There’s a lot to be proud of in our community.
I look around me every single day and wonder how we all got so lucky. From beautiful sunrises and sunsets to the people I talk with, this place we all call home is special.
From the grit and determination of the hardest working small business people anywhere to the wide open vistas of our farms and ranches, few can deny this truly is an amazing place.
One of my favorite Big Country pastimes is just being outside. The fresh air. The quiet. The nighttime darkness. And agriculture. I remember the awe of seeing the expansive countryside when I first arrived here more than six years ago.
And then even more awe-inspiring was learning about what happens on those lands.
The Chamber’s Agriculture Committee is special to me for many reasons, many of which are the people. But helping our community to understand the importance the ag industry has on each of us is a spectacular task.
As a newly arriving Abilenian back in 2015, I remember the hype of the then upcoming Texas Farm Ranch & Wildlife Expo (TFRWE) like it was yesterday. And once it was “showtime,” I understood why.
I was told (and later substantiated) that our TFRWE was “the longest running farm and ranch show in Texas.” For a state so deeply steeped in farming and ranching, that’s quite an achievement.
I hope you’ll take the time to join me at this year's TFRWE (we pronounce that “Twerfy”). It is, after all, the longest running farm and ranch show in Texas for a reason.
Held inside the newly renovated Taylor County Expo Center, this year’s show promises to be the best ever. It will be held on Feb. 22 and 23 sponsored by Lawrence Hall - Abilene. After a pause caused by the pandemic, we are back, ready and raring to go with a show that’s bigger and better than ever before.
You can anticipate seminars on broadband expansion, cotton production in 2022, range management, and more. Check it out.
If you’ve never ventured out before, here’s what you can expect - the latest and greatest in the ag industry, some of the most awesome people you’ll ever meet, and program content designed to help increase the competitiveness of one of the largest industries in the big country.
It’s worth your time. Trust me.
And if that weren’t compelling enough, you need to also experience the Agriculture Luncheon sponsored by Taylor Telecom, this year featuring special guest speaker Wyman Meinzer, author, photographer, and the first and only official photographer of the State of Texas. Details for the luncheon can be found HERE.
When you do make it out, look me up. I’ll be the inquisitive guy who’s pawing all over stuff that looks extra cool.
It’s also a great time to showcase your business (it is a show, right?). And even though this show sells out quickly, space is still available. Reach out to Ashley Knowlton at ashley@abilenechamber.com to reserve your space or to learn about all the opportunities to engage and show your support for an amazing and important Big Country industry.
See you at the show!
Doug