Mark Sustaire, President of the Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau Board, welcomes
members and guests to Tuesday night's 58th Annual County Convention.

 

58th Annual County Farm Bureau Convention
Attracts Large Crowd and Sets Policy

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

It was a large crowd of Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau members and their family members that made their way to the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center for the 58th Annual County Convention, Tuesday night, at 7:00 p.m. Members and guest were treated to great BBQ dinner, catered by Birthwright BBQ, as well as a number of door prizes, and the attention to policy making, that will be forwarded to the State Resolutions Committee, for adoption by the Texas Farm Bureau.

 

"Imagine the importance of this organization in shaping policy over the past 58 years," stated Mark Sustaire, President of the local Farm Bureau Board. "Think of the many, many changes this organization has shaped, as our world has changed in that historical period!"

Keynote speaker, Dan Shelton, District 5 State Director of Texarkana, told local members that the state organization, Texas Farm Bureau, is the largest farm organization in the state of Texas, and expects to have over 450,000 members by the annual state convention in December. "Our influence is recognized in the state of Texas and this year, with it being an election year, it is imperative that members become involved and participate," expressed Shelton. "We can make a difference working together and letting Austin and Washington know what we desire in government and policy!"

 

 

District 5, State Director,  Dan Shelton, of Texarkana, was the keynote speaker at Tuesday night's
58th Annual County Farm Bureau Convention.

 

 

 

 

In a comparison of even when the Texas Farm Bureau finds themselves on the opposite side of some issues, Shelton quoted Humorist Will Rogers, in saying, "Live your life so that even when you lose, you're still a winner!"

Shelton also advised the the Eminent Domain Bill, has been assured to be a top priority in Austin, regardless of whether the "State House" is occupied by Bill White or Rick Perry. "Both candidates have assured me that it will be at the top of the list, in the state legislature," stated Shelton.

A number of door prizes were offered to members and guests and then the local directors conducted the annual business of the local bi-county organization.

 

Sustaire, assisted by staff, awarded a number of door prizes to those in attendance at the local
County Farm Bureau Convention, Tuesday night.

 

 

 

It was reported that Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau is the largest county organization in District 5, with 4750 local members.

The group approved the minutes from the 2009 Convention.

 

 

Members enjoyed a BBQ dinner and participated in policy development.

 

 

And, Policy Development Committee Chairman, Fred Moseley, presented two policy development resolutions, for consideration.

        1) The assessment of a 1/2 cent tax on bottled water to pay for clean water enforcement in the state of Texas.

       2) Supporting changes in the U.S. Farm Program with the National Milk Producers Federation.

Additional, policy was asked for from the floor, or to be forwarded to the Policy Development Committee. Policy will be sent to State Resolutions Committee and voted on at the state convention in December, by the representatives at that meeting.

"We had a wonderful county convention," expressed Mike Miesse, Farm Bureau Agency Manager, for Hopkins/Rains Counties. "We served well over 500 people, who came out and joined us for this opportunity to shape government on the state and national level, as they enjoyed a nice meal and visited with their friends and neighbors across the area!"

 

Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau Agency Manager, Mike Miesse, was pleased with the
large number of members attending this year's convention, and becoming involved.

 

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