The annual meeting of the South Dakota Farm Bureau is set for Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Ramkota RiverCentre in Pierre. Registration is now open for this event at this link or by calling SDFB at (605) 353-8050.
Delegates from county Farm Bureau organizations all over the state will gather for SDFB’s 98th annual meeting and policy-making session. The conference kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 20, and the delegate session convenes at 1:30 p.m. that day. All of Farm Bureau’s local, state and national policy positions come from its grassroots membership, sourced and voted on first at the county Farm Bureau level.
“In today’s world where we are not only outnumbered but often misunderstood, farmers and ranchers need to stick together, and involvement in Farm Bureau is the best way to do that,” said Wanda Blair, SDFB Vice President and rancher from Vale. “If you haven’t gotten involved in your local Farm Bureau, or if it’s been awhile since you’ve participated, I really encourage you to attend the annual meeting and see all that Farm Bureau has to offer.”
The delegate session is one of the central features of the event, but it’s not the only reason to attend. Keynote speakers include State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven and South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch. In addition, the Department of Revenue will discuss ag land taxes and valuations, and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks will share information on animal damage control.
During both Friday and Saturday, a variety of informational sessions will be provided on these and other topics:
– How to explain GMOs to the non-farm public
– Ways to become “likable” on social media
– Organizational and leadership training from Farm Bureau University
– Ideas for your County Farm Bureau
– Telling your ag story through photography
The Saturday evening “Farm Family Celebration Banquet” will feature Erin Freel, a nationally noted speaker with a unique — and motivational — agriculture and health message. Read more about Erin in her professional biography, or in reviews of her new book detailing her 100-pound weightloss journey, “Fat To Fit at 40” on Amazon.
The complete schedule for the South Dakota Farm Bureau 98th Annual Meeting can be found here. Hotel reservations are made on your own by contacting the Pierre Ramkota at (605) 224-6877.
