TEXAS NEIGHBORS | FALL 2018 OPINION Vol. 83, No. 4 Fall 2018 TEXAS NEIGHBORS is published quarterly by the Texas Farm Bureau, 7420 Fish Pond Road, Waco, Texas 76710, (254) 772-3030. Subscription price to Farm Bureau members is included in annual membership dues. The Texas Farm Bureau does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products advertised in TEXAS NEIGHBORS . For information on advertising, contact: Have an a-MAZE-ing adventure with agriculture Pumpkins. Hay rides. Corn mazes. All things fall at agritourism lo-cations are open and waiting for you to have an a-maze-ing adven-ture. Agritourism—the intersection between agriculture and tourism— is a growing trend fueled by you, our consumer, taking an interest in learning more about the food you eat and the people who grow it. And we can’t wait for you to visit our farms and businesses. You can learn about agriculture and unplug for a bit. Because it’s good old-fashioned fun like jumping on hay bales, running through fields and stuffing your own scarecrow. You get to disconnect and en-joy time with your family and friends. The pumpkin patches, petting zoos, corn mazes, hay rides and other activities are tied to agriculture. By Russell Boening It takes a farmer caring for the land and crops, and it’s not an easy President Texas Farm Bureau task. Some years it rains, and some it doesn’t. This year was chal-lenging, because it was extremely dry across most of the state for much of the year. The risks are worth it, though. Raising our families on farms and ranches is something we cher-ish. And it’s rewarding to see folks like you visit our farms, learn a little about what we do and have fun while doing it. Kids can dive into agriculture and get their hands dirty, but you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the farm. There’s fun for all ages. And ask questions while you’re at the farm. Find out about the hay bales you’re sitting on or the corn in the maze. Learn about the animals on the ranch or the different pumpkin varieties in the field. These are great opportunities to see a farm and ranch in action and learn more about agriculture in our state. Enjoy your pumpkin spice latte this fall, but get outdoors while you drink it. You never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll meet. And you just might build new relationships with local farmers. Happy fall, y’all! Advertising Coordinator KELLY BOGARD 254.751.2420 Publication Co-op TIMES CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS 800.442.3276 Texas Farm Bureau website: http:/ /www.texasfarmbureau.org Texas Table Top blog: http:/ /tabletop.texasfarmbureau.org PRESIDENT Russell Boening, Poth VICE PRESIDENT Mark R. Chamblee, Tyler SECRETARY-TREASURER Scott Frazier, Chapman Ranch EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/COO Si Cook COMPTROLLER Cyndi Gerik BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mark R. Chamblee, Tyler Mark Daniel, Seymour Scott Frazier, Chapman Ranch Larry W. Joiner, Huntington Allen Kaminski, Sealy Pat McDowell, Shamrock Ronnie Muennink, Hondo Jessica Richmond, De Leon Dan B. Smith, Lockney Val Stephens, Lamesa Neil F. Walter, Oglesby Ben F. Wible, Sherman Zachary X. Yanta, Runge Gene Hall —Publisher Julie Tomascik —Editor Jennifer Dorsett —Field Editor Justin Walker —Communications Specialist Kelly Bogard —Food Editor Gary Joiner —TFB Radio Network Manager Jessica Domel —Multimedia Reporter Cindy Wennin —Graphic Designer Angela Lujan —Graphic Designer WWW.TEXASFARMBUREAU.ORG