McCulloch County Farm Bureau

06/03/2026

June in the Garden

05/31/2026

Texas is proving that not every piece of land should be sacrificed for massive AI data centers.

Ranches, farmland, coastal towns, open skies, wildlife, and tight-knit communities are part of what makes Texas special.

People aren't against technology...

They just don't want the spirit of Texas replaced by endless industrial expansion.

Once open land disappears, it rarely comes back.

Progress matters.

But protecting communities, nature, private land, and local identity matters too.

Sometimes saying "no" is about preserving what future generations deserve to keep.

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

Save on Beef Cattle Short Course with TFB member benefit

By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Registration is underway for the 72nd annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course in College Station, and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members will receive a discount on registration again.

“This course offers a unique, hands-on learning experience with a wide range of topics and speakers, giving ranchers practical information they can apply right away,” Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “No matter their level of experience or size of operation, there’s something valuable for everyone.”

The short course is scheduled for Aug. 3-5 in College Station and is the largest beef cattle educational event in the U.S.

The three-day event will include more than 20 sessions covering animal health, nutrition, reproduction, breeding, genetics, selection, research, marketing and handling.

Additional sessions will cover business management, forage, range, and purebred cattle. Landowner issues and fence building will be featured.
TFB members first received the discounted registration price in 2021.

More than 1,700 ranchers, beef industry representatives and exhibitors are expected to attend this year’s event, but a virtual option also will be available.

A trade show featuring more than 150 agricultural-related businesses and exhibitors, as well as the traditional prime rib dinner, will be part of the short course.

“The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course helps equip ranchers with the tools and connections they can use to be successful long after the event ends,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, conference coordinator and AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist. “We’re glad to once again team up with Texas Farm Bureau to offer members a discounted registration and support producers across the state.”

TFB member discount
The fee is $300 for those attending in person and $99 for the virtual option. The price will increase to $340 after July 28.

TFB members will receive $20 off the in-person registration fee only. The discount is applied at registration when you use the code TXFB.

Registration details
The Beef Cattle Short Course is hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University.

To register, visit beefcattleshortcourse.com or call 979-845-6931.

Contact Tomascik at [email protected] or 254-751-2266 with questions regarding the registration discount for TFB members.

Visit texasfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits for a full list of member benefits and services available.

05/29/2026

New World screwworm hasn’t been confirmed in Texas, but it’s getting closer. You can help protect our wildlife by keeping a close eye on them in your area.

What can you do?
Watch: Look for animals with unusual wounds, signs of infection or maggots.
Act: If you see a live animal with signs of infestation, report it right away.
Prepare: Your awareness and quick response make a difference.

Where do you report a suspected case? Immediately report any sightings of live animals with maggots to your local Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist or to the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Stay up-to-date with current information at tx.ag/NWSHub

05/28/2026

It’s ! Stack the flavor in your favorite burger with these Texas-grown ingredients. And remember the Texas farmers and ranchers behind every bite!

05/27/2026

Nominations open for 2027 Farm Bureau “Farm Dog of the Year “ contest

This is the 9th year of the contest, supported by Nestle Purina PetCare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.

The grand prize winner—will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027.

Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition.

Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip, must be received by July 11 for consideration.
Send an email to [email protected] with questions about the contest.

05/27/2026

Nearly 300 Texas farmers and ranchers traveled to Washington, D.C., in mid-May to advocate for a farm bill, agricultural labor reform and other issues impacting agriculture.

Mike and Phyllis Barbour represented McCulloch County. They joined others discussing New World screwworm, importance of prioritizing strong, enforceable trade agreements, addressing unfair trade practices and unfair non-tariff barriers, as well as expanding export opportunities for U.S. products. (By Jessica Domel)

05/23/2026

May we honor the brave who gave their all, and find peace in their remembrance. Wishing you a blessed and grateful weekend 🇺🇸


“Remember and Honor”

05/23/2026

Joe Parks, director of McCulloch County Farm Bureau, presented Hadlee Cavness a $2,000 scholarship at Rochelle graduation this morning.


🎓🎓Congratulations Hadlee!!🎓🎓