Temple Grandin speaks at an official TED conference (Photo courtesy of TED)

On Feb. 20, the Taylor County Expo’s Ag Scholarship Luncheon will feature guest speaker Dr. Temple Grandin.

A leader in the fields of autism and livestock management, Grandin has been sought after by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce for two years.

Kim Bosher, Director of Events at the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, said booking Grandin was exciting for everyone involved.

“We brainstorm every year on who we’d like to get,” Bosher said. “I called and she answered the phone.”

This was two years ago, as Grandin’s soonest availability was not open until now.

Originally created to honor the Ag Family of the Year, the scholarship has now been offered for three years and is available for students going into agricultural studies.

Bosher said she hopes Grandin will be an inspiration to all in attendance.

“She really loves to talk cattle, and her equipment is used in 80 percent of cattle processing plants across the world,” Bosher said. “It’s very important that we educate our community that agribusiness generates $1 billion into the Big Country’s economy each year.”

Grandin also plans to speak about autism at the Expo., as she will be hosting a two hour seminar for local educators. The morning before the luncheon, she will be selling and signing some of her books.

While the event is targeted towards agriculture students, it will also be open to the public. Tickets are $30, but tables can be purchased as well.  Funds raised from this event will go towards next year’s scholarships.

Those interested should contact Kim Bosher, or go to www.abilenechamber.com.