They may not be driving busses, serving food or teaching lessons, but Texas farmers and ranchers help students return to the classroom this month.
“From growing the food that fills lunchboxes and the cotton used for school clothes, Texas agriculture provides the essential resources that support students every day,” Booker Young, Bandera County Farm Bureau president, said. “It’s easy to overlook, but a successful classroom wouldn’t exist without the help of farmers and ranchers.”
East Texas timber can be found throughout schools in the Lone Star State in the form of pencils, paper and furniture, Young said.
Soybeans, another Texas crop grown in the Rio Grande Valley and other parts of the state, is used to make pencil erasers, crayons and finger paints. Booker noted Texas cotton also has its place in the classroom. Jeans, socks, t-shirts and other back-to-school clothing are made from the crop.
“While students learn and grow within their classrooms over the next nine months, their bodies also need the right nutrition to thrive,” Booker said. “Texas farmers and ranchers are committed to growing the highest quality meats, fruits and vegetables to ensure students have the nutrition they need to grow strong, both in mind and body.”
Booker Young also encouraged local high school students to apply for scholarships and participate in the youth activities through Texas Farm Bureau.
More information is available at texasfarmbureau. org/youth.
