(WACO, Texas)—Farmers and ranchers from across Texas will head to Frisco to help Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) ring in its 90th anniversary during the organization’s annual meeting Dec. 1-3.
“Celebrating 90 years is by no means a small feat for any organization,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “What began as a vision all those years ago has grown into a grassroots organization unlike any other, and Texas Farm Bureau remains a vital voice for agriculture as we look toward the future.”
Members from the state’s 205 county Farm Bureaus will work together to craft policy positions and prepare for the challenges agriculture faces.
“The business session is an important part of our annual meeting. It’s where our members address the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural communities through our grassroots policy development process,” Boening said. “Our policy discussions will look at ways to strengthen agriculture in our state and nation.”
About 1,000 farmers and ranchers are expected in Frisco during the meeting to discuss the latest agricultural issues, recognize successes from the year and evaluate the organization’s policies.
Friday, Dec. 1
Registration will begin Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Embassy Suites.
TFB member services exhibits, County Activities of Excellence winners and the Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) silent auction will be on display from 3-6 p.m.
A reunion dinner will be held for former members of the Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee and AgLead-FarmLead participants.
The Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee is also hosting a “Night at the Races” on Friday evening from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Members are encouraged to wear Derby attire to compete for the “Best Hat” and “Best Dressed” contests during the event.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Activities will begin on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 a.m. The events include TFB member services exhibits, County Activities of Excellence displays, the YF&R Silent Auction and county delegate photos.
The first round of the Discussion Meet also begins at 8 a.m., followed by the second round at 10 a.m. The final round will begin at 1 p.m. Members are encouraged to watch the young farmers and ranchers participate in the various rounds.
The three YF&R Excellence in Agriculture finalists will each give a presentation, beginning at 8 a.m.
The Morning General Session will begin at 9 a.m.
During the session, the winners of the Pioneer Awards, Media Awards, Communications Awards, County Activities of Excellence Awards, AgLead program and Outstanding Ag in the Classroom Teacher will be recognized.
TFB also will recognize membership achievements during the session.
The morning keynote speaker will be Dr. Tobin Redwine of Texas A&M University, who will challenge Farm Bureau members to discover how to make meaning of their unique life stories and their impact on agriculture.
State Rep. DeWayne Burns, author of Proposition 1, also will be a special guest during the morning session.
The Afternoon General Session will include President Russell Boening’s address, and winners of the Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher and Excellence in Agriculture contests will be announced.
Also this year, a special guest will be in attendance in the exhibit area. Shannon Anderson will be signing copies of her award-winning book, I LOVE Strawberries. The book invites readers to learn more about the hard work and dedication it takes to get food from the field to the table.
Two-Time Entertainer of the Year Neal McCoy will headline the 90th anniversary celebration and dinner on Saturday evening.
Sunday, Dec. 3
On Sunday, the meeting will resume at 8:30 a.m. with a tribute video and a devotional and music led by LaDonna Gatlin.
During the business session, members will discuss state and national policy issues to guide the organization’s advocacy efforts.
More information
For an agenda and more information about the 90th annual meeting, visit https://texasfarmbureau.org/annualmeeting.
