Darren Turley
TAD Executive Director
In Texas, dairy isn’t just an industry, it’s a close-knit community and a family. As executive director of the Texas Association of Dairymen, I’m fortunate to spend time with the people who make this community so special: dairy farmers, dairy families, and industry leaders. It’s by far my favorite part of the job.
Throughout the year, I attend events across the state where I reconnect with old friends, meet the next generation of dairy leaders, and collaborate with our valued industry partners. These gatherings not only showcase the latest in dairy technology and best practices but also highlight the deep-rooted family values that define our industry.
Most recently, I had the pleasure to attend Southwest Dairy Day in Dublin, hosted at Pepper Grass-fed Organic Dairy & Heifer Farm. The event featured informative tours, vendor booths, and a strong lineup of speakers. The turnout was impressive, and Texas AgriLife Extension Service, especially dairy specialists Jennifer Spencer and Juan Piñeiro, put together a fantastic dairy field day.
But what struck me most about the event was the overwhelming sense of community. It’s often said that the dairy business “gets in your blood” – and I can’t think of a better way to describe the passion and dedication on display. The fact that multiple generations live and work on these family farms is a powerful testament to the strength of both family and tradition in today’s society.
Another inspiring example is the U.S. Dairy Education & Training Consortium, held each summer in Clovis, New Mexico. This program provides hands-on learning for college students pursuing careers in dairy. It’s always a highlight for me to see the children of dairy families participating, alongside many other young people who are new to dairy yet eager to make their mark in our field. Their enthusiasm is a clear sign that the future of dairy is in good hands.
The love for dairy is alive and well, and it’s this enduring passion that will carry us forward.
Ongoing Threat: New World Screwworm
While we celebrate the strength of our community, we must also remain vigilant about critical issues threatening our industry. One of the most urgent concerns is the advance of the New World Screwworm, a destructive, flesh-eating pest that continues to move closer to Texas along the Mexico border. The potential impact of a screwworm outbreak on livestock, pets and even humans is severe, and the financial consequences could be staggering.
We’ve been working hard to keep our producers informed about this threat through our newsletter and social media. Unfortunately, efforts on the federal level to combat the screwworm may have stalled due to the ongoing government shutdown. Hopefully the shutdown will end soon.
We’ll continue to advocate strongly on this issue and push for the attention and resources that dairy and other livestock industries and producers need and deserve.
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