Texas stands proudly as the leading agricultural state in the nation. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, it ranks first in the nation in the number of farms and ranches, with 230,662 sprawled over 125.5 million acres.
OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM…OR DID HE?
Did you know that all ranches are farms, but not all farms are ranches?
A farm is any land that is cultivated in some way to produce goods. It can be a small farm that grows just enough for a family or an industrialized dairy farm.
A ranch is a specific type of farm that primarily focuses on breeding, raising, and selling livestock.
CULTIVATING THE FARMING CULTURE
Agriculture is defined as the science of farming. The average Texas farm is 544 acres and many Texas farms have been family-run for generations.
Texas is the major producer of cotton, corn, feed grains, rice, wheat, peanuts, sunflowers, and sugarcane. It is also the leading producer of cattle, sheep, goats and horses. Niche farming, such as growing heirloom tomatoes or raising exotic chickens – has become a lucrative farming concept.
SO…WHAT DOES TEXAS SOW?
The diversity of Texas’ land is a significant factor in its agriculture prominence:
- Citrus and sugarcane: Rio Grande Valley
- Forestry and hay production: East Texas
- Sheep and goats: West Texas
- Cotton and orchards: South Texas
- In most years since 1880, Texas has ranked as the top cultivator of cotton in the U.S.
- It’s also a major producer of cattle, sheep, and goats.
- Watermelon production ranks top in the country, with carrots and pumpkins second.
Texas stands out as the recognized leader in cattle ranching. With the number of head of cattle in the U.S. totaling 86.6 million, the Texas Farm Bureau cites the top 13 states comprise 66 percent. Texas alone accounts for 14 percent, leading the country with its 12.2 million heads.
WHY TEXAS REIGNS IN RANCHING
- Leads the nation in beef cattle production.
- Vast lands provide ample cattle grazing.
- Long growing seasons and relatively mild winters make year-round ranching possible.
- Well-developed infrastructure supports the industry.
- Texas celebrates a long tradition of cattle ranching.
Roundup of Renowned Ranches
King Ranch • Kingsville, Texas
825,000 acres — more land than the state of Rhode Island.
Largest ranch in Texas and one of the largest, privately owned in the world.
Captain Richard King purchased the land in 1853. Working to improve breeding processes, he produced the finest cattle breeds, quarter horses, and champion thoroughbreds.
The ranch is involved in cattle, farming, and producing luxury leather goods. They offer recreational hunting, a museum, a retail store, tours, and special events.
Waggoner Ranch • Vernon, Texas
Historic, and the largest ranch, within one fence, in the United States.
One of the ranch’s lakes provides water for the entire city of Wichita Falls, Texas.
Daniel Waggoner purchased the land in 1852 and began his successful business of raising beef cattle, horses, crops and oil production.
In 2014, the 520,000+ acre ranch was sold for $725 million to Walmart heiress Ann Walton and her husband.
Southfork Ranch • Parker, Texas
The Duncan family never expected their 6,000-square-foot mansion on 200 acres would be chosen as the site of the popular TV show “Dallas,” which ran from 1978–1991.
Still in syndication, the show’s popularity made it difficult for the family to continue to live there. Today, “The World’s Most Famous Ranch” offers tours, special events, catering facilities, and accommodations.
TEXAS WOOL PRODUCERS KNIT TOGETHER TO SAVE A VOLATILE INDUSTRY
Spanish soldiers and missionaries introduced the first sheep and goats to Texas in the early 1700s.
Though wool production totaled 1.2 million pounds in 2024, Texas producers have faced a downturn in business, due to less expensive synthetic materials, changing fashion trends, and the complicated milling process.
Nevertheless, producers are confident its unique properties will sustain wool’s longevity:
- flame retardant
- absorbent fiber can keep you warm or cool
- anti-microbial properties make it a natural deodorant
- extremely strong and won’t rip easily
- stain resistant and anti-static
- natural untreated wool, is thought to amplify the body’s natural frequency, improve circulation, regulate temperature, and even promote healing or calmness.