88R15496 TBO-F
By: Perry S.R. No. 268
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Cotton has ranked as one of the most important crops
in Texas for a century and a half, and in 1997, the 75th Legislature
named it the official fiber and fabric of the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, Introduced to Texas by Spanish missionaries, cotton
soared in production between 1850 and 1900, when it reached more
than 3.4 million bales; contributing to the expansion were the
opening of new lands for cultivation, the extension of the
railroad, and the influx of thousands of immigrants from the Deep
South and from Europe; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas has been the home of a number of
major innovations in the cotton industry; Robert S. Munger
developed an automated system ginning process in Mexia in 1884, and
in 1980 the country's first high-volume instrument cotton-classing
office opened in Lamesa; and
WHEREAS, In recent years, approximately 40 percent of all the
cotton harvested in the United States has been grown in Texas, and
the state usually ranks first among all the states in cotton
production; and
WHEREAS, Our farmers work long hours to provide food and
fiber for the world and their work is seldom recognized; the
profession is both tiresome and stressful but rewarding at the same
time; let us take a moment to recognize our farmers for the work
they put in every day that benefits all of us; thank God for our
farmers and ranchers!; and
WHEREAS, The history of Texas cannot be told without taking
into account the enormous role that cotton has played in the
development of the state, and the crop continues to provide the
livelihood of thousands of Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize March 7, 2023, as Cotton Day at the State Capitol
and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an
enjoyable and memorable stay in Austin.