The modern Texas Farm Bureau was founded in 1933, and grew from a fledgling organization to one of the largest groups of farmers, ranchers and rural families in the world. Service companies were developed to serve members' interests, and today, members enjoy the dual benefits of political representation and solid pocketbook savings. One of Farm Bureau's most important principles is that of grassroots policy development. Policies always originate at the member level and are debated and adopted at the county, state and national levels. Legislative staffs in Austin and Washington, D.C. work to implement Farm Bureau policy and keep lawmakers informed on agricultural and rural issues