The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) will convene its 105th annual convention, Nov. 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.”

Elections to be held

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.

Source: Utah Farm Bureau Federation, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.