Farmers, ranchers discuss ag policy issues during 92nd annual meeting

(ARLINGTON, Texas)—Texas farmers and ranchers set new policy to guide the agricultural advocacy efforts of Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) during the organization’s 92nd annual meeting. More than 700 voting delegates gathered Dec. 7 to discuss emerging issues and adopt resolutions that shape the voice of the state’s largest general farm and ranch organization.

“Our members live these issues every day, and their input shapes the direction we take for the year ahead,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “Their voice gives our policy strength and credibility.”

Artificial intelligence (AI), the rapid expansion of data centers and solar installations and the value of natural fibers were among the key topics delegates addressed.

Resolutions approved by the voting delegates support the state having regulatory authority to establish enforceable minimum standards and/or best practices for AI data centers, server farms, cryptocurrency mining and other similar facilities to address the potential for environmental hazards and the incredible demand on state water and energy resources.

Voting delegates also approved a resolution supporting renewable energy, data centers, residential subdivisions and industrial complexes being responsible for monetary reparations to surrounding landowners for issues such as contamination of soil, water and air, erosion and sedimentation, as well being held accountable for damages to the public roads and bridges that support their construction.

An approved resolution calls for AI systems to disclose how responses are generated and to rely on reputable sources, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, when providing information related to farming, land stewardship, food safety, water or the environment. The policy aims to protect the accuracy of agricultural information as AI becomes more widely used.

With solar panels continuing to crop up across Texas, delegates supported a resolution supporting agrivoltaic practices that combine agricultural production with solar energy production.

“We’re seeing rapid growth in solar infrastructure, and our members want solutions that don’t push agriculture aside,” Boening said. “Agrivoltaics keeps land productive and gives farmers and ranchers another tool to stay viable.”

Delegates also approved resolutions supporting educational efforts that highlight the benefits of natural plant and animal fibers.

“Natural fibers like cotton and wool are part of Texas’ heritage and future,” Boening said. “Promoting their value helps consumers understand the sustainability and quality our farmers and ranchers deliver.”

Trade and water were additional areas of focus. Delegates voiced support for including enforceable provisions and remedies for non-compliance with water treaties in future trade agreements with Mexico or Canada. The recommendation follows Mexico’s failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.

Other resolutions adopted addressed diesel exhaust fluid systems, the National Scrapie Eradication Program and food labeling requirements.

Policy process
State resolutions adopted at the TFB annual meeting become policies that guide the organization in 2026.

National resolutions adopted by the voting delegates are sent to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for consideration in its resolutions process. Resolutions approved by AFBF delegates in January provide a roadmap for the national organization.

Officers, directors elected
Russell Boening of Wilson County Farm Bureau was re-elected to another term as TFB president.

Warren Cude of Pecos-Reeves County Farm Bureau was elected vice president, and Brian Adamek of Victoria County Farm Bureau was re-elected secretary-treasurer.

In other action, Jared Blankenship of Deaf Smith County, Greg Buenger of Young County, Stuart Traylor of Montgomery County and Brain Jones of Hidalgo County were re-elected to two-year terms on the state board of directors.

Three new directors were also elected.

Jerry Moody of Omaha was elected to the Texas Farm Bureau board, representing District 5. Moody is a contract poultry broiler grower for Pilgrim’s and runs a commercial cow-calf herd, along with a small registered Black Angus seedstock herd. He also sells beef direct-to-consumer and manages Moody Blooms, a u-pick tulip farm. He has served as president and vice president of Titus County Farm Bureau, chaired the state Young Farmer & Rancher Committee and was named the Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher Winner in 2002. Moody is a graduate of FarmLead V and has served multiple terms on TFB’s Resolutions Committee. He has chaired both the Poultry Advisory Committee and the Feral Hog Advisory Committee and currently serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Issues Advisory Committee on Market Structures. Moody and his wife, Deanna, have three children and five grandchildren.

Paul Minzenmayer of Rowena will serve as the new state director for District 7. He grows cotton and wheat and also raises beef cattle. A longtime leader in Runnels County Farm Bureau, Minzenmayer has served as president, vice president and secretary-treasurer. He served on the Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee, graduated from AgLead VIII and was a member of TFB’s Vision 2020 Committee. He and his wife, Monica, were named the TFB Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher winner in 2010 and went on to win the American Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Achievement Award in 2011. He has participated in numerous National Affairs Awards Trips and served on both the TFB Wheat Advisory Committee and the Resolutions Committee. The Minzenmayers have two children.

Ted Britton of Palestine is the new District 9 state director. He owns a feed store and raises cattle, grows hay and manages timber in Anderson, Leon and Cherokee counties. Britton is an active member of Anderson County Farm Bureau, where he has served as president, vice president and secretary-treasurer. He is a recipient of the distinguished TFB Pioneer Award and has served on TFB’s Resolutions Committee, as well as participated in several National Affairs Awards Trips. Britton founded the Youth Ambassador Program through Anderson County Farm Bureau to encourage youth engagement. The initiative has since been replicated in other counties. He and his wife, Teresa, have three children.

92nd Annual Meeting details
Click to view membership recognition, Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher contest winner, Excellence in Agriculture contest winner, Discussion Meet winner and more announcements from the annual meeting.

For more information about Texas Farm Bureau, visit texasfarmbureau.org.