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National Rural Health Day

Guest blog from Bryan Daniel, TDA’s Trade and Business Development Chief Administrator.

Today is National Rural Health Day, a time to recognize and honor the dedicated health care

professionals located throughout rural Texas who provide quality care and assistance to Texans who not only live in their communities, but who are visiting or traveling through.

Rural Texas is currently facing a shortage of physicians and health care providers face a unique set of challenges in meeting the needs of the three million residents who call rural Texas home, but in true Texas Spirit, they have dug in their heels continue to meet these challenges head on. Through determination and devotion, these professionals routinely provide residents quality care.

Rural hospitals are often the second or third largest employer in smaller communities and often offer the highest paying jobs in that area. Equipping rural hospitals with modern technology allows health providers access to the most advanced equipment and treatments options. The expansion of broadband service is helping health care professional receive training through online classes, keeping them informed of current industry trends. Additionally, through avenues, like tele-medicine, patients can connect with specialists, who may be several hundred miles away.

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s State Office of Rural Health is dedicated to assisting rural communities and helping them provide affordable, quality care to rural Texans. Today, on National Rural Health Day and every day we are sincerely grateful for the unceasing work the dedicated rural health care professionals who daily care for the health and wellbeing of our fellow Texans.

A Salute to our Soldiers, Past & Present

Service. Sacrifice. Courage. Patriotism. Bravery. These are just a few of the words that come to mind this Veterans Day as I think of the American soldiers, both past and present, who preserve the

foundation of safety and freedom for our nation. Today is a day where we, as civilians, can stop to recognize their sacrifices and honor the blessings of liberty they ensure for each of us, our families and our great nation.

Our service men and women are a true definition of bravery. They leave their families to fight wars, enter harm’s way and protect our land. They miss birthdays and holidays, births and funerals, times of joy and times of sorrows. But their valor and their patriotism never waivers.

This Veterans Day, join me in saluting those who are serving our nation today and those who have served our nation in the past. We live in a country where freedom and liberty are our most prized possessions. Through the courage and sacrifice of our mighty military men and women, we stand proud as a nation when we say God Bless America. May our brave soldiers continue to be blessed for their dedication to duty and freedom.

Living to Serve

Chalk up another big win for the state of Texas and the agriculture industry, thanks to the newest members of the Texas FFA. During the 2012-13 school year, the Texas FFA Association added more students than any other state in the nation. With 8,533 new members, total FFA membership in the Lone Star State now stands at 95,015.

Nationally, FFA set a record. Membership in the association stands at 579,678 students in grades seven through 12. More than 22,300 new students joined FFA last year. The number of local FFA chapters throughout the country has grown to 7,570.

You might be asking yourself, What does this mean to me and why is it so important? These FFA chapters are training our future leaders, developing responsible citizens and opening up minds to the world we live in — without abandoning the heritage that brought us to the level of prosperity we enjoy today.

I encourage urban and rural students to check out their local FFA chapter to learn about the many ways they can be a part of today’s agricultural world. From large animal veterinarians and biology researchers to marketing specialists and economic experts, today’s agriculture career opportunities are much broader than they were a generation ago. Texas agriculture will continue to be a large part of our state and nation’s economy, and I’m glad FFA is preparing some of our brightest leaders.

I continue to live by the FFA motto today, just as I did when I first memorized it; Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

Remembering Phillip Caler

It is with a heavy heart that I write today. I am terribly saddened by the passing of Phillip Caler, 20, of Booker, Texas.

Phillip was involved in a tragic accident back in 2009, which occurred at a mall in downtown Indianapolis while he and his fellow Booker FFA members were attending the National FFA Convention. 

Since the accident, the FFA community from across this country and especially here in Texas have come together to offer assistance to Phillip and his family. Now we offer our strength, as we grieve his passing.

When the accident happened, the Booker ISD superintendent continuously updated the school’s website with news about Phillip’s condition. A Facebook group also was created to allow well-wishers to share their thoughts.

One post on the Facebook group called Thoughts and Prayers for Phillip Caler says, “FFA is a strong group and when one hurts they all hurt.” This statement rings true of the FFA organization. When we put on those blue and gold jackets, we become a family. 

This week, as Phillip is laid to rest, I send my thoughts and prayers to Phillip’s family and the entire Booker community. May the lord bring you peace, and I hope you will be able to lean on the support from your fellow Texans and the FFA. 

