Did you know?Texas has more farmland than any other state in the United States, making agriculture one of its most important industries. With approximately 125 million acres of agricultural land and hundreds of thousands of farms and…
Texas has more farmland than any other state in the United States, making agriculture one of its most important industries. With approximately 125 million acres of agricultural land and hundreds of thousands of farms and ranches, Texas plays a major role in American food and livestock production. From the vast cattle ranches of West Texas to the cotton fields of the Panhandle and the fertile farmland of East Texas, agriculture has shaped the state's economy, landscape, and history.
Texas Has Approximately 229,000 Farms and Ranches
Texas leads the United States in the number of farms and ranches. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2025 estimates, the state had approximately 229,000 agricultural operations.
Earlier agricultural statistics recorded more than 240,000 farms and ranches, but the number has declined in recent years. The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 230,662 farms and ranches.
These operations range from small family-owned farms to enormous commercial ranches covering thousands of acres. Together, they support livestock production, crop cultivation, and other agricultural activities throughout the state.
Texas Has More Farmland Than Any Other State
Texas has approximately 125 million acres of farmland, giving it the largest total agricultural land area in the United States.
The state's enormous size allows farmers and ranchers to operate across a wide variety of landscapes, including grasslands, plains, valleys, and coastal regions.
For comparison, Montana, the state with the second-largest farmland area, has less than half as much agricultural land as Texas.
This extensive land base helps make Texas one of the country's leading agricultural producers.
Farmland Covers Nearly Three-Quarters of Texas
Agricultural land occupies a substantial portion of Texas's total land area.
With approximately 125 million acres devoted to farming and ranching, agriculture accounts for roughly three-quarters of the state's land.
Much of this property consists of grazing land used for cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock. Other areas are dedicated to growing crops, producing hay, and supporting agricultural infrastructure.
The extensive use of land for agriculture demonstrates the industry's importance to both rural communities and the Texas economy.
The Average Texas Farm Covers More Than 500 Acres
Texas farms and ranches vary greatly in size, ranging from small properties to enormous livestock operations.
According to USDA estimates for 2025, the average agricultural operation in Texas covered approximately 546 acres.
However, this average includes both small farms and exceptionally large ranches. Some family farms occupy fewer than 50 acres, while major ranching properties can cover hundreds of thousands of acres.
The differences in farm size reflect the wide variety of agricultural activities practiced throughout Texas.
Cattle Ranching Accounts for Much of Texas Agricultural Land
A large portion of Texas farmland is used for livestock grazing rather than crop cultivation.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, approximately 88.5 million acres were classified as permanent pasture and rangeland.
These lands support cattle, sheep, goats, and other grazing animals. Much of the state's ranchland is found in West Texas, South Texas, and the Panhandle, where extensive grasslands and open spaces are suitable for livestock production.
The importance of grazing land helps explain why Texas leads the nation in cattle inventory.
Texas Farmland Produces a Wide Variety of Crops
Although cattle ranching is a major part of Texas agriculture, the state also produces numerous crops.
Cotton is especially important in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains, while corn, wheat, sorghum, and hay are grown in several agricultural regions.
South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley support the production of citrus fruits, vegetables, and other crops that benefit from the region's relatively warm climate.
The diversity of Texas farmland allows producers to grow different agricultural products depending on soil conditions, rainfall, irrigation availability, and seasonal temperatures.
Most Texas Farms and Ranches Are Family-Owned
Family farming remains an important part of Texas agriculture.
According to the USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture, the vast majority of Texas farms and ranches are family-operated businesses.
Many agricultural properties have been passed down through generations, with families continuing ranching and farming traditions established decades or even centuries earlier.
These operations help preserve rural communities while contributing to the state's food production and agricultural economy.
Texas Is Home to Some of America's Largest Ranches
Texas has several ranches that rank among the largest agricultural properties in the United States.
King Ranch, established in 1853, covers approximately 825,000 acres across South Texas. Other well-known ranches include the 6666 Ranch and Waggoner Ranch.
These enormous properties support livestock operations, wildlife management, and other agricultural activities.
Their size reflects the historical importance of extensive grazing land in Texas ranching, particularly during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Texas Farmland Supports Billions of Dollars in Agricultural Production
Farming and ranching contribute significantly to the Texas economy.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Texas farms sold approximately $32.2 billion worth of agricultural products, including livestock, crops, and related commodities.
The industry also supports transportation companies, equipment manufacturers, food processors, feed suppliers, and agricultural service providers.
This economic activity extends beyond farms and ranches, helping support employment and businesses throughout the state.
Drought Is a Major Challenge for Texas Farmers and Ranchers
Texas agriculture is strongly influenced by weather conditions, particularly rainfall and temperature.
Extended droughts can reduce crop yields, limit livestock grazing, and increase the costs of irrigation and animal feed.
Farmers and ranchers often use water conservation practices, improved irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops, and careful land management to address these challenges.
Because Texas includes several different climate regions, agricultural conditions can vary considerably from one part of the state to another.
Texas Farmland Has Changed Over Time
The amount of farmland in Texas has gradually declined from earlier levels as land has been converted to residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
The 2017 Census of Agriculture recorded approximately 127 million acres of farmland, compared with about 125.5 million acres in 2022.
Urban expansion, changing agricultural economics, and the subdivision of rural properties have contributed to shifts in land use.
Despite these changes, Texas continues to maintain the largest agricultural land area in the United States.
The Lasting Importance of Texas Farmland
Texas farmland remains an essential part of the state's economy, environment, and cultural identity.
With approximately 229,000 farms and ranches operating on 125 million acres in 2025, Texas continues to lead the nation in both the number of agricultural operations and total farmland acreage.
From historic cattle ranches to modern crop farms, the state's agricultural lands help supply food, fiber, and other products to markets throughout the United States and beyond.
The continued management and preservation of these lands will play an important role in the future of Texas agriculture.