SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 261

WHEREAS, Texas Farm Bureau District 1 Day is taking place at the State Capitol on February 15, 2011, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to recognize an organization that has played an essential role in Texas agriculture in the Panhandle region for more than 75 years; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Farm Bureau was founded in 1933 and has provided a united voice for farmers and ranchers throughout its history; it focuses on grassroots policy development, represents the interests of agricultural producers in the legislative process at both the state and national levels, and assists members by offering a range of benefits and services; the organization draws on the abilities of an experienced leadership team that includes District 1 state director Billy B. Brown, who also serves as secretary-treasurer for the statewide organization; and

WHEREAS, Texas Farm Bureau District 1 covers the northern portion of the Texas Panhandle and includes the counties of Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore, Hutchinson, Roberts, Hemphill, Oldham, Potter, Deaf Smith, Randall, Carson, Gray, Wheeler, Armstrong, Donley, Collingsworth, Hall, and Childress; and

WHEREAS, These 22 counties contain more than 4,800 farms and ranches that encompass 9.2 million acres of Texas soil; District 1 is an especially productive area for growing wheat, with Ochiltree, Hansford, and Deaf Smith the top three wheat-producing counties in the state; and

WHEREAS, Once home to the XIT Ranch, which stretched across portions of four counties, the region is also famous for its cattle; today, District 1 has more than 2.3 million cattle, and Deaf Smith County ranks number one in the state in beef production; and

WHEREAS, The valuable commodities raised on the farms and ranches in this territory are an important component of the economy of the Lone Star State, and the members of Texas Farm Bureau District 1 are indeed deserving of recognition for their vital contributions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize February 15, 2011, as Texas Farm Bureau District 1 Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the fine citizens who have traveled to Austin to celebrate this occasion; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Duncan

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 15, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate