Efforts to showcase local agricultural goods to area families earned farmers and ranchers in Nacogdoches County recognition from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).
Nacogdoches 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.
“Today, consumers are three or four generations removed from the farm, so we believe it’s our responsibility to connect with consumers and work to bridge that gap,” William Stanaland, Nacogdoches CFB president, said. “Breakfast on the Farm gives us another opportunity to showcase agriculture and share the benefits agriculture offers everyone.”
Nacogdoches CFB leaders organized a family breakfast event with the help of students from Stephen F. Austin State University. A pancake breakfast was served, and educational stations were set up for attendees to learn about agriculture in the county.
The event was modeled after another Nacogdoches CFB program, Ag Day, which is targeted at fourth graders in the county. CFB leaders updated the educational pieces from that event and targeted the information to adults with Breakfast on the Farm.
Animal exhibits featured sheep, goats, pigs, horses, poultry, rabbits and cattle. Forage identification, using ear tags and brands for cattle identification, dairy production and learning the parts of a cow’s digestive system were some of the activities available.
“Local families were able to learn about agriculture through the hands-on activities,” Stanaland said. “It was a fun way to connect folks young and old to the importance of agriculture and the impact that agribusinesses have on our area.”
Nacogdoches CFB and its volunteers were 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.