State Farm Bureau plans 82nd annual meeting

"Gearing Up to Meet Future Challenges" will set the stage for thought provoking speakers and discussions. Rounding out the meeting will be fun, entertainment and a wealth of camaraderie as farmers and ranchers set the course for their organization in the coming year.

This year marks the 82nd year that Colorado Farm Bureau members have come together for this purpose. As members of the state's largest farm and ranch organization, their role is to study the issues impacting their everyday operations then formulate policy to guide the organization's work. Highlighting the activities will be a slate of distinguished speakers including U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman and Capt. Richard Life, U.S. Navy (ret).

"Together we can face challenges and find solutions that on our own are very difficult," said Roger Bill Mitchell, president, Colorado Farm Bureau. "This meeting gives us an opportunity to see through the eyes of producers from throughout the state, across every commodity group."

Speakers at the four-day meeting, which runs Nov. 26 to 29 at the Antlers Adam's Mark Hotel, 4 S Cascade Ave., in Colorado Springs, will discuss issues facing the industry today and those on the horizon for tomorrow. Topics will range from the impact of biotechnology on agriculture, the environment and consumers; opening the doors to trade with China; the 2001 Farm Bill; and a preview of issues expected to be tackled in the 2001 Colorado legislature. Proceedings will also include policy discussions, award presentations, exhibits and a mix of entertainment.

"Today's farmers and ranchers are an integral part of every person's quality of life, yet they are seldom acknowledged," Mitchell said. "Producers struggle to preserve the values and traditions the agricultural industry was founded upon while trying to prosper in the new millennium."

Voting delegates will adopt policies that will guide the organization in the coming year and make policy recommendations on national issues for the American