By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Collegiate Farm Bureau officers from across Texas strengthened their leadership skills during a three-day retreat hosted by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) in Waco.

The annual retreat helps student leaders strengthen their chapters and become more involved in Farm Bureau.

“Our goal is to help these students become effective leaders within their chapters and prepare them for future involvement in Farm Bureau,” said McKenna Hunter, TFB leadership coordinator. “We want them to leave with practical ideas they can put to work on campus and a better understanding of the opportunities available through the organization.”

The retreat included a trip to Austin to learn more about TFB’s grassroots advocacy efforts and a visit to the state Capitol. They discussed how Farm Bureau members can influence public policy and communicate with elected officials about issues impacting agriculture.

A social media advocacy exercise challenged the college students to develop messages about agricultural issues and consider ways to encourage others to take action.

“It’s important for students to understand that they don’t have to wait until after graduation to get involved in agricultural advocacy,” Hunter said. “They can use their voices now to share agriculture’s story and help others understand the issues affecting Texas farmers and ranchers.”

Additional sessions focused on servant leadership, parliamentary procedure and programs and resources available through TFB.

Students also worked on plans for their chapters. Discussions covered member recruitment, chapter meetings and activities to encourage participation throughout the school year.

Student leaders from Midwestern State University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University–Kingsville, Texas Tech University and West Texas A&M University attended the retreat.

About Collegiate Farm Bureau
The first Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter was chartered in 2021. Since then, the program has expanded to universities across Texas and more than 200 collegiate members.

The officer retreat is one of several opportunities available to Collegiate Farm Bureau members to develop their leadership skills and build connections with others in agriculture.

Members can participate in the Collegiate Discussion Meet, Collegiate Farm Bureau Quiz Bowl and regional meetings. Scholarships are also available, and students can attend Young Farmer & Rancher events like the Spring Conference and Fall Tour.

“We hope these students continue their involvement with Farm Bureau long after graduation,” Hunter said. “The leadership skills and relationships they develop now can help prepare them to serve their communities and become active members of their county Farm Bureaus.”

For more information about Collegiate Farm Bureau, visit texasfarmbureau.org/collegiate or email collegiateprograms@txfb.org.