Texas Farm Bureau

Meet Jacob Spivey! He’s a high school ag teacher and FFA advisor at Warren ISD. He works with students on livestock and horticultural projects, leadership skills and FFA contests. Jacob’s family is involved in timber production and raising Brahman cattle in East Texas. Jacob and his wife, Melanie, have two daughters and live in Warren. Jacob is a finalist in our Excellence in Agriculture contest.

Meet Madalynn Kainer! She’s the assistant manager for the Washington County Fair. Madalynn oversees livestock shows, auctions and marketing while supporting all fair activities, including event planning and volunteer management. She lives in Brenham. Madalynn is a finalist in our Excellence in Agriculture contest.

Meet Jacob and Laura Henson! They wear many hats in agriculture, including growing and selling vegetables at farmers markets. They raise cattle and help operate Laura’s family’s farm, white-tailed deer ranch and silage harvesting business. They also own a small business marketing agency. Laura is also an adjunct instructor and research associate at Tarleton State University, and Jacob owns a construction business. They live in Lingleville with their daughter. The Hensons are finalists in our Excellence in Agriculture contest.

It’s a bittersweet harvest in the Rio Grande Valley. This year’s citrus crop looks promising. But what’s not promised is a crop for next year. Water battles with Mexico have some fearing this could be the last citrus crop in Texas. Farmers like Dale Murden, however, aren't going down without a fight.

Why do we need a farm bill? It’s a bill that covers everyone—both agriculture and consumers. Farm income is down 23% since 2022. Crop prices are falling and production costs are at near record levels, leaving farmers little chance of breaking even. The U.S. has lost over 141,000 farms in the last five years, putting pressure on our national food security. That’s why farmers need Congress to pass a modernized farm bill. It should reflect the new challenges agriculture faces like skyrocketing inflation, weather disasters, supply chain disruptions and more. It’s a food and farm bill that affects everyone. Without it, many communities—both urban and rural—and the Texas economy will suffer.

Science. Technology. Engineering. Math. All are at the heart of every farm and ranch. It’s the science of growing crops, raising livestock and developing new crop varieties. It’s the technology to grow more with less using precision ag tools like GPS. It’s engineering on dairy farms that allow an efficient and sustainable milk supply. It’s the math applied to determine feed rations that ensure the healthiest nutrition for our animals. Agriculture is STEM. Read more: https://txfb.us/YTAM110821

Meet our 2024 Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher finalists: ??Kade and Morgan Hodges ??Colby and Ashley McClendon ??Layton and Jessi Schur The contest recognizes the accomplishments of some of the state’s top young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 and 35 and rewards them for their hard work, dedication and determination. Read more about the finalists: https://lnkd.in/gaB7WfF3

Step up for ag literacy with Socks for a Cause! Buy TFB-branded socks or other ag-themed socks and help support the National Ag in the Classroom Organization. The socks are available for purchase now through Jan. 31. Buy yours today! >> https://lnkd.in/gY_cJFqA We are an affiliate of the National Ag in the Classroom Organization, so Texas teachers benefit from the national resources, programs and activities.

Boo! Have a Spook-tacular Halloween!

Last call, y’all! Sign up to be part of our Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet! The winner takes home an ATV with an estimated prize value of $9,000. Registration closes Nov. 1. Get more details here: https://lnkd.in/gstv9ykX Get the Discussion Meet manual/topics: https://lnkd.in/gmTGYkPE