ORDER IUQ.~E~93c
f~DOF''f F='ROCLRMA'I lOhl DECLRRING MARCH 18-c:4 RS NATIONRL A6. WEEK
On this the 1~ day of March cIZI~ZiI, ~.ipon motion made 6y
Commissioner 8aldwin9 seconded 6y Cominissioner• Letz~ the Co~_ir•t
unanimously approved by a vote of 4-Q~-0, to adopt a
proclamation declaring Mardi 18th to c4th National Rgric~_ilt~.ir•e
week in Kerr' County ~ (exas.
COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST
PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND NINE COPIES OF THIS REQUEST AND DOCUMENTS TO BE
REVIEWED BY THE COURT.
MADE BY: Fred Henn OFFICE: County Judgee
MEETING DATE: March 12. 2001 TIME PREFERRED:
SUBJECT: (PLEASE BE SPECIFIC)
Consider and discuss adopting a proclamation declaring March 18 to
24 as National Agriculture Week in Texas.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE STATE REASON)
NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT:
ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION:
IF PERSONNEL MATTER -NAME OF EMPLOYEE:
Time for submitting this request for Court to assure that the matter is posted in accordance with Title 5, Chapter
551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows:
Meeting scheduled for Mondays:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED BY:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED ON:
County Judge
5:00 P.M. previous Tuesday.

All Agenda Requests will be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate information has been
prepazed for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court Meetings. Your cooperation will be
appreciated and contribute towazds you request being addressed at the eazliest opportunity. See Agenda Request Rules
Adopted by Commissioners' Court.
/,..
'~
SUSAN COMBS, COMMISSIONER
TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
F.o. aox Iz847
Ausrw, TExAS 78711
(512) 463-7476
Far (5IZ) 463-1104
FOR THE HEARIM1'G IMPAIRED:
I-800-735-2988 (votcE)
1-800-735-2989 (TDD)
Mnvw.agrstate.[x.us
Making Teras the nation's
leader do agriculture while
providing efficient and
eztraordinarF service.
March 5, 2001
Judge Frederick L. Henneke
Kerr County
700 Main Street
Kerrville, Texas 78028
Dear Judge Henneke:
Agriculture begins with the land, but it embraces an industry that provides
products essential to our everyday lives. The week of March 18 to 24 is National
Agriculture Week in Texas, a time when we recognize the rich heritage that is
agriculture. During this week, I ask you to join me in honoring the farmers and
ranchers whose dedication and commitment to the land and people of Texas make
our agricultural industry thrive.
Educating people about agriculture helps to instill in them a profound sense of
where things come from. It focuses their attention upon the impact agriculture has
on their lives, from the food they eat to the clothes they wear to the resources they
use at home and at work.
Please join me in honoring our agricultural community by adopting an ag week
proclamation for your jurisdiction and by using the enclosed information to focus
the spotlight upon this valuable resource that means so much to your area.
If you need additional information or assistance with Agriculture Week activities,
contact Jo Moss at (512) 475-1658, a-mail imoss~at:r.state.tx.us.
Sincerely,
~+~ ~-
Susan Combs
Commissioner
PROCLAMATION
The role that Texas farmers and ranchers play in the lives of people worldwide
often goes unrecognized. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the houses in which we
live, the flowers and plants we enjoy are all rooted in one industry -Agriculture.
In this new millennium, Texas' farmers, ranchers and their families face ever-
increasing challenges. Yet, they continue to fulfill an enduring legacy, which ensures that
people everywhere have an abundant, reliable and affordable supply of food, natural
fiber, horticulture and other agricultural products.
Agriculture is the second lazgest industry in Texas, generating $80 billion
annually for the economy. One out of every five working Texans has a job in agriculture.
Agriculture touches our lives in many ways. Texas farmers and ranchers grow a lot of the
food people eat every day -onions, pecans, peaches, cabbage, melons, spinach,
cucumbers and potatoes. Texas also is a big producer of cotton, cattle and poultry. In
addition, trees aze used to make computer paper, goat's milk to make cheese, com for
cereal and for laundry detergent, and animal fats and proteins to make toothpaste and
crayons. Also, antifreeze is a pork byproduct and oyster shells are used for artificial reefs.
This list is endless.
Agriculture also has a major role in water conservation, rural economic
development, global trade and the preservation of the environment. As we go forward in
the new millennium, agriculture will continue to meet the basic needs of the world while
providing opportunities for progress beyond food and clothing.
