Since Friday, several MFBF members and staff have been in Nashville, TN attending the AFBF Annual Convention.
If you’ve never been, this convention is jam packed with workshops, events, keynotes and tours—it’s A LOT to squeeze into four days. In case you missed any of the coverage on the MFBF Facebook, Twitter and Instagram here is a sampling of some of the agenda highlights from the first few days.
Friday, January 5
Mostly filled with members traveling to Nashville and picking up Convention information at Registration, President Hans McPherson was armed and ready with the AFBF Policy Resolutions delegate packets and represented Montana at the State President’s dinner Friday evening.
Saturday, January 6
Marked the official kick-off of Convention and the agenda was full!
The Women’s Leadership Committee Western Region Caucus met to discuss programs, events and western issues. Montana’s Lillian Ostendorf was re-elected to serve as the western region representative to the AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the YF&R Discussion Meet took place and Sophi Davis competed. You can watch the replay of each round on the MFBF Facebook Page or, click the links below.
The question in Round 1:
With a growing demand for US farm products abroad, how can agriculture overcome public skepticism of foregin trade to negotiate new trade agreements and open new world markets?
In Round 2, competitors discussed:
How can Farm Bureau help members with increasing legal and regulatory obstacles so they can focus on farming and ranching?
Another major perk of Convention is the variety of workshops offering high 
quality information on all types of topics. As a recent graduate of AFBF’s PALS (Partners in Advocacy Leadership) program; Melstone rancher and MFBF District Director, Jennifer Bergin presented a workshop called, “Breaking the Ice with Consumers”.
Other workshops featured Jane DeMarchi, the VP of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association and Pamela bailey, the CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Follow along with MFBF on Twitter to see live updates from workshops.
Sunday, January 7
The Montana crew is full of enthusiasm on day two!
MFBF President Hans McPherson carried the Montana flag across the stage to help kick-off the opening general session of convention.
The American Farm Bureau Foundation ‘Book of the Year’ was revealed. 
Everyone had the opportunity to take advantage of TONS of great workshops, tradeshow vendors and service opportunities. Watch the blog for more coverage of workshop topics and keynote speakers.
Tommorrow brings even more highlights: a keynote address from Reba McEntire and a special greeting from President Donald Trump!
Keep your eyes open for all the MFBF coverage to come—you won’t want to miss this!
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