By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

A legal seminar designed to help landowners, farmers and ranchers better understand livestock laws and landowner rights was recognized by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

Eighty Houston County residents gained an understanding of legal issues surrounding land use, livestock, liability, property boundaries and water rights at a meeting hosted by Houston County Farm Bureau earlier this year.

Houston County Farm Bureau’s agricultural education and promotion efforts were among three programs recognized by TFB during the organization’s 92nd annual meeting Dec. 5-7 in Arlington. The award, County Activities of Excellence, recognizes unique, volunteer-driven programming by county Farm Bureaus.

The county was also one of 24 county Farm Bureaus nationwide to receive a County Activities of Excellence Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

The meeting, The Legal Fence Line: Livestock Laws and Landowner Rights, included a presentation from Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service professor and Extension specialist in agricultural law.

“We covered different laws and legalities like if your livestock gets out of your property or if somebody else’s livestock gets onto your property,” Todd Stone, Houston County Farm Bureau president, said. “The presentation addressed real-world legal concerns faced by producers, providing expert insights on livestock law, property disputes and liability issues. It offered clarity on topics that many had previously navigated without formal guidance.”

Stone noted local law enforcement professionals were invited, creating an opportunity to strengthen relationships within the community.

“Farm Bureau’s job is to promote agriculture.,” Stone said. “The event drew a diverse group of local producers and gave us the opportunity to connect with farmers and ranchers who aren’t currently Farm Bureau members and showcase what our organization can do for them.”

The seminar not only addressed community concerns but also reinforced Houston County Farm Bureau’s role as a proactive advocate and resource for farmers and ranchers.

Houston County Farm Bureau displayed a booth at the TFB 92nd Annual Meeting in Arlington. The county organization was also recognized on stage and received a $1,250 cash award and a County Activities of Excellence plaque.

Houston County Farm Bureau will also be highlighted during AFBF’s Annual Convention and Trade Show Jan. 9-14 in Anaheim, Calif.