Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Gilbert "Gilly" Riojas and Russell Boening to the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council. Riojas and Boening will serve on the council until February 1, 2029. The council's main responsibilities are to advise and assist the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program (TFRLCP) in administering the program and selecting grant recipients. The TFRLCP aims to conserve working lands with high values for water, fish and wildlife, and agricultural production.

Gilbert "Gilly" Riojas, from Corpus Christi, is the general manager for La Babia Cattle Company. He is a member of several cattle associations, including the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and the National Cattleman's Beef Association. Riojas holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He is also a graduate of the Texas Christian University Ranch Management Program.

Russell Boening, from Floresville, is the co-owner and vice president of Boening Brothers Dairy, Inc., as well as a partner in Boening Enterprises, a farming and ranching operation. He currently serves as the president of the Texas Farm Bureau and is a member of the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Dairy Farmers of America. Boening earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University.

These appointments by Governor Abbott will contribute to the work of the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council in preserving and protecting the valuable resources of the state's working lands. The council plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and productivity of Texas' agricultural industry, as well as the conservation of its natural resources.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-riojas-boening-to-texas-farm-and-ranch-lands-conservation-council