SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 375

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize March 6, 2007, as Cotton Day at the State Capitol in honor of the significant role cotton has played in the economic history of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Cotton farming began in Texas as early as 1745 and was practiced by Spanish missionaries living around present-day San Antonio; later, Anglo-American colonists who traveled to Texas with Stephen F. Austin would begin cultivating cotton on their settlements between the Trinity and Brazos Rivers; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1850s and early 1860s, a sharp rise in cotton production occurred when new areas for planting were opened with the westward push of Texas settlers; and

WHEREAS, Several developments aided cotton production in West Texas, an arid region devoted to ranching; inventions like barbed wire, along with the expansion of the railroad and improved methods of irrigation, allowed cotton to be grown in the plains and the prairies of the Panhandle by the early 20th century; and

WHEREAS, Because of its pervasiveness, cotton earned the title of "King" in Texas; today, cotton is still King in Texas, as our state's annual cotton harvest accounts for approximately one quarter of the nation's total cotton production; and

WHEREAS, Since 1997, the annual cotton crop yield in Texas has averaged 5.4 million bales; the total value of upland and pima lint cotton produced in Texas in 2005 was $1.6 billion, and cottonseed value in 2005 was $255.2 million; and

WHEREAS, Due to improved seed cotton varieties, along with the recent success of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program in Texas, the 2005 production of 8.5 million bales of cotton on 5.6 million acres far exceeded the previous production record of 7.8 million bales on 5.4 million acres in 2004, allowing the state to account for 35.5 percent of our nation's total production; and

WHEREAS, In this new millennium, uses for cotton are ever increasing; in addition to using its fiber for cloth, cottonseeds are now used for cooking oils, bio-diesel fuel, livestock feed, and cleansing products, as well as for various other products made from its linters, hulls, and meats; and

WHEREAS, Texas is a major supplier of cotton, not only for the United States, but for the world; major buyers of Texas cotton are located in Asia, Central America, and Mexico; and

WHEREAS, The state is especially proud of its tradition of cotton growth and production; cotton is a versatile crop which affords thousands of Texans their livelihood, and those citizens associated with its production are deserving of legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby extend a warm welcome to all those associated with the cotton industry who are visiting Austin on this day and best wishes for an enjoyable Cotton Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the cotton industry as an expression of appreciation from the Texas Senate. Hinojosa, Duncan

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 6, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate