SANDY– November 12, 2021 – The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) will convene its 105th annual convention, November 17-19, at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah. The convention’s theme – Rising Up & Moving Forward – will address how despite challenging circumstances facing agriculture, such as extreme drought, continued pandemic disruptions, supply chain issues, etc., farmers and ranchers can be resilient and successful moving forward by connecting with others.

Convention attendees will address critical public policy topics, including water development and distribution, branding rules, population growth, agritourism, trespass laws, and more in its delegate policy session.

Additionally, farmers and ranchers will learn about developing and how increasing the attribute of resilience can help them in their everyday life in agriculture from keynote speaker Jennie Taylor of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation.

Other topics that will be addressed include a panel discussion into what the future of agriculture looks like in Utah, how Utah is managing water now and into the future, and an update on congressional action from Congressman John Curtis.

“We’re really excited about our convention in Provo this year– and to kick-off our meeting with such a great lineup of speakers and issues. This is truly democracy at the grassroots level, with those feeling the impact of state and federal regulations the most having a say in how the rules and laws are created,” said Ron Gibson, Utah Farm Bureau President. “Farm Bureau looks to its heritage of making policy to guide our organization with a vision for the future.”

Thursday’s agenda consists of nominations and elections for the organization’s President and UFBF Board of Directors, and members of its three statewide committees. There will also be a live auction luncheon to support the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation, which provides relief to families and individuals suffering from poverty and natural disasters, and also works within communities and the Ag In the Classroom (AITC) program to improve agricultural education.

The start of the convention Thursday afternoon will feature comments from President Ron Gibson followed by a panel discussion on Utah’s water future, featuring State Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen, Jean Shawcroft of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Candice Hasenyager of the Utah Division of Water Resources, and Representative Joel Ferry.

Other topics in the general session will include an update on the Farmers Feeding Utah Inc. venture, which is helping farmers and ranchers get more product directly to consumers, and a presentation of the Leopold Conservation Award by the Sand County Foundation. The outstanding conservationist receives a $10,000 check and Leopold Crystal for their dedication to wise stewardship of Utah’s natural resources.

The award presentation will be followed by a fundraiser benefiting the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program, and the ‘Final Four’ of the YF&R Discussion Meet. The competitive event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on topics ranging from ensuring supply chain efficiency in light of a pandemic, promotion of rural mental health & farm safety practices, and how agriculture can make wise use of resources while also supporting renewable energy development.

Friday’s action will feature the resumption of the Farm Bureau delegate session in the morning. After lunch, there will be a round of breakouts, with presentations focusing on the western drought, agritourism, business management, and community service from Utah First Lady Abby Cox.

The general session will resume with a presentation on the future of agriculture in Utah with a panel of leaders involving agriculture and Utah government and then follow with Jennie Taylor’s keynote presentation and Q&A with Congressman John Curtis. 

The convention will conclude with the Farm Bureau Gala banquet Friday evening, which will include remarks from Governor Spencer Cox (invited) and presentation of several awards.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Media registration, agendas, and other information can be found by contacting Matt Hargreaves, Vice President of Communications, 801-233-3003 (office), 801-455-4320 (cell) or matt.hargreaves@fbfs.com.

About the Utah Farm Bureau

The Utah Farm Bureau is the largest general farm and ranch organization in the state with more than 34,000 member families. Its mission is to inspire all Utah families to connect, succeed and grow through the miracle of agriculture. It strives to bring value to every citizen and community through love of God, family, country, and the land through political action, educational and informational means. The Farm Bureau is based on grassroots policies developed by members at the local, county, state and national levels. It is affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation, the world’s largest general farm organization, with approximately six million family members in 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to the Utah Farm Bureau website (utahfarmbureau.org), ‘Utah Farm Bureau’ on Facebook, @UtahFarmBureau on Twitter, Utah Farm Bureau on Instagram, or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/utahfarmer.