Remembering Heroism, Honoring American Strength

On September 11, we’re reminded of the tragedy that occurred in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on that fateful day in 2001. We lost thousands of Americans, and our nation was put to the test. But, America and her citizens rose from the ashes to be a nation stronger than ever.

Patriot Day marks the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It’s a day

we remember those lost. It is also a day that serves as a reminder that the American spirit is resilient. We are a people who overcome and prevail, regardless of the degree of difficulty or depth of pain.

Our nation is a force to be reckoned with. We must continue to stand true to the principles that make America a great place to live. We must respect and honor the value of our citizenship. We must encourage our private sector to continue building a strong economy by expanding job opportunities. We must encourage innovation to help our nation prosper. Doing so will ensure America remains a global leader, a prosperous nation and the greatest land on Earth.

When our nation is faced with challenges and hard times, we rise to the occasion with strength and valor. I’m proud to call myself a Texan and an American. Today, while we remember with solemn respect the enormous loss of life, we mark the 12^th anniversary by expressing enduring pride in the deep and abiding strength that defines us as Americans.

Sex Offenders, Gang Members Smuggled Through Rio Grande Valley

“Sex Offenders, Gang Members Being Smuggled Through the Valley,” this recent headline from KRGV-TV in Weslaco really says it all about the current status of our border war. Things are not improving for our fellow Texans down south, and the danger is real. 

In the report, border patrol agents tell KRGV-TV that criminals coming across the border are changing their tactics. They are harder to spot, and the risk they pose is rising. The agents said more than 70 gang members associated with the notorious El Salvadorian gang MS-13 have been caught this year in the Rio Grande Valley and 20 sexual predators have been apprehended in the past month. 

These are statistics that are unacceptable. South Texans and our brave men and women in law enforcement should not have to live with daily threats of violence, or fear getting shot at on their own property or while out doing their jobs. 

KRGV-TV is doing a great job at informing the public about the consequences of living with an insecure border. Unfortunately, the situation for our fellow Texans isn’t getting any better. Please take the time to visit www.ProtectYourTexasBorder.com to view KRGV-TV report and hear the real stories from the people living on the frontline.  

Texas’ Draw: Low Taxes, High Opportunity

As a Texan, I take great pride in my home state. This is truly God’s country, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It seems people across the nation are catching on that things are bigger and better in Texas.

U.S. Census data reports that Texas is the top state for relocation. A recent Dallas Morning News article notes that Texas’ big draw is highly influenced by jobs and our state’s commitment to keeping taxes low.

That same Dallas Morning News article cited new data from the Tax Foundation that ranks Texas No. 3 among states for bringing in the most income as a result of people moving into the state. Only Florida and Arizona ranked higher than us. A great deal of that income is from people moving away from high tax-and-spend states like California, New York and Illinois.

The main reason Texas, Florida and Arizona topped this list is simple. Texas and Florida are two of only seven states in the U.S. without a state personal income tax, and Arizona has the fifth-lowest state income tax rate in the country. Take California and New York: they are on the complete other end of the spectrum. It’s just plain common sense. When you tax people too much, take note that they are likely to move out of that state.

Work is another reason people are flocking to Texas. According to the Dallas Morning News, Texas businesses have created 293,000 jobs in the last year, which is more than any other state. So not only do families want to make Texas their home, so do businesses.  

To read the full Dallas Morning News article, “Texas gains people – and their income,” click here.

Happy Labor Day, Texas!

Here in Texas, we have always enjoyed a strong work ethic among our citizens, which is one of the reasons we’ve weathered the economic downturn much better than most around the nation. While other states were raising taxes and losing jobs, we were lowering taxes, reducing state budgets and creating more jobs. As we celebrate Labor Day, let’s salute all the Texans who wake up every day and contribute to our economy. Your initiative, pride and sense of self-worth are what drive our strong economic engine in the Lone Star State.

To stay on top, our state must get ahead of two labor problems. One is the skills preparation of our workforce. Businesses investing in Texas need the confidence that our education system is able to prepare their future workers with the technical skills necessary for their operations. Sometimes this comes through college education and sometimes it is in the form of vocational and technical education programs. Both educational resources are critical to ensure we provide students with the knowledge and skills to enter our workforce and expand the Texas economy.

