Farm and city communities are working together in McLennan Co.

By MANDY JOHN | Central Texas Edition

Waco Chamber of Commerce board members listen to Scott Felton's presentation about the importance of agribusiness in Waco during the kick off of Farm-City Week. -Staff photo by John

November 21, 2002 -- Farm-City Week kicked off in Waco on Nov. 13 at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce monthly board meeting, which took place at the Heart of Texas (HOT) fairgrounds. Scott Felton, chairman of the chamber's agribusiness committee, presented to the board about the importance of agribusiness.

"We are real proud of the way that the HOT Fairgrounds and Coliseum looks," Felton started out. "The agri-business committee members and I couldn't be happier with the way that things are progressing.

"It's a stretch to say that the HOT Fair and Fodeo is agriculture based, but both the fair and the rodeo have some significance to it. This year marked the 50th anniversary and we have been pleased with the turn out that it received.

"I think it's safe to say that we have completed one of the finest facilities that I have ever seen. We have two new areas that have turned out just wonderfully. Those are the new equine facility and the other is the new coliseum.

"Education is a big part of what we do out at the HOT fairgrounds. That is why we put classrooms in the facilities so that they can be used to teach students and adults about what goes on out here as well as about general livestock management.

"We have future plans to make improvements on the fine arts and general exhibits area, as well as other plans to help with both expansion and renovation of the HOT fairgrounds."

Felton explained that McLennan County started in agriculture by farmers and ranchers getting resources from the land.

"The land in our county can be used, and has been used, for various things. We have raised livestock on it and have been able to have a vast amount of grain production, in addition to all kinds of food and fiber products produced.

"McLennan County agriculture is significant. In 2001, the estimated value was more than $177 million. That is why we want to keep agribusiness growing here. This figure is based on how many acres are planted and the number of crops that are grown. This is an amazing amount that we hope will continue to grow. The economic impact is also significant - exceeding $235 million.

"Agriculture supports approximately 20 percent of the total county employment and in the primary commodities, the high number here is turkeys, representing 52 percent of the commodities. Beef has increased because farmers are lowering their grain production and working more on beef production.

He said that silage is a huge part of the county's agriculture as well, which also includes hay. He added that a lot of these products are being used by dairymen around the county.

"We are looking forward to the Blackland Income Growth Conference, which covers from Dallas to Austin, and we are right in the heart of it. This is the state's oldest and largest regional agricultural economic development program. This next conference will run from Jan. 15 -16.

"We are also excited about the Mid-Tex Farm and Ranch Show, which helps promote networking and develops agribusiness. I would have to say that this is one of the best shows we have to promote agribusiness."

Other issues that Felton said were important included the county's water and air quality, statewide water issues, and the Go Texan program.

Hope Huffman, agribusiness committee member, stated that the Go Texan program is a cooperative agreement between businesses and the agricultural community.

"This program was initiated by Commissioner Combs to bring an opportunity in agriculture to help boost the promotion of their products."