By Julie Tomascik
Editor

A new leadership development program offers Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members additional opportunities to grow within the organization and learn more about agriculture.

The BLOCK program—Building Leadership Opportunities & Cultivating Knowledge—is open to members ages 36 to 50.

The program is designed to provide opportunities for members transitioning out of the Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) program to network together while learning about important agricultural issues, challenges and programs in other areas.

“BLOCK serves as a continuation of leadership development, providing members the opportunity to build on their Farm Bureau knowledge and continue developing relationships,” said Roger Hall, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Leader Development.

Cultivating leaders who have a passion for agriculture and Farm Bureau are essential for helping the organization grow into the future.

“Farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals are continually looking for opportunities to engage with other agricultural producers, learn about agriculture in other areas across the nation, develop a strong network and to stay involved in TFB activities,” Hall said. “This program offers those opportunities. Plus, it’s another tool in the leadership toolbox, adding to the ever-evolving skills to help Farm Bureau members strengthen their voice for agriculture.”

To learn more about the program, visit texasfarmbureau.org/block.

For 2022, BLOCK will consist of an industry tour and a conference.

BLOCK Tour
The BLOCK Tour is set for July 31 to Aug. 4. It will start and end in Grapevine with stops in Oklahoma.

Participants will see a variety of agricultural operations and have leadership building opportunities.

Registration is limited to the first 30 individuals and is available online through the MyTFB membership portal at my.texasfarmbureau.org.

Registration has been extended until July 12.

Click here to view a tentative agenda.

Participants are responsible for getting to and from the designated hotel in Grapevine.

Tour transportation, lodging and 10 meals will be provided by TFB.

Additional details on price packages are available online. Sponsorships may be available from county Farm Bureaus.

For more information, visit texasfarmbureau.org/block or contact Hall at rhall@txfb.org or 254-399-5021.

BLOCK Conference
The BLOCK Conference will take place in Waco this fall.

It is open to former AgLead and FarmLead participants, former state commodity advisory committee members and past YF&R Advisory Committee members who are between the ages of 36 and 50.

The two-day event will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions and a roundtable discussion. Members will learn more about Farm Bureau and current issues in agriculture while networking and building new friendships.

More information on the conference will be available later this summer.