Nearly 125 Texas Farm Credit District directors, employees and customers took the Farm Credit story to Capitol Hill in November. They were among more than 500 delegates participating in the 2021 national Farm Credit Fly-In to Washington, D.C.

The Texas District delegation held 29 meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff. Their main message focused on Farm Credit’s mission to support rural communities and agriculture, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Fly-in participants also highlighted how Farm Credit finances climate-smart agricultural practices and offered perspectives on legislative and regulatory proposals.

Other events included a Women’s Breakfast with U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow of Louisiana and other women on the House Ag Committee and a session with key leaders — Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabinow, House Ag Committee Ranking Member G.T. Thompson and USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

Farmers hand out product samples

The program concluded with the Farm Credit Congressional Reception and Marketplace, where elected officials and congressional staffers met Farm Credit customers from across the nation and sampled their agricultural products. Texas District exhibitors included:

Dawson Farms / Cranfills Gap, Texas / Lone Star Ag Credit
Heaton Pecans / Lyon, Mississippi / Mississippi Land Bank
Howland Pecan Company / Paris, Texas / Lone Star Ag Credit
Keenland Farms / Gallion, Alabama / Alabama Ag Credit
Louisiana Land Bank / Cajun Seasonings
Molpus Woodland Group / Jackson, Mississippi / Southern AgCredit
Odyssey Ranch / Shamrock, Texas / Plains Land Bank
Sanders Farm / Brundidge, Alabama / Alabama Ag Credit
Sorrells Farm / Comanche, Texas / AgTexas Farm Credit
Southern Farm Co. / Holly Pond, Alabama / Alabama Farm Credit
Texana Olive Ranch / Cotulla, Texas / Capital Farm Credit
J&K Whatley Farms / Odem, Texas / Texas Farm Credit
Volleman’s Dairy / Gustine, Texas / Central Texas Farm Credit