By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Legislative updates, policy issues and agricultural advocacy were among the topics highlighted during the Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference.

More than 150 young farmers and ranchers and college students gathered in Round Rock for the April 9-11 meeting.

“Since the Texas Legislature is in session, our Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee thought that would provide great topics for our conference this year,” Kaylin Isbell, TFB’s YF&R Advisory Committee chair, said. “We felt it was important to explain how the legislative process works and encourage young people to get involved in legislative issues and have a voice at the Capitol.”

As Texas becomes increasingly urban, rural representation in Austin and Washington, D.C., is more important than ever.

“Our generation can make a difference in agriculture, and we have to step up and be a voice for our industry if we want to see a future ahead,” Isbell said. “It’s our job to help our elected officials understand more about agriculture and build relationships with them.”

Legislative updates
From eminent domain and rural broadband to truth in labeling, the young professionals were able to learn about the latest on bills from Reps. DeWayne Burns, Cole Hefner and Mary Gonzalez, who all joined the conference virtually.

Political consultants shared more about political action funds and gave insight on the importance of grassroots involvement to support candidates.

Legislative process
Speakers noted staying engaged throughout the legislative session is important to enact change.

“Nothing moves the Legislature like constituents and folks impacted by the laws that are being presented—speaking up on behalf of good laws and weighing in on laws that are bad for rural Texas,” State Rep. Brad Buckley said. “We, as legislators, need to know what people are thinking, and that’s what moves the needle in Austin.”

Buckley discussed how a bill becomes law in Texas and encouraged the young farmers and ranchers to get more involved in the legislative process.

“Getting a bill to become a law is a difficult process, and it’s important for folks of common interests and common goals to come together to support legislation that’s important to their industry or way of life,” he said. “Rural Texas needs every young person to take the baton and run with it. It’s time to stand up for those values that make Texas, Texas and to make sure the rural way of life and agriculture remains viable in our state.”
Growing relationships

The weekend was also about growing relationships and networking with others across the state.

“The Young Farmer & Rancher activities, especially this conference, are great for networking with others across the state and learning from each other,” Isbell said. “We also had a large group of college students herewith us, about 45 students. It’s great to see our YF&R program continue to grow and get more young people involved in Farm Bureau.”

Chet Garner, host of the TV show The Daytripper, and motivational speaker Matt Rush also addressed the group. Both speakers offered advice and encouraged the young farmers and ranchers to grow through action and lead with service.

Upcoming events
For more information on the YF&R program, upcoming events and the annual contests, visit texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.

Contact Roger Hall, TFB associate director of Organization division for Leader Development, with questions at rhall@txfb.org or call 254.399.5021.