At the 2024 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays and Carey Martin of the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network had the chance to talk with Stephen Diebel, who was newly elected as the First Vice President of TSCRA.
Diebel is a fifth-generation rancher operating in Victoria and Goliad counties. After receiving his college degree at Texas A&M University, he returned home to run the family business.
Many ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma have suffered great losses due to recent wildfires. Diebel has worked closely to provide aid for those producers and applauded the engagement of partners and TSCRA members who have helped in those efforts.
“It is a travesty what has happened to those producers,” Diebel said.
The TSCRA has a disaster relief fund that provides financial assistance to ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma who are victims of a natural disaster and consequently are financially needy to otherwise distressed. Assistance funds are designated for damage that occurred in disaster counties as declared by Texas. Producers must submit applications within 60 days of when the damage took place.
To donate or apply to the TSCRA disaster relief fund, CLICK HERE.
To see livestock supply points, information on USDA loss loans, documenting livestock losses, and a hub of links for those impacted or looking to help, CLICK HERE.
Looking into this next year at TSCRA, Diebel said advocacy efforts are of top priority.
“We have got a lot of educating to do with new members in our Texas House especially, and I think it is going to be a big job, but I think it is an opportunity where we can get more collective minds to the table, and we can educate more people in agriculture.”
