Some of my fondest childhood memories are rooted in agriculture. I can still remember the feeling of the hot summer sun on my back as I sat alongside my grandpa in the combine, watching the golden wheat fields sway in the breeze. The rhythmic hum of the machine, the smell of freshly cut hay, and the satisfaction of a long day’s work became part of who I am. When we weren’t harvesting, my sister and I were in the pastures helping work cattle or stacking hay bales, knowing that every chore, no matter how small, played a role in something bigger.
Growing up in agriculture taught me more than just hard work—it taught me responsibility, resilience, and the importance of community. Work had to be done, and we were there to help. This deep-rooted heritage is what makes the agriculture industry so inspiring. For generations, men and women have played a part in shaping the foundation of our communities. Just as farmers and ranchers nurture their land, generations of Abilenians have made meaningful contributions to the growth and resilience of our region.
That’s why I’m thrilled to invite each of you to celebrate and honor the piece of heritage that goes back to our Big Country roots at this year’s Agriculture Legacy Luncheon, a signature event of the Texas Farm Ranch & Wildlife Expo, presented by Taylor Telecom. This special gathering will take place on Friday, February 28, at 11:30 AM and will bring together the agricultural community to honor the past, embrace the present, and look ahead to the future of farming and ranching.
This year, we are honored to welcome Carl Ray Polk, Jr., President of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, as our keynote speaker. A lifelong advocate for the agricultural industry, Polk is a respected leader in ranching, land management, and business. As the owner and operator of Polk Land & Cattle Co. alongside his father, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Texas’s cattle industry. His experience spans registered Angus and Brahman cattle operations, real estate, and timber production, making him a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for those dedicated to agriculture.
Beyond his work in ranching, Polk has held key leadership positions, on numerous boards, including CHI – St. Luke’s Memorial Medical Center, the Texas Wildlife Association, and the Texas Food and Fuel Association. His deep-rooted passion for agriculture and community development makes him the perfect voice to share insights into the evolving landscape of the industry.
Additionally, we will recognize the Farm Family of the Year, Hunter and Alexis Williams, for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and their dedication to the farming community. Their hard work and commitment exemplify the spirit of farming, and we are proud to honor them at this special event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow agricultural professionals, celebrate our shared heritage, and gain valuable industry insights.
Reserve your seat today and be part of this special tribute to the legacy of agriculture. We look forward to seeing you there! Click here to register.
Kodi Collett
Marketing & Communications Manager for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce