By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Policy discussions and membership recognition are on the agenda for the 93rd Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Annual Meeting scheduled for Dec. 4-6 in Waco.

“The annual meeting is a chance to recognize the accomplishments of our members and our organization, discuss the issues important to agriculture and look ahead to future challenges and opportunities,” TFB President Russell Boening said.

Voting delegates representing 205 county Farm Bureaus across the state will consider policy proposals and establish the organization’s positions.

“Our members bring different experiences and perspectives to the business session, and those discussions help shape the direction of our organization,” Boening said.

Meeting activities
Members and county Farm Bureaus will be recognized with several awards, including Pioneer Awards and Communications Awards.

One county Farm Bureau will receive the coveted Golden Buckle Award. Counties will also be honored through the County Activities of Excellence Awards.

The Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet will be held during the meeting, and winners of the Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher and Excellence in Agriculture contests also will be named.

Additional honors will be announced throughout the weekend.

Commodity sessions
Commodity sessions will be hosted Friday afternoon starting at 1 p.m.

The sessions will provide members the opportunity to hear from experts and engage in discussions on key topics affecting Texas agriculture.

Family fun night
Members can take part in a family fun night featuring golf activities such as a putting contest and golf simulator. A kids’ corner, best dressed contests and bingo also will be part of the activities hosted by the YF&R Advisory Committee.

The evening will begin with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday. Festivities will continue through 10:30 p.m.

Additional activities
Members can visit with Lindsay H. Metcalf, author of Tomatoes on Trial, on Friday and Saturday. Each member-family will be provided one free copy of the book.

TFB’s Doorways to Agriculture exhibit also will be open for families to explore.

AgLead, FarmLead and state YF&R Advisory Committee alumni are invited to a special reception Friday night before the family fun activities. Alumni can reconnect with fellow participants and learn about future TFB leadership development opportunities.

The reception will include a first look at the Building Leadership Opportunities and Cultivating Knowledge (BLOCK) program, a new initiative for AgLead, FarmLead and YF&R Advisory Committee alumni.

AGFUND cabinet contributors are invited to a buffet breakfast Saturday morning.

An invitation-only AGFUND dinner for senior cabinet members will be held Saturday evening at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Members can join Christian Country Music Ministry, founded by Roy West, for this year’s Sunday morning devotional featuring western swing-style gospel music and a message centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Registration
Voting delegate registration will be available through county Farm Bureau offices beginning in November.

Visit texasfarmbureau.org/annualmeeting for additional details and the tentative agenda.