Texas Corn Producers Association (TCPA) held its annual meeting on Monday, Dec. 12. This virtual event allowed farmer members from across the state the opportunity to gain insight on policy activity at the federal and state levels, as well as the ongoing advocacy efforts of the association over the past year.
TCPA President Charles Ring, a farmer from Sinton, presided over the meeting.
Congressman GT Thompson (R-Pa) offered a federal perspective from the U.S. House of Representatives. The incoming chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture discussed the work ahead as the committee focuses on the next farm bill. He emphasized the importance of sound farm policy for a robust rural economy. He also noted the need for Congressional oversight of regulatory agencies on behalf of America’s farmers.
Texas Representative DeWayne Burns (R-Cleburne) joined the meeting to discuss the upcoming Texas legislative session. The chairman of the House Agriculture & Livestock Committee discussed potential policy on the right to farm – emphasizing the need to have smart policies in place to protect agriculture as urban sprawl increases across the state. He also discussed how the legislature will address the budget surplus.
Ring highlighted TCPA’s advocacy efforts over the past year, including efforts to mitigate increases in fertilizer costs, gaining federal funding for aflatoxin research, and comments on potential regulations for atrazine.
At the meeting, members elected five directors for seats that were up for re-election. Elections were held for five At Large seats. The association elected:
- Robert Gordon, Hartley County
- Hark Howard, Hartley County
- Hagen Hunt, Hale County
- Charles Ring, San Patricio County
- Jim Sugarek, Bee County
Additionally, elections were held for TCPA officers. The members elected:
- President: Jim Sugarek of Bee County
- Vice President: Hagen Hunt of Hale County
- Secretary/Treasurer: Chad Wetzel of Sherman County
Congratulations to the individuals elected to all these leadership roles. TCPA appreciates the efforts of those who previously served in leadership and on the board of the association for their service to the agricultural industry.
Texas Corn Producers Association is the advocacy arm of Texas corn farmer representation on both a state and national level. TCPA’s mission is to build a strong organizational support system for corn that will represent the interests and concerns of farmers from all regions of Texas. It is governed by a 15-member board of directors of corn farmers from across the state of Texas.