Get ready to celebrate a century of Farm Bureau! The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) centennial annual meeting, which is set for Dec. 3, 4 and 5 in downtown Des Moines, will kick off with a special celebration Dec. 3 to commemorate 100 years of our organization.

“The special celebration is the culmination of the year-long centennial celebration, which began last year at the 2017 annual meeting,” said Joe Johnson, IFBF executive director. “This will be a great time for our members to gather, catch up with friends, listen to outstanding music and to celebrate our many achievements over the past century,” he said.

The Monday evening centennial celebration will feature music from Don Felder, renowned former lead guitarist of the Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups.

A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1998, Felder played in the Eagles for 27 years and put his mark on the band’s numerous milestones. He originated the music and co-wrote the Eagles’ biggest hit — Hotel California — along with other fan favorites.

The Dec. 3 celebration will be at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, formerly Vets Auditorium. Registration will open at 4 p.m., and the event will begin at 6 p.m.

During the celebration, members will be invited to visit a special display on the history of Iowa Farm Bureau, including a recently opened time capsule and items that will be placed in a new time capsule to be opened a century from now. In addition, a sculpture commemorating the IFBF centennial will be displayed at the annual meeting.

“It’s been an outstanding celebration of the IFBF centennial throughout the year, and we want our members to plan on joining in on Dec. 3 for what will be a very memorable evening,” Johnson said.

Annual meeting program

After the Dec. 3 celebration, the IFBF’s 100th annual meeting will continue Dec. 4 with educational seminars, a recognition ceremony for county Farm Bureau achievements and the annual Young Farmer gala. Those events will be followed by entertainment from Home Free, an a cappella group of five vocalists who perform worldwide and recently toured with the Oak Ridge Boys.

On Dec. 5, Dr. Peggy Whitson, an Iowa native and record-breaking former NASA astronaut, will provide a keynote address to members. Her keynote will follow Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill’s address to members and recognition of the distinguished service award recipients. Another educational session with a focus on trade issues is set to begin after the keynote session and will be followed by a luncheon buffet.

Complete details about annual meeting are available here. Check with your county Farm Bureau for more information about how to register for the IFBF centennial annual meeting and hotel accommodations. Also watch the Spokesman and www.iowafarmbureau.com for additional information on the centennial annual meeting.

See you in December.