By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The Texas Legislature is back in session, but what happens in Austin doesn’t just stay in Austin.

That’s why more than 400 farmers and ranchers headed to Austin this week as part of Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Leadership Conference.

The state and county leaders visited the Capitol to talk with legislators about current topics and issues affecting agriculture and the rural way of life.

“It’s important to establish and build relationships with our senators and representatives,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “We hear that they want to visit with their constituents, and the face-to-face connection is a great way to share our story and talk about the issues and how they affect us.”

Eminent domain reform, ag lien legislation for farmer financial protection, transportation and water were among the issues discussed.

The state board of directors even met with Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Joe Straus about the issues.

Eminent domain reform continued to rise to the top in each conversation, and elected officials took note.

“Economic progress is essential to our state, but shouldn’t be accomplished on the backs of private property owners,” Abbott said. “Eminent domain should be a fair and equitable process for all, and I appreciate the Texas Farm Bureau for taking a leadership role on this issue.”

During the three-day conference, members also heard from speakers and legislators on issues the legislature will likely address this session.

Eminent Domain
A growing state with a strong appetite for new development has put a target on Texas private property. And with about 95 percent of state land being privately owned, Texas landowners are often left searching for a fair offer in eminent domain proceedings.

The Texans for Property Rights Coalition, which TFB is a part of, is seeking eminent domain reform this legislative session.

The coalition of 22 Texas-based organizations seeks to bring fairness into the equation by asking condemning entities to pay landowners’ attorney fees and court costs if final damages awarded are 125 percent greater than the initial offer.

Property rights protection in bona fide offers, valuation of easements, bond requirements and appraisal disclosure are also part of the eminent domain reform package the coalition is pursuing.

Ag Lien
Protecting farmers’ ownership in the crops they grow and deliver to a contract purchaser or warehouse is one of TFB’s priority issues.

Farmers are unsecured creditors and deserve protection and financial compensation for their crop, speakers noted at the conference.

Farmers should have first lien on their commodity stored in a licensed and bonded warehouse—whether in open storage or contracted to be purchased when the farmer has not yet been paid.

Transportation
Michael Pacheco, associate legislative director for TFB, discussed transportation issues with conference attendees.

TFB is working to share information on vehicles, trailer sizes and capabilities with legislators. There’s a possibility to increase weights or variances for farmers and ranchers, particularly during harvest.

Young Farmer & Rancher
The Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Leadership Conference was also held in conjunction with the event. Young farmers and ranchers from across the state will inherit a strong legacy and leave their mark on Texas agriculture. But along the way, they’ll face tough decisions, high risks and market uncertainty.

“This conference is beneficial to help surface future leaders for Texas agriculture and create a strong network of young farmers and ranchers,” TFB YF&R Chairman Chris Sparks of Harlingen said. “This conference helps make us better farmers and better businessmen for today’s and tomorrow’s agriculture.”

They discussed the veterinary feed directive, fever ticks, developing relationships in politics, generational differences in Texas agriculture and food labeling.

Sparks noted that many issues face young farmers. From decreasing availability of land to high costs of production and increased regulations, it’s tough for young farmers to get started in agriculture.

But their desire and optimism help counter those obstacles.

“We expand our network b