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"A New Frontier' takes center stages at 2008 IFBF 90th annual meetingHero of Black Hawk Down, Iowa Olympian to highlight meeting Iowa Turbulent times and overwhelming odds can be overcome with strategy and perseverance. That's the central message of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's 2008 annual meeting, Dec. 3 to 5 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines. The 90th annual meeting also highlights Iowa Farm Bureau Week, proclaimed by Governor Culver for Nov. 30 to Dec. 6. Sergeant Matt Eversmann, hero of "Black Hawk Down" and the Battle of Mogadishu, will be the keynote speaker on Dec. 4. Eversmann, immortalized in the film "Black Hawk Down," will recount the 18 harrowing hours when U.S. soldiers in Somalia were pinned down and surrounded in a hostile district of Mogadishu. Now retired after 20 years of service, Eversmann shares his inspirational true story of overcoming obstacles and the importance of strategy when he keynotes IFBF's meeting Dec. 4, at 9 a.m., at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines. Another special guest making an appearance at IFBF's meeting is Des Moines native and Olympic hurdler, Lolo Jones. Her "never say quit" attitude continues to inspire and motivate a generation of young people facing long odds. Farm Bureau's 90th annual meeting, "A New Frontier", will showcase expert risk management panelists to help members deal with the unprecedented levels of financial risk in today's agriculture. Experts include Sue Ellerbusch of BP Biofuels North America, Jim Knuth of Farm Credit Services of America and John Phipps, host of the U.S. Farm Report, among others. "Iowa farmers are accustomed to risk, but these are unprecedented times. Members are looking for new ways to analyze and mitigate this new frontier in agriculture," said IFBF President Craig Lang. "We're bringing experts together on several topics ranging from crop insurance, marketing and financial planning to financing and health care. Our goal is to equip members with the necessary tools so they can develop successful strategies for the future." Lang will deliver his annual meeting address Dec. 4, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. In addition to the keynote address, meeting participants are invited to attend the two expert panel discussions on Dec. 3 and 4: --Sue Ellerbusch of BP Biofuels North America, Tom Aller of Interstate Power and Light Company and Craig Cox of the Environmental Working Group will discuss the effect of energy on agricultural markets on Dec. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. IFBF Director of Research and Commodity Services Dave Miller will moderate the discussion. --Jim Knuth of Farm Credit Services of America, Bruce Nelson of FCStone LLC and John Cripe of GROWMARK will discuss managing a new level of farming risk on Dec. 4 from 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. John Phipps, host of U.S. Farm Report, will moderate the discussion. The IFBF annual meeting will also celebrate the many contributions of Farm Bureau members at a 90th anniversary celebration luncheon, the young farmer discussion meet and awards luncheon, an industry tradeshow and the popular "Jingle Bell Bash." The "Jingle Bell Bash" will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. The "Health and Wealth" exhibit area of the tradeshow will offer members free health consultations. Qualifying Farm Bureau members may also schedule a free one-on-one wellness consultation with their local Farm Bureau health coach at the annual meeting. The "Wealth" exhibit area of the tradeshow will feature one-on-one interaction with farm-management experts who can offer members practical ideas for their farms. Dec. 5 will feature the voting delegate business session, at which time the delegates will hold elections. The following directors are up for re-election this year: Craig Hill, vice president; Charles Norris, District 2 director; and Jim McKnight, District 9 director. The District 7 seat is also up for election. In addition, delegates will elect 11 farmers to represent Iowa as delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 11 to 14, 2009. Members can register for the 2008 IFBF annual meeting at their county Farm Bureau offices. For more information on the annual meeting, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com and click on the annual meeting link. 12/1/08 Date: 11/24/08 Advertisement
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