By Shala Watson
Multimedia Writer
The 2017 Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Fall Tour provides a unique opportunity for young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 to 35 to network with other farmers and gain additional agricultural perspectives.
“The Fall Tour allows young farmers and ranchers to come together and establish a strong network to share their story of agriculture and how they’re involved,” TFB Director of Leader Development Whit Weems said.
This year’s tour is set for Sept. 8-10 in Huntsville.
This region of the state is known for its timber production.
Tour participants will get a look at forestry operations and the impact they have on the state’s economy. According to the Texas Forestry Association, more than 130,000 jobs and $30.3 billion in industry output can be attributed to the Texas forest sector.
The tour will also include a visit to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville to learn more about its agriculture programs.
Agriculture at the facility is diversified and encompasses edible and field crops, along with a bull management facility and security horses. It also houses swine farrowing, nursery and finishing operations.
Other tour stops will include the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Farm in College Station, as well as farm and ranch visits in the Brazos Valley.
From cotton and pecans to irrigation techniques and UAV research, the farm and ranch tours will highlight the region’s agricultural diversity, Weems noted.
“This Fall Tour will showcase the diversity the state of Texas has to offer,” Weems said. “This experience helps expose young farmers and ranchers to different types of agriculture and agribusinesses. It gives them an overall broad picture of agriculture and its impact on Texas and our nation.”
Applicants must register online by Aug. 18. Registration includes lodging, meals and tour transportation.
Click here for registration and more information on the Fall Tour.
Contact Weems at 254-399-5030 or wweems@txfb.org with questions.