Neither freezing rain, nor snow, nor sleet has stopped the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting from going on today in Atlanta. The shuttle buses have stopped running, the media reception is canceled, but there are still plenty of people here attending sessions and finishing interviews and presentations for YF&R awards. Conferences this morning included animal welfare and crops outlook, this afternoon we’ll hear about the livestock outlook and how farmers can tell their story with social media.
State Farm Bureaus were recognized for excellence yesterday during the opening general session. For outstanding program achievement and membership growth, the Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas and Michigan Farm Bureaus received Pinnacle Awards and numerous states received Awards for Excellence and President’s Awards.
In addition, AFBF announced that Ben LaCross of Michigan has been elected as the new chairman of the Young Farmers and Ranchers committee.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and “Dirty Jobs” Mike Rowe are still on for this afternoon’s closing general session so stay tuned for more.