By Billy Howe

We heard it when Texas Farm Bureau fought for private property rights and eminent domain reform.  We heard it when we fought for groundwater rights and surface water rights. Lately, we have heard it all again as we fight for landowners over common carrier pipelines: “What Texas Farm Bureau wants is just going to enrich trial lawyers and cause ‘thousands of lawsuits.’”

What complete nonsense!

Texas Farm Bureau is fighting for the constitutionally-guaranteed right of landowners to protect their property.

That’s lawsuit abuse?

By Chase Usrey

High school sports, local coffee shop gossip and complaints about cattle, fuel and fertilizer prices—those are a few things ingrained early for a Northeast Texas boy. Growing up, we were taught to do your job, take care of your family, and go to church on Sunday.

However, the small world I grew up in got even smaller when I found out about Texas Farm Bureau and the opportunities they provide.

I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be centered in agriculture. I’ve also strived to think outside the box.

By Jessica Domel

I’m of the opinion that there’s nothing quite like a livestock show and rodeo. I’ve only been to a few in my life, but I have to say, there’s something about standing under the bright lights with my boots crunching fresh hay while the aroma of freshly cooked hot dogs fills the air. The sounds of children’s excitement as they crowd around a display of freshly-hatched chicks is just intoxicating.I forget how exciting it can be to see those first few moments of life, and I have to tell you, it’s something to behold.

By Justin Dauer

I’m often puzzled by the notion that livestock are abused in pursuit of the almighty dollar.

I know some of that sentiment is generated by images seen on television or the internet of animal mistreatment. Just to set the record straight, I think anyone who abuses livestock should be out of the business. I do not condone abuse of any animal for any reason. Neither do the other farmers and ranchers I know.

But I can tell you about the welfare of my livestock.

By John Paul Dineen III

My family is in the business of agriculture, helping to feed the people of our state, nation and world. I farm and ranch full time on the Blacklands of North Central Texas.  My wife, Heather, and I and our four children call Ellis County home, where we farm 1,800 acres of dryland crops. We also have a small commercial cow-calf operation.

Texas Food Connection Week, Feb. 17 -23, is being celebrated across the Lone Star State. I would like to talk with you about how we grow that food and the steps we take to ensure that food is safe, wholesome and nutritious.