Texas Farm Bureau
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Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2008, [1] the Texas Farm Bureauhas long served as the "Voice of Texas Agriculture." As the largest farm organization in the nation’s second largest state, TFB represents the interests of agricultural producers and rural communities. The roots of the organization reach back into the early 1920s, and the Texas Farm Bureau was reorganized as the Texas Agricultural Association in 1933, in Dallas. Shortly after that landmark decision, the organization took the name “Texas Farm Bureau” back. Today, membership has reached more than 407,000 member families.
The organization's ability to remain a political force is Texas is the result of several factors. First, the true grass roots structure of the organization, with 207 organized County Farm Bureau units, gives Farm Bureau a presence in local communities and provides local “people power” when working issues.
Second, Farm Bureau has never been a single issue organization or a protest movement. Organizations founded in that manner often fade when the central organizing issue no longer commands public attention. The Texas Farm Bureau has proven to be flexible, adapting to meet the issues of the day as they evolve. Farm Bureau decision making has always been in the hands of grass roots agricultural families.
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[edit] History
The roots of the organization reach back into the early 1920s and was reorganized as the Texas Agricultural Association in 1933. Shortly afterward, the organization reverted back to the “Texas Farm Bureau” name. It currently has 400,000 member families.
The organization's ability to remain a political force in Texas is the result of several factors. First, the true grass roots structure of the organization, with 207 organized County Farm Bureau units, gives Farm Bureau a presence in local communities and provides local “people power” when working issues.
Second, Farm Bureau has never been a single issue organization or a protest movement. Organizations founded in that manner often fade when the central organizing issue no longer commands public attention. The Texas Farm Bureau has proven to be flexible, adapting to meet the issues of the day as they evolve. Farm Bureau decision making on public policy and internal organizational matters has always been in the hands of grass roots agricultural leaders.
[edit] Services
Texas Farm Bureau has established a strong reputation as an effective advocate for its members. These efforts include lobbying in Austin and Washington and frequently working issues in the courts and in the regulatory process. Volunteer leader involvement has been critical to the success of TFB in the government arena.
Communications products keep members informed. The Texas Farm Bureau is a participant in the RFD program “Voices of Agriculture” on the RFD Television Network. Texas Farm Bureau operates a daily information service with the “Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network”.
Member service programs have proven to be very effective in responding to members’ needs. The Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies provide life, auto, property, and health policies along with estate planning.
Other programs include Ag in the Classroom, Planet Agriculture display, Accidental Death Policy, Trespassing Reward, Commodity Market Information, Scholarships, AgLead and FarmLead leadership development programs and Young Farmers and Ranchers.
[edit] Officers
- Kenneth Dierschke, President
- Bobby Nedbalek, Vice President
- Lewis Lehman, Secretary-Treasurer
- Vernie Glasson, Executive Director and COO
- Cyndi Gerik, Comptroller and CFO
[edit] See also
American Farm Bureau Federation
