In just about every cherished Easter tradition, you are likely to find agriculture. From dyeing Easter eggs with your little ones to savoring the flavors of lamb or ham at your holiday feasts, each element is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our farmers and ranchers. Those spring vegetables on your plate are the reward of labor and tender care in the fields. These aren't just meals, but traditions with deep meaning. They connect us with the story of Easter itself, from eggs that represent the rolling away of the stone from Jesus' tomb to the lamb that reminds us of the resurrected "Lamb of God." Those of us who work on the land see Easter dinner a little bit differently. It takes faith. No one understands faith quite like a farmer or a rancher. Some years, all you have is faith.

Spring brings joy, but it also brings its share of doubts and uncertainties. My seed is good and my soil is tested, but will it rain enough this year for a fruitful harvest? Will the market remain favorable so I can sell my cattle for a decent price? Will it be a lean season filled with worry and hardship, or a bountiful one where we can look out over green pastures and feel satisfaction and security?

This year, Easter feels a bit different for some Texans. Just a few weeks ago, devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle devoured over a million acres of land. As a rancher myself, I can tell you that seeing pastures charred black for miles all around can put a weight on your soul that’s hard to describe—and even harder for some to shake. And yet we’ve still seen the spirit of Easter embodied through acts of generosity and community support. Farmers and ranchers across the nation have extended a helping hand through prayers, donations, and shipments of hay to those in need. These acts of kindness are like rain after a hard drought, softening the fields and restoring hope. It is hope that lies at the heart of Easter. It's about embracing new beginnings, new life, and unwavering faith, even when things might seem beyond all three.

It was surely a long and uncertain night before the stone was rolled away from the tomb and there was light again. Even now in the Panhandle, green grass is beginning to come up through the ash of those scorched acres. It’s a reminder for us all that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope ahead, guiding us forward with faith and determination.

This year may be a lean one for many of our farmers and ranchers. I have faith, though, in the resilience and courage of our agricultural community. No one farms for the money or an easy life. It is truly a labor of love, and through that love, our entire nation is fed.

So, as we gather this Easter, let's remember the farmers and ranchers who make our celebrations possible. Let’s hold them in our hearts and our prayers. This Easter, my wish for you is simple: may your holiday be filled with joy, your table with delicious food, and your hearts with an appreciation for the blessings of the season and those who work the land to bring them to us. Thank goodness, thank God, and thank a farmer.

Here’s to a hopeful Easter enriched by tradition and fueled by the enduring spirit of our agricultural community. May God continue to bless you. Happy Easter, y’all.