With some price recovery, production values for hogs increased, but sheep and wool values declined. Drought and depressed prices have sharply decreased cash income from crops. The value of vegetables and horticultural crops, which are mostly irrigated, has increased about 20 percent. The ag related activities of raising horses, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation have increased considerably in the last three years. These activities are mainly tied to population and income growth in the urban areas.
Agriculture is a leading industry in Texas.
Farm and ranch marketings and associated agribusiness firms add substantially to the State s economic activity. There are many support businesses, financial institutions, and individuals involved in providing supplies, credit and services to farmers and ranchers in processing and marketing commodities. With increasing demand for food and fiber worldwide, and because of the importance of agricultural exports to this nation s trade balance, agriculture is destined to play an even greater role in the future.