The 2016 Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Fall Tour provides a unique opportunity for young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 to 35 to network with other farmers and gain additional agricultural perspectives.

“The Fall Tour offers the opportunity to help strengthen that network and learn from other producers across the state who have faced similar challenges within their operations,” said TFB Director of Leader Development Whit Weems.

This year’s tour is set for Sept. 9-11 in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Valley’s diverse climate is suited for many crops like grapefruit, corn, soybeans and sugarcane. It’s also home to many cattle operations.

“Agriculture in Texas is diverse from one end of the state to the other. They operate differently in regions across our state, but all young farmers and ranchers are in it together, producing food and fiber for a growing nation,” Weems said.

The Fall Tour will include a visit to Rio Farms, an 18,000-acre private farming operation located in Hidalgo and Willacy counties. The fruitful operation focuses on agricultural research, education, land improvements and facilities.

The group will also visit the Progreso International Bridge that connects Texas and Mexico. Countless trucks and thousands of pedestrians cross the bridge daily, making it one of the most popular crossings in the Valley.

A strong sweetener industry is part of the area’s heritage. A tour of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc., which is a member-owned cooperative made up of more than 126 growers in a three-county area and is one of the top 10 producers of raw sugar in the U.S., is on the agenda.

The Valley also has a unique water and irrigation system and a rich Texas ranching history that will be discussed during the tour.

Applications are due by Aug. 17. There are three packages participants may select from that will include lodging, meals, transportation and the cost of all tours.

Click here for more information on the Fall Tour and registration.

Contact Weems at 254-399-5030 or wweems@txfb.org with questions.