By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Farmers and ranchers from across Texas will head to Frisco to help Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) ring in its 90th anniversary during the organization’s annual meeting Dec. 1-3.

“Celebrating 90 years is by no means a small feat for any organization,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “What began as a vision all those years ago has grown into a grassroots organization unlike any other, and Texas Farm Bureau remains a vital voice for agriculture as we look to the future.”

While celebrations are in store this winter to mark the historic occasion for the state’s largest farm and ranch organization, 2023 has been a tough year.

Farmers and ranchers have faced ongoing drought conditions and high input costs, along with the uncertainty lingering from record fuel, fertilizer and feed prices.

There was strong hope and optimism in the spring when rains were falling, but those rains dried up and drought quickly spread across the state once again.

“Texas farmers and ranchers have no doubt faced another difficult year,” Boening said. “But our strength lies in numbers during difficult times, and we will map out our road for the future of agriculture when we meet together as an organization this December.”

The organization is coming off of a successful state legislative session, securing additional protections for farmers, ranchers and landowners.

Those successes start at the grassroots level, Boening said, with farmers and ranchers helping set the road map for the organization.

“The business session is an important part of our annual meeting. It’s where our members address the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural communities through our grassroots policy development process,” Boening said. “Our policy discussions will look at ways to strengthen agriculture in our state and nation.”

In addition to the business session, members will be recognized for various achievements and can participate in reunion activities and enjoy fellowship with other farmers and ranchers.

Meeting activities
Members will be recognized for several awards, including County Activities of Excellence, Pioneer Awards and Communications Awards.

The Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, and winners of the Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher and Excellence in Agriculture contests will be named.

Additional awards and recognitions will be announced throughout the weekend.

Reunion activities
Several reunion activities and celebrations are planned.

A reunion dinner will be held Friday, Dec. 1, for former members of the Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee and AgLead-FarmLead participants.

The Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee is also hosting a “Night at the Races” on Friday evening from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Members are encouraged to wear Derby attire to compete for the “Best Hat” and “Best Dressed” contests during the event.

Two-Time Entertainer of the Year Neal McCoy will headline the 90th anniversary celebration and dinner on Saturday evening.

Members are encouraged to bring TFB memorabilia to highlight the organization’s 90-year history. The items will be on display for everyone to enjoy, and members will pick up their memorabilia at the conclusion of the meeting.

Registration
Members can register for the annual meeting by contacting their county Farm Bureau office. Hotel information is available on the TFB website.

More information
For more information, hotel reservations and a tentative agenda, visit texasfarmbureau.org/annualmeeting.