BIG Ag and Texas Don’t Mix

Bale Harrison & The Texas Field Hands

[Verse 1]
Down here in Texas, we like things small
Family farms where we know ’em all
But here comes Big Ag with their suits and ties
Tryin’ to take over our open skies

They want to plant seeds in rows so straight
But the way they farm just don’t equate
To the land we love, where the stars shine bright
Big Ag and Texas? Well, that ain’t right

[Chorus]
Big Ag and Texas don’t mix, no way
You can’t put a price on a farmer’s day
They wanna turn our soil into corporate gold
But in Texas, our roots are strong and bold
Big Ag and Texas don’t mix, you see
You can’t brand a cow with a company fee
We like our cattle free to roam
Big Ag, just leave our state alone

[Verse 2]
They say they’ll bring jobs, but at what cost?
When the heart of our land is what gets lost
They measure success in stocks and shares
But down here, we measure in love and care

They want to spray fields with chemicals strong
But we know that’s where they’re goin’ wrong
In Texas, we keep it clean and green
No room for Big Ag on our ranching scene

[Bridge]
They roll into town with their big machines
But they can’t replace what tradition means
We don’t need no factory farm
We’ve got hands to work and hearts to warm

[Verse 3]
So take your boardroom and your profit schemes
We’ll stick to our rivers, our fields, and streams
We don’t need no corporation’s hand
We’re Texas born, we’re Texas land

[Outro]
So here’s a message clear and loud
We’re Texas proud, and we won’t be cowed
Big Ag, don’t tread on this Lone Star ground
‘Cause in Texas, it’s the small farms that are renowned

Yawl come see me at Farm dot FM

BIG Ag and Texas Don’t Mix

Why Texas and Big Ag Don’t Mix: A Clash of Cultures and Values

In the sprawling fields and open plains of Texas, farming and ranching are more than just professions—they’re a way of life, a tradition passed down through generations. The state’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage is characterized by small, family-owned farms and ranches where the work is hard, the rewards are humble, and the connection to the land is personal and profound. This is why the idea of Big Ag—large-scale, corporate-driven agriculture—coming to Texas is met with such resistance. Simply put, Texas and Big Ag don’t mix, and here’s why.

The Heart of Texas Agriculture: Small Farms and Ranches

At the core of Texas agriculture is the family farm. These are the small, independently owned operations where the owners are often the ones doing the hard labor, from sunrise to sunset. These farms are not just businesses; they are legacies. They represent generations of Texans who have cultivated the land, raised livestock, and lived off the fruits of their labor. The connection to the land is personal, and the practices are often sustainable and mindful of long-term environmental stewardship.

Big Ag, on the other hand, operates on a vastly different scale and with a different set of priorities. Corporate agriculture is driven by profit margins, efficiency, and mass production. This often means the use of large machinery, chemical pesticides, and genetically modified crops to maximize yields. While this approach can lead to higher production levels, it often comes at the cost of environmental health, local ecosystems, and the quality of the produce itself.

For many Texans, the idea of Big Ag moving in feels like an invasion. It threatens to disrupt the balance that small farms have maintained for generations. These small operations often practice crop rotation, organic farming, and sustainable grazing—methods that Big Ag might see as inefficient or outdated but are actually key to preserving the health of the land.

Cultural Mismatch: The Independent Spirit of Texas

Texas has always been a state that prides itself on independence and self-reliance. The ranchers and farmers of Texas embody this spirit. They are resourceful, often fixing machinery with whatever is on hand, making do with what they have, and finding ways to thrive in a sometimes harsh environment. This rugged individualism is at odds with the corporate structure of Big Ag, where decisions are often made in boardrooms far removed from the realities of daily farm life.

In Texas, the relationship between farmer and land is intimate and personal. The land is something to be respected, nurtured, and passed down to the next generation. Big Ag’s approach, which can involve heavy industrialization and a focus on short-term gains, feels impersonal and even exploitative to those who have spent their lives caring for their farms.

Moreover, Texas farmers are wary of losing their autonomy. Big Ag’s presence often means contracts, quotas, and the potential loss of decision-making power. Farmers who are used to being their own bosses and making decisions based on what’s best for their land and livestock may find themselves at odds with a corporation that prioritizes profits over local needs.

Environmental Concerns: Protecting Texas’s Natural Resources

Texas is a state of diverse landscapes, from the piney woods of East Texas to the arid plains of West Texas. Each region has its own unique environmental challenges, and local farmers and ranchers have developed practices that suit their specific ecosystems. Big Ag, with its one-size-fits-all approach, can threaten these delicate balances.

For instance, the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by large agricultural operations can lead to soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to local wildlife. In a state that values its wide-open spaces and natural beauty, the environmental impact of Big Ag is a significant concern. Local farmers, who are invested in the long-term health of their land, often prioritize sustainability and are more likely to use practices that protect the environment.

The water usage by Big Ag is another point of contention. Large-scale agriculture can place a tremendous strain on local water supplies, particularly in areas already prone to drought. Texas farmers, who are acutely aware of the value of every drop of water, often use more conservative and efficient irrigation practices. The introduction of water-intensive crops or practices by Big Ag could exacerbate water shortages and create conflicts over water rights.

The Importance of Community: Keeping It Local

One of the most cherished aspects of Texas farming is the sense of community. Local farmers markets, co-ops, and agricultural fairs are where neighbors come together, share their products, and support one another. The money made stays in the community, and there is a strong sense of mutual respect and cooperation.

Big Ag disrupts this local economy by centralizing operations and often outsourcing jobs to other states or even countries. The money made by these corporations is less likely to stay in Texas, and the jobs created are often fewer and less stable than those provided by small farms. This shift can weaken local communities and erode the social fabric that has held Texas farming communities together for generations.

A Matter of Values

At the end of the day, the clash between Texas and Big Ag comes down to a matter of values. Texas farmers value independence, sustainability, and community. They have a deep respect for the land and a commitment to preserving it for future generations. Big Ag, with its focus on profits and efficiency, simply doesn’t align with these values. In a state where tradition and independence run deep, it’s no wonder that Texas and Big Ag just don’t mix.

BIG Ag and Texas Don’t Mix