Anthony Brown and his family tend their cow herd in Smith County.
October 6, 2025 - This November, Tyler will host an event that brings together landowners, agricultural professionals, and community leaders from across Texas. The Landowners Association of Texas (LAT), in partnership with the Smith County Landowners Association, will present its 46th Annual State Conference November 13–15, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Conference Center on South Broadway Avenue in Tyle.
The conference theme, “Sustaining Agriculture in a Changing World: Innovate, Adapt, Thrive,” highlights the importance of resilience in today’s agricultural landscape. Whether you are managing family farmland, raising cattle, exploring new crops, or simply interested in conservation, this gathering offers valuable tools and connections.
The event begins Thursday, November 13 at the Holiday Inn, with a luncheon sponsored by the Smith County Landowners Association. Attendees will then have the option of cultural and educational excursions. These include a guided tour of the African American Museum, a tour of the Tyler Botanical Garden by yours truly, and information from the East Texas Genealogy Associates on DNA testing. The evening will close with the options of purchasing burgers and beverages at the Conference Center, offering time for fellowship.
Friday, November 14, marks the official start of the conference at the hotel, with registration opening at 6:30 a.m. and sessions beginning at 7:45 a.m. Throughout the day, panels and speakers will tackle timely issues such as land conservation, sustainable farming, and food security. These sessions are designed to provide both practical solutions and big-picture strategies for Texas landowners navigating an uncertain climate and marketplace. The evening concludes with a dance after dinner.
Saturday, November 15, the event wraps up with a continental breakfast followed by a presentation that brings cutting-edge technology to the forefront of land management. At 10:00 a.m., Dr. Elliot Washington of Prairie View A&M University will deliver “The Role of Drones in Advancing Sustainable Forestry and Agriculture Practices.” His talk will showcase how drones are transforming everything from crop monitoring to forestry management, demonstrating their value in increasing efficiency and sustainability.
The conference registration fee is $50 per person, with online registration available at https://form.jotform.com/252501356893157. Group room reservations at the host hotel must be made by October 30 to ensure availability.
For many participants, the annual LAT conference is more than just a series of meetings. It is a chance to connect with fellow landowners, share knowledge, and draw inspiration for the year ahead. In today’s world, where land faces increasing pressures from development, weather extremes, and changing markets, events like this play a critical role in sustaining the rural traditions and agricultural foundation of Texas.
For more details, visit the LAT website at https://LATEXAS.org, call the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at (903) 590-2980, or contact Prairie View Agent, Anthony Brown, at ACBROWN@PVAMU.ED
This year’s gathering promises to be both educational and inspiring, offering landowners the tools they need to innovate, adapt, and thrive in the face of change.