It is important that we all understand agriculture because it helps us to realize that
everyday things, such as bread, blue jeans, laundry detergent and peanuts all come from
one industry. It also gives us a sense of where things come from and how the global cycle
of growth, consumption and conservation is forever necessary.
Because of their commitment to and love of agriculture, Texas farmers and
ranchers will continue to do what they do best -produce food and fiber to meet growing
global demands.
Therefore I, Susan Combs, do hereby proclaim the week of March 18 to 24, 2001, as
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK IN TEXAS and urge all Texans to recognize
those producers who hetp add quality to our lives.
In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this 19th day of March,
2001.
Susan Combs
Commissioner
Texas Department of Agriculture

Use this as the framework to recognize National Ag Week in your area,' you can customize it to rt your
format and add additional statistics and information as needed.
WHEREAS, the week of March 18 to 24, 2001, is NATIONAL AGRICULT[JRE WEEK IN TEXAS, as
proclaimed by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, and
WHEREAS, Throughout our history people have confirmed the vast resources of our land, and
WHEREAS, Sam Houston reported to the President of the United States, "I have traveled near 500 miles
across Texas, and am now enabled to judge pretty near correctly of the soil, and the resources of the
Country, and I have no hesitancy in pronouncing it the finest country to its extent upon the globe," and
WHEREAS, T.R. Fehrenbach wrote, "Our ancestors came to Texas in search of land. And land became
the basis of the Texas dream," and
WHEREAS, Davy Crockett said, "I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the
world, the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any
man to come here," and
WHEREAS, The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the houses in which we live, the flowers and plants
we enjoy are all rooted in one industry- Agriculture, and
WHEREAS, Texas' farmers and ranchers have made agriculture the second-largest industry, generating
$80 billion for the state's economy, and
WHEREAS, Texas is the nation's leading producer of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wool, mohair and
cotton. The state is also one of the top producers of vegetables, citrus, peanuts, pecans, grain sorghum,
rice, sugarcane and wheat, and
WHEREAS, The Lone Star State leads the nation in the numher of farms and ranches, with almost 80
percent of the ]and involved in some form of agricultural production -- including livestock, crops,
aquaculture, horticulture and forestry, and
WHEREAS, Texas farmers and ranchers exemplify a rich tradition of producing food and fiber to meet
growing global demands, Nuw Therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commissioners' Court of (insert county name here) declares this National
Agriculture Week in (county name), and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the commissioners' court urges everyone in our area to learn more
about the role of agriculture here, share that knowledge with the young people in our area, and recognize
the farmers, ranchers and their families who contribute so much to this county, this state, this nation and
the world.
THEREFORE, IN OFFICIAL RECOGNITION WHEREOF, we, the undersigned do hereby affix our
signatures this day of Mazch 2001.
(insert signature blocks)
Note:
Instead of a commissioners' court action, the County Judge individually can author this resolution.
Substitute County Judge in place of the commissioners' court references. You also may want to include a
section that specifically recognizes agriculture producers, agribusinesses or agriculture organizations in
your area.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: ALLEN SPELCE
~~~~.~ OF IgC~CI MARCH 1, 2001 BEVERLY BOYD
~ (512)463-7664
a,~ C
~, _ ar TEXAS AGRICULTURE
Q~TEXAS 3
SUSAN COMBS, COMMISSIONER Did you know...
Texas DEPARTMENT © Texas is the second largest agricultural state, accounting for about 7 percent of the
of acRtcuLTURe total U.S. agricultural income. This generates $80 billion for the statt;'s economy.
© The top five agricultural producing counties are Castro, Deaf Smith, Parmer. Erath
and Lamb. The top two agricultural regions of the state are the South Plains and the
Panhandle.
© The Lone Star State ranks first in the nation in the number of cattle and calves,
which is 14.1 percent of the U.S. total.
© Texas is also a top producer of cotton, sheep, wool, goats, mohair and horses. The
state's other top crops include vegetables, citrus, corn, wheat, peanuts, pecans, grain
sorghum, hay and rice.
© Besides livestock and crops, the state's agriculture industry includes timber/forestry,
aquaculture, bees honey and nursery/greenhouse.
© The nursery/greenhouse industry in Texas is a $9.76 billion industry that employs
222,000 people.
© Texas is one of the leading exporters of agricultural commodities. Texas' top
agricultural exports are live animals and meat; cotton and cottonseed; feed grains
and products; hides and skins; wheat and products; and feeds and fodder.
© Each Texas farmer grows enough food and fiber for 128 people - 94.3 in the
United States and 33.7 abroad.
