure, transportation, and educational needs.”
“I truly believe that our land is our greatest asset, and it cannot be replicated once it is lost,” Holland said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce landmark legislation in the Texas House calling for the creation of the Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund,” a bill under consideration.
Difficulty of estate taxes and transfers is a common issue, and the tools available
“I work every day with farmers and ranchers who are just looking at ways to make sure they can keep their land and continue to serve our state by providing the food and fiber it needs to continue to grow,” said Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust. “Some of these lands have been passed down for generations, and oftentimes families do struggle to pay estate taxes and preserve ownership during transfers. One of the greatest tools we have in the toolbox to help these families is conservation easements.”