The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) held its 108th annual convention last month at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah. The convention’s theme – the Balance of Progress – spoke to the journey of finding solutions to issues facing agriculture, and how farmers and ranchers can be part of that progress by participating in a grassroots organization like the Utah Farm Bureau. The work done through the Farm Bureau’s leadership development and advocacy programs helps focus the efforts of farmers and ranchers to be effective agents for change. 

During the opening delegate session, county delegates met and elected Tyson Roberts, a produce farmer from Davis County, as the organization’s vice president. Delegates also met to elect other members of the UFBF Board of Directors and members of its three statewide committees. 

Others elected to the State Board of Directors included Tooele County sheep rancher JaNae Titmus (District 3), Uintah County cattle rancher Cody Wilkins (District 5), and re-elected Cache County farmer Chris Chambers (District 1), and Millard County rancher Jared Buhler (District 7). Kane County cattle rancher Dustin Cox was also elected to a term on the board of directors, as the Promotion & Education Committee Chair. 

Other committee election information can be found HERE. 

After a luncheon and live auction to benefit the Women’s Leadership Committee, the first general session kicked off with a welcome by UFBF President ValJay Rigby and remarks by Tucker Bateman, who is a finalist for the Innovation Challenge, which will be announced in San Antonio at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention. Bateman, who comes from a dairy farming family in southern Utah County, spoke about his company – Halio – and how it is going about solving challenges related to salinity in western crops. 

Following Bateman, Dustin Sherer, a director of public policy with the American Farm Bureau, spoke on changes taking place in Washington, D.C. following the election and how it will impact agriculture. Much work remains with the current congress to pass funding for agriculture since the last Farm Bill has yet to be extended. 

Rob Sharkey, a.k.a. the Shark Farmer, a 5th generation farmer and wildlife outfitter then spoke to those attending the conference and provided uplifting stories of resolve that led to his current opportunity of being a voice for agriculture with this podcast, Sirius Radio deal, and opportunities on PBS television. Sharkey urged farmers and ranchers attending to not be discouraged by challenges, and not to worry about sharing their stories in agriculture in the same way as others.

“Don’t compare yourself with others, and just learn to listen to people,” Sharkey said. “Don’t be like those crabs in the pot and pull others down that are succeeding. Be like sequoia and grow strong together.” 

At the conclusion of the general session, the finalists for the Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award were announced, as well as the winner of the 2024 Leopold Conservation Award, which was presented to the Flying M Ranch and Tim & Laurie Munns of Box Elder County. The award is given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, to recognize farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. The recognition includes a $10,000 prize and a crystal award. 

The Final Four of the Discussion Meet was held, which is designed to simulate a committee meeting where ideas and information on pre-determined agriculture topics are presented. The judges look for a contestant who offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions. The final competition took place between Ethan Rasmussen, Clayton Rindlisbacher, Hayden Ballard, and Kindie Jorgensen, with Ballard of the Iron County Farm Bureau being named the winner of the 2024 Discussion Meet.

The delegate session resumed the next morning, with the body finalizing policy proposals and approving the policy book that will guide advocacy efforts for the next year. Some of the more prominent discussions centered around agritourism, raw milk, and public lands. 

The second general session took place following the completion of the delegate session, with outgoing vice president Wade Eliason sharing lessons he’s learned during his years serving on the board of directors. Austin Large of the American Farm Bureau shared trends relating to membership organizations, and which ones prove to be successful in the long term. Hayden Ballard was announced as the winner of the 2024 Discussion Meet and the general session concluded. A number of breakout sessions were held on Friday, with summaries available HERE. Rep. Celeste Maloy also spoke to the convention and shared lessons she has learned during her first year serving in Congress in Utah's 2nd district.

Senator-elect John Curtis (4th from left) and U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy (7th from left) with State FFA Officers, and their advisor, Amy Fullmer.

The convention ended with celebratory fare at the closing gala. Walker Bagley of Duchesne County was announced as the winner of the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Award, and Lee & Jayla Hanberg of Uintah County were the winners of the 2024 YF&R Achievement Award. These YF&R winners will compete at the AFBF convention. 

Other recognition included long-term FFA advisor and leader Buddy Deimler receiving UFBF’s ‘Friend of Agriculture’ award, and former board member Edwin Sunderland of Sanpete County receiving the Distinguished Service Award. 

Buddy Deimler (center) addresses the convention after receiving his award.
Edwin Sunderland (left) and his wife Radene with the Distinguished Service Award.

The evening concluded with Senator-elect John Curtis addressing the banquet and sharing lessons he learned from his father that guide his decision-making and service in Congress. He urged those attending to focus on being genuine to who they are, and not worry about trying to grow into an image of what they think others want them to be. 

With the completion of the convention business, UFBF leaders and staff will prepare for the upcoming 2025 session with the Utah State legislature as well as finalizing national policy at the 2025 American Farm Bureau convention in San Antonio. Farmers and ranchers in Utah will continue to be involved in advocacy work by attending County Farm Bureau meetings and the 2025 Hay Symposium, participating in RAC meetings held by the Division of Wildlife, and attending the Utah Farm Bureau ‘Day on the Hill’ event at the state capitol on February 21. More details will be provided soon for that event.