Texas Rural Report

What can the Texas agriculture commissioner do to help the people who grow our food and make their living on the land?

I’m Suzanne Bellsnyder, and in this episode of Texas Rural Reporter, I visit with Nate Sheets, the Republican nominee for agriculture commissioner and founder of Nature Nate’s Honey.

We talk about making farming pay, getting Texas-grown food into school cafeterias, and helping the next generation get started in agriculture. We also talk about data centers, water and giving rural counties a say in the development coming their way.

Listen in as we talk about what he wants to do—and what it would mean for rural Texas.

Read more at texasruralreporter.substack.com.

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When Progress Threatens a Way of Life: Bobby Miles on the Fight for Rural Texas

Bobby Miles never planned to run for office. But growing concerns over data centers, industrial development and the future of Jack County changed his mind. Now a candidate for county judge, Miles joins Texas Rural Reporter to talk about property rights, local control, protecting rural communities, and why some Texans aren't buying the promise that massive development will save rural Texas.

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I interviewed Diana Loya, who is running in District 87 in the Texas Panhandle.  Diana is a first-generation Texan who grew up in Dumas, Texas, and is an educator running to bring her passion for students to Austin.  

We had a great conversation. I hope you enjoy and will find it useful as you head to the polls between now and November 3rd.

Learn More About Diana:

www.dianaloyahd87.com

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Caitlin Rourk discusses her campaign for Texas Congressional District 10, focusing on rural issues, AI, data centers, and the importance of authentic public service. She shares insights on district dynamics, technology concerns, and her approach to connecting with voters across diverse communities.

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Texas faces at least $174 billion in identified water infrastructure needs—and the full cost of repairing aging systems, expanding water supplies, treating wastewater and preparing for floods could be much higher.

In this episode of the Texas Rural Reporter podcast, Suzanne Bellsnyder talks with Perry Fowler, executive director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, about the decisions Texas must make before the next legislative session.

They discuss the growing gap between the state’s water needs and available funding, the challenges facing small rural water systems, groundwater and private property rights, data-center development, local control and the rising cost of delaying infrastructure projects.

For rural communities, the problem is not simply finding more water. Many towns are operating systems built decades ago while struggling to complete audits, hire engineers, navigate state funding programs and generate enough local revenue to replace what is wearing out.

Perry also explains why state funding cannot replace local leadership—and why citizens must remain engaged in the decisions being made by city councils, groundwater districts and state lawmakers.

Water is a fundamental need. Texas has the knowledge to address it. The question is whether state and local leaders have the political will to act before the faucet stops running.

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In this episode of The Texas Rural Reporter Podcast, we sit down with Clayton Tucker, a Democratic candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, for a conversation you don’t often hear in rural Texas.

For decades, candidates in statewide races have largely bypassed communities like Hansford County. But Tucker is taking a different approach—showing up, engaging directly, and making his case to rural voters.

We talk about who he is, why he’s running, and why the Agriculture Commissioner’s race matters more than many realize—especially when it comes to water policy, rural economic development, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

We also dig into three key issues shaping the future of rural Texas:
– Water and long-term sustainability
– The role of AI in agriculture and rural industries
– Real strategies for strengthening rural economies

And we ask the question many rural voters are already thinking: if Democrats haven’t won counties like ours in decades, why now?

Whether you agree or disagree, this is a conversation about showing up, being heard, and making sure rural Texas is part of the statewide conversation.

Interested in sponsoring The Texas Rural Reporter Podcast?
We connect directly with engaged rural audiences across the Texas Panhandle and beyond. Reach out to partner with us and support independent rural journalism.  Email us at [email protected]

You can learn more about Clayton Tucker at:

https://www.claytontuckertx.com/about

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The Rancher, the Restaurant, and the Ag Commish Race

Guest: Lee Wells

Wildfires are burning across the Texas Panhandle again — and the conditions feel all too familiar.

In this episode, Suzanne sits down with rancher, restaurateur, and filmmaker Lee Wells to talk about:

• What wildfire recovery really looks like for cattle families
• The unseen logistics of feeding livestock on burned ground
• Why the cattle market is out of balance — and what could fix it
• The long-term risks to rural Texas if herd numbers don’t recover
• The Texas Agriculture Commissioner race and why leadership matters
• Rural economic development and the farm-to-table model

Lee shares firsthand stories from the 2024 Panhandle wildfires and explains why he believes rebuilding herd supply is critical to stabilizing beef prices and protecting ranchers long-term.

