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LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 68th annual Officers and Leaders Conference is set for July 18-19 at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale. 

Miss America Betty Cantrell will close the convention and reinforce the conference theme, “Healthy Agriculture, Strong America.” Cantrell was raised on a 700-acre farm in Warner Robins, Ga., and was involved in 4-H while growing up. The conference will also include comments from Dr. Joseph Steinmetz, chancellor of the University of Arkansas, and Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila. 

Workshops at the conference will cover topics such as state ballot issues, demonstrations on agricultural technology, the state’s plan to deal with chronic wasting disease, federal programs for livestock producers, a review of commodity markets and a discussion on land-use practices.

About 500 Farm Bureau leaders are expected to attend the mid-summer conference.

“Our members are fully committed to the theme of this year’s conference,” said Veach, who is in his eighth term as president of the agricultural advocacy organization. “We know the bedrock of a strong America is a healthy agriculture economy, and this conference will cover several topics that help farmers and ranchers keep their operations sustainable and functioning.

“And having Miss America with us will be a great treat. Her national platform “Healthy Children, Strong America” is something our members will have a strong connection. We look forward to getting to know her and connect with someone who stands for all that is good about our country.”

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.