Governor Branstad proclaims Dec. 4 - Dec. 10 as "Iowa Farm Bureau Week"

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will keynote the 98th gathering of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Dec. 6 and 7 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.   The 2016 annual meeting theme, “Believe, Lead, Achieve,” acknowledges the accomplishments of farmers and rural Iowans and the many ways they embrace innovation to benefit all.

To mark the occasion, Governor Terry Branstad has declared Dec. 4-Dec. 10 as ‘Iowa Farm Bureau Week,’ honoring the unity and strength of the state’s 159,000-member farm organization.

“Believe, Lead, Achieve is our theme this year and it is a testament to IFBF’s impact in so many sectors of our state.  We are recognized around the world as Iowa’s largest grassroots farm organization, but our member-centric programs also are known for improving the lives of all Iowans.  We Lead and Achieve measurable success in areas that benefit all Iowans.  For example, this is the 10th anniversary of our Renew Rural Iowa program, which has mentored more than 3,000 Iowans and helped them start or grow their businesses, bringing more than $125 million in economic impact for rural Iowa,” says IFBF President Craig Hill. 

“Today’s responsible farmers are always looking for ways to grow more, do more, try new things while reducing their impact on the land.  We are excited to showcase some of Iowa’s best and brightest farm families who are doing just that.  Our education seminars this year will focus on digital data use and access tools that help farmers manage Iowa’s variable weather.  We will also hear from conservation trail-blazers in a special educational seminar, and get encouragement to protect the state’s endangered species.  As a general farm organization, we uniquely focus on all these areas and so much more, and we know that ‘leading by example’ is a common value shared by our keynote speaker, Secretary Vilsack,” says Hill.

This year’s entertainment includes an evening Ice Cream Social for all members and special music by the Painchaud Family of Canada.  

Members can register for the 2016 IFBF annual meeting at their county Farm Bureau offices. See more details here.

In addition to showcasing important issues in nine educational seminars, the 98th annual IFBF meeting will also bring the state’s next generation of farm leaders to the stage December 6, to compete for the IFBF Young Farmer Discussion Meet title.  In addition to vying for the state title, the winner will also receive a John Deere X320 riding lawn mower, and the chance to advance to the national competition during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention, January 8-11, in Phoenix, Arizona.