Welcome to another episode of Co-op Talk Texas! Join Christy as she dives into the often misunderstood world of workers’ compensation insurance with Robert Schneider and Dan Jackson from the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust.

In this episode, we explore the origins of the Trust, its move from Austin to Lubbock, and how its coverage goes beyond just cotton gins. Robert and Dan debunk common myths about workers’ comp claims, clarify misunderstandings, and provide actionable advice for both employees and employers to navigate the workers’ comp process smoothly.

Listeners will also learn how cooperatives can shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in preventing workplace injuries and discover the unique trends and challenges in workers’ comp insurance within the agricultural industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and practical tips to protect your business and employees. Tune in now to Co-op Talk Texas!

In this episode, Kelley Green, Executive Vice President of the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association (TCGA), joins Christy to break down critical developments impacting cooperatives - Tune in as Kelley discusses the recent U.S. District Court ruling invalidating the Department of Labor’s overtime rule and its implications for staffing at co-ops. Plus, get the latest on OSHA’s proposed Heat Standards and what these changes could mean for your operation.

In this episode, Christy discusses essential topic for producers: mycotoxin contamination. Joining us is Andrew Vignati, Inside Sales/Account Manager for VICAM, a part of Waters Corporation. With a background in pharmaceutical research and extensive experience supporting producers with innovative testing solutions, Andrew provides expert insights into managing and mitigating the risks of mycotoxins. 

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas, Erin Mies, co-founder of People Spark Consulting, shares practical strategies for leaders to have meaningful conversations that motivate and connect teams. With her extensive experience in HR and leadership development within the ag industry, Erin discusses the importance of asking the right questions, creating two-way dialogues, and building trust in the workplace. Discover simple techniques that managers, supervisors, and boards can use to foster engagement and strengthen communication. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with tips on how just a few good questions can make a significant impact on your team’s success.

In this episode of Co-op Talk Texas, we’re joined by Davon Cook from Pinion, a consulting and accounting firm with deep roots in agriculture, dating back to 1932. Pinion has grown far beyond traditional tax and accounting services to offer expertise in estate planning, farm programs, land and water management, financial strategy, succession planning, and business growth. 

Davon works closely with farms and related ag businesses, guiding them through ownership and leadership transitions, which often involve the unique dynamics of family-operated businesses. She also leads executive peer groups, interacting with farmers and agricultural producers nationwide, helping them navigate challenges and identify opportunities for growth. Tune in for valuable insights on managing farm transitions and developing strategies for long-term success in the ag industry!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kody Bessent, CEO of Plains Cotton Growers, to discuss one of the most critical topics for our farmers—the status of the farm bill. Most of you know Kody is a leading advocate for the cotton industry in Texas and a strong voice for Texas cotton farmers in D.C. and in Austin. He’s been working tirelessly now for years to get a good farm bill that will keep Texas farming! In this episode, he provides updates on the current status of the farm bill, and what we can expect in the coming months. 

There’s one topic that has frequently been discussed with co-op managers and boards lately – how difficult it has been to apply for a disaster relief loan through the SBA. While each co-op has had unique challenges getting their application approved, we thought it might be helpful to have David Hincapie, Lender Relations Specialist and Veteran Business Development Officer from the SBA, to share all his secrets of applying for an SBA Loan. David can be reached by email at [email protected]. To find your contact at your district office, visit this link: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/sba-district-offices

At the end of 2025, there are several tax changes that will affect both cooperatives and farmers. For today’s episode, we’ve invited Greg Taylor, CPA with D. Williams and Co. in Lubbock to discuss the impact and provide actionable strategies to effectively plan for these changes. As many of you know, TACC has been working closely with NCFC to extend Section 199A. I encourage you to listen to Episode 8 with Chuck Conner, President and CEO of NCFC for his take on the upcoming tax change. We will continue to keep all of you updated and let you know how you can help in our efforts.

As many of you know, Texas’ last sugar mill, Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Association in Santa Rosa, was forced to close after more than 50 years in business.  Made up of more than 100 farmers, the cooperative’s shutdown marks the loss of one of the region’s biggest farming operations and is a direct result of an ongoing water crisis.  Much of the water crisis is due to Mexico’s failure to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty requiring it to share reservoir supplies with the United States. Today’s guest, Brian Jones, the Texas Farm Bureau State Director for District 13, joins us to talk more about this ongoing crisis and the many efforts that are being made by the Texas Farm Bureau to bring much-needed relief for farmers and ranchers in South Texas.  Brian has farmed in Hidalgo County for 38 years and has held many leadership roles within the Farm Bureau. He grows irrigated cotton, corn, grain sorghum, and soybeans, and provides some very valuable insight into the water crisis in South Texas.