It also is essential we push Congress to move forward with strategic immigration reform that consists of border security first, complemented by a flexible guest worker program based on market demands. Businesses here in Texas must have a steady flow of workers willing to work. As always, Americans must have the first opportunity at a job, and where Americans are not lining up to fill positions, we must ensure guest workers are available to allow businesses to thrive. But the system we have today, as well as some policies being debated in Washington, encourages the flow and hiring of undocumented workers ahead of Americans and legal immigrant workers. 

If you’re enjoying a day off this Labor Day, I thank you for your daily efforts to better yourself, your family and our great state. If you’re working, thanks for keeping the powerful Texas economy churning. And if you’re working hard to find work today, I offer my encouragement and commend you for being motivated to be part of the solution instead of the problem. Together as hardworking Texans, we will continue to lead our nation on the road to economic prosperity. Happy Labor Day, Texas!

Texas, the True Champion of Small Business

As the nation and other states have struggled with recent economic challenges Texas has bucked trends and continued to be a leader in job growth. In fact, Texas added 293,000 jobs between July 2012-2013 and maintained positive job growth for 39 consecutive months.

Texas has risen above challenges where others have fallen short because the citizens of Texas demand policies that allow business to thrive. Low taxes, fair courts and a predictable regulatory environment continue to attract businesses to Texas and provide an incentive to grow. The heart of our success and economic growth is small business.

Recently, I was honored to receive the Champion of Small Business award from the National Coalition for Capital. This acknowledgement is humbling and truly a tribute to the hard-working men and women of our great state. The innovation, dedication and vigor of the small business communities in our urban and rural areas are an inspiration to me. Supporting programs that boost small business is a safe investment that I know will keep the Texas economy as a model for the rest of the nation.

While the Lone Star State has much to be proud of, we still have work to do to meet the challenges ahead. We must develop solutions to deal with the ongoing drought, insecure border with Mexico and availability of a reliable and skilled workforce to ensure Texas businesses prosper. That being said, I am confident that Texans are up the challenge, and we will continue to do our part to lead the way.

Clay Birdwell Leaves a Legacy of Leadership

Clay Birdwell, a native Texan with a true passion for agriculture, passed away this morning

with his family by his side. Not only did he dedicate his life to raising cattle, he always went above and beyond in his service to the industry, becoming one of the great agricultural leaders in the Lone Star State. 

Born in Odessa, Clay earned his degree in business from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Birdwell’s determination and commitment to agriculture are ever evident in his service on the board of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He was elected multiple times to the TSCRA board, serving as director in March 1995, second vice president in 2009, first vice president in 2011 and most recently as president. Clay was also the president of Great Plains Cattle Feeders and Birdwell Cattle Co. in Hereford, Texas. 

The agriculture industry thanks Clay for his many years of service and accomplishments that will always be cherished. We offer our prayers to his family and we will continue to honor Clay by remembering the incredible legacy he has left behind. 

Russian Delegation Travels to Texas

I recently had the opportunity to meet with President Rustem Khamitov of Russia’s Republic of Bashkortostan to open a dialogue about trade between Russia and the United States. Bashkortostan is one of the leading agricultural regions of the Russian Federation whose interests include timber processing, grains, meat, dairy products, horse breeding and poultry farming.

As Agriculture Commissioner, I’m very fortunate that I get to meet with people from all across Texas and around the globe. It’s through these meetings that we get to build valuable partnerships that results in a strong economy and more robust job growth from the private sector.

During my meeting with the 11-member Russian delegation, I had the opportunity to discuss trade opportunities for Texas livestock and other agriculture products. It was a focused, productive conversation that will hopefully lead to future collaborations. Here at TDA, we plan to work with the delegation, as well as their Minister of Agriculture, and it’s my hope that, ultimately, this will lead to stronger trade opportunities for Texas agriculture producers. This could be just the beginning of future partnerships with Bashkortostan, and I look forward to all of the possibilities.

Plus, we had the opportunity to share with them a Texas treasure—fresh Gulf shrimp. GO TEXAN member Quality Seafood prepared a delicious, fresh seafood salad using locally-grown products and Gulf shrimp. It was a great treat for us, and an excellent way to show our friends all Texas has to offer.

Calling FEMA Into Action

Wednesday marked the three-month anniversary of the tragic explosion at the fertilizer plant in the city of West. Several emergency responders were killed and a large section of the town was destroyed. This small-knit community was left with shock and grief—mourning those who were lost and looking for a way to rebuild. Last month, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rejected West’s request for a major disaster declaration and much-needed assistance, I was disappointed to say the least. 

