GO TEXAN THE Truly Significant

Darryl Dean is a Truly Significant Texan in Agriculture with over 27 years of service with the Texas Department of Agriculture and particular focus on the Texas State Fair. 

Hear the stories of our State Fair and enjoy Darryl's humorous perspective on a quarter century of service. 

Of note, his extended family are his colleagues at the Texas Department of Agriculture. The true significance of Texas Department of Agriculture employees is easy to miss because much of their work happens behind the scenes. They aren't usually the people whose names appear on the headlines. They are the people who keep Texas agriculture, commerce, food, and traditions moving—often for decades. 

Your greatest contribution may not be the work you were paid to do. It may be the love you freely gave when nobody was keeping score. Darryl Dean represents a different kind of Texas hero. The farmer gets the crop in the ground. The rancher raises the cattle. The entrepreneur builds the business. The commissioner leads the department. But thousands of people behind those people make the system work.  Here's to his 1. Stewardship- taking care of something they did not create so someone else can inherit it. 2. Loyalty-Darry's 27 years demonstrate that significance can come from staying—not constantly moving to the next opportunity. 3. Service- his work is ultimately about making life better for producers, consumers, families and communities. 4. Sacrifice- Darryl demonstrates that sometimes significance requires walking away from professional achievement to serve someone you love. 5. Legacy-After decades of service, the question isn't simply "What did you accomplish?" It becomes "What continues because you were here?"

Newsom Vineyards, site of the October 24th Texas Wine Month celebration honors 9th generation Texan and Historian Monica Ashley.  Join us in Comfort, Texas for this grand event featuring wine tasting, plenty of Texas stories, and live music from The Truly Significant Band,   Visit www.newsomvineyards.com for more information. 

About Monica Ashley-
Monica represents significance through influence, not celebrity.
The Truly Significant Texan isn't necessarily the person whose name appears on the biggest marquee.


It's the person who uses her influence to lift other people up—family, community, colleagues, young people and causes bigger than herself.

 Her story belongs in the “big-hearted people” category. Our strongest Texans stories aren't really about résumés. They're about the why behind the life. Monica gives you an opportunity to ask: Who has she poured herself into? Who is better because she showed up?

Of particular interest are the passions, service, relationships, creative pursuits or community commitments that reveal who she really is. Monica addresses the Side Quest question: “What do you do simply because it makes you more fully alive—and who benefits from that part of you?” She can represent the Texas idea of stewardship.
A Truly Significant Texan isn't merely asking, “What did I accomplish?” but “What did I do with what I was given?” Monica's story is a beautiful exploration of stewardship of relationships, opportunity, talent and influence.

Bob Flowers started with the Texas Department of Agriculture in 1972. His first duty was to drive a van to Waxahachie, Texas with ambassadors to Japan, presenting Texas beef. So the journey began. 

Over 5 decades have passed. What remains? family, friends, flying planes. 

Hear about the origin of GO TEXAN and THE Pavilion at Texas State Fair. Listen to the stories on Big Tex, delivered in parts and driven down the street in front of his rocking chairs. 

Listen to the priceless pilot stories from Bob and how his legacy leans into the next generation!

Bob has served under 8 Commissioners, but none had the standing dedication of Sid Miller. Bob sends his thanks to Sid, Debra and the team at Texas Department of Agriculture. 

Here's to a big hearted Texan named Bob Flowers. Fly ON!

Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture honors Dr. Jayla Frye, Texas A&M professor of horticulture and THE coordinator of 8000 Master Gardeners. 

Jayla is THE Gardener's Gardener, leading the way for thousands of avid Side Questers in their pursuit of extraordinary gardening and mentoring others. 

Hear about the heroes that are leading others in 115 counties across Texas.  

Listen to the story of Jayla working in a federal prison camp to teach women a new purpose and direction in their lives. 

Engage in the ripple effect! A volunteer teaches a curious gardener. The gardener teaches a child. The child grows up and teaches someone else. How can we measure the impact across generations? 

Consider a healthier nation, both mentally nad physicially. 

Thank you Dr. Jayla Frye for your work of significance.

