By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Young producers will get a look at agriculture in Far West Texas through the 2024 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Fall Tour.

It’s an opportunity for farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals and college students between the ages of 18 and 35 to network and learn about other agricultural perspectives.

This year’s tour is set for Sept. 6-8 in Alpine and will highlight agriculture indigenous to the area and introduce young people to TFB’s YF&R activities.

“The Fall Tour gives young farmers, ranchers, ag professionals and college students the opportunity to network, explore and learn about agriculture in a different part of the state,” Jay Clark, TFB YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “It is a fun and educational event, and we’re excited to host it in Alpine this year.”

The three-day tour will allow participants the opportunity to visit farms and ranches, including Williams Ranch Company and Mandujano Brothers Farms. Participants will learn about beef cattle, specialty crops and the challenges of farming and ranching in Far West Texas.

“Visiting this area of Texas will give young agricultural professionals—farmers, ranchers, business owners, teachers or anyone interested in agriculture—a glimpse into what makes Far West Texas unique,” Clark said.

Other tour stops will focus on healthy watersheds and regenerative land management.

“The tour covers topics that are important to agriculture,” Clark said. “More young people are needed to farm, ranch and work in agricultural businesses and other fields that support the production of food, fiber and fuel. The Fall Tour is a great way to meet other young people and learn from each other to take home new ideas and new strategies that we can implement.”

Registration closes Aug. 8.

There are two registration packages participants may select from that will include lodging, meals, transportation and the cost of all tours. A third registration package is available for those who do not require lodging.

County Farm Bureaus may help cover the cost of attending the event.

Interested members can learn more about registration costs and register for the tour online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.

For questions or assistance with registration, call 254-399-5021 or email youngfarmers@txfb.org with questions.