County agent sees need for organization; instigates first local Farm Bureau in 1945

County Agent D.J. Moore saw a need for the farming and ranching industry to get more organized in 1945, and he was instrumental in that effort. Though Texas Farm Bureau began in 1920, it wasn't until Moore promoted the idea in Lampasas County that it took root and flourished.

Harrison Stephens, a farmer and rancher who lived north of Lometa, was the first convert. He got a pad of membership slips and proceeded to convince others to join.

One of his early recruits was Elvis Faubion, who was followed by numerous others.

Among the early local Farm Bureau organizers were Fred Herring, Willie Bain, Marvin Nesbit, Clyde Glimp, O.L. Davis, Rex Ivey, Sam Porter, Johnny Martin, Floyd Crain, Willie Blauvelt, Casbeer Snell, Billy Fraley and Ed Frank.

Cost for membership was $5, and the first county convention was held in front of a repair shop in Lometa, with 12-15 in attendance out of a total membership of 50.

Stephens was elected to go to the state convention in San Antonio. The organization had very little money to spare, so Stephens took just enough out of the treasury to pay his bus fare to San Antonio and back.

Monthly meetings began -- and alternated from community to community -- along with a covered dish supper, which probably did more to help the Farm Bureau in Lampasas County than any single thing.

About that same time, the insurance portion of Farm Bureau began in the county.

Stephens served as president for six years and resigned to devote more time to his radio station. Faubion then took the helm of the Farm Bureau. Cecil McCoury, Charles Allison, Mark Nash Jr., Glimp, Barney Groves Jr. and Virgil "Ed" Lilley followed as county Farm Bureau presidents.

Since that time, Neil Machen, Jim Eddy, Lewis Bridges and Alex Wittenburg have served in the local presidency.

Eva Bilton Thornal (Mrs. Roye Thornal) was the Farm Bureau's first volunteer secretary. She said her job was to send out penny postcards to each of the 65 members to remind them of upcoming meeting places and times.

Lampasas County Farm Bureau has been active for more than 60 years in service to its members. Offices were in the downtown Lampasas area for several years, then moved north on U.S. Highway 281.

In 1975, the local unit moved into its new building. Additions and a kitchen were built to allow the meeting room to accommodate more members and provide a space large enough to house agriculture-related gatherings.

Membership in the organization is open to anyone who desires to promote the farming and ranching industry. For more information, phone the local office at 556-6271.