February 4, 2000

By Donald Patman
President, Texas Farm Bureau

I have been thinking a lot about the first words I would say to Texas Farm Bureau members as the new president of our state’s largest and most effective farm organization. Although I know many Farm Bureau members and leaders across the state, the situation has certainly changed! I am humbled by the challenge ahead, but I look forward to it with great enthusiasm and the confidence of a man who knows the strengths of this great organization.

I want to begin by congratulating Bob Stallman on his election as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Bob’s election will be good for agriculture and good for Farm Bureau at all levels. Working closely with Bob, as vice president, is one of the reasons that I feel prepared to work with members, leaders and staff to continue our important work for Texas farmers and ranchers.

I have farmed all my life, and I am quite proud to make that claim. I farm today with my son, and passing my land and farming operation on to the next generation of my family is a goal that I cherish. One of my primary goals as TFB President will be to do all that I can do to create opportunities for every farm and ranch family to do the same. We will work very hard, using all the tools and resources of Texas Farm Bureau to implement our policies and improve net farm income.

In the years that I have worked as a Farm Bureau member, county board member and president, and finally as a member of the state board, I have been fortunate to meet and talk with many members.

As a result, I have a good grasp of the situation facing Texas agriculture today. Meeting and getting to know so many of you has been one of the most important benefits of my time in Farm Bureau.

I know that times have seldom been harder than right now. I know because I am experiencing tough times myself. I want the membership to know that I face the same difficulties every day, battling nature, low prices, government regulations and activists’ claims. I have been there and done that, just like you.

It is my pledge that the Texas Farm Bureau will "be there" for the farmers and ranchers of Texas. We can do no less, because of all you have done to build the Texas Farm Bureau. You have "been there" for this organization, giving of your time and efforts to make it the major force in Texas that it has clearly become. The state board, your staff and I will aggressively work to implement your policies and move the organization forward.

When Bob became AFBF President, he said that he wanted to build on the base of Dean Kleckner and previous presidents. Well, I want all of us to build on the base of accomplishment that Bob Stallman, S.M. True and all the leaders of our Texas Farm Bureau created in the past.