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Get to Know Your Agriculture
Commissioner
, Part 3

 

 

In our last two editions of Go Local. GO TEXAN., you heard about Commissioner Sid Miller's personal life and agriculture experience. In this edition, he shares his goals and vision for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the GO TEXAN program. The photo at left (courtesy of Jay Hardy) shows the Commissioner competing at the 2015 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he won the breakaway roping contest.

Many of us would like to see less government in our daily lives. How do you hope to help accomplish that in the state of Texas?
Texas is about freedom, individual responsibility and local control. That’s what we want to promote here at TDA. It’s also one of the many reasons why one of the first things I did as Agriculture Commissioner was to make sure that families, teachers and schools knew TDA had abolished all rules and guidelines that would stop a parent from bringing cupcakes, cookies or snacks to their child’s school. We believe that decisions are best made by parents and school officials at the local level. We’re going to continue that tradition at TDA.

What are your goals and vision for the GO TEXAN program?
The GO TEXAN program is a great program. It’s been around for more than 15 years, and I want to take it to the next level. I want to put a new coat of paint on it, refresh it and help increase our presence in Texas. We need to capitalize on the huge potential we have for increasing awareness of all of our state's agricultural products and producers.

You’re a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. What’s good about rodeos and that one in particular?
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is probably the largest youth livestock show in the world. I think what people sometimes forget is the purpose of the whole event, and that’s to serve our youth. They give out thousands and thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. It’s amazing. They raise millions of dollars, and it’s all about ensuring our youth have an opportunity to be involved in agriculture and get an education. That’s why I’m a part of it.

What are your goals for the Texas Department of Agriculture and how do you hope to accomplish them?
I have a lot of goals for TDA. I want people to realize what we do at TDA. Our reach spans far beyond Texas agriculture. We protect Texas consumers. We make sure that organic products don’t contain antibiotics, pesticides or anything else. We make sure that eggs don’t have E.coli or salmonella. We also make sure that gas pumps don’t cheat you, taxicabs don’t cheat you and the people who buy and sell gold don’t cheat you. At TDA, we make sure lottery balls are all weighed and calibrated. We make sure exterminators who come into your home don’t poison you or your pets. TDA works with young farmers to help them get a leg up. The list goes on and on. TDA is an important agency, and we have a great deal of responsibility. I’m so happy to be a part of it.

What would you like to make happen with the Texas wine industry?
The Texas wine industry, pardon the pun, is ripe for success. We have the very best climate. There are approximately 350 wineries in the state and more coming all the time. Some of the finest wines in the country right now are coming from Texas. We’re winning many of the prestigious wine competitions across the United States and Europe. We can compete with the European wines. It’s an industry that’s untapped. We can’t grow enough grapes to supply the demand in Texas. The wine industry also is linked to tourism. There are many wine country tours happening in all areas of the state. I’m excited for TDA to be a part of promoting this growing industry.

What are your thoughts on taking Texas worldwide?
Here at TDA, we have a complete marketing department. We’ve done an excellent job in the past of marketing Texas agricultural products, but I want to take our efforts to the next level. We’ll market globally. I’ve already met with dignitaries from China. We are planning trade missions to travel to Cuba and Israel. We’re talking to the South Koreans about expanding trade with them. TDA also recently hosted two of the largest German retailers in Austin. So, my team and I are reaching out. Texas is one of the leading states in exporting agricultural products, and our country, as a whole, exports more agricultural products than any country in the world. We will work hard to help our farmers and ranchers market their products as far across the globe as they want to go.

What are some hot spots or keen areas of interest with Texas and agriculture exports?
Right now one potential market for Texas agricultural products is Cuba. Even though we’ve been exporting commodities like rice and grain sorghum to Cuba for quite some time, we’ve had to do that by securing prepayment through third parties. The new arrangement allows for credit sales, which should hopefully improve business relations with Cuba.

What should Texans know about the members of your team at TDA?
We have a great team at TDA. It’s more than a team; everyone here is a family. We take care of each other. We have each other’s backs. I always tell the employees that I’ve got their backs. With that kind of attitude, we will get more done. You’re always better as a team than when you stand by yourself. At TDA, everyone is committed to working for all Texans to protect everyone against fraud and promote Texas agricultural products. I’m proud to be a part of this incredible family.

What sort of communication would you like to hear from your constituents and why?
It’s always good to get feedback from the citizens of Texas. That’s the only way we know we’re doing a good job. Every good idea I’ve ever had I got from somebody else. So, if you have any good ideas, send them to me. We’ll run them up the chain of command and see how well they work. Anybody who has an idea or suggestion on how we can make Texas a better place to live, work and raise a family, I want to hear from you.


