About Us
Empowering Underserved Agricultural Producers
Our History
The Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community Based Organization (TSFR/CBO) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1998 by W. Wade Ross (State Director) and, his wife, Anita Ross (Executive Administrator) while farming and ranching on 120 acres in Bryan, Texas – a legacy from his paternal grandfather, Jack Ross (a runaway slave from South Carolina in the late 1890’s). The uncultivated property was offered to Grampa Jack for $1,200 by the townsfolks that wanted to keep him in the community for his excellent blacksmith talent. He was allowed to pay $100 a year for 12 years, so since he couldn’t read or write he notched an old tree in front of his little shack each year before he went into town to make his annual payment. On the 12th year after he made his final payment in town, a group of white men told him that they had chopped down his “payment tree” so he had to start his payments again which Jack did for another 12 years. To this day, the family cannot find a tree with his notches.
Recognizing that the time had come for small and underserved farmers and ranchers to organize themselves, to effectively articulate their needs and issues, to chart their own destiny, and to begin to engage themselves in the public policy development process was a result of the “100 Farmers Conference” Coalition signed into existence on August 7, 1998 and held at Langston University, Oklahoma with representation from each of the lower seventeen southern states. The purpose of the conference was to initiate a process by small and underserved farmers and rural residents to develop organizational capacity to impact public policy development. The Texas participants signing the 100 Farmers Conference Coalition included Wade Ross (current TSFR/CBO State Director) and Omar Garza (Texas /Mexico Border Coalition CBO) which authorized them (under the direction of President Clinton) to return to Texas to organize and advance the cause of underserved communities.
TSFR/CBO was initiated in Bryan, Texas by a group which included 30 Black farmers and ranchers from surrounding counties as its first members and also a few representatives in attendance from Prairie View A&M University (a 2501 – 1890 school) just prior to the settlement in April, 1999 of the infamous Pigford v. Glickman class action lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed in 1997 by Timothy Pigford, who was joined by 400 Black American farmer plaintiffs. Dan Glickman, the Secretary of Agriculture, was the nominal defendant. The allegations were that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) treated black farmers unfairly when deciding to allocate price support loans, disaster payments, “farm ownership” loans, and operating loans; and that the USDA had failed to process subsequent complaints about racial discrimination.
Our Mission
Empowering Underserved Agricultural Producers
We start with the basics. Our goal is to equip farmers with practical knowledge and hands-on skills that make farming sustainable and rewarding. From foundational training to advanced techniques, we help farmers build confidence in their craft and preserve agricultural traditions for future generations.
Farming is more than growing food—it’s about creating opportunity. We provide pathways to establish turnkey markets that allow farmers to monetize their land while discovering their niche. By encouraging farmers to “earn as they learn,” we connect agricultural growth to financial stability, building stronger futures for families and communities.
We believe no farmer succeeds alone. That’s why we focus on building a strong network of peer coaching leaders who share knowledge, encouragement, and accountability. This supportive community fosters mentorship and collaboration, helping farmers learn from one another while strengthening the bond between people and the land.
Why Organize?
TSFR/CBO was established to be a “Point of Contact” and liaison within the Underserved American agriculture community that since its inception and to date provides effective outreach of at least 1 to 4 outreach events monthly to more than 400 Underserved American agriculture producers and landowners in 54 counties in East and Central Texas.
This CBO is actively accelerating assistance to minority, females, limited resource producers, veteran, beginning farmers and ranchers by providing outreach assistance in receiving information, technical and program assistance from USDA, state and county agencies as well as various Texas universities.
On September 12, 2012, Wade Ross, Founder and State Director of TSFR/CBO received the USDA 64th Annual Secretary’s Honor Award in Washington DC
“For forging partnerships between government agencies and other entities leading to changes that promote sustainable agricultural client bases and healthy environments for rural and underserved communities."
“The last 50 years have been difficult for small farmers. The federal, state, and local government have not helped the small farmer. Some of you have been in hell as it were, but don’t stay there. Take your anger and disappointment and recycle them into positive energy. Building capacity in community-based organizations and how to move legislation through the system are of optimum importance. I urge the creation of unified community-based organizations...
It is imperative that small and underserved farmers are at the table when decisions are made. It takes a strong power base to build community-based organizations. In the Bible book of Genesis, Jacob wrestled all night with an angel until the angel blessed him. The lesson is that we should not let go until we get what we want…”
This website is dedicated
to the memory of Julius W. Clebourn
Chairman of SE Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers CBO - 2001 - 2007
Chairman of TSFR/CBO - Region 2 - 2005 - 2007
2006 GLCI Conference, St. Louis, MO