To the Editor: As an agricultural producer in Lamb County, I would like to bring attention to Proposition 1 on the Nov. 7 statewide ballot. It is a constitutional amendment we should ALL care about because it ensures that we’ll have a safe and affordable food supply in the future.
Texas is becoming more urban every day, and we’re losing farmland at a concerning rate. In fact, we lost more than 2 million acres of agricultural land over the last 25 years. During that time, our state’s population grew by about 11 million people. That’s a lot of new Texans, and we’re expected to add another 13 million to our state’s population over the next two decades.
Population growth leads to an increased demand for homes and services. That means we’re going to continue to lose more agricultural land as those subdivisions, shopping centers, restaurants and other businesses are built. Where will our food come from in the future if we keep losing agricultural land?
Fortunately, farmers and ranchers are great at doing more with less, like growing more crops on fewer acres and using fewer natural resources, too. But as Texas keeps growing, cities are sprawling out to what used to be rural areas.
Farmers and ranchers in some cities face unjustified regulations and zoning rules that inhibit their ability to grow our food and fiber— like rules saying how tall grass can be in a pasture. Several cities have added even more obstacles—restricting or even banning in some cases, livestock and crop production altogether through their zoning and other regulations.
That makes it difficult, and sometimes impossible, for farmers and ranchers who are growing our food and fiber. And that’s definitely not good news for food security in our state. That will result in increased food costs for all of us.
That’s where Proposition 1 comes into play. It protects our family farmers and ranchers from those unjustified regulations, while also protecting our public health, the environment and animal welfare. In protecting our farmers and ranchers from these onerous regulations, it would provide stability and predictability to those who work to feed and clothe Texans, as well as those who shop at grocery stores and farmers markets.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support farmers and ranchers and protect the future of food security in our state. I urge you to vote YES on Proposition 1 and support farmers and ranchers by protecting them from regulatory overreach of state agencies and local governments. Early voting begins Oct. 23 and continues through Nov. 3.
While this may not seem an urgent issue here in our rural area, remember that your vote in support of Proposition 1 will help to defeat the more populated urban areas of the state where there is a disconnect in the realization of the importance of agriculture in providing food, fiber and fuel for ALL Texans as well as around the world!
Pass the word to your family and friends in Texas! This is a critical vote for private property owners. Your vote “YES” on Proposition 1 is needed!
/S/ Ricky Yantis Ricky Yantis, President Lamb County Farm Bureau ***** Dear Editor and Readers, I am writing on behalf of Littlefield Cemetery Association, which is involved with up keep of the Littlefield Cemetery, also known as “The Old Cemetery.” Nothing to do with Memorial Park. This is the time of year when membership statements are sent out and we try to collect money to operate on.
Membership is a one-time payment of $1, dues are $25 per member, per year. Donations of any amount can also be made at any time. Also, memorial donations can be made. Our income comes from dues, donations and the sale of lots. We receive no help from the City or elsewhere.
This year, we had to replace a mower, besides fuel, some repairs and other expenses.
Response from statements has been good, but is slowing. Please don’t forget us. We are volunteers, you don’t have to be a member to help physically or monetarily. We are blessed to have the men who do so much work over there.
If you have paid your dues or made a donation, thank you so very much. If not please consider helping “The Old Cemetery.”
Our address is: Littlefield Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1371, Littlefield, Texas, 79339.
/S/ Alma Bellar Secretary/Treasure Littlefield Cemetery Association