Thanks for taking the time to read about our new Agriculture Commissioner. If you’d like to write Commissioner Miller, you can email him or send a letter to: Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 12847, Austin, Texas 78711.

Don’t forget to watch some of the video segments of this interview on TDA's Facebook page.



 

 

 

Escape the Ordinary at The Funky Door
Bistro and Wine Room

 

 

The Funky Door Bistro and Wine Room was born out of the desire to give Lubbock a unique dining experience and offer an escape from the ordinary. The Funky Door brings together a love of wine and cuisine, fine art, live music and friendly hospitality.

With numerous wine selections, it’s easy to find a new favorite. If wine selection is an intimidating task for you, The Funky Door makes it comfortable. They have a certified sommelier who can help you find the perfect wine to fit your taste and budget. They also offer wine dinners and classes for a fun way to learn more about wine.

One of the most unique experiences they offer is self-serve wine machines. The wine is kept fresh at the perfect temperature, allowing you to taste more than 48 wines without buying the whole glass or bottle. So, go ahead and have fun finding the perfect wine for you. The Funky Door carries many GO TEXAN wines, including Messina Hof, Caprock, McPherson and Pedernales.

If wine isn’t your thing, try one of their handcrafted cocktails. Just like their chefs, the bartenders take the time to craft cocktails using only fresh, handmade purees and many Texas ingredients. So come sit at the bar, watch some live music and enjoy a fresh taste of Texas.

At The Funky Door, you can explore classic cuisine from around the globe with a funky little twist. The menu is creative and unique, featuring their famous fondues and tantalizing weekly specials. Their knowledgeable servers are happy to make recommendations to ensure that your wine selection perfectly complements and enhances your meal.

“We take advantage of the variety of fresh, locally grown produce that is abundant in Texas” says Carrie Britton, owner of The Funky Door. “The GO TEXAN program has been instrumental in helping us team up with some of our local Texas producers. We know that the freshness is a difference our guests can taste. We pride ourselves on our ‘made from scratch’ focus, and GO TEXAN helps make that possible.”

Whether for a romantic date, a girl’s night out, a business dinner or an extravagant event, The Funky Door can customize your experience to make it unforgettable. Want to experience the best of what they have to offer? Check out their famous Saturday Jazz Brunch. They also provide catering for workplace meetings, home gatherings or other large events.

Find out more about The Funky Door here.

 

 

 

 

 

The Funky Door Texas Pecan Pie Praline

 

 

This dessert sounds entirely delicious and very Texan. It is a seasonal dessert served at The Funky Door Bistro and Wine Room and stars one of our state’s most beloved crops — the pecan.
 

 

Filling ingredients:

8 Egg yolks
2 tbsp. Texas honey
½ cup Texas pecans, crushed
¼ cup Heavy cream
1 tbsp. Texas brandy
  Juice and zest of one large Texas orange

 

Filling preparation:
1. Mix well and cook on stove top until it reaches a gentle boil (10-15 minutes on medium heat).

 

Crust ingredients:

1 large pkg. Graham crackers, crumbled
¼ cup Butter, melted
1 tbsp. Granulated sugar


Crust preparation:
1. Let the filling cool and spoon into the cups on top of the graham cracker crust.

2. Top with whipped cream.

3. To achieve the consistent bite-for-bite taste and attractive look pictured above, “deconstruct” the dessert by separating it and layering it inside a small glass.

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Fun Facts on Cowboy Hats

 

 

Texas style is world famous, and the cowboy hat takes center stage. When people see cowboy hats, they associate it with Texas. The cowboy hat is such a strong symbol for Texas that a resolution was submitted this session to the Legislature to make the cowboy hat the official hat of Texas.

Cowboy hats made their first appearance in the United States in the 19th century. The hat provided shade for those working long hours in the hot Texas sun, and it soon became somewhat of a fashion statement in the Southwest.
 
To help promote Texas style, we thought we'd show you the ropes on cowboy hats or at least share a lil' ol' cowboy hat etiquette.
 
First off, you never ever want to be caught wearing your cowboy hat backwards. It’s not pretty and some say it’s bad luck. To avoid this mistake, look for the small ribbon bow on the inside of the hat. This signifies the back of the hat. In addition, the band on the outside of the hat’s crown will most likely have a bow, feather, buckle or some other adornment and that will always sit on the left side of your head when the hat is on. The final tip is that the hat will usually look narrower to the front.
 
