Texas Ag Leader Wallrath Endorses Rep. Beck For Re-election

Dick Wallrath, the owner of Champion Ranch and the founder of the Richard Wallrath Educational Foundation, has joined the ranks of rural Texans endorsing State Representative Marva Beck for a second term in the Texas House.

Wallrath, pictured above with Representative Marva Beck, endorsed her on February 15th at the Austin premiere of Deep in the Heart. Deep in the Heart, which opens in theaters on February 17th, is based on the life of Wallrath and how after hitting rock bottom, faith helps him recover and become an inspiration to others.

Wallrath is considered to be the largest donor to the 4-H Clubs and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) in the nation. He joins Texas Governor Rick Perry, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Jackson in supporting Representative Beck’s re-election.

“Anyone who has a stake in the future of agriculture or natural resources in Texas should join me in working to send Marva Beck back to the Texas House. Her expertise and her committee assignments will make her a key Legislator on crucial issues such as water, water conservation and the protection of family farms and ranches,” Wallrath stated.

“Rural and small town Texans could not have a better friend than Marva Beck working for them in Austin ,” Wallrath stated.

Representative Marva Beck said that “Having Dick Wallrath’s support is not only the highlight of my political career, it is one of the great highlights of my life. I’m honored to have the support of a man who has given so many a chance for a better future when none existed.”

Wallrath’s Champion Ranch, just outside Centerville, Texas, is a purveyor of Brangus cattle and fine stock horses. Thanks to Wallrath’s generosity, the members of the Texas FFA and Texas 4-H are given the opportunity to further advance their educations.

Wallrath has endowed 142 annual $10,000 scholarships, 71 for FFA and 71 for 4-H. These scholarships are open to members of each organization interested in attending college, and over the last several years have been an ongoing source of financial aid for future Texas leaders.

In 2006, Wallrath authored his autobiography, “Courage to Change the Things I Can,” which chronicles his life and the series of events that led him to his current passion for helping youth. His book is now the basis for the upcoming movie “Deep in the Heart of Texas” which chronicles Wallrath’s story and journey.

Wallrath is also well known for his record achievement donations at The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo were he donated over $3.5 million alone.

In 2006, Governor Rick Perry, who also attended the Austin premiere, said of Dick Wallrath that “Today there are thousands of Texans who owe their education, their freedom from addiction or even their life to a kindhearted friend they never met.” And that “…there is a reason Dick is so singularly focused on helping his fellow man: he has a clear sense of what is truly important in life.”

In 2010, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples commented that “I witnessed first hand how this larger-than-life Texan truly takes an active interest in the lives of the scholarship recipients. I salute Dick Wallrath for his commitment to Texas agriculture, especially to the youth who will carry the industry torch forward into what is sure to be a bright future.”

State Representative Marva Beck is seeking her second term in the Texas House in District 12, which is comprised of Angelina, Houston, Leon, Madison, San Augustine and Trinity Counties.