By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Do you recognize Texas agriculture while walking down the aisles of your grocery store?

Many may not realize it, but both Texas and local agriculture can be found throughout grocery stores.

Some county Farm Bureaus have made it a mission to help consumers understand the connection between the grocery store shelves and local producers.

Wilbarger County Farm Bureau (CFB) recently hosted a Food Connection Day event at their local grocery store, where members handed out coupons for food items that are grown and raised in Wilbarger County.

“Last year, with everything getting with so high, we decided it was our turn to give back,” Austen White, who grows cotton, hay and raises cattle in Wilbarger County, said. “We gave out $5, $10 and $20 coupons. That gave us a chance to interact with the consumers as they were in the grocery store buying products we grew and raised here in our county.”

This was the second year the county has handed out coupons.

The CFB members interacted with shoppers, telling them about Farm Bureau and agriculture.

“People enjoy hearing about where their food comes from, and it’s our chance to get out there and thank them for buying the products we grow and raise,” White said.

He noted farmers and ranchers in Wilbarger County grow various commodities like beef, cotton, grains and peanuts.

“As a producer, it’s good for us to get out there and talk with the consumers and let them see the faces of the people who are growing their food,” White said. “There’s a lot of misconceptions, especially when it comes to what people are eating, and it gives us a chance to be not only the voice for agriculture, but also highlight our contributions for the other products they buy in the store.”

The coupons helped shoppers that purchase ground beef, eggs, dairy products, flour and peanut butter.

White noted Wilbarger County is heavily impacted by agriculture, and helping those who aren’t involved learn more about agriculture is vital.

“Our number one source of income in Wilbarger County is going to come through agriculture, and we’re proud of it. It is important that we remember our roots,” White said.

The relationships made during the Wilbarger Food Connection Day helped local farmers and ranchers connect with and thank consumers.