There is a general and indisputable rule no one can dispute: Do not mess with another man's hat. A cowboy hat is a very personal and sometimes very expensive item that you don't pass around. In some places, if you touch a man's hat without permission, you will get an immediate and physical response. Just don’t do it.
 
“I’ve always thought there was something particularly elegant about the cowboy greeting, touching one's hand to the brim of one’s hat,” said Commissioner Miller during a recent Shoot the Bull podcast.



 

 

 

Athens: Visit for the Lake,
Retire for the Lifestyle

 

 

Athens has it all: Natural beauty, entertainment, delicious food and welcoming neighbors, and it’s all within an hour’s drive of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path RV retreat or a place to call home during your golden years, Athens is a proud GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community, which means they’re guaranteed to have all the amenities that make Texas a great place to retire.

The quaint town of Athens is the cultural center and government seat of Henderson County, Texas. With Cedar Creek Reservoir only 20 minutes away, lake living is still nearby. Athens is a 13,000-person city with its own unique flavor.

The town square, with a stately and still-functioning County Courthouse at its center, is lined with shops and restaurants. Plan to spend an afternoon or two exploring the center of town.

Two of Athens’ main attractions are the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and the East Texas Arboretum. Both are top-notch tourist destinations and draw visitors from around the county, state and nation.

The Edwin L. Cox, Jr., Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is a real sight to see. Its museum and live underwater exhibits tell the tale of Texas’ fishing history and educate visitors about freshwater ecosystems. You can feed the catfish that never seem to get full or take part in a staring contest with a largemouth bass. Then, you’ll want to head outside to the catch-and-release pond for a nice walk or day of fishing. The Fisheries Center also is a working hatchery. Visitors can catch a tram for a tour of the outdoor hatchery, where approximately 3 to 4 million largemouth bass fingerlings are produced each year. That’s a lot of fish!

The East Texas Arboretum boasts 100 acres of trees, flowers and wildlife. It’s a true gem for visitors and locals alike. With miles of hiking trails, picturesque wooden bridges and all sorts of botanical beauty, this is a place worth seeing regardless of the season. Also on the grounds are the historic Wofford House Museum, which was built in 1850, and an impressive, indelible war memorial honoring area residents who gave their all in service to our nation. If you have an interest in photography, don’t miss “the grove” behind the windmill. It’s stunning in the right light!

Towns like Athens make Texas’ Cedar Creek Reservoir Region an ideal place to plant some roots and stay awhile.


 

 

 

 

Mowing and Growing Texan

 

 

As we begin to turn the corner on spring and head into summer, one chore that most of us are probably doing on a regular basis now is mowing our yards.
 
The Dirt Doctor has some helpful tips for you to keep your grass looking pristine.

 

Cut High
The most important cultural practice associated with maintaining any turfgrass is mowing. When part of the grass plant’s leaf system is removed by mowing, the plant reacts by using high amounts of carbohydrates to replace the leaves that were cut off. Only when the leaves are replaced do the roots and stems start growing again. The greater amount of leaf surface that is cut off during each mowing, the longer root and stem growth are delayed. Research found that when no more than one-third of the leaf system is removed per cutting, the negative effects on root and stem growth are minimal. The cutting height has an effect on root size. There is a direct relationship between the cutting height and total volume of the root system. Some grasses, like Bermudagrass, can tolerate being mowed very low, but all grasses do better when there is more leaf surface left to collect sunlight.

Get rid of the grass catcher. Grass clippings should be left on the turf. They do not contribute to thatch. They feed the microbes and are beneficial. Clippings should only be caught and moved to the compost pile when scalping and prior to overseeding in the fall.  If you don’t choose to overseed, that’s perfectly fine.

Weed Control
Weed control products are divided into two groups — those that kill weed seed as they germinate (pre-emergent herbicides) and those that control weeds after they are growing (post-emergent herbicides). The organic pre-emergents are corn gluten meal and mustard meal. The organic post-emergents are vinegar and fatty acid products.

Pre-emergent herbicides must be in place before the weed seed begins to grow. Annuals like grass burs and crabgrass that germinate from seed every year are controlled by these products. For a pre-emergent herbicide to be effective, it should be applied before the weed seeds have a chance to germinate.

Post emergent control of weeds is done in the organic program primarily with fatty acid and vinegar-based products. You will want to spray during warm or hot weather. Straight vinegar (10 percent, not 20 percent) can be used or vinegar-based products. Scythe is a currently available fatty acid product.

