SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) will convene its 108th annual convention, November 20-22, at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah.

The convention’s theme – The Balance of Progress – will address how Utah’s farm and ranch leaders are working together move the organization forward on challenging issues facing agriculture, and how small successes and setbacks play into long-term success on issues such as 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, electronic livestock identification, agritourism, raw milk, fencing, and more.

Additionally, farmers and ranchers will be inspired on telling stories that resonate from keynote speaker Rob Sharkey, aka The Shark Farmer, a podcaster, farmer, and outfitter from Illinois who has built a growing list of channels for telling agriculture’s story. Other topics that will be addressed include discussions on agricultural innovation, and update on political issues facing agriculture with the results of recent elections.

“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 ValJay Rigby, 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 Vice President and Board of Directors. 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 the American Farm Bureau and presentation on agricultural innovation, comments from President ValJay Rigby, and then the keynote address from Sharkey.

At the conclusion of the general session, 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 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 financial diversification and land ownership for young farmers to succession planning and land management. 

Friday’s action will feature the resumption of the Farm Bureau delegate session in the morning. After lunch, the general session will resume with a message from Utah Farm Bureau Vice President Wade Eliason, as well as presentations on building membership value and remarks from Congresswoman Celeste Maloy. 

Following the general session, there will be two rounds of breakouts, with presentations from on topics such as succession planning, farm safety, rangeland pest control, boosting e-commerce, leadership, and the benefits of the Beef Check-off program.

The convention will conclude with the Farm Bureau Gala banquet Friday evening, with Senator-elect John Curtis speaking.


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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 36,000 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. www.utahfarmbureau.org.