RURAL IDOLS BIG HIT AT TEXAS FARMERS UNION CONVENTION
By
Minda Painter

Rains County Farmers Union was well represented in the 107th Annual Convention of the Texas Farmers Union held last weekend at the Elegante Hotel in Abilene, Texas. The 3-day event was attended by Rains chapter president, Minda Painter, and delegate, Jean Ann Hockaday, from Emory.
Topics presented during the convention included “Renewable Fuel”, “Emerging Use of Hemp”, and “Agriculture Policy Analysis”, along with “Deliberation on Issues and Concerns”, by an Ag Law Specialist. All the delegates toured the Frontier Texas Museum and visited a Wind Farm near Abilene.

The Presidents and delegates of the various County chapters voted on the 2008 Texas Farmers Union Policy Statement, which addressed numerous issues affecting Texas farmers and ranchers, the rural community, and also dealt with national economic issues. This Texas Farmers Union Policy Statement will soon be made available at the Rains County Public Library.

During the opening session of the convention, the National Anthem was performed by Jason McDonald, 2008 Rural American Idol.

For the past six years, the P.O.I.N.T. Inc, organization, which develops and promotes the Rural American Idol Program, has been providing entertainment for the annual convention of the Texas Farmers Union. This year, entertainment was provided by the three, 2008 finalists of the Rural American Idol Competition, namely Michael Meshell, Division 3 finalist, Breyonia Ford, Division I winner, and Jason McDonald, Rural American Idol’s overall winner.

The convention attendees were awed at the gospel singing of Michael Meshell as it signified their hope and inspiration and gave credence to their prayers for rain and good crops.

Ten-year old Breyonia Ford, from Greenville, received a very enthusiastic response on her impressive performance, inspiring several youngsters in the crowd.

The performance by Jason McDonald of song selections popularized by various country music artists, received raving applause. His songwriting ability was highly appreciated when he sang a wedding song “We Are One” and dedicated it to Texas Farmers Union President, Wes Sims and his wife Latria. It was the occasion of their 54th wedding anniversary. After a standing ovation, McDonald pleased everyone with an encore performance.

Texas Farmers Union was the first state chartered into the federation of 32 member states that comprise the National Farmers Union. Since the creation of the Farmers Union in Point, Texas in 1902, the organization has worked to improve the quality of life for all rural people through legislation, cooperation, and education.

Picture: (L-R) Delegates at the 107th Annual Convention of the Texas Farmers Union, held in Abilene entertained by the Rural American Idols. Picture shows 10-year old Breyonia Ford, Division I winner from Greenville, flanked by Joanna McDonald, Rural American Idol Jason McDonald and Texas Farmers Union President Wes Sims with his wife Latria Sims