Oct. 21, 2009
For more information, contact: Chris Fenner, 317-692-7844
Mindy Reef, 317-692-7822, mreef@infarmbureau.org
Indiana Farm Bureau convention moves to Fort Wayne for 2009
Indiana Farm Bureau will hold its annual convention in Fort Wayne this year, Nov. 19-21 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center.
The convention theme is “Building a Championship Team.”
“We have one of the best programs ever planned,” said Don Villwock, IFB president. “It has been a challenging fall with wet fields and high moisture crops, but I hope that anyone interested is able to join us at our state convention.”
Indiana Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization, with approximately 80,000 farmer members and 200,000 associate members.
Delegates from each county Farm Bureau will hold a business meeting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, to discuss policy issues that have arisen since a session held in August. The delegate session will also include the election for state president.
One session will be offered concurrently with the delegate session. “Field of Genes” will explore the resources available at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, regarded as one of the top genealogy centers in the country.
Other convention highlights:
- Bus tours of area businesses will take place on Thursday afternoon.
- Former NBA player Walter Bond will be the keynote speaker on during the Saturday lunch session, discussing the importance of having a positive attitude to achieve goals.
- Dr. Ron Hanson, Neal E. Harlan Professor of Agribusiness at University of Nebraska, will present a general session about the “family issues” involved when one generation attempts to pass on the ownership and/or control of the family farm to the next.
- Sports-themed breakout sessions on Friday and Saturday cover topics including animal welfare issues, farmland value and planning, climate change and dairy management.
- Thursday night’s events will be tailgate-themed. Convention attendees are encouraged to wear sports attire. An ice cream social will be hosted by Allen County Farm Bureau later that evening.
- A trade show with commodity organizations, some retail and artists will run on Thursday evening and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The trade show will also have health screenings on Friday.
The convention sessions are free and open to anyone, but there is a cost and a ticket required for meals. Contact a county Farm Bureau office before Oct. 30 for more information on meals.
For more information, visit www.infarmbureau.org or call 1-800-FARM-BUR (327-6287).
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