A Panhandle Push for Eminent Domain Reform

I am traveling today with Gov. Rick Perry to Abilene and Lubbock where we are meeting with local leaders to reiterate the critical importance of eminent domain reform. The governor and the people of Texas are standing strong when it comes to a right as fundamental as private property ownership.

The Senate has passed SB 18, authored by Sen. Craig Estes and Sen. Robert Duncan, which provides private property owners more leverage when it comes to protecting their land from government takings. The bill would help ensure landowners are more fully compensated for the damages they may realize due to a taking, and includes buy-back provisions to ensure a property owner has the right to repurchase their land, if the project is cancelled.

It should go without saying these are critical steps in the right direction, but the journey is not yet over. Many members of the House, including the bill’s sponsors, Chairman Charlie Geren and Chairman Rene Oliveira, are working hard to make sure the House approves SB 18. It is still important to share your interest in eminent domain reform with your state elected officials.

To hear more of my discussion about eminent domain, watch the video below:

A Salute to the Lone Star State on Texas Independence Day

Today is Texas Independence Day, marking the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Four days later, the Alamo fell and nearly seven weeks after that, on April 21, the Texian army led by Gen. Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto and Texas won its independence

Texas is a proud state born of grit, courage and sacrifice. It is shaped by culture, can-do spirit and southern generosity. Our Lone Star flag waves as a symbol of independence, respect and fierce determination. Here in Texas, we are the envy of many and rivaled by few.

So, join me today in taking a moment to reflect on our fearless freedom fighters who founded this great state against overwhelming odds. Their legacy lives large in the Lone Star State and I couldn’t be more proud to live in the land they fought so hard to win and call home.

Happy Texas Independence Day!

Starting A New Term

I was humbled, proud and privileged this week to be sworn into office for a second term as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. I’d like to thank my family, friends and colleagues who attended the ceremony and also extend my gratitude to Texans who believe in our mission and have blessed me with the ability to serve another four years. Thanks also to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker of the House Joe Straus who presided over the ceremony, and to Sec. of State Hope Andrade who administered the oath of office.

During the next fours years, I look forward to building on the progress of the past and embracing the partnerships that will lead us into the future. Ensuring Texas remains a national leader in agriculture, job creation and economic recovery is a responsibility I take seriously. I pledge to work with state and federal partners to limit government encroachment; protect the rights of private property owners; and safeguard our domestic sources of food and fiber so that we do not become dependent on foreign countries.

With your support, we will grow Texas agriculture and our economy while continuing to be a powerhouse of productivity. It’s an honor to serve you and the great state of Texas.

Here’s a short clip of the ceremony.

Agriculture Goes to Bat in 2010 World Series

As the 2010 World Series steps up to the plate, baseball fans may be surprised to know how agriculture plays out on the Field of Dreams. From wooden bats and leather mitts to cotton uniforms and turfgrass, America's pastime would be a tough pitch without the products of farmers and ranchers. So, whether you're rooting for the Texas Rangers or San Francisco Giants in this year's World Series, keep an eye out for agriculture while you're staying glued to the tube.

• Baseball bats are made of wood and in Texas, the timber industry produces more than 500 million cubic feet of lumber annually with a delivered value of more than $600 million.
• Leather is used to make mitts and Texas leads the nation in cattle with more than 13 million head, which have an annual production value of about $6 billion.
• Peanuts are a favorite snack at baseball games and in Texas, we produce more than 700 million pounds of peanuts - enough to make 7 billion peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
• Hot dogs are a traditional favorite at baseball games and the Texas pork industry has an annual statewide economic impact of more than $250 million.
• Hot dogs also need hot dog buns. Texas growers produce an average of 90 million bushels of wheat annually - enough to make more than 25 billion hot dog buns.
• Texas is a leading dairy state and produces enough milk each year to fill the Texas Rangers Ball Park in Arlington nearly eight times.
• Texas is the nation's No. 1 cotton-producing state, growing enough cotton every year to make about 3 billion baseball uniforms. If the bales of cotton produced in Texas were placed side-by-side, they could line both sides of the road from the Rangers' ballpark to the San Francisco Giants' home field.
• Want wool socks to go with that uniform? Texas is the top wool-producing state in the nation, with more than 800,000 sheep yielding nearly 4 million pounds of wool.
• Cornstarch can be used to make biodegradable plastic for drink cups, tableware, and more. Texas growers expect to produce 294 million bushels of corn in 2010.
• The grass is always greener at the ballpark. Texas harvests nearly 40,000 acres of turf grass sod annually.
• How better to celebrate a world championship than with a good steak dinner? Texas produces about 8 billion pounds of beef a year.
• Where else but Texas can you find a World Series baseball teamed owned by a Texas rancher who has a brand of beef named after him? Nolan Ryan produces great Texas beef and a world-class baseball team.

