By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Governor Greg Abbott appointed six individuals to serve on the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority (TAFA).

TAFA provides financial assistance to support the expansion and diversification of Texas agricultural production, processing, marketing and exports. During the last legislative session, lawmakers passed the Texas Farm Bureau-backed bill, HB 43, to expand financing opportunities for farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses. The bill secured $100 million in state funding over the next two years to strengthen existing programs and create new opportunities for agriculture.

“Texas farmers and ranchers continue to face financial pressure from rising input costs, market volatility and natural disasters,” said Regan Beck, Texas Farm Bureau director of Government Affairs. “HB 43 gives TAFA the tools and resources it needs to better serve agriculture, and these Texas Farm Bureau members bring their experiences and knowledge to ensure the programs support Texas farmers and ranchers.”

The newly appointed members are Nelda Barrera, Colby McClendon and Scott Frazier for terms set to expire on Jan. 1, 2027. Abbott also appointed Zachary Davis, Justin Tucker and Tommy Henderson for terms set to expire on Jan. 1, 2028.

Nelda Barrera of McAllen previously served as a field representative for the Texas Department of Agriculture. She is a board member for Hildalgo County Farm Bureau and the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show. Barrera is also an event coordinator and fundraising chair for the South Texas Cattleman’s Round Up.

Colby McClendon is a farmer in Lavon where he grows a variety of row crops and raises cattle. He is a board member of the Bear Creek Special Utility District and Collin County Farm Bureau. McClendon also serves on the LA3 Regional Committee for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and Texas Wheat Producers.

Scott Frazier is from Chapman Ranch and is the partner and manager of Scott and Kacy Frazier Farms, Frazier Ag Service and Thunder Cattle Company. He is the president of Nueces County Farm Bureau and serves on the National Sorghum Producers board of directors and the London Independent School District Board of Trustees.

Zachary Davis of Decatur is a county agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Denton County. He is also the district director for the Texas County Agriculture Agents Association and a member of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Davis is president of the Greenwood/Slidell Buyers Association and a board member of Wise County Farm Bureau and the Wise County Youth Fair.

Justin Tucker is from Cameron and the senior vice president and an agriculture and commercial lender at First National Bank of Bastrop in Falls County. Tucker received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and an Executive Master of Business Administration in Banking and Financial Institutions from Sam Houston State University. He is an alum of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business and a Falls County Farm Bureau member.

Tommy Henderson is a farmer and rancher in Byers. He is a Clay County Farm Bureau board member and previously served on the Texas Oklahoma Boundary Commission.