The future of Texas agriculture will be addressed Dec. 5-7 in Arlington as farmers and ranchers from across the state attend the 82nd annual meeting of Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).
Members from the state’s 206 county Farm Bureaus will work together to craft policy positions and prepare for the challenges agriculture faces.
“It is important for us to address the needs and concerns of the Texas farm and ranch community,” TFB President Russell W. Boening said. “Our grassroots policy reflects the thinking of those who work to ensure we have a plentiful domestic supply of food, fiber and fuel.”
About 1,000 Texas farmers and ranchers are expected in Arlington during the annual meeting to discuss the latest agricultural issues, recognize successes from the past year and evaluate the organization’s policies. This year’s policy discussions likely will center on rollback taxes for agricultural valuation, technology, transportation, water and endangered species.
The meeting will begin in the Arlington Convention Center, Dec. 5, with registration at noon. Saturday’s events include TFB member services and benefits exhibits, the Free Enterprise Speech Contest, Discussion Meet and Young Farmer & Rancher silent and live auctions. The social night will kick off at 7 p.m. and includes dominos, silent and live auctions and a dance, featuring Gary Glenn and the 20x Band.
The meeting will continue Sunday, Dec. 6, with a devotional, followed by membership recognition awards, Pioneer Award presentations and the naming of the 2015 Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher and Excellence in Agriculture awards. Former TFB President Kenneth Dierschke, a West Texas cotton farmer, will accept the Distinguished Service Award from the agricultural organization. Sunday afternoon will feature TFB President Russell W. Boening’s first address to the TFB delegates.
The TFB Annual Meeting will conclude Monday, Dec. 7, with the organization’s annual business session.
For more information about the 82nd annual meeting, visit www.texasfarmbureau.org.