Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) published its 2021 Accomplishments Report detailing successes in membership, advocacy, leader development and other program areas.
The 32-page report can be found on texasfarmbureau.org.
“Texas Farm Bureau accomplished its mission of being the Voice of Texas Agriculture in 2021, as we have continued to do throughout our decades of grassroots advocacy and involvement,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “A look at the year’s activities, successes and programs is available in the 2021 Accomplishments Report.”
Achieving membership goals each year is a priority for the organization, as well as providing member benefits and services to help member-families save time and money.
The membership year ended with TFB membership at 535,614 member-families, which represents 21 consecutive years of membership growth. Of the 205 organized county Farm Bureaus, 136 counties achieved a membership gain.
TFB strives to represent Texas farmers, ranchers, landowners and rural residents at local, state and national levels to help keep the Lone Star State growing for generations to come. Organizational policy set by TFB members is pursued and implemented to ensure Texas agriculture’s voice is heard.
Highlights of the legislative and commodity activities from 2021 include achieving meaningful eminent domain reform, expanding liability protections to livestock owners and authorization of a feral hog toxicant study using warfarin.
Leader development and youth and educational outreach are important to the state’s largest general farm and ranch organization. Innovative programs, educational activities and urban outreach efforts helped TFB reach adults and children across the state.
The Doorways to Agriculture exhibit, which was displayed at livestock shows and community events, reached both urban and rural Texans with messages and stories of agriculture in the Lone Star State.
Between the state and county Farm Bureaus, more than $693,000 in scholarships were awarded to high school seniors, enrolled college students and technical college students.
TFB adds volume, reach and depth to the Voice of Texas Agriculture mission by communicating with various publics.
The organization shares the stories of farmers and ranchers through print and digital publications, social media, videos and the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network, as well as works with media and county Farm Bureaus to promote stories of agriculture.
In 2021, TFB responded to 173 media inquiries from local, state and national publications and broadcast stations about agriculture and rural Texas.
The radio network reached an all-time high in the number of affiliated stations with over 120 stations, and the Communications division created a TikTok account to reach a younger demographic.
Winter Storm Uri hit Texas in February 2021, leaving the state in an icy embrace for days. TFB, with the help of county leaders, responded to 43 media inquiries about the storm.
TFB and county Farm Bureau leaders also contributed $262,197 through the Helping Hands program to provide assistance to local food and emergency relief organizations following the winter storm.
“Our organization is made up of individuals who collectively work together to ensure agriculture stays strong and the rural way of life remains viable,” Boening said. “Our best days are ahead of us. Together, we will continue to be the Voice of Texas Agriculture.”
The full report can be found in the grey footer of the TFB website by clicking TFB Accomplishments or by visiting txfb.us/2021accomplishments.