By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Engaging with membership and creating innovative programs helped Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) receive national recognition from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

TFB received the New Horizon Award, which recognizes innovative new state programming, for the Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge .

AFBF announced the recognition during the organization’s 105th annual convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The SOFA Challenge is a partnership between TFB and the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo. It is a competitive contest for high school 4-H and FFA members to practice advocating on a variety of agricultural topics, while developing critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills.

The contest provides students the opportunity to engage with Farm Bureau members to learn more about the discussion topics, and it recruits a new generation of grassroots leadership for agriculture in Texas.

“Each year, our organization works to grow agricultural advocates through our youth programs,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “This new contest—the SOFA Challenge—helps high school students dive into agricultural issues and develop potential solutions to those challenges. They’re working with their peers to make agriculture better, and that’s what the future of Texas agriculture needs.”

AFBF also recognized TFB for member programs and achievements in 2023.

TFB received Awards for Excellence in four program areas: advocacy, coalitions and partnerships, engagement and outreach, and business and leader development.

“I’m proud of the work and program accomplishments of Texas Farm Bureau in 2023,” Boening said. “It’s always great for these efforts to be recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation.”

Various programs that helped TFB earn the recognition include educational and urban outreach in schools and communities, as well as advocacy efforts to represent farmers, ranchers and rural communities in Austin and Washington, D.C. Leader development programs and communications activities, along with coalitions and partnerships with other organizations, were also among the efforts that helped TFB achieve recognition.

“Texas Farm Bureau membership provides value and impact, which is why our organization has showed continuous growth for 23 consecutive years,” Boening said. “Each year, we look for ways to strengthen our programs and activities and continue to be a strong voice for Texas agriculture in schools, communities, legislative arenas and on digital platforms.”

TFB has grown from a small organization in 1933 to the largest and most influential farm and ranch organization in the state.

For more information on AFBF Convention activities, visit annualconvention.fb.org.