By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Young farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals across Texas will have several opportunities this year to connect, learn and grow through a series of regional meetings hosted by the Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Advisory Committee.

The meetings are designed for hands-on learning, industry insight and networking opportunities in three Texas cities.

Each event will highlight commodities and farming practices unique to the region to give attendees practical knowledge they can apply to their own operations.

“Our goal with these regional meetings is to give young farmers and ranchers hands-on experiences that they can take back to their own operations,” Ryan Yeatts, YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “Each location was selected to highlight the diversity of Texas agriculture, from specialty crops to small ruminants to row crop production, so attendees walk away with practical knowledge and new ideas.”

The first regional meeting is scheduled for June 8 in Carrizo Springs. Participants will tour Dixondale Farms, a cantaloupe and onion transplant farm, and can earn continuing education units (CEUs). The event will focus on specialty crop production.

On June 16, the San Angelo meeting will highlight sheep and goats. Attendees will learn about small ruminant production, including carcass breakdown and a tasting panel designed to give participants a better understanding of meat quality and consumer preferences.

The final regional meeting will be held Sept. 25 in Lubbock and will feature row crop agriculture. Planned stops include a tour of Bayer Crop Science and visits to local agricultural cooperatives to offer insight into crop production, ag innovation and agribusiness.

“We’re excited to bring these opportunities closer to our members across the state,” Yeatts said. “By hosting regional meetings, we’re making it easier for young farmers, ranchers and professionals to get involved, learn from industry experts and engage with Texas Farm Bureau.”

Registration for each meeting will open 45 days prior to the event date. Attendance is limited to 50 participants in Carrizo Springs and Lubbock and 35 in San Angelo to help ensure a quality experience.

Additional details and registration information for the regional meetings will be on the YF&R webpage at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.

In addition to the regional meetings, YF&R will host committee meet-and-greet events beginning in May.

The first will be held May 16 in El Campo at Greek Brother Oyster Bar and will include a concert by Max Stalling.

Another meet-and-greet is planned for June 2 in El Paso, where attendees will gather at the ballpark to watch the El Paso Chihuahuas take on the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.