The Montana Farm Bureau Summer Conference theme “MFBF: United for Agriculture” will cover a variety of subjects ranging from leadership to new technology June 6-8 at Fairmont Hot Springs. The Summer Conference is a time when advisory committees meet to discuss current agricultural issues and concerns, and surface ideas for policy development.
Tuesday’s meetings include the Board of Directors, Women’s Leadership Committee, Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee as well as in-depth training for Farm Bureau’s ACE (Advocate. Communicate. Educate.) Team.
Wednesday morning begins with the General Session in which MFBF President Hans McPherson will address the group followed by American Farm Bureau’s Sarah Brown Dirkes. Dirkes, AFBF’s Director of External Relations, will cover Getting a Seat at Table, an ag advocacy presentation. Her talk is followed by informational sessions divided into Leadership, Issues and Industry.
The Issues theme features Montana’s State Veterinarian Marty Zaluski with a tuberculosis update, followed by information on the program to prevent Aquatic Invasive Species. The Leadership theme features Lori Shaw of Colstrip United with her talk Starting a Movement, along with Paul Koehler, a retired Monsanto Executive with his talk “That Can’t Happen Here, Can It?” The Industry theme will cover drone technology and benefits of DNA testing your herd.
Montana Secretary of Agriculture Ben Thomas will provide insights into what the Montana Department of Agriculture can offer farmers and ranchers now and in the future.
Commodity Advisory Committee meetings will be held during the afternoon, with Wednesday evening being the Montana Farm Bureau Foundation Fundraiser, “Summer Nights.”
Thursday’s events include tour stops at the Lampert Ranch and Dry Cottonwood Creek Ranch to look at the Clark Fork Reclamation Project and other irrigation projects; Red Eye Rodeo Stock Contractors, and Grant-Kohrs Ranch. Those not touring will head to the links for MFB Foundation Fundraising Golf Scramble at Fairmont Golf Course.
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