The following is a press release from the Montana Farm Bureau Federation:
Once again cows, bulls and heifers will be loitering on Reserve Street in Missoula. It’s all part of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Annual Convention Nov. 6-9 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. More than 500 farmers and ranchers from across the state of Montana will come together to discuss issues, learn about new developments in agriculture, visit with others in the farming/ranching community, and make policy for the coming year.
Sunday offers several great events that are open to the general public, kicking off with the MFBF Young Farmers’ and Ranchers’ Hoofin’ It for Hunger 5K. Pre-race registration is $20 online at www.mfbf.orgor $25 the day of the race. The race is organized by the Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers with all proceeds going to the Montana Food Bank Network. Prizes will be awarded in all age divisions.
The Equine Seminar runs 1 p.m. – 4 Sunday, and is free and open to the public. The theme: “Emerging Equine Diseases and Plants: What You and Your Horse Need To Be Aware and Wary Of” will offer great insights into identifying new toxins, regulatory aspects of equine diseases and how to protect your horse.
Running concurrently with the equine seminar is the water seminar. A variety of water topics will be addressed including exempt wells, the state study of water on state lands and a discussion on irrigation ditch definition. Water experts will be brought in to cover topics and answer your questions.
Also on Sunday afternoon is the MFB Foundation 9th Annual Youth Speech Contest. The contest is open to youths ages seven to eighteen. The junior division is for ages thirteen and under and the senior division for ages fourteen to eighteen. This year’s topic is “As a future agriculture leader, where do you see yourself in the agriculture community in the future? What and how do you hope to strengthen Montana agriculture as a farmer and/or rancher and an ag leader?”
Speakers at the convention include the newly elected American Farm Bureau Federation’s Executive Vice President Julie Anna Potts along with AFBF’s Senior Director of Congressional Relations Mary Kay Thatcher. Other speakers include Ron Hansen, a University of Nebraska professor, who addresses personal loss caused by lack of estate planning, and University of Montana’s football coach Robin Selvig.
Monday’s workshops offer financial advice on estate planning, information about the latest in fertilizers and a look at wildlife issues. Monday evening’s events include the MFBF’s Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet. The Discussion Meet is open to participants 18-35, with discussion on a pre-selected agricultural topic. The winner receives $500 and an all-expense paid trip to compete at the national Discussion Meet Competition in Honolulu, HI in January 2012.
“This convention promises to be an excellent one, from the new Hoofin’ It for Hunger 5K event to our excellent workshops to the bull and heifer show on Reserve Street,” notes MFBF President Bob Hanson. “However, the most important part of the Montana Farm Bureau Convention is our Resolutions Session. This is when voting members from county Farm Bureaus discuss and vote on resolutions that become Montana Farm Bureau policy. This is truly a hallmark of our grassroots organization.”
Along with workshops, speakers and special sessions are socials, luncheons and the popular Tuesday nights Awards Banquet. After deserving counties receive awards, Las Vegas magician Paul Draper will provide entertainment.
The deadline for hotel reservations at the Hilton Garden Inn is Oct. 21. The deadline for conference registration is Nov. 1. To register for the convention, or for more information on events listed above, visit www.mfbf.org or call the MFBF office, 406-587-3153.
Source: Montana Farm Bureau Federation
Posted by Haylie Shipp
