Farm Bureau challenges members to “engage”
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LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Officers and Leaders conference will include a gubernatorial forum that features major party candidates Asa Hutchinson and Mike Ross, along with educational workshops and a technology expo.
“Engage” is the theme for Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 66th annual Officers and Leaders Conference, set for July 21-22 at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale.
Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach will address the group Monday afternoon. UA Division of Agriculture, vice president for agriculture, Dr. Mark Cochran, will also be giving an update. Kevin Murphy, owner and founder of Food-Chain Communications, will be speaking on the food morality movement.
An early-bird technology demonstration, featuring agricultural drones, commercial composting equipment and the Boar Buster wild hog traps will kick off Tuesday morning’s activities. Workshops focusing on the future of Farm Bureau, the use of social media, social media, farm policy and estate planning will follow.
The Tuesday gubernatorial forum with Ross and Hutchinson will begin at approximately 10 a.m.
“Farm Bureau’s volunteer leaders serve as influencers in their local communities,” said Veach, a cotton, soybean, corn and wheat farmer from Manila (Mississippi County). “I think our leaders will be especially interested to hear Kevin Murphy’s presentation on the moral imperative we have as farmers and ranchers to provide the food, fiber and shelter to a growing population around the world.”
“This conference will offer insights into how to become a more engaged leader, both within Farm Bureau and other local activities.”
At the conference, the organization will also recognize its Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award finalists as well as recipients of the Romeo E. Short, Farm Bureau Foundation and Marvin Vines Memorial scholarships.
Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.