To find more information on organics, click here or listen to the Dirt Doctor's weekly radio show.



 

 

 

Austin Eastciders Hits the Sweet Spot

with Texas Honey

 

 

Texas cider makers Austin Eastciders have been experiencing rapid growth over the last six months, particularly since opening their East Austin urban cidery last October. A GO TEXAN member, Austin Eastciders uses traditional bittersweet apples rather than the normal apples we eat. For this reason, their ciders tend to be drier and more complex than many other modern ones.
In February, they became the No. 1 cider in Austin and their ciders are now available statewide. You can find them at retailers like H-E-B, Central Market, Specs, Whole Foods and others.

Their latest release, a Texas Honey cider, has experienced sky-rocketing sales.

“It was traditional to add honey to bone-dry cider back in the old days,” said Ed Gibson, founder and CEO of Austin Eastciders. “We thought it would be a nice idea to do something very traditional and very local, and it certainly seems to have hit the sweet spot!”

Sales of the Texas Honey cider, made with local wildflower honey, have surpassed all expectations and really surprised Gibson.

“I had no idea how much Texans love their honey,” said Gibson. ”t's only slightly sweeter than the Eastciders Original, but it has a nice honey finish. People are going crazy for it.”

Austin Eastciders is looking to support growers in Texas and the South to start re-cultivating old heirloom apple varieties that were used for cider making in the pre-Prohibition era. Their first two quarterly ‘small batch’ releases were made with Texas Winesap and Arkansas Black apples, both celebrated old varieties for cider making.

“In pre-Prohibition there were more than 1,800 varieties grown in the South,” said Gibson. “Now you'd struggle to find more than 18.”

Growing apples for cider can produce a higher value and more reliable crop, as it doesn't matter what the apples look like. Gibson hopes that the recent resurgence and interest in cider can provide a lifeline for struggling farming communities.

“Cider was the original drink of America, and it's back with a vengeance,” said Gibson. “It's the fastest growing drink sector in the United States, by far.”

Austin Eastciders Texas Honey variety is available in a four pack or 16-ounce can in bars, restaurants and grocery stores across Texas. Taste it for yourself and see how sweet it is.



 

 

 

Find a Texas Farmers Market Near You

 

 

When it comes to sourcing your family’s food locally, it doesn't get much fresher than a farmers market. With the warm weather finally deciding to stay a while, it’s a good time to get out and visit a farmers market near you.

 

You can search an online listing of GO TEXAN certified farmers markets, as well as locate one through the free GO TEXAN mobile app.

 

If you’d like to know what's in season now, just ask any of the friendly vendors you find at the market near you. You also can prepare in advance by downloading the new Texas Produce Availability Chart.

 

Here are a few other tips to remember before making your next trip to a farmers market:

  • Get up early. Most farmers markets close-up by noon or 1 p.m.
     
  • Bring a bag to hold your produce. It’s not a grocery store, and not all vendors will have bags available to use.
     
  • Wear your sunscreen, because you’ll most likely be under the Texas sun for a little while.



 

 

 

Upcoming Texas Events

 

 

May 15-17: Main Street Fest, Grapevine
May 16: Texas Steak Cookoff, Hico

May 28-31: Texas Olive Festival, Dripping Springs
June 12-14: Culinary with a Cause, Dallas


 

See a list of other Texas events here.


 

 


Spot the GO TEXAN Mark Challenge

 

 

 


 

Want a fun way to share the best things in Texas with the world? It’s easy!

GO TEXAN uses social media tools like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to post GO TEXAN events, share member news and increase awareness of the wide-variety of products grown and made right here in the Lone Star State.

Challenge: If you spot the GO TEXAN mark, let us know. Send us a picture of the mark on a product, sign or printed materials, and tell us where you saw it. Send us your photos using the GO TEXAN Twitter hashtag (#GOTEXAN), so we can easily retweet your message, or send us an e-mail.


 

 


About GO TEXAN

 

 

Launched in 1999 by the Texas Department of Agriculture, GO TEXAN, with its signature mark in the shape of Texas, celebrates, promotes and supports the business savvy and plainspoken grit Texas agriculture is known for throughout the world. Whether it’s grown, sewn or served up on a plate, nearly 27 million Texans shop, travel and dine out in support of Texas businesses, agriculture and communities looking for the GO TEXAN mark to light the way. To learn more about the GO TEXAN program, call (877) 99-GOTEX or visit the GO TEXAN website.

 

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