More than 1,000 Farm Bureau members in Kansas were expected to gather in Manhattan Dec. 2-4 for their organization?s 95th annual meeting.
The meeting was to feature workshops, discussion of important public policy issues and a one-day meeting tailored to county Farm Bureaus.
On Dec. 2, county Farm Bureau leaders were to gather to build strategic plans for 2014. Katie Pratt, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Faces of Farming finalist and Illinois farmer, was scheduled to speak on the importance of a strong agriculture advocacy effort.
During the meeting, Ryan Flickner was to be introduced as Kansas Farm Bureau?s senior director of public Policy. Flickner comes to KFB from the staff of Sen. Pat Roberts, where he was deputy district director, representing Roberts in the Wichita area and northwest and southeast Kansas.
On Dec. 3 workshops begin at 8 a.m. and continue through the day. Topics were to include crop insurance, the Affordable Care Act, animal disease traceability and K-12 education funding.
Hogn Dardis, Ireland?s first secretary for Food and Agriculture, was to give the keynote speech on ag innovation, consumer relations and free trade.
At the evening banquet, 10 Kansas farm families were t be recognized for their service to Farm Bureau and their communities. One family was to be recognized with the annual Natural Resources Award for using environmental protection measures and conservation practices on its farm. Others were to be recognized for distinguished service and as a Friend of Agriculture.
On Wednesday, more than 400 voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2014. Farmer and rancher leaders will discuss a range of topics including water, animal care, endangered species and energy development.
