The Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention will convene November 21-22 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah. Headlining the convention will be Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Congressman Chris Stewart from Utah’s 2nd District.
The Farm Bureau (UFBF) will also address critical public policy topics, including water improvement, national economic conditions, animal welfare policies, constitutional principles, wildlife concerns and uncertainties of the new healthcare act.
Besides addressing guiding policies of the organization, humorist, cowboy poet and former large animal veterinarian, Baxter Black will entertain as a keynote speaker
“We’re really excited about our convention in Layton this year– and to kick-off our meeting with such a great cast of speakers and issues,” said Leland Hogan, Utah Farm Bureau President. “Even if you’ve never been to a convention before, I sincerely hope you will come and invite you to do so. All farmers and ranchers will benefit from attending this convention. This is a great opportunity to see Farm Bureau at work, but to also build friendships, business relationships, and to get a break from the hard work agriculture demands.”
Thursday’s agenda consists of nominations and elections for President and the State Board of Directors. 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 agriculture materials in classrooms. Following the luncheon, convention goers will then hear the keynote address from Baxter Black– described by the New York Times as “…probably the nation’s most successful living poet.”
Afterward, Steve Kammeyer, Director of Health Insurance Services for Farm Bureau Financial Services, will tackle the challenging national healthcare guidelines. Kammeyer will speak on how the healthcare legislation impacts farmers and ranchers, and the steps needed to ensure they are in compliance with the new law. The Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) discussion meet finals and an‘Alamo-themed’ awards and recognition program will bring Thursday’s activities to an end.
On Friday, before the president’s report given by Farm Bureau President Leland Hogan, there will be roundtable discussions relating to policy priorities including farm/ranch management, local food marketing, transportation regulations and more. Attendees will also hear from the Utah Office of Energy Development. Friday afternoon continues with Governor Gary Herbert addressing the water strategy vision that has recently been presented at the Utah Water Summit. Chief Executive Officer Randy Parker will then speak on immigration, public lands, water and other current hot topics.
Congressman Chris Stewart will also address the convention on Friday. He is a co-author of the book, Seven Miracles that Saved America with his brother, the federal judge Ted Stewart, and he will cover the expansion of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the federal management conflicts involved in public lands issues and more.
Winners of the 2013 Leopold Conservation Award and Farm Bureau ‘Friend of Agriculture’, the Utah Farm Bureau’s highest award, will be presented Fridayevening at the Farm Bureau Gala Banquet. Utah’s new Lieutenant Governor, Spencer Cox has been invited to make the presentation of the award, honoring the conservation efforts of private landowners in Utah. 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. The winner receives a $10,000 check and Leopold Crystal for their dedication to traditional and sensible stewardship of Utah’s natural resources.
Interested in attending? More information, an agenda, and registration can be obtained by contacting Susan Furner at the State Farm Bureau office at 801-233-3040 or [email protected].
