The Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention will convene November 19-20 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah.
The Farm Bureau (UFBF) will address critical public policy topics, including water development, public lands issues such as grazing and water policies proposed by federal agencies, raw milk, wildlife concerns and more.
Besides addressing guiding policies of the organization, Galen Emanuele – a motivational speaker from the organization Shift Yes! – will address the convention as they keynote speaker, and share with attendees how shifting the ways in which we communicate and collaborate with one another can have powerful impacts on success.
“This is truly democracy at the grassroots level, with those feeling the impact of state and federal rules the most having a say in how the rules and laws are created,” said Leland Hogan, Utah Farm Bureau President. “We’re not just sitting around complaining about our situation. Farm Bureau looks to its tradition of making policy to guide our organization with a vision of the future. We’ll take action to make sure Utah’s farmers and ranchers have the best conditions possible to continue producing abundant and high quality food for our nation.”
Thursday’s agenda consists of nominations and elections for the organization’s President and several on the State Board of Directors. Leland Hogan, who’s guided the organization as its head for 14 years, will be retiring. There will also be a live auction luncheon to support Utah Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC), which provides educators with materials and volunteers to enhance learning in classrooms.
Additional presentations Thursday include a discussion on how water development will provide for future stability of agriculture and growth in the state from a panel of water experts. Farm Bureau members will hear from top managers of the Jordan Valley, Central Utah, and Weber Basin Conservation districts.
Friday will start with breakout sessions for attendees, with a variety of topics to learn from, including embracing a ‘Yes’ culture, County branding laws, fencing liabilities and responsibilities, changing transportation regulations, and how to get Farm Bureau members comfortable with telling the story of agriculture. There will also an informational breakout on the need for Farm Bureau members to be engaged in running for public office.
Following the breakouts, President Leland Hogan will address Farm Bureau members on the critical issues facing Farm Bureau and agriculture in Utah. After his remarks, Ari Bruening, Chief Operating Officer for Envision Utah, will address the conference on the public policy implications resulting from the recent ‘Your Utah, Your Future’ survey the organization conducted.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes has been invited to give remarks at the Farm Bureau Gala Banquet Friday evening.
Winners of the 2015 Leopold Conservation Award and Farm Bureau ‘Friend of Agriculture’ will also be presented Friday evening. The Leopold Conservation Award is sponsored by the Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Utah Cattlemen’s Association, and Western AgCredit, and honors the conservation efforts of private landowners in Utah. The winner receives a $10,000 check and Leopold Crystal for their dedication to wise stewardship of Utah’s natural resources.
More information, an agenda, and registration can be obtained by contacting Mariesa Bergin at the State Farm Bureau office at 801-233-3040 or [email protected].
