SALT LAKE CITY – November 18, 2025 – The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) will convene its 109th annual convention, November 19-21, at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah.

The convention’s theme – Cultivating Strength, Harvesting Success – will address how investing in leadership and working with Utah Farm Bureau’s policy development process is yielding positive results for agriculture, which is facing long-term issues such as water management in the state, rising input costs, labor shortages, and more. Beyond simply rehashing complex 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 management and distribution, energy development on public lands, grazing protections, water pricing metrics, and other relevant issues. 

Additionally, farmers and ranchers will learn of trends impacting agricultural markets and trade, and the evolving nature of advocacy taking place in Washington, D.C. Other topics that will be addressed include discussions on small business management, mental health in agriculture, balancing demands of wildlife & livestock on public lands, and the use of conservation easements. 

“We’re 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 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 affected by poverty and natural disasters, including several recent donations of meat to local community food pantries. It 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 general session on Thursday afternoon will include Utah Farm Bureau president ValJay Rigby, national commentary from Terri Moore of the American Farm Bureau on how farmers & ranchers are key in messaging contributions of agriculture and the MAHA movement, and a presentation on trends in agricultural commodities and trade with Brett Stuart of Global AgriTrends. 

Following the presentations, the finalists for two of Utah Farm Bureau’s awards for its Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program – the Excellence in Agriculture Award and the Achievement Award – will be announced.  

The award presentation will be followed by an ice cream break fundraiser 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 urban sprawl and the loss of farmland to succession planning and environmental stewardship. 

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 American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and Utah Farm Bureau Vice President Tyson Roberts.  

At the conclusion of the general session, there will be the announcement of the winner of the YF&R Discussion Meet and the presentation of the Leopold Conservation Award by the Sand County Foundation. The outstanding conservationist receives a $10,000 check and a Leopold Crystal for their dedication to wise stewardship of Utah’s natural resources. The finalists for the award can be found HERE. 

Following the general session, there will be two rounds of breakouts, with presentations on topics including succession planning, wildlife management, boosting e-commerce, generational differences in leadership, improving the management of rural small businesses, water policy, mental health in agriculture, and how the simple act of family dinners can transform our communities – one family at a time. 

The convention will conclude with the Farm Bureau Gala banquet on Friday evening.

 

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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 37,000 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.