I am grateful that Governor Perry took action to appeal FEMA’s decision. Governor Perry called FEMA’s decision to deny further aid to West “simply unacceptable,” and I couldn’t agree more.

The West explosion inflicted severe damage to the city infrastructure, schools and residences. Any normal person would see the damage as nothing short of a disaster. We need a strong combination of local, state and federal assistance to help facilitate a full recovery.

President Obama said himself, “We’ll be there even after the cameras leave and after the attention turns elsewhere.” I urge FEMA and President Obama to hold true to his word and to his responsibility. He must act on Governor Perry’s appeal and deliver the aid necessary to rebuild West in the wake of this terrible disaster. Doing so will ensure that this Texas town can come back stronger than ever.

Click here to read a copy of my letter to FEMA. 

Texas Law Enforcement Officers Fired Upon At Border

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reporting that on multiple incidents on Thursday, DPS Rangers and U.S. Border Patrol Agents were fired upon from suspects from Mexico. The incidents occurred along the Rio Grande River.

Thankfully, our Texas DPS and US Border Patrol agents were unharmed in this latest incident of criminals from Mexico attacking our country. This is yet one more example of why Texas landowners have been pleading with Washington for more resources. Our nation cannot allow cartels and criminal elements to take control of our border. If Washington continues to be unable or unwilling to do its job, Texans will meet any force with a stronger force.

Click here to read a press release from DPS.

U.S. Citizens Living in Fear on Southern Border

American citizens should not have to live in daily fear of transnational terrorist attacks on

their home and land. However unfortunate, this is a reality for many South Texans. It’s a fear that comes from living along an insecure border. Through first-hand accounts, we hear the truth about what border life is truly like: property destruction, dead bodies, littered fields, criminal behavior, violent intimidation.

Some South Texans, who are fed up with the status quo, have banded together to fight the border infiltration. Groups like the Texas Border Volunteers, made up of private citizens, have emerged in the wake of our broken border and ongoing immigration crisis. Our federal, state and local law enforcement agents are to be commended for the individual efforts they invest into border security, but federal policy officials continue to under-staff and under-resource their needs.

Despite the fact that federal policy officials seem to be looking the other way, the efforts of these citizen groups aren’t going unnoticed. This recent, telling U.S. News & World Report article details the work being done by these volunteers, and highlights the non-stop flow of illegal traffic crossing and the fear experienced by our fellow Texans who are trying to work, raise families and live in peace along our porous border. Our country is becoming a land breached by drug smugglers, human traffickers and violence.

We cannot let this continue. We must continue to fight to fix our broken immigration system until the only word used to describe our border with Mexico is secure.

I invite you to read the full news article here, and let’s work together to raise awareness and fight to secure our nation’s border.  

Expanding Workforce Skills in Texas

Ensuring Texas workers have the skills to compete in today’s marketplace is key to continued economic success in Texas. Here at the Texas Department of Agriculture, we’re working hard to help education providers in rural communities equip students with the critical skills needed to meet local workforce needs—whether it’s through direct career training or a traditional college route.

TDA is currently accepting applications for our Parallel Pathways to Success grants, which help develop educational programs for students to earn vocational skills certifications or college credits at the same time they are completing their high school diploma.

Parallel Pathways is a terrific program that equips students with workforce skills that can be translated into successful careers. Since we started awarding Parallel Pathways grants in 2009, hundreds of current and former students have benefited from the program.

It’s through programs like Parallel Pathways that we can achieve the absolute best for Texas. Lampasas County Higher Education Center used a Parallel Pathways grant to help more than 600 students receive career and college readiness assistance. Take Knox City High School as another example: Grant funding helped more than 100 students enroll in dual credit courses, allowed more than 50 students to attend college and career fairs, and employed another 50 students in a summer work program through the Texas Workforce Commission.

Skilled workers are in demand in Texas, and we need them to ensure our economy continues to flourish. To learn more and find out if you qualify, I invite you to visit us online. The deadline to apply is July 11, so the window to take advantage of this opportunity is closing soon. Thank you for helping to shape the future of Texas’ workforce for the better.

