By Gene Hall

Some believe the answer to future food needs is for many people to grow their own food.  As a nation, as a species, we once did that—nearly all of us at first. Now, more than 97 percent depend on those who work the land.

Could it be that way again?  Sure.  Growing up on the farm in the late ’50s, ’60s and early ’70s was an experience I would not trade for anything, but I left it willingly.  Since World War II, most of America has done the same.

By Gene Hall

My goodness, have we reached the point where disagreeing on something makes us “haters?” Gee, I hope not.  Recently, here on Texas Agriculture Talks, we pointed out some problems with recent ads by the chain restaurant Chipotle in what are plainly attacks on modern agriculture. Other Farm Bureau writers around the country posted similar views.

Chipotle’s ad was cute and engaging—cartoon pigs, cartoon farmer and a lovely Willie Nelson rendition of the Coldplay tune, The Scientist, Back to the Start. A colleague of mine says there’s no black or white on this. It’s either an attack on conventional agriculture that justifies a response or it’s gospel truth and any response is the start of the attack.

By Gene Hall

My mother, one of the world’s gifted peacemakers, often told me, “There are two sides to everything.” Bridging the gap between some anti-agriculture activists and farmers and ranchers is a pretty big challenge, but as Mom said, there are two sides. There are a lot of people out there who have not made their minds up about how we grow food here in the U.S. They understand they don’t have a lot of information, but they have legitimate concerns. Farmers and ranchers really want to talk to them—and we want to listen, too.

Dear Farmer,

As a loyal customer, I am grateful for you and the other Texas farmers and ranchers who grow the fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that I buy and serve to my family. Each week, I know the shelves at my local grocery store will be stocked with a large variety of products with plenty of price, flavor and nutrition choices.

By Gene Hall

Dick Wallrath’s generosity to FFA and 4-H is the stuff of legends.

The top individual donor by far to these organizations, Wallrath knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom. He also understands the power of forgiveness, faith and hard work to heal the scars of addiction and pain.

Wallrath beat alcoholism and went on to establish Champion Windows, which became phenomenally successful. When he decided to give back to his country and state, he did so in a big way. His gifts to these organizations total more than $16 million.