In the 1980s film Trading Places, two wealthy moguls make a cruel bet — that privilege, not potential, determines success. The movie serves as a sharp metaphor for the state of modern agriculture, particularly for Black farmers. It reminds us that what often appears to be a people problem is, in truth, a system problem.
Across the United States, and especially in Texas, the disparities in agriculture are unmistakable. Texas leads the nation in agricultural production, contributing more than $30 billion annually to the industry. Yet despite having the largest number of Black farmers in the country, their presence in commercial farming remains almost nonexistent.
When industry leaders, trucking associations, and chambers of commerce ask, “Where are the Black farmers?” the answer reveals more than a missing workforce — it points to a fractured system that has historically excluded them from resources, access, and markets. Unlike the movie, there are no moguls waiting to reverse the odds. It’s up to us to rewrite the narrative.
Returning to the Roots
Systemic change begins at the ground level — quite literally. The foundation of progress for Black farmers starts with the soil. Healthy soil builds healthy systems: higher yields, lower input costs, stronger plants, resilient livestock, and improved profitability. When the soil thrives, so does everything that grows from it.
Investing in soil education, regenerative practices, and local market creation doesn’t just feed crops — it feeds independence. Each step toward self-sufficiency strengthens economic stability and community resilience.
Be the Exception
The path forward for Black farmers isn’t about waiting for rescue. It’s about cultivating change from within — mastering the fundamentals, nurturing the land, and claiming space in an industry built on their ancestral knowledge.
Every seed planted in rich soil carries the potential to restore more than land; it restores dignity, autonomy, and opportunity. The work ahead may be demanding, but the harvest will be worth it.
Be the exception. Build from the ground up.
