Republican Nate Sheets is running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election. Austin R. Kelly (Libertarian) and Clayton Tucker (Democratic) are also in the race.

Asked why he is running, Sheets said in a Rockwall Herald questionnaire: "Texas agriculture is in trouble. We're losing farms and working lands, input costs have soared, farmers and ranchers are keeping less of the food dollar, and threats like New World screwworm and massive bee losses are putting even more pressure on the people who feed us."

He added: "I'm running because I'm passionate about strengthening the people who produce our food and improving the food we put on our families' tables."

Candidate information

Party: Republican

Education: Sheets said he holds a "B.B.A. in Marketing from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University." He added: "I also served six years in the U.S. Navy Reserves."

Family: "My wife, Patty, and I have been married for 30 years. We have four children and a daughter-in-law," Sheets said.

Previous elected office: "None. I am a businessman, entrepreneur and Navy veteran, not a career politician," Sheets said.

Experience and public service

Asked about his occupation, Sheets said: "I am an entrepreneur, businessman, investor and rancher. I founded Nature Nate's Honey Co. and grew it from a single beehive into the #1 branded honey company in the United States. Today, I lead Honey Rock Group, our family investment company, and our ranching operations include raising stocker cattle and cutting horses."

He has not held elected office. Sheets said he served six years in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He described himself as a fifth-generation Texan who grew up in a military family in the Texas Hill Country, according to his campaign website.

On the issues

Challenges facing farmers and ranchers: "We're losing roughly 68 farms a week in Texas," Sheets said. He called for "fighting unnecessary regulations, protecting private property rights, strengthening water infrastructure, expanding processing capacity and helping producers find new and dependable markets."

His focus, he said, would be "making it easier to farm and ranch in Texas, not harder."

School meal programs: "Texas ranks 44th in the nation in education. We can't expect to be No. 1 in the classroom if we're No. 44 at lunch," Sheets said. He said he would "work to increase fresh, minimally processed foods in our schools and give parents greater transparency about what their children are eating."

Consumer protection in North Texas: Sheets said the agriculture commissioner's job "is also about consumer protection. Whether you live on a ranch or in a North Texas subdivision, the department's work affects your family and your wallet every day." He said he would focus on "efficient inspections, accountability and using technology to make enforcement smarter and faster."

Consumable hemp: "When it comes to consumable hemp, my position is simple: follow the law, protect kids and consumers, and enforce the rules consistently," Sheets said. He added: "As a veteran, I also support regulated medical access for Texans, including veterans suffering from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain."

Endorsements: Sheets has received endorsements from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, Gun Owners of Texas, Texas Alliance for Life and others, according to BallotReady.

Candidate responses were collected through a Rockwall Herald questionnaire. Answers have been edited for length but not substance.