What Does Agriculture Really Mean in West Texas?

In Hockley County, agriculture isn’t just part of the landscape—it is the landscape.

As planting season ramps up across West Texas, the team at West Texas Wire partnered with the Levelland Chamber of Commerce to check in with a few key voices in our ag economy.

These are the folks who keep the wheels turning—literally and figuratively—while most of us are still making our morning coffee.

We sat down with:

• David Drake of South Plains Implement, who shared how equipment support is crucial when every day counts during planting.

• Doug Hoelscher of Ag Texas Farm Credit, who gave us perspective on how rising costs and changing markets are shaping this season.

• And Kerry Siders, our longtime AgriLife Extension Agent, who offered insight on what’s growing, what’s not, and what farmers are really up against this spring.

Together, these Chamber members helped paint a clear picture: agriculture in Hockley County isn’t just about crops—it’s about community. From cotton and sorghum to peanuts and cattle, every part of the process matters—and every person behind it does too.

So whether you're farming the land or just driving past it on your morning commute, we invite you to watch the video and see the story behind the season. Because in West Texas, ag isn’t just a job. It’s a legacy.