FROM THE EDITOR
While everyone is dazzled by the new technological behemoths in our area, folks shouldn’t lose sight of the importance agriculture still plays in Williamson County.
Sadly, farming seems to be on the decline in the Blackland Prairie.
The causes are many: Urban encroachment, land speculation, inflation and a generation unwilling to follow in the footsteps of their farming and ranching forebears.
The East Wilco Insider recently reported, “Over 4,700 acres of farmland transitioned from agricultural use to something else in the Hutto area from 2012-22, according to school-district tax records from the Williamson Central Appraisal District.
“Over 1,600 acres of farmland was lost in Taylor’s school district during that same period, though 1,233 of those acres converted in 2022.”
One positive aspect of life in East Wilco is the importance local schools still place on agribusiness, including participation in FFA and 4-H clubs. At the same time, many students are shifting their focus to technological training and the digital economy.
Still, there is room for all. Meanwhile, more protection for local farms is here, thanks to significant changes to the Texas Right to Farm statute effective Sept. 1. Amendments to the 1981 law include new language to curtail nuisance lawsuits filed against agricultural holdings, giving agribusiness protection from — for example — homeowners in a new subdivision who might be upset by the smell from a poultry farm or a ranching operation.
The Legislature understands the importance of agricultural enterprises to the state.
While it’s great to encourage the growth of area high-tech industries, let’s not forget to nurture the business model that kept Williamson County flourishing and brought another transformative technology, the railroad, here.
That would be farming and ranching. They are just as important now as they were then.
Thomas Edwards
Agree? Disagree? Send your thoughts to thomas.edwards@granitemediapartnerscom. We may run your comments as a letter to the editor, which we reserve the right to edit for length, taste and grammar.
Comment
Comments