Ag, rural issues top meeting's agenda

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Susan Combs, Texas Ag Commissioner, traveled to several places in the state to conduct 'town hall' meetings.

September 18, 2003 -- When it comes to rural Texas, Susan Combs, Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner continues to be one of the major supporters.

At a town hall meeting in Columbus, Combs discussed issues that are, or will be, affecting rural Texas. On a "whirlwind" tour of Texas, she is out to discuss and explain various topics of interest to rural citizens and ag producers.

"With agriculture and rural communities facing so many challenges, it is important that I know firsthand what the concerns and issues are on a local level," Combs explained.

"There are a lot of concerns and needs that are specific to regions of Texas, and I want to collectively work with producers, industry groups and local, state and federal governments to address these issues to ensure agriculture remains a strong and growing industry throughout the state."

Addressing the group from South Central Texas counties around Colorado County, Combs touched on a number of issues, including the recent 78th Legislature.

With the third legislative special session under way in Austin, Combs said there are a number of bills that have passed through both houses of the state Congress that involve rural areas, plus a number of "on-going" situations such as water problems across the state.

Water rights continue to be a primary issue, with parts of the state in dire need of water or a way of transporting it to the dry areas.

According to Combs, she has new "proof" that Mexican officials are not being "completely truthful" concerning their needs for the water and how much they have available to give back to Texas. She said she is hopeful that that issue will be settled in the near future, but no one is holding their breaths.

One of her concerns with the water issues is how it seems to be pitting money against common sense, in some instances.

"It's important for local folks to get along with local folks," said Combs.

Another area Combs addressed involved a new program being rolled out by TDA. It is called "Texas Yes!" and the idea is to promote rural areas of the state. This program will kick off in October of this year.

"This is a strong message that will show how rural Texas is not only alive and kicking, but in fact creating new, dynamic opportunities that benefit the entire state," explained Combs.

The "Texas Yes!" membership will be open to cities, non-profit organizations, associations and businesses located in rural Texas, with associate memberships offered to entities "that help support and promote rural Texas, such as publications and travel associations."

"Small towns are the backbone of rural Texas, and that's why Texas Yes! is big on small towns," Combs noted.

On other issues, she said the rural school financial situation will likely be addressed by another special session in the spring of 2004. She explained that there are a number of different ideas for how rural schools should be financed, and those will all be discussed during that time. With 76 counties in Texas losing population, this past year, money is always going to be a pressing issue.

Finally, Combs talked about the shrinking income of the average Texas beef producer. According to various auction barn managers across the state, the average producer is bringing in less than 30 cows and owns a very small herd of livestock. Making ends meet is a constant problem. It is these people

that could be affected the most by the mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law.

Although Combs is in support of the program (COOL), she admits there needs to be a lot of thought and work to make it successful for everyone. With the problems in Canadian livestock, she said that producers have a "window of opportunity," due to current prices.

Like many other producers, Combs said she is looking at various ways to diversify her ranch, and TDA receives many questions concerning different ways to make ranches and farms profitable and keep the families on the property.

Combs said many producers are getting into the "tourism" business, bringing urban dwellers out into the rural areas to see what it's really like out in the country. She said what most rural citizens take for granted is a new world for urbanites.

"They like trail rides and rock hunting ... and if they want to pay for that, I want to take their money," she laughed.

In closing, Combs urged attendees to be in contact with congressmen and to let them know what is on their minds and how current events and legislation affects rural Texans.

(For information concerning the "Texas Yes!" program, visit online at: www.TexasYes.org)