About John: Before he became a nationally known singer-songwriter, Martinez dreamed of playing professional tennis. A devastating knee injury ended that dream. Instead of allowing disappointment to define him, he picked up a guitar and redirected his competitive spirit into songwriting. That pivot is the essence of significance—not merely succeeding, but transforming loss into service through one's gifts. He represents the best of Texas' cultural crossroads. Texas has always been a meeting place of traditions, and Martinez embodies that heritage. His music naturally blends country, Western swing, Mexican-American influences, and singer-songwriter storytelling without forcing any of them. He has become a musical bridge between Anglo and Hispanic audiences, reminding Texans that our greatest strength is often found where cultures meet rather than where they divide. He chose songwriting over celebrity. Many people remember him as the runner-up on the first season of Nashville Star. But television wasn't his legacy. His legacy has been decades of:

• Writing hundreds of songs.
• Recording more than a dozen albums.
• Performing everywhere from Texas dance halls to the Grand Ole Opry.
• Continuing to tour long after reality television faded from public attention.

That is the difference between being famous and being significant. His songs have served other artists. One mark of a truly significant songwriter is that others choose to sing your work. Martinez co-wrote "Seguro Que Hell Yes," which was recorded by Flaco Jiménez and Raul Malo, contributing to a Grammy-winning project. Alan Jackson also recorded the song. Great songwriters don't simply perform—they create music that lives through other voices. He invests in the next generation.

Perhaps the most "Truly Significant" aspect of his career is his commitment to young musicians. Martinez founded FiestaJAM, using music not merely to entertain but to raise money for music education programs in the Texas Hill Country. That shifts the focus from "Look what I've accomplished" to "Look what others can become." He carries Texas wherever he performs. Whether singing in Europe, Nashville, or a small Texas town, Martinez's music always returns to the landscapes, people, and values of Texas. His storytelling reflects ranches, dance halls, front porches, highways, and family—preserving a culture that younger generations can still recognize and appreciate. Even NASA found room for his music. One of Martinez's songs, "Making Good Time," accompanied astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Few Texas songwriters can say their music has literally orbited the Earth. It's a fitting symbol: authentic Texas stories reaching beyond Texas itself.

We talk about the upcoming songwriter festival in Marble Falls happening in July. Contact www.johnarthurmartinez.net for more information. 

Von Miller is known around the world as a Super Bowl champion, but his significance extends far beyond football. Raised in DeSoto, Texas, and a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Poultry Science, Miller has combined his passion for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and service to others into a life that exemplifies true significance. One of his greatest contributions is Von's Vision, the nonprofit foundation he established to provide eye care and corrective eyewear to children from low-income families. Inspired by his own childhood experiences with poor vision and the challenges that came with wearing glasses, Miller created a program that helps children see clearly, succeed in school, and gain confidence. Since its founding, Von's Vision has provided more than $7 million in eye care and eyewear to over 7,000 students across the United States. 

Miller's commitment to agriculture is equally impressive. Long before he became an NFL superstar, he developed a passion for poultry science at Texas A&M. Today, that passion lives on through Greener Pastures Chicken, a company he founded to promote pasture-raised poultry, regenerative agriculture, animal welfare, and a healthier food system. Greener Pastures reflects Miller's belief that farming should honor both the land and the animals while producing high-quality food for consumers. What makes Von Miller truly significant is that he has leveraged fame and success not for personal gain alone, but to improve lives. Through Von's Vision, he helps children see a brighter future. Through Greener Pastures, he champions responsible agriculture and sustainable farming practices. His life demonstrates that true success is measured not by trophies won, but by lives lifted.

Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture Citation: "Von Miller embodies the spirit of Texas agriculture and service. Whether helping thousands of children see clearly through Von's Vision or promoting responsible farming through Greener Pastures Chicken, he reminds us that significance is found when our talents, passions, and resources are used to benefit others."

.Land Rich and Cash Poor may be one of the hottest issues amongst farmers today. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller tackles this topic with author and farmer Brian Reisinger.   

