Return to TFB Main Page
Return to Current Edition
Texas Agriculture Archive

November 15, 2002

Burns' role as
TDA inspector supports ag

DeWayne Burns of Cleburne was a state finalist in the TFB Discussion Meet and TFB Excellence in Agriculture Contest in 2001. Burns' involvement in agriculture started early. As a youth, he was active in Farm Bureau, participating in the TFB Citizenship Seminar and Free Enterprise Speech Contests, and in FFA.

Today, Burns works as a regulatory inspector for the Texas Department of Agriculture, enforcing the state's agriculture-related laws in a five-county area of North Central Texas.

Additionally, Burns, along with his wife Jennifer, assists in the operation of the Ormsby Ranch, and manages a cow/calf venture and farms on the Cheek/Burns Farm. The operations are about two miles apart in Johnson County. The Ormsby Ranch, an entirely family-owned and operated Hereford cattle ranch founded in 1945 by Jennifer's grandfather, Floyd Edwin Ormsby Jr., now exceeds 7,000 acres in cattle and hay production.

"Our cow/calf operation at the Cheek/Burns Farm is currently comprised of 13 Brangus cow/calf pairs," says Burns, noting that the Cheek/Burns Farm has been home to five generations of his family.

Burns, who earned a B.S. in Agriculture and in Education at Tarleton State University, feels his role as a TDA inspector has a positive impact on agriculture, from ensuring a good seed supply through sampling to checking fuel pumps and scales to ensure fairness.

"Trapping quarantined insects allows our regulatory agencies to identify and stop potentially catastrophic pest invasions. In addition, routine inspections of nursery stock and turfgrass farms keep harmful insect and plant diseases in check while providing opportunities to enforce plant specific quarantines," he says.

Burns has been active in the Johnson County Farm Bureau, serving as board president and on various committees, including State Affairs, Wheat, Cotton and Farm Safety. He has also participated at the TFB state convention as a voting delegate.

Additionally, Burns is a member of the State Drought Response and Monitoring Committee, serves on the Agriculture Advisory Committee for a Texas House member, and on various local livestock committees.

Church and family is central to the life of this father of two, who is a deacon. He is politically active, and may run for county commissioner in four years.

"With regard to agriculture, my immediate plan is to gain maximum exposure for our county Farm Bureau during my tenure as president. Our increased involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and the Agribusiness Breakfast Series has brought some welcome notoriety and increased membership to our county Farm Bureau..."