© Texas ranks first in the nation in the number of farms and ranches with 226,000 as
well as in farmland with 130 million acres.
© Eighty percent of the land in Texas is in some form of agricultural production.
© Although agriculture employs one out of every five working Texans, less than 2
percent of the population is involved in day-to-day farming or ranching.
© There are more than 100 different organizations and associations in Texas that
All TDA press represent the farmers, ranchers and businesses that grow, process, transport, market
releases are also and sell the state's agricultural products.
available via the
Internet at p Texas farmers grow more than 45 different commercial fruit and vegetable crops.
www.agr.s[a[e.tx.us
-30-
F~~22 OF 9C~C1
a . ~ G
d ~"
a C
~ ~
P~rEXA`'•3
SUSAN COMBS, COMMISSIONER
TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE CONTACT ALLEN SPELCE
MARCH 19, 2001 BEVERLY BOYD
(512)463-7664
COMBS SAYS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK IS A
TIME TO HONOR OUR FARMERS AND RANCHERS
AUS'f1N-Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs announced that March 18 to 24 is
National Agriculture Week in Texas.
"During this week, we honor the farmers and ranchers whose dedication and
commitment to the land and people of Texas extends all year," Combs said. "National
Agriculture Week is the time to honor the hardworking individuals in our state's food and fiber
industry. It is also a good time to recognize the impact that agriculture has on our daily lives.
"In this new millennium, Texas' farm and ranch families face ever-increasing
challenges. Yet, they continue to fulfill an enduring legacy that ensures people worldwide have
an abundant, reliable and affordable supply of food, natural fiber, horticultural and other
agricultural products," she said. The commissioner kicked-off National Agriculture Week in
Texas with a proclamation signing Monday, March 19, at the State Capitol.
Agriculture is the second-largest industry in Texas generating $80 billion throughout the
state's economy. The Lone Star State leads the nation in the number of farms and ranches, and
approximately 80 percent of the land is involved in some form of agricultural production. From
the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, Texas is the most diverse state in the nation in agricultural
production.
"For generations, Texas farmers and ranchers and their families have worked hard to
build an industry that accounts for about 7 percent of the total U.S. agricultural income. Texas is
the nation's second leading state in agricultural production," Combs said.
AIthough agriculture provides a job for one out of every five working Texans, less than
2 percent of the population is involved in day-to-day farming or ranching.
"It is incredible when you think that only a small number of people produce our food
and fiber, and many times do so against difficult odds," Combs said. "Yet they continue to
produce a quality, cost effective product that serves people worldwide. National Agriculture
Week gives us an opportunity to recognize those producers who continue to enrich our lives."
Al[ TDA press -30-
releases are also
available via the
Internet at
www.agrsCafe.tx.us
~~~5 OF 9CR
F' ~ G
a r
~rrl
d y
°' ~C
d
~~TFxns'3
SUSAN COMBS, COMMISSIONER
TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
Feature Article:
FOR RELEASE THE WEEK OF CONTACT ALLEN SPELCE
MARCH 18, 2001 BEVERLY BOYD
(512)463-7664
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK IN TEXAS
CELEBRATING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF TRAILBLAZERS
AUSTIN -Rooted in the past, it is also about the present -and the Texas farmers and
ranchers who daily apply their skill and determination to bring forth the best the land has to
offer. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, and in thousands of other items we may miss
in our day-to-day hustle and bustle, the efforts of these men and women touch our lives.
Every spring offers the country an opportunity to step back for a moment and say thanks
for all their hazd work during National Agriculture Week. This year it runs Mazch 18-24.
"You don't have to work on a farm or ranch to be touched by agriculture every day,"
said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs. "It's easy to take for granted the abundant
and safe food supply available to us every time we open our refrigerator or the plentiful supplies
of clothes, furniture and plants to brighten our lives.
"All of this is due to the efforts of men and women who plant the seeds, cultivate the
crops and raise the livestock," Combs said. "Agriculture also has a major impact on our state's
economy."
Agriculture is the second largest industry in Texas, generating $80 billion in annual
economic impact to the statc. Tt produces about 16 percent of the gross state product.
Nearly 80 percent of the total land area in Texas is in some type of agricultural
production and Texas ranks fast in the nation for the number of farms and ranches. Tme to its
past, agriculture remains lazgely a family endeavor.
"You can't look at Texas agriculture without seeing real people who are willing to take
All TDA press
releases are also
available via the
Internet at
www.agnstate.tr.us
the risks and brave uncertainties, like drought and low commodity prices, to follow in the
footsteps of those who forged our state's rich agricultural heritage," Combs said.
