What Are The Texas Farm Roads
On maps across Texas, highways carry the boldest lines—but it’s the farm roads, marked with simple black-and-white shields, that truly tell the story of the state. Officially called “Farm to Market” and “Ranch to Market” roads, these routes were built starting in the 1940s to link rural communities with schools, markets, and neighboring towns.
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They are more than pavement and signs. Farm roads trace the lifeblood of Texas—running past cotton fields, ranchland, small-town cafés, and courthouse squares. They represent work and resilience, connecting families to opportunity, labor to dignity, and the past to the future.
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The Texas Farm Roads Project carries that legacy forward. Just as these roads were built to keep communities connected, our mission is to help rural Texas strengthen the institutions that matter most—its farms, schools, businesses, and the places where neighbors come together.
Our Mission
Defend What Matters in Rural America. We stand for four essential commitments. These are not abstract ideals. These are the pillars of survival and opportunity in towns across this country. We believe any leader—no matter their party—should be judged by how they serve.
Independent Farmers and Ranchers
Small producers face growing threats from multinational corporate consolidation, land speculation, and rigged markets. At the same time, they’re on the front lines of climate change—facing drought, floods, and heat—but also offering climate solutions through regenerative practices and stewardship of the land. We believe in fighting for the independent farmer—not just to preserve a way of life, but because the land, food security, and climate future of this country depend on them.
Public Schools in Rural Communities
Rural public schools are being drained of funds by private voucher programs and political agendas that ignore the real needs of students, families, and teachers. These schools are more than education centers—they are community anchors, event halls, emergency shelters, and a source of identity. We advocate for fully funded, locally controlled public schools that serve everyone. When rural kids are given real investment, they stay, thrive, and lead.
Rural Healthcare Access
Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed in the past two decades. Millions of rural Americans now drive hours for basic care. Mental health services, maternity wards, and preventive care are vanishing. We support bold, creative solutions—from regional health hubs to mobile clinics and telehealth expansion—to ensure that rural residents have more than a patchwork of options.
Level the Field for Builders and Makers
We work to remove the barriers that hold back small, independent business owners—especially in the trades, trucking, and the broader builder and maker economy. These are the folks who keep America running. Our mission is to level the playing field, cut through red tape, and ensure they get the fair shot they’ve earned.
