The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) will convene its 106th annual convention, November 16-18, at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah. The convention’s theme – Ignite & Inspire – will address how Utah’s farm and ranch leaders are working together to inspire change on challenging issues facing agriculture, such as extreme drought & water management in the state, rising energy costs, labor shortages, and more. Beyond simply rehashing difficult topics, the convention looks to further opportunities for Utah’s agricultural community to come together and find solutions. 

Convention attendees will address critical public policy topics, including water development and distribution, public land management, wildfire prevention.

Additionally, farmers and ranchers will learn about developing and how a team approach can help them in their everyday life in agriculture from keynote speaker Colby Jenkins, a combat veteran and U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret, who has also worked on Capitol Hill for the U.S. Senate and the Pentagon. Jenkins will speak about how farmers can lead and build their “A Team”, to succeed through the variety of unique circumstances they face.

Other topics that will be addressed include discussion on critical water issues being presented at the state legislature, an update on national agricultural issues, and the impacts of the recent election from Sam Kieffer of the American Farm Bureau. 

“We’re really excited about our convention 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 – and now is a critical time for our industry.”

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 agricultural education and the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation. The foundation provides relief to families and individuals suffering from poverty and natural disasters, and also works with the Women’s Leadership Committee and the Ag In the Classroom (AITC) program to improve agricultural education in communities throughout Utah.

The start of the convention Thursday afternoon will feature the national commentary from Sam Kieffer, water issues with Warren Petersen, and comments from President Ron Gibson. At the conclusion of the remarks, there will be the 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. Following the Leopold Award, the first of Utah Farm Bureau’s awards for its Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program will take place with the Excellence in Agriculture Award. 

The award presentation will be followed by a break and 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 managing economic and infrastructure challenges, understanding forces influencing supply chain disruptions, how farmers and ranchers can shape climate initiatives, and the management of emerging technologies in agriculture. 

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, wildfires, business management, and water issues, among others. 

The general session will resume with Colby Jenkins’ keynote presentation and a message from retiring Utah Farm Bureau Vice President, Rex Larsen. The convention will conclude with the Farm Bureau Gala banquet Friday evening, which will include the presentation of several awards.


Those who still wish to register and attend may do so by clicking on the registration link, HERE.