Livestock still roam across the El Sauz, Los Chapotes and San Antonio "El Mahada"
ranches in South Texas just as they did in 1767, when Dora Perez Villarreal's ancestors first
settled there. The properties have remained in the family and in continuous agricultural
production the entire time, making them the first 200-year honorees in the Texas Department of
Agriculture's Family Land Heritage Program.
Villan•eal's grandfather was the first rancher in Starr County to pay taxes and even donated one
acre of his property for a schoolhouse.
In North Texas, the descendents of Samuel Washburn have continued to farm and ranch on three
properties settled by the Texan in the eazly 1880s. Washburn signed the petition to the Republic of Texas
to establish Fannin County in 1937. Though he died the next year, his wife and children claimed the land,
raising cattle and horses and growing grain and corn. Chris Tones Farm, Heritage Hil] and the Gene
Washburn Farm are now carrying on the tradition, honored for 150 yeazs continuous family ownership
and agricultural production under the Family Land Heritage Program.
This year, the program also honors six othcr 150-year agricultural family operations. They
include: Daddy's Place, 4-H Farm, Hallplace I and Mager's Place in East Texas -all part of an original
piece of farm land acquired by John Hallum in 1838 to grow cotton, corn and timber.
At The High Prairie Place - 1842 in Brazos County, cattle have been raised by the descendents of
William Millican on the land granted to him by Sam Houston in 1842. Griffin Ranch in East Texas has
remained in the family since 1849, where livestock, hay and timber have been tended by seven
generations.
"This heritage represents everything that agriculture and the history of Texas is about," Combs
said. "These are folks who have stuck through the tough times, whether it was severe weather, pests, or
economic downturns like the Great Depression, and persevered, crafting a legacy we can all be proud to
follow.
"It's the same pioneering spirit we see in our farmers and ranchers today," Combs said. "They're
utilizing technology and research to grow better tasting fruits and vegetables, offer lower-fat pork and
beef and create products with greater convenience for consumers."
The path behind is marked by the enduring legacy of those who paved the way, and the one ahead
is ready for our next generation of trailblazers.
-30-
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS; The role that Texas farmers and ranchers play in the lives of people worldwide often goes
unrecognized. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the houses in which we live, the flowers and
plants we enjoy are all rooted in one industry -Agriculture;
WHEREAS; In this new millennium, Texas' farmers, ranchers and their families face ever increasing cfiallenges.
Yet, they continue to fulfill an endwing legacy, which enswes that people everywhere have an
abundant, reliable and affordable supply of food, natwal fiber, horticulture and other agicultwal
products;
WHEREAS; Agricultwe is the second largest industry in Texas, generating $80 billion annually for the economy.
Cme out of every five working Texans has a job in agricultwe. Agricultwe touches ow lives in many
ways. Texas farmers grow a lot of the food people eat every day -onions, pecans, peaches, cabbage,
melons, spinach, cucumbers and potatoes. Texas also is a big producer of cotton, cattle and poultry.
In addition, trees aze used to make computer paper, goat's milk to make cheese, corn For cereal and for
laundry detergent, and animal fats and proteins to make toothpaste and crayons. Also, antifreeze is a
pork byproduct and oyster shells are used for artificial reefs. This list is endless;
WHEREAS; Agricultwe slso has a major role in water conservation, rural economic development, global trade and
the preservation of the environment. As we go forward in the new millennium, agricultwe will
continue to meet the basic needs of the world while providing opportunities for progess beyond food
and clothing;
WHEREAS; [t is important that we all understand agricultwe because it helps us to realize that everyday things,
such as bread, blue jeans, laundry detergent and peanuts all come from one industry. It also gives us a
sense of where things come from and how the global cycle of growth, consumption and conversation is
forever necessary; and
WHEREAS; Because of their commitment to and love of agricultwe, Texas farmers and ranchers will continue to
do what they do best -produce food and fiber to meet growing global demands.
NOW THEREFORE BE I'T PROCLAIMED BY THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT OF THE COUNTY OF KERR:
That the week of March l8 to 24, 2001, be recognized as
NA"f10NAL AGRICULTURE WEEK IN KERB COUNTY, TEXAS
And urge all Kerr County citizens to recognize those producers who help add quality to ow lives.
Ordered this the 12`" day of March, 2001.
H. A. "Buster" a dwin
Commissioner, Pct. #1
/"
Wi liam H. Williams
Commissioner, Pct. #2
Fred Henneke, Kett County J
Larry G •l n
Commissioner, Pct.