Cotton Losses Due to Drought Will Literally Hit Your Pockets

We are receiving some much needed rain this week, but the dramatic impact of this drought is beginning to materialize and the outlook is grim.

According to Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. this may be the first year there is a 100-percent abandonment of the 2 million-acre dryland cotton crop in their service area around Lubbock. That area, by the way, accounts for about 80 percent of the state’s cotton production.

When you consider Texas produced 43 percent of the nation’s cotton crop last year, or 7.9 million bales of the U.S. total of 18.1 million bales, the potential loss spells big trouble.

A huge reduction in cotton is not only bad news for the $1.4 billion cotton industry and its 38,100 employees, but also for parents buying blue jeans and socks for their kids. Less cotton will likely mean higher prices for the cotton-based products you and I buy off the shelves or the rack.

Agriculture is a tremendously fulfilling enterprise. If you have ever grown even a single plant in your home, you understand the amazing and delicate process of nurturing a single seed. Magnify that scenario by the massive amounts of food we eat, clothes we wear and all the other agricultural products that enrich our daily lives, and you get an idea of the devastating impact of entire crop loss.

Let’s keep our cotton farmers, and the communities that depend on them, in our prayers during these severe drought conditions and extremely challenging times.

A Visit With a GO TEXAN Member

With Cynthia Sutton-Stolle, co-owner of Silver Barn Antiques

There's always a special place to visit in Texas, and I recently had the opportunity to tour GO TEXAN member Silver Barn Antiques in Columbus, Texas.

Co-owners Cynthia and Becca also carry some very interesting Texas college memorabilia at their store. Red Raider or UT Longhorn fans will probably find what they are looking for at Silver Barn Antiques. Of course, the Texas A&M University products caught my attention.

Besides proudly displaying Texas products, Silver Barn Antiques also serves some terrific Texas-flavored food and is a part of the reason the GO TEXAN marketing campaign is so successful.

TDA's GO TEXAN program is home to many outstanding Texas businesses. If you're looking for a high school or college graduation gift, consider browsing at Silver Barn Antiques or visit the GO TEXAN website where you can find other great gift ideas while supporting the Texas economy.