Brian Reisinger is truly significant because he has chosen a mission larger than writing a successful book: he has become a voice for the millions of family farmers whose stories are rarely heard but whose work feeds America every day. As the author of Land Rich, Cash Poor, Reisinger does something few authors accomplish. He combines the authenticity of a fourth-generation farm family with the research skills of a journalist and the perspective of a public policy expert.

Rather than simply documenting a problem, he humanizes one of the most important economic and cultural challenges facing America—the disappearance of the family farm. Why Brian Reisinger Matters 1. He gives a voice to the forgotten backbone of America. Family farmers often work outside the spotlight. Reisinger tells their stories with dignity and honesty, helping urban and suburban readers understand where their food comes from and the sacrifices required to produce it. His work bridges the growing divide between rural and urban America. 2. He transforms personal experience into public service. Reisinger didn't write from a distance. He grew up working alongside his father on a Wisconsin farm and experienced firsthand the uncertainty, financial pressure, and generational responsibility carried by farm families. His family's story becomes a lens through which readers understand a national crisis.

3. He protects a legacy, not just a livelihood. Many people view farming as a business. Reisinger reminds us it is also a heritage. For many farm families, the land represents generations of sacrifice, stewardship, and identity. His work preserves those stories before they disappear. 4. He builds bridges instead of political walls. One reason Land Rich, Cash Poor has earned praise across the political spectrum is that Reisinger focuses on people rather than partisanship. He invites readers from all backgrounds to care about the future of American agriculture and rural communities. He turns awareness into action.

Beyond writing, Reisinger speaks nationally about food security, rural economic development, mental health challenges facing farmers, and the future of American agriculture. His goal is not simply to tell a compelling story but to encourage solutions.

For more than four decades, Porter Garner III has been a steady hand and a trusted voice guiding the Association of Former Students. He made Aggie core values strategic. Porter is emblematic of the heroes from our book When Core Values are Strategic.

• Porter didn’t just lead an organization, he strengthened the Aggie Network. Clearly, it’s one of the most loyal and powerful communities anywhere in the world. His leadership and teamwork accelerated participation from 100, 000 to over 650,000 supportive former students. He multiplied the multipliers.
• Porter understands something every Aggie knows deep down: that the Aggie Ring isn’t just a piece of gold. It’s a promise. A promise that wherever life takes you, you’ll stand ready to help a fellow Aggie. Porter drilled it deep…Aggies help other Aggies.
• Under Porter’s leadership, the Aggie Network grew stronger, traditions grew deeper, and generations of Aggies stayed connected to the values that make Texas A&M special — respect, integrity, leadership, loyalty, selfless service, and excellence.
• Porter Garner didn’t just serve Texas A&M. He served the people who make Texas strong.

Truly Significant Texans honors Nolan Newsome of Newsom Vineyards. 

Enjoy this informative conversation with a "Texas original," second generation grape grower and wine maker. Hear the story of pioneering grape growing in the High Plains of Texas. 

Listen to the struggles of the industry and learn about the "Cinderella year" of 2017 when the weather was perfect and the output set a record with 27,000 cases of wine. 

And from Nolan, consider his head on car collision and 27 surgeries that followed. It was life changing and now serves as his "personal weather station," as cold front effects his joints. 

Visit www.newsomvineyards.com and join us for the Easter Sunset celebration in Comfort, Texas.

GO TEXAN Truly Significant Texans in Agriculture had illuminating podcast conversations at the 2026 annual convention of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. 

Enjoy conversations that are bullish about the future of the Texas Wine Industry: 

Carol Faulkenberry- Regional Sales Representative for the Texas Department of Agriculture

Annisa- Marketing specialist for Uncork Texas, division of the Texas Department of Agriculture; Annisa shares her dream to help disabled people through agriculture and equestrian therapy. 

Michael and Paige Qualia- grape growers and winemakers in Canyon and Del Rio, Texas. This is our only father-daughter interview that inspired a conversation about next generation grape growing.

London Sheffield and Connor Riley- Standard Cooperage, oak wine barrel makers in Blanco, Texas. London sings an original song about making barrels

Michael Paz- from Texana Harvest Company (mechanical harvesting), olive grower and insightful next generation farmer.

This show represents the complexity and rich industry of Texas wine and growers.  Based on this collection, one can predict a very bright future.