Nate Sheets, a Republican, is running for Texas agriculture commissioner in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Clayton Tucker, a Democrat, and Austin R. Kelly, a Libertarian.

Asked why he is running, Sheets said in our candidate questionnaire: "First, 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 … 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. Asked whether anyone in his family works in politics or government, he said: "Only my daughter, who is managing my campaign!"

Background: Sheets said he is "a fifth-generation Texan, born and raised in the Texas Hill Country." He said his father, Colonel Gary D. Sheets, served in the United States Air Force.

Experience and public service

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

Sheets is a first-time candidate for political office, according to The Texas Tribune.

Occupation: "I am an entrepreneur, businessman, investor and rancher," Sheets said. "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."

Endorsements: Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, Gun Owners of Texas, Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Patriots PAC, True Texas Project, Red Wave Texas and Houston Realty Business Coalition, according to BallotReady and The Texas Tribune.

On the issues

Challenges facing Texas agriculture: "We're losing roughly 68 farms a week in Texas. That tells you the economics aren't working for too many farmers and ranchers," Sheets said. "My focus will be on making it easier to farm and ranch in Texas, not harder. That means fighting unnecessary regulations, protecting private property rights, strengthening water infrastructure, expanding processing capacity and helping producers find new and dependable markets for what they grow and raise."

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." He added: "Whenever possible, we should connect schools with Texas farmers, ranchers and food producers so more of the food on a Texas student's tray was grown or raised in Texas."

Consumer protection in fast-growing suburbs: "The Texas Agriculture Commissioner is our state's chief food officer, but the job is also about consumer protection," Sheets said. "When you buy something by weight, the scale should be accurate … As Agriculture Commissioner, I would focus on efficient inspections, accountability and using technology to make enforcement smarter and faster."

Hemp regulation: "Industrial hemp is a legitimate agricultural commodity," Sheets said. "When it comes to consumable hemp, my position is simple: follow the law, protect kids and consumers, and enforce the rules consistently. Intoxicating products should not be allowed to exploit loopholes or be marketed as backdoor recreational marijuana." He added: "As a veteran, I also support regulated medical access for Texans, including veterans suffering from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain."

The race is statewide. The agriculture commissioner oversees the Texas Department of Agriculture, which handles school nutrition programs, weights-and-measures inspections and agricultural regulation.

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. All answers are presented in the candidate's own words.