Kenneth Dierschke of San Angelo Retires as Head of Texas Farm Bureau

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) President Kenneth Dierschke has announced he will not seek reelection in December as the head of the state’s largest farm organization.

“Thank you for the trust and confidence you placed in me to lead this great organization for the past 12 years,” Dierschke told the TFB board of directors on July 30 at their quarterly meeting. “It has been an honor to serve the members of Texas Farm Bureau as we work together to be the true Voice of Agriculture in the Lone Star State.”

The farm leader will retire at the conclusion of the TFB annual meeting on Dec. 8 in Corpus Christi. A new president will be elected by voting delegates at that time.

The organization achieved many milestones through Dierschke’s leadership, said Vernie Glasson, chief operating officer of Texas Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies.

“Most notable was topping the 500,000 mark in membership,” Glasson said. “It was President Dierschke’s dream and commitment that kept us driving toward that goal.”

Another Dierschke vision was the addition of the TFB Conference and Training Center. Although the center is set up to handle TFB training and meeting needs, the basement is hardened to withstand major disasters, including the most powerful tornadoes.

“The conference center ensures Farm Bureau will always be able to maintain member services, even in worst case scenarios,” Glasson said.

Dierschke also played an active role in TFB’s withdrawal from the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Company that led to the creation of the Waco-based Texas Farm Bureau Casualty Company.

The San Angelo grain and cotton farmer’s 12 years as president are the most as TFB president in 57 years. Glasson said Dierschke’s leadership will be missed by Farm Bureau leaders, staff, members and others involved in agriculture throughout the state and nation.

Dierschke is a member of the United States Trade Representatives Advisory Council. Since 1998, Dierschke has served as agricultural representative on the Region F Water Planning Group created by Senate Bill 1. He is a member of the Cotton Board, served on its executive committee, and is a director of the Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association. Dierschke is a member of the USDA Trade Representative Advisory Committee and has served on the American Farm Bureau Trade Advisory Committee.

Dierschke served on the Tom Green County Farm Bureau Board of Directors from 1975 until his election to the TFB Board and was Farm Bureau president for two terms.

Dierschke is a fourth generation farmer who raises cotton and milo. He graduated from Wall High School and attended San Angelo College (now Angelo State University).

Dierschke and his wife, Binnie have two sons and a daughter, and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren.