(ARLINGTON, Texas)— Mason County farmer and rancher Will Frey received the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Pioneer Award at the organization’s annual meeting in Arlington.
“Will is truly a pioneer in Farm Bureau, and we are proud to recognize him with this award,” Mason County Farm Bureau President Jeff Grote said.
Will Frey serves as a cornerstone of Mason County Farm Bureau, with a legacy built on decades of faithful service and exceptional leadership. He has strengthened rural communities, supported youth and worked to advance agricultural sustainability for generations to come. Growing up on his family farm in Runnels County shaped Frey’s lifelong commitment to agriculture. After his involvement in 4-H, Frey pursued and earned a degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University. He initiated his career as a teacher before transitioning to an agent with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. In 1970, Frey became Mason County’s Extension agent and coached a state-winning 4-H livestock judging team and guided farmers through challenges such as the first New World screwworm epidemic. In 1977, he left the Extension service to establish Fredonia Peanut Company, a stock store and peanut processor, where he also advised local growers on seed, fertilizer, feed and more. After retiring in 2007 from Fredonia Peanut Company, Will shifted his business, focusing on hands-on agriculture and expanding his cattle operations in Mason and Concho counties. A dedicated Farm Bureau member since 1966, Frey was elected to the Mason County Farm Bureau board in 2015, serving as both vice president and president. He helped organize many Ag Days, led annual county meetings and was active in Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) policy efforts, such as eminent domain reform. Frey attended numerous meetings, including county presidents’ conferences, policy development sessions and annual meetings for both TFB and American Farm Bureau Federation, among others. Frey was active in his community, serving as Mason County Commissioner. He was a board member of Mason ISD, Mason County Tax Appraisal District, Mason County Appraisal Review, Concho Valley Workforce Development, Mason Lions Club, and Family Resource Network. He was an instrumental figure in the 2015 reorganization of the Mason County Livestock Show and Expo. He is a devoted member of River of Life Church, where he served as an elder and spiritual leader for more than a decade.
