Accordingly, we are fortunate to enjoy a safe and affordable supply of food as well as an abundance of other agricultural products. While I can be optimistic about the future of this vital industry, people who have been involved in agriculture have gone through many obstacles and serious challenges. I come from a family that has deep roots in agriculture. I have seen and experienced firsthand what the unpredictable forces of nature can do to people dependent upon the cooperation of Mother Nature. For example, drought can have a long and devastating effect on agriculture.
Floods can also wipe out an entire crop in a matter of seconds.
As a public official, I often receive praise or criticism for my passion and support for agriculture. But I understand its purpose and know the significant impact agriculture has on our daily lives. It's vital that we continue to ensure the viability of this industry. One way to support agriculture is through research, particularly in the area of identifying plants and crop plants that can survive in arid lands. The university was founded as a land-grant college.