These are just a few examples of agriculture powering every aspect of our daily lives, from our dinnertimes to our pastimes.

Happy Father's Day to All the Super Dads

Guest Blogger - Janet Staples, Commissioner Staples' wife

There is good reason why great fathers are often compared to superheroes. In a child's eyes there is nobody bigger, stronger or faster than Daddy. He can magically assemble Barbie's dream house, squash the scariest bug and get stickers out of little feet faster than a speeding bullet.



As I grew older, Daddy taught me the value of a dollar, respect for my elders and confidence in myself. He helped me with my homework and always had the answers. He believed in my talents and abilities and gave me the foundation for the work I do today.

Even now as an adult, Daddy's wisdom still guides me. He instilled in me a love of country and a sense of values for which I am very grateful. He walks a little slower now, but that wit and sense of humor haven't dimmed one bit. And I still think he can leap tall buildings in a single bound.



On this Father's Day I say thank you to all the great men (like my Dad) who make the world a better place by being good fathers - and superheroes - to their sons and daughters. Happy Father's Day.

Three Texas ISDs Recognized Nationally as "Districts of Excellence"

The School Nutrition Association recently named only nine school districts in the entire nation as "Districts of Excellence Distinction in School Nutrition." It's no surprise three of them were right here in Texas. Hey, like the saying goes, "it ain't braggin' if it's true!"

Congratulations to the Dallas Independent School District, the El Paso Independent School District and the Canutillo Independent School District for their hard-earned awards. The child nutrition programs in these districts exemplify the 3E's of Healthy Living – Education, Exercise and Eating Right. The Texas Department of Agriculture is proud to be a Partner for Progress with these school districts.

To be chosen for this honor, districts must prove they work with the community to ensure students learn life-long healthy nutrition habits. They also must demonstrate commitment to continuous program improvement.

I'd also like to thank the child nutrition teams across the Lone Star State for their continuous hard work and dedication as they strive to exceed national standards to ensure Texas children are getting the healthiest meals. Together we can make Texas a healthier state.

Texas on Top in Job Growth

Wow! That is the one word that immediately comes to mind when viewing the map of the USDA Economic Research Service that shows the U.S. employment change from the fourth quarter 2007 (beginning of the current recession) through the fourth quarter 2009.

In this map, Texas stands out like a shining Lone Star. Why? Lots of reasons, but mainly because Texans have a no nonsense, pay as you go, roll up your sleeves, business-friendly, get the job done attitude.

It is no coincidence that Texas is faring so much better than virtually every other state and why jobs and people keep coming to Texas. Three key facts make Texas stand out: 1) relatively low taxes; 2) fair courts; and, 3) a predicable and stable regulatory environment. These elements will influence our economy as long as economic prosperity is driven by economic investment, and as long as economic investment is driven by profit opportunity. This is an important concept to keep in mind because dollars will flow where they find the greatest return. If we want jobs for Texans, we have to keep attracting that investment here.

During these tough times when we all have to tighten our belts, it is important we don't forget the fundamentals that have enabled our economy to grow and for our citizens to prosper. Tough times don't last - tax increases do! We want our economy to rebound and for jobs to flourish. We want others to want to be a part of the prosperity that can be found by those who are willing to work hard, save, invest and even take a measured risk.

This map says a lot about the Lone Star State. Let's all do our part to make Texas shine even brighter when the next snap shot is taken.

Give the Gift of Giving

With the spirit of Christmas upon us, I am reminded it is better to give than to receive. As you make your holiday shopping list (and check it twice), I encourage you to be mindful of those in need and consider the gift of giving.

Giving doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can cost little or nothing at all. Give your knowledge to a child who needs a mentor. Give surplus clothing to those who are cold. Give food to help feed the hungry.

Give time to a homebound neighbor who needs help with overdue errands. Give prayers to those in uniform who stand watch so we may enjoy peace. Give thanks to our farmers and ranchers who provide safe and affordable food.

The list is long enough to last all year, so this Christmas give the gift of giving. The smiles and thanks you receive in return will be the greatest gifts of all.

Merry Christmas.

Salmonella Outbreak linked to Irrigation Water at Mexican Farm

New details were released today concerning the nationwide salmonella Saintpaul outbreak affecting produce.

Food & Drug Administration officials linked the salmonella Saintpaul strain to irrigation water and serrano peppers at a packing facility and farm in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

The FDA is advising people to avoid raw serrano and jalapeno peppers grown and packed in Mexico. The safest way to enjoy Serrano and jalapeno peppers is to buy Texas grown produce.

While the investigation has not cleared tomatoes grown on the Mexican farm that may have been sprayed with the tainted water, you can rest assured tomatoes grown in the Lone Star State are safe to eat. Keep your family healthy and safe while supporting Texas farmers.

Keep checking my blog for updates, as the information is changing on daily basis.