Hank Gilbert's agricultural career began on the family ranch; a 150 head commercial cow/calf operation in rural Smith County in northeast Texas. There he learned about responsibility and developed a true appreciation of agriculture.

The Future Farmers of American organization was a very integral part of Hank's life. He served as an Area President, won numerous awards on the state and national levels in beef production, including two consecutive Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers awards for beef production. He was instrumental in forming the collegiate FFA chapter at Tyler Jr. College. While at Texas A & M University, he was the FFA representative on the Student Council and was also a recruiter for at the Ag. Education Department.

Upon graduation. Hank taught high school agriculture for 13 years for LaPoyner ISD and Pittsburg ISD. Since leaving the teaching profession, Hank has continued to work with agricultural youth both as a volunteer 4-H leader in his community, as well as a volunteer with the local FFA chapter. He believes that the future of Texas agriculture, as well as our country, depends upon the quality of today's youth.

Hank has served as a director of the Texas Simmental/Simbrah Association and currently serves as the President of Walnut Grove Water Supply, a member-owned cooperative. As the president, he has been able to cut operational expenses and reduce the member’s water rates by 35%, while still making the necessary improvements to the system.

Hank, his wife Karla, two sons, Peyton and Cody, own and operate Peyco's Land & Cattle. They raise and market registered Simbrah cattle on ranches around the Tyler area of northeast Texas. His sons exhibit their cattle at fairs and show throughout Texas and the southern U.S.

Hank has seen a decline of agriculture in some areas of Texas in recent years, and attributes some of this decline due to a lack of concerned leadership at the Texas Department of Agriculture. This problem has been complicated further by the changing nature of agriculture and constant changing of the commissioner's office with the election cycles. When it became apparent this summer that the leadership of this state was going to try to insert another "career politician" at the helm of Texas agriculture, he decided that it was time for a change from this counterproductive cycle.

He entered the race for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture to make a difference by offering an "ideas and solutions-based approach" for Texas agriculture. The key to achieving this goal is to have a true agriculturist at the helm instead of "just another politician" passing through on his way to higher political gain. Hank pledges to stay as your commissioner as long as needed. He says, "It's the only job he wants!"

AFFILIATIONS:
Texas State Teacher's Associations
Texas State Simmental/Simbrah Association
Vocational Agriculture Teacher's of Texas
The Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University
Texas Farmers Union
Texas 4-H
American Simmental/Simbrah Association
Texas Young Farmers
Southern Baptist Convention
East Texas Farm & Ranch Club