An inspiring story of patriotism, leadership and overcoming tough odds awaits Farm Bureau members from the keynote speaker at the 2017 Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) annual meeting in Des Moines.

Commander Rorke T. Denver, who has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other international hot spots, will give the annual meeting’s keynote speech the morning of Dec. 6. Denver’s presentation will follow the speech by IFBF President Craig Hill.

“IFBF is honored to have Commander Denver deliver the keynote speech, and we believe it will be inspiring for our members,” said Barb Lykins, IFBF director of community resources. “His motivational presentation, which centers on leadership, perseverance and having pride in America, will be welcome in today’s uncertain times in agriculture and throughout our country.”

Denver, who spoke at a re­­cent American Farm Bureau Fed­eration annual convention, is also an author and a television star.

His bestselling book, “Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior,” takes the reader inside his personal story and the fascinating, demanding SEAL training program he now oversees. In his second book, “Worth Dying For: A Navy SEALs Call to a Nation,” Rorke tackles the questions that have emerged about America’s past decade at war — from what makes a hero to why we fight and what it does to us.

Rorke was most recently seen on FOX’s “American Grit.” The series followed 16 of the country’s toughest men and women as they face a variety of military-grade and survival-themed challenges set in the wilderness.

99th annual meeting

The Iowa Farm Bureau’s 99th annual meeting, set for Dec. 5 and 6 in downtown Des Moines, will celebrate the achievements of county Farm Bureaus and the members of the grassroots organization.

The annual meeting will provide members information on a wide range of important topics, including conservation, connecting with consumers and the importance of entrepreneurship in rural Iowa. There will also be updates on the 2018 farm bill, the situation in health care and strategies to survive in today’s ag markets.

In addition, the 2017 IFBF annual meeting will kick off the organization’s centennial celebration, which will continue with events throughout 2018.

For more information, click here or visit your county Farm Bureau office.