Laredo Shipping Container Farm Places Second In National Contest
Palo Blanco Ranch and Farm visits DC to discuss Farm Bill
Jorge A. Vela, LMTonline.com / Laredo Morning Times
April 24, 2023
Laredo’s own Palo Blanco Ranch and Farm took runner-up in the Capstone Clash nationwide competition put on by New Leader's Council.
The local establishment made a strong run, coming up in second place by only an eight-vote margin, according to Marcella Juarez, co-owner of the Palo Blanco Farm and Ranch.
Marcella Juarez thanked all of the people who voted for their cause and hopes they continue being part of contest like it going forward. They feel it helps showcase their cause, as they prepare to make their shipping container farm fully operational in the next few weeks for the community.
“We thank you all for all your love and support, as we couldn't have gotten as far as we did without you,” Marcella Juarez said. “Regardless of the results, our first shipping container will be operational by May. It’s an honor to grow food for all of you, and I can’t wait to grow some more, and I thank you all for your love and support!"
While it wasn't able to take home the top spot in the Instagram contest, it was able to get a foot in thanks to a coalition of young farmers advocating for farm reforms with members of Congress.
Manuel Juarez Jr., the social media manager and ranch hand at Palo Blanco Farm and Ranch, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with the National Young Farmers Coalition and had a meeting with Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) to discuss their operations and the 2023 Farm Bill being debated in Congress.
“Getting to sit down and talk with Congressman Henry Cuellar and with the other fellows from Texas was a very positive experience,” Manuel Juarez said. “In fact, it was one of the most successful meetings we had that week. We took turns introducing ourselves and sharing our stories as young farmers -- where we're from, what we grow, our land access story and, of course, the obstacles that we've faced along our journey.
“Afterwards, we spoke about the policy framework we'd like to see in the 2023 Farm Bill that would equitably resource and support us as the next generation of farmers. Improved access to USDA conservation programs for water and climate resilience is one of the most important policy framework items for me, especially since my family farm and ranch is already experiencing challenges from the climate crisis here in Laredo.”
Manuel Juarez said they felt very much listened to during their meeting with Cuellar. He also said the congressman shared some important contacts who could further support their efforts and mission of changing policy to equitably resource the new generation of working farmers.
Manuel Juarez is one of 100 young farmers from around the country selected for the two-year Land Advocacy Fellowship with the National Young Farmers Coalition. Of the members, only four represented the state of Texas.
During their various meetings in the nation’s capital, their purpose was to share their stories and experiences as young farmers and advocate for solutions to the challenges that they face.
Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture are responsible for reducing these challenges to ensure the next generation's success in agriculture and he states that many of the obstacles farmers face require policy change, including access to land, climate action and clean water, and the 2023 Farm Bill is the opportunity to do so.
“The 2023 Farm Bill is right around the corner and will determine the next decade of farm policy, so there is no time to waste,” Manuel Juarez said. “The average farmer in the U.S. is about 60 years old, approaching retirement, and many don’t have children who want or can afford to continue working the land. But young people, including many people of color, who would like to become the next generation of farmers are finding the high capital costs required for entry prohibitive. Over the next two decades, nearly half of all farmland is expected to change hands, and is at risk of being developed and leaving agriculture forever.”
Manuel Juarez states that as a farmer and as a part of the coalition, he is calling for Congress to make a historic investment in the 2023 Farm Bill to facilitate equitable access to one million acres of land for the new generation of farmers. He said his organization is also calling for climate action and improved conservation efforts to build drought resilience and healthy watersheds to support the stewardship of these lands.
He also hopes that the Farm Bill provides access to more farmer resources for mental health, hoping it invests in farmer well-being by reauthorizing and continuing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
“Land is deeply intertwined with all aspects of farmers’ success, and it does not just impact farmers — land access is critical to the health and well-being of our environment, economy and marginalized communities,” he said. “Supporting equitable access to land means addressing the climate crisis, facilitating farm transition, investing in community-driven initiatives and providing support to young farmers and ranchers to access credit, find markets and strengthen their operations.”
Manuel Juarez said the seven things needed for more equitable land access include: investing in community-led projects that create secure, affordable land access opportunities; bringing coordination to federal land access initiatives across agencies and departments; improving access to credit to help farmers compete in the real estate market; the facilitation of voluntary, community-led farmland protection that keeps land in the hands of growers; the investment in incentivizing farm transition and preventing land loss in communities of color; ensuring the accessibility and accountability of USDA programs, centering young farmers of color; and investing in data collection, reporting and research on farmland tenure, ownership and transition.
As for policy aiming to help ensure water and climate action, Manuel Juarez outlines that he wants Congress to improve access to USDA conservation programs for water and climate resilience; ensure that USDA resources and programs are culturally appropriate for Indigenous and farmworker populations; improve outreach to young and BIPOC farmers; increase funding for research on equitable and sustainable land and water stewardship; and support young farmers and farmworkers facing disasters and hazardous conditions due to climate change.
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Jorge A. Vela is a native Laredoan who studied at Laredo College and Texas State earning a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. After a stint of working for several publications, other local media outlets and managing his own tutoring business for years, Vela decided to get back into journalism by working as a general assignments reporter for the Laredo Morning Times. He loves spending time with la familia, soccer, cooking and jamming out
Lead Photo: Laredo’s Palo Blanco Ranch and Farm took second in the New Leader's Council’s Capstone Clash national competition and traveled to Washington, D.C. to discuss the 2023 Farm Bill. Courtesy / Manuel Juarez