This conversation connects fire, food, markets, and policy — and what it all means for the future of rural Texas.

Wildfire Relief Efforts

Lee and his team are actively coordinating hay, feed, transport, and on-the-ground support for ranchers impacted by current wildfires.

If you would like to donate, volunteer, or learn more about the ongoing relief efforts:

Wildfire Documentary & Updates:
https://wereheredoc.com/

Community Impact & Disaster Relief Donations:
https://leewellsofficial.com/community-impact/

Funds help cover:

• Hay and feed for displaced cattle
• Fuel and transportation costs
• Equipment and fencing repair
• Coordinated relief logistics in fire-affected counties

Every contribution helps keep cattle fed and families afloat.

About the Documentary – We’re Here

Lee’s award-winning documentary We’re Here captures the human side of the 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfires — neighbor helping neighbor, ranchers rebuilding, and the resilience of rural communities.

The film has received multiple independent film festival awards and continues to gain national attention.

Learn more or watch the trailer at:
 https://wereheredoc.com/

Partner With The Texas Rural Reporter

If you believe rural Texas deserves serious coverage and honest conversations about agriculture, markets, and public policy, consider sponsoring the Texas Rural Reporter podcast.

We partner with businesses and organizations that support:

• Rural enterprise
• Local journalism
• Agricultural leadership
• Community resilience

Contact Suzanne to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.  

Email: [email protected]

Suzanne Bellsnyder
Texas Rural Reporter
Bringing a voice to rural Texas — because rural Texas is the BEST Texas.

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In this episode of Texas Rural Reporter, Suzanne Bellsnyder sits down with Travis Ransom, County Judge of Cass County, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of rural Texas—and who gets to shape it.

The discussion tackles one of the most urgent but underfunded issues in rural Texas: roads. With nearly 1,000 miles of county roads and limited revenue, Ransom lays out the reality of maintaining critical infrastructure, argues for redirecting a portion of the motor fuels tax, and shares ideas for innovative funding tools to keep rural Texans safe—especially during economic downturns.

Suzanne brings the conversation back to the people behind the policy, reflecting on town halls, grassroots advocacy, and the responsibility communities have to speak up for their water, land, and future. Together, they explore why small towns matter, how private property rights intersect with development, and what it will take to build a durable network of rural advocates.

This is a grounded, practical conversation about roads, resources, and representation—rooted in rural Texas and focused on what it takes to protect communities for the long haul.

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In this episode of the Texas Rural Reporter, Suzanne Bellsnyder sits down with Roger Estlack, editor of the Clarendon Enterprise, to talk about what it takes to keep a rural newspaper—and a rural town—alive.

Roger shares how local journalism runs in his blood, tracing his family’s newspaper roots back to 1929, and explains why rural newspapers still matter: they record local history, hold government accountable, and provide context and perspective in a world flooded with misinformation. He makes a clear case for how communities can support local papers: subscribe—but more importantly—advertise, because local business support keeps the newsroom running.

The conversation also moves beyond the newsroom into Roger’s work in economic development, including projects like the Mulkey Theater restoration, downtown revitalization efforts, and quality-of-life investments that help small towns compete. Suzanne and Roger discuss rural policy frustrations with Austin, emphasizing that democracy works best closest to the people—what Suzanne calls “dirt democracy.”

Finally, Roger weighs in on AI/data-center development in the region, arguing rural communities should negotiate smartly for benefits and protections while welcoming good-paying jobs that could bring young people home. He closes with a heartfelt picture of Clarendon—and why rural Texas is still “the real Texas.”

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The voucher fight in Austin is underway and my guest Glenn Rogers is someone who knows first hand what is at stake for Rural Republican Legislators, our rural schools and communities. Rogers says we can’t lose hope because the fight is not over, and Austin needs to hear from those of us in Rural Texas who support our public schools. Be sure to listen, take action, and help me share Glenn’s important message.

Watch the Video: https://texasruralreporter.substack.com/publish/post/156690036

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