Texas Farm Bureau president discusses challenges, calls for compromise
SAN ANTONIO, Texas—During a time of great challenges centered on political and economic uncertainty, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) President Kenneth Dierschke called for Texas farmers and ranchers to rediscover compromise during his address at the organization’s 80th annual meeting today.
“I believe we are at a dangerous time in the history of our nation and our relationship to government,” Dierschke said. “We don’t trust each other to do the right thing. The ability to compromise seems to have been lost.”
During his address to members of TFB’s state delegate assembly, Dierschke noted that there is much to be done—the pending farm bill, immigration reform and over-reaching government. To find solutions to these challenges, legislators and citizens must work together.
“It is past time to move beyond differences and rediscover compromise and cooperation,” he said. “We can get this done, and the time is now.”
He reminded delegates of the recent passage of Proposition 6, the constitutional amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot to jump start financing for water projects in the state.
“Farmers and ranchers and Texas Farm Bureau members do turn out to vote in numbers larger than the population would suggest,” Dierschke continued. “When there is something very important on the ballot—like this year’s Proposition 6, funding the state water plan and supporting vital water projects—we can make a positive difference.”
Dierschke encouraged members to meet with elected representatives to help give agriculture a strong, clear voice within the Legislature.
“We have misinformed critics on both ends of the political and philosophical spectrum who don’t understand the unintended consequences of tampering too much with the farm bill,” Dierschke said. “It is the formula that has done so much to secure our national food supply. It has also generated more jobs than any other jobs bill ever passed and helped the economy in dozens of ways.”
The president congratulated TFB members for another successful year and encouraged them to continue contributing to their communities, state and nation.
“A new year will soon begin with all the promises and challenges we’ve come to expect as farmers and ranchers,” Dierschke said. “We have our organization, more than a half million families strong. We have a policy that is responsible and achievable. And we have the will to work hard.”