American Dream

We are blessed to be part of a nation where the opportunity for success is still very much alive. Yes, even after 237 years, the American Dream is still within the grasp of all, regardless of where we live, the color of our skin or the size of our bank account. We live in a nation where upward mobility is available to anyone who wishes to work hard, study and give back. Life is tough, and many have obstacles to overcome. There is no better place that provides the opportunity to overcome challenges than the United States of America.

I hope our generation never takes what it means to be an American for granted. Each of us should strive to serve more, vote more and do more for our neighbors.

Please take a moment to enjoy the video below about what being an American means to me. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Conserve Water Before the Tap Runs Dry

Ever wonder just how bad things have to get before you turn on the tap and no water comes out? Just ask the residents of Barnhart who recently ran out of water. The main water well in this small West Texas town recently stopped pumping, leaving residents without drinking water.

Oil and gas production is active in this area, which has offered a welcomed boost to the local economy. Without adequate water resources, the ability for Barnhart to support this industry will provide long-term challenges and could prevent future growth for other local businesses.

Unfortunately, Barnhart may not be the only Texas town struggling to supply sufficient water for residents. Without significant rainfall, other areas could face similar challenges. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Equality, this is already a reality for a host of other towns that are currently dealing with serious water shortages.

As we officially welcome summer and the long dry months ahead, let us remember that a water crisis is not just a future concern for some of our fellow Texans. Their reality should encourage everyone to be forward-thinking about ways to conserve water before we all find ourselves with a dry tap.

Our economy and its citizens rely on an ample water supply for agriculture and business, and to meet the demands of our rapidly expanding population. We must all do our part to save water.

Click here to visit TDA’s “The Water Source” where you can learn more about the state’s water resources and visit www.TexasWaterSmart.com to learn about ways to save water in your home. 

Drug Cartel Far-Reaching from Border to North Texas

For far too long now, I’ve had to be one of many leaders and citizens sounding the alarm about the dangers of violent drug cartels and the threat they pose to our nation. Landowners living and working along the Texas/Mexico border have been the literal “canary in the coal mine.” They are the first to feel the sting of these transnational criminal organizations and are forced to live with the fallout.

Landowners haven’t held back in recounting the daily traffic, mayhem and downright terrorism caused by drug dealers along the border. Here at the Texas Department of Agriculture, we have painstakingly relayed how these criminally-organized gangs engage in illegal drug and human trafficking. We’ve also detailed to the federal government the abuse felt by those who provide us our food and fiber—our farmers and ranchers. Our mission is clear. We will continue to relay these stories until the federal government steps up to the plate and drops their signature rhetoric that the “the border is safer than ever.”

The truth is: the border is not safe. Until our government commits to defending our landowners and our sovereignty with every conceivable resource, and until all Texas residents no longer fear this terrorism, I will continue to spread the word and fight to secure our border.

Photo: Bob Booth, Star-Telegram

The recent shooting of a Mexican attorney with ties to drug cartels in the town square of Southlake, just outside Ft. Worth, shines the spotlight on the deadly tactics used by the ruthless and heartless thugs inside drug cartels whose reach can spread far beyond border regions. This Fort Worth Star-Telegram article demonstrates the undeniable truths that I believe every citizen will conclude: we must defend our landowners; we must protect our sovereignty; and we will secure our border. 

Celebrating Great Dads this Father’s Day

On Sunday, we will celebrate Father’s Day and the men who make this day all the more special. Fathers not only teach their children how to ride bikes and play baseball, they provide the foundation for the guiding principles that carry their children through life. I’ve been blessed to have an amazing father, who was my role model and friend, and I am proud to be able to share the lessons he taught me with my own children.

Through my father’s example, I learned early in life the value of hard work and have incorporated that strong work ethic into my life and public service. My dad was a family man, showing our family strength and devotion every day. Even though he is no longer with us, I can still hear his voice and wisdom in my head, and that brings a smile to my face.

As a dad myself, I know being a father doesn't come with an instruction manual, although it would be nice if it did! We try to do our best to provide for our children, give them the best instruction and advice possible, and ask God to watch over our family.

To all Texas fathers, remember the best gift you can give your child is not something of monetary value, but the gift of time. The world is a tough place. To borrow from an old proverb, we need to not simply give our children a fish, but rather teach them how to fish so they can have the fulfillment and satisfaction of independence and self-reliance. 

Thank you for your perseverance, wisdom, discipline and support of your children. You’re helping make this world a better place. Happy Father’s Day!