By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members recently visited the state Capitol to discuss legislation impacting Texas agriculture.

“It’s important for young farmers and ranchers to speak with our representatives because it gives them a true picture of the next generation,” said Alexis Hargrove, a fourth-generation farmer from Bosque County. “We can give them a perspective of what we’re facing day to day and the support that is needed from lawmakers going forward to ensure that we stop losing producers and begin to fill that gap.”

Hargrove and other TFB members and state directors met with legislators, including Rep. Drew Darby and Jim Wright with the Railroad Commission, to address concerns about orphaned wells and water issues affecting Texas farmers and ranchers.

“It was great meeting with them and discussing what we’re seeing in our area and sharing true stories with them,” she said.

They also met with Rep. Stan Kitzman to discuss HB 43, which seeks to strengthen the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority by expanding financial support programs.

Discussion with Rep. Angelia Orr, who represents Bosque County, focused on rural medicine, agriculture and representing a rural community well.

Additional meetings with Sens. Pete Flores and Brian Birdwell brought attention to HB 1964, which aims to reinforce the right to farm and ranch by protecting farmers and ranchers from ordinances that conflict with state agricultural laws. If passed, this legislation would ensure that farmers and ranchers can recoup legal fees when defending their rights.

They also met with Reps. Pat Curry and Jared Patterson to share their stories and discuss the challenges facing agriculture.

Hargrove, whose family grows row crops and hay, also works as a relationship manager and loan officer for Capital Farm Credit. She knows firsthand the economic hardships that farmers and ranchers face and believes direct advocacy is crucial in securing legislative support.

“The work going on right now at the Capitol affects every citizen in Texas, but for us in agriculture, it impacts our daily livelihoods,” she said. “We need lawmakers to see the challenges we’re facing and understand that Texas agriculture is the backbone of our economy. We’re here to show them that the next generation is ready to continue feeding not only Texas, but the world.”