Some of my earliest lessons did not come from a classroom. They came from the field. I grew up learning agriculture from the inside out by riding along in equipment, spending long days outdoors, and understanding early on that the work never really stopped. There was always a fence to check, cattle to tend, or hay to stack, and every task came with the quiet understanding that it mattered.
Agriculture shaped how I view responsibility and perseverance. It taught me that showing up consistently is just as important as working hard and that success often comes from teamwork across generations. Those values stayed with me long after childhood and continue to influence how I approach my work and my connection to this community.
That foundation is one of the reasons agriculture continues to inspire me. Across the Big Country, farming and ranching are more than industries. They are legacies built through commitment, adaptability, and a deep respect for the land. The people who carry that legacy forward help anchor our region and remind us why honoring agriculture’s past and future is so important.
That is why I am proud to invite you to the 2026 Agriculture Legacy Luncheon, a signature event of the Texas Farm Ranch and Wildlife Expo, presented by Taylor Telecom. The luncheon will take place on Friday, February 20, and will bring together members of our agricultural community to reflect on where we have been, recognize where we are today, and look ahead to the future of farming and ranching.
This year, we are excited to welcome Michelle Miller, widely known as “The Farm Babe,” as our keynote speaker. One of the most effective voices in agriculture today, Michelle is reshaping how people understand food, farming, and the modern agricultural industry. Through a blend of storytelling, science, and humor, she builds bridges between farmers and the public while addressing misinformation and celebrating the people who grow our food.
For more than a decade, Michelle has worked alongside farmers, ranchers, scientists, and food system leaders across the globe, spotlighting innovation and showing audiences what agriculture truly looks like today. With a background in communications, journalism, and hands-on farm experience, she has built a platform that reaches more than five million people each month and a community of over 400,000 followers across her channels. Whether she is speaking on stage, creating farm video content, or organizing unique events like the Farm Cruise, her mission remains the same: to make agriculture understood, supported, and celebrated.
“I’m truly excited to be back in Texas and honored to join the Abilene community as a keynote speaker,” Michelle shared. “Texas agriculture is unlike anywhere else. It is diverse, resilient, innovative, and deeply rooted in history and culture. Every visit reminds me why it plays such a vital role in feeding and fueling our country. Celebrating and preserving Texas’s rich agricultural heritage matters now more than ever, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of that conversation with such a proud and hardworking community.”
In addition to our keynote presentation, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Taylor Electric Cooperative will recognize this year’s 2026 Agriculture Family of the Year recipients, Gaylon and Donna Brnovak. We look forward to honoring this family as they exemplify dedication, stewardship, and the enduring spirit of agriculture in our region.
I hope you will join us for this meaningful event as we come together to celebrate our shared roots, connect with fellow agricultural leaders, and continue an important conversation about the future of this essential industry.
Reserve your seat today and be part of this special tribute to the legacy of agriculture.
The Agriculture Legacy Luncheon is held in conjunction with the Texas Farm Ranch & Wildlife Expo, presented by Lawrence Hall Abilene and Clear Fork Bank. We hope you will also plan to visit the Expo on February 19 and 20 at Taylor Telecom Arena at the Taylor County Expo Center, where attendees can explore exhibits, connect with industry partners, and celebrate all aspects of agriculture across the Big Country.
If you are still interested in also exhibiting at the Texas Farm Ranch & Wildlife Expo, presented by Lawrence Hall Abilene and Clear Fork Bank, email kendal@abilenechamber.com!