Stay Informed

This March, Indiana Farm Bureau will host its annual Spring Conference, an educational networking event for members.

The conference is set for March 9 and 10 at the Marriott Hotel Indianapolis East and the agenda is shaping up to include several educational breakout sessions, inspiring keynote presentations, informative updates on agriculture and plenty of fun and networking.

To set the tone for the conference, INFB is offering two early-bird sessions on March 9 including an Ag in the Classroom mini volunteer workshop and a bonus breakout session called “Let’s Get Connected.”

Most notably on Friday is a screening of the movie Food Evolution with a panel discussion to follow. Food Evolution is a brand-new film that depicts how easily misinformation, confusion and fear can overwhelm objective analysis, especially when it comes to food. The film is narrated by popular astrophysicist, author and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson.

The conference will feature two keynote speakers. Friday’s keynote is Dr. Paige Pratt, a doctor of animal sciences, a district administrator for Kansas Farm Bureau and co-owner of Johnson Farms LLC. On Saturday, the keynote is Michele Payn, CSP, community catalyst, ag author and advocate for global agriculture.

Several breakout sessions will be open to attendees through the weekend including, but not limited to:

• “Connecting Agriculture to Poverty, Obesity and Food Insecurity” with Dr. Paige Pratt.
• “Translating Farm to Food” with Michele Payn.
• “Online Fresh Farm Markets” with Nick Carter, ag entrepreneur and author.
• Bee education with Stephen and Sherry Neff, Freedom Hills Farms.
• Insurance 101 with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
• Panel discussion on food labeling.
• “How to Tell Your Story” with Tracy Maurer, 2018’s Book of the Year author.

There also will be several opportunities to network with other Farm Bureau members including a live auction and silent auction, games and bingo and more.

Registration for the 2018 INFB Spring Conference opens Jan. 16. Be on the lookout for an email with registration information or visit INFB’s website in January.