Fayette County Farm Bureau Holds Annual Meeting in LG
The voice of agriculture was three hundred strong when the Fayette County Farm Bureau met for its annual meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Knights Of Columbus Hall in La Grange.
Members heard answers for their 2025 questions, so different from concerns in the 1950s when the bureau was first organized in Fayette County.
The meeting was called to order by senior Ella Janacek, president of the La Grange Future Farmers of America.
Guest speaker game warden Shaun Bayless addressed subjects like drones when answering questions from the audience,“If drones have anything to do with animal activity, such as counting deer, you must have authorization, a permit.” Bayless also said that photographers of animals from a drone must have permits.
Looking ahead, the bureau is voicing its support for resolutions that affect the future for Fayette County. One resolution is regulating the disposal waste from renewable energy projects and to find ways for them to be recycled. Also, a resolution expedites the production of sterile flies to combat the New World Screwworm that threatens livestock and wildlife. The bureau supports solar and wind projects, but in its resolution the amount of prime agricultural lands that are used for solar and wind projects would be limited.
These local resolutions are sent to the state convention for approval in December; then with state approval, they will be heard at the national level.
The bureau paves the way for future leaders by offering scholarships to graduating seniors.
“One of my favorite bureau activities is Ag Day,” says Casey Tarter, lead field representative for the bureau. Fourth graders from all over the county, 327 this year, spent Oct. 14 learning about cattle, grain, bees, poultry, wild life, dairy, goats/sheep, and horticulture. The students’ posters depicting agriculture were on display for all to see at this time.
The bureau supports farms and ranches, especially with its insurance offering. In addition, its impressive record of community outreach goes from the range of cooking for the La Grange High School Mighty Leopard Band to cooking for the administrators and teachers of the Round Top-Carmine ISD. Through the year, the bureau has drive-through dinners, and the proceeds go to the local food pantries.
Addressing the hunters in the audience, Bayless said digital licensing is becoming more popular. Also, hunters must bury animal carcasses on property where animals originate. They can bury them on their personal property if they shoot them on their property.
Bayless answered one question from the audience very soundly. He said shooting at a drone on your property is not legal, and it is a federal offense. It’s like shooting at an airplane.
La Grange FFA officers closed the meeting with the Allegiance to the Flag.