TGFA members hear from ag commissioner, honor colleagues

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Texas Ag Commissioner Susan Combs noted the state's grain and feed industry is a big contributor to the Texas economy. -- Staff photo by Taylor

May 12, 2005 - The state's agriculture commissioner told the state's grain and feed producers, and those involved in the business, that their industry is an important part of Texas economy.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs was a key speaker during the recent 107th annual Texas Grain and Feed Association (TFGA) convention and legislative conference in Austin.

Combs said one of the Texas Department of Agriculture's major goals is to "try to make sure that Texas grain moves." She told the audience that if any of them are having problems with the movement of their products to "get in touch with her." With Texas being one of the fastest growing states, with about 22 million citizens, now, Combs said she wanted Texas consumers to be able to have things that are "grown, raised and processed in the state of Texas."

The importance of water to the state's grain producers was also noted. Combs reported the water owed the United States by Mexico should be completed returned to Texas by September. Although Mexico had consistently said they did not have enough water to repay their debt, Combs said it was "very handy to have good information," referring to the aerial photography that proves there was enough water in Mexico to repay the debt.

"It's very important for agriculture that agriculture is not loosing water," stated Combs.

Another bit of good news shared by Combs deals with the current Texas legislative session. She assured TGFA members that, as far as this session, "ag is totally safe."

Those attending the TGFA convention were also reminded of their association's purpose: "to improve the business climate of our industry and continue its tradition of fair trade, based on honesty and integrity."

TGFA Chairman John Culmer touted the association's qualities that included "listening to its members' concerns and serving as a unified voice in legislative and regulatory matters."

Culmer stated that while the TGFA board of directors is in place to help settle arbitration disputes, they are always "reaching higher" and hoping to raise membership. "They do a really good job," he added.

Although the TGFA membership has run as high as 600 members, the current total is 461. Culmer noted this is mainly due to the "consolidation and older population," along with fewer employees. Total TGFA membership is comprised of about 42 percent representing grain; 24 percent representing feed, and the rest of the membership is made up of equipment owners, transportation operators, bankers and merchandisers/brokers.

The TGFA was first organized in 1898, Culmer said, and its purpose has not wavered. Besides the business, legislative, and legal work, the association also "provides an environment that promotes both social and professional interaction and fellowship, resulting in lifetime memberships and life long bonds."

During the TGFA convention, awards were also presented. The "inaugural" award of Legislator of the Year for 2005 was given to State Rep. David Swinford. Advocate of the Year honors went to Jerry Stephenson of Westway Feed Products in Tomball. Will Dalton, of LaCour-Dalton Co. in Richardson, was presented TGFA's highest honor, the Lone Star Award.