TEXAS, USA — Texas farmers and ranchers are asking voters to say yes to Proposition 1 on the Nov. 7 General Election ballot as the day inches closer. Prop 1 is a constitutional amendment to establish a right to farm and ranch in Texas.
The proposition is supported by the Texas Farm Bureau.
President of the Texas Farm Bureau, Russell Boening, is a full-time farmer and rancher from Wilson County. He has spent his entire life rooted in agriculture as his father and uncle started their farm work in the 1950s.
"Agriculture is the second largest industry in this state," Boening said. "It's a very important part of our state's economy, and it's important for consumers."
That's why Boening and many other farmers and ranchers are pushing for Proposition 1 on the statewide ballot. On the ballot, Prop 1 will read:
“The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.”
Boening believes the constitutional amendment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect farming and ranching and the future of food security in the state.
"We've seen jurisdictions pass ordinances that have been onerous and sometimes on the edge of ridiculous for generally accepted farming and ranching practices," Boening said.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says agriculture is still under threat from cities and municipalities that prioritize tax revenues over Texas’ food security needs.
The Texas Farm Bureau described one example where a police department told a North Texas farmer that their corn harvest was illegal due to the dust.
Those opposing the proposition are concerned the bill goes too far, saying farmers will be able to do whatever they want.
Boening and Miller both stress that people need to know this change still allows for rules and regulations.
"Whether we're talking about animal cruelty laws, you won't be able to be a bad actor there," Boening said. "If you use pesticides or fertilizers, there's federal regulations on how you use those. Those are all still in place. None of that changes."
"Proposition 1 would protect the right to farm and ranch in our Constitution, yet still allow for justifiable regulations that protect health and safety, prevent danger to animal health or crop production and conserve our natural resources," Miller wrote in a statement.
Overall, farmers believe the proposition is much needed in a growing Texas. It's something life-long farmer Boening will continue to fight for.
"We're looking to the future so that we can depend on our farmers and ranchers to provide food and fiber and fuel for our consumers," Boening added. "This is an important proposition for Texas, you know. Yes, it's related to agriculture, it helps farmers and ranchers, but it helps all of Texas. Study the amendment. Do all the research you want, and I think you'll find that it's very worthy of a yes vote."
Early voting ends Nov. 3. The proposition needs a majority vote to pass.
"Agriculture is the backbone of our great state," Miller said. "I always say, “no farmers, no food,” and right now, we are fighting to keep our agriculture industry alive. This proposition is about more than just preserving our agricultural heritage; it’s about having family farms and ranches to feed us for generations to come. During early voting and on election day, always remember that Texas Agriculture Matters."
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