An effort to engage with consumers about where their food comes from earned farmers and ranchers in Bell County recognition from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).
Bell County Farm Bureau (CFB) was one of four county Farm Bureaus to be recognized by TFB. They’re one of 24 CFBs nationwide to receive a County Activities of Excellence Award from AFBF.
“There are a lot of questions when it comes to food and how it’s grown,” Michael Moon, Bell CFB president, said. “We sought out conversations at the Mother Earth News Fair so consumers could speak one-on-one with farmers and ranchers.”
The desire to know more is part of the foodie movement, creating a culture that celebrates niche markets. But it also expands to all consumers, Moon noted.
“There’s a disconnect between the farmer growing the crops and the consumer buying the food in the grocery store,” Moon said. “We want to close that gap and share the stories of modern agriculture. This event helped us do that.”
During the two-day event, Bell CFB leaders discussed sustainability, genetically modified organisms, farming practices and more.
An antique corn sheller was a conversation starter, and a mobile education barn was also used by Bell CFB to encourage dialogue.
“Our goal for the event was to provide an opportunity for consumers to interact with the men and women who work to grow their food and fiber on a daily basis,” Moon said. “We shared the message that there’s room for all types of agriculture—small, large, specialty crops and major commodities.”
Bell CFB was recognized during TFB’s 85th Annual Meeting Dec. 1-3 in Corpus Christi.
They will be highlighted during AFBF’s Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show Jan. 11-16 in New Orleans.