20 Interesting Texas Agriculture Facts

Texas is known for its wide-open spaces, cattle ranches, and oil fields, but did you know that agriculture is the second-largest industry in the state?

With over 247,000 farms and ranches spread across 130 million acres, Texas is a major player in the nation’s food production.

Here are 20 fascinating facts about Texas agriculture that you might not know.

1. Texas leads the nation in cattle, cotton, and hay production. Source: Texas Farm Bureau

2. The state’s top crops include cotton, corn, sorghum, and wheat. Source: Texas Department of Agriculture

3. Texas is also the largest producer of pecans in the United States. Source: Texas Pecan Growers Association

4. The state’s agricultural industry generates over $100 billion in economic activity each year. Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

5. Texas is home to the world’s largest single-site meat processing plant. Source: JBS USA

6. The state’s dairy industry produces over 12 billion pounds of milk each year. Source: Dairy MAX

7. Texas is home to the largest cattle population in the United States, with over 13 million head of cattle as of 2021.

8. The state is also a major producer of fruits and vegetables, including watermelons, cantaloupes, and onions. Source: Texas Fruit and Vegetable Association

9. Texas is home to the world’s largest pecan sheller. Source: San Saba Pecan

10. The state’s wine industry has grown significantly in recent years, with over 400 wineries and 5,000 acres of vineyards. Source: Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association

11. Texas is the largest producer of mohair in the United States. Source: Texas Mohair Council

12. The state’s aquaculture industry produces a variety of seafood, including catfish, bass, and shrimp. Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

13. Texas is home to the National Peanut Research Laboratory, which conducts research on peanut genetics and quality. Source: Agricultural Research Service

14. The state’s beef industry generates over $14 billion in sales each year. Source: Texas Beef Council

15. Texas is the second-largest producer of citrus fruits in the country, behind only Florida. Source: Texas Department of Agriculture

16. The state’s honey industry produces over 7 million pounds of honey each year. Source: Texas Beekeepers Association

17. Texas is the largest producer of wool in the United States. Source: Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association

18. The state’s forestry industry includes over 17 million acres of forestland. Source: Texas A&M Forest Service

19. Texas is one of the top cotton producers in the world, accounting for about 25% of the total US cotton crop. Source: Texas Department of Agriculture

20. The state’s goat industry is the largest in the nation, with over 1 million goats. Source: Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association

Conclusion

As you can see, Texas agriculture is diverse and robust. From cattle to cotton, from pecans to peanuts, the Lone Star State plays a significant role in feeding and fueling the nation. Whether you’re a farmer, a foodie, or simply interested in learning more about Texas, these agriculture facts are sure to pique your interest.

So, the next time you enjoy a juicy steak, a slice of watermelon, or a spoonful of honey, remember that it might have come from Texas. And if you ever get the chance to visit, be sure to check out its many agricultural attractions, such as the Texas State Fair, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, or a local farmers’ market.

From crop production to livestock management, there are many exciting career opportunities in this vital field. Check out our farm jobs in Texas and agriculture jobs pages to learn more about how you can be a part of Texas agriculture, and discover the many ways this industry is shaping the state.

Sources

  1. U.S. Energy Information Administration (https://www.eia.gov/)
  2. Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (https://www.txwines.org/)
  3. Texas Pecan Board (https://www.texaspecanboard.com/)
  4. Texas Department of Agriculture (https://www.texasagriculture.gov/)
  5. Texas A&M University (https://today.agrilife.org/)
  6. Texas Citrus Mutual (https://www.txcitrus.com/)
  7. Texas Farm Bureau (https://texasfarmbureau.org/)
  8. Texas Forest Service (https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/)
  9. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/)