By Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs Marketing used to be a mystery to agricultural producers. And farmers and ranchers are becoming more knowledgeable when it comes to advertising and promoting what they produce. This means everything from Texas pecans to Texas perennials to Texas timber. The first round of results is out, and we can sum them up in two words. All of the matching funds have been awarded so far.
Marketing is as central to farming and ranching as harvesting and grazing.
And we predict that its importance will grow as consumers become more savvy and competition increases. For many folks in small rural communities, easy access to health care is not a reality. It's no secret that doctors are few and far between in rural Texas. At my own ranch in Brewster County, the nearest doctor is some 45 miles away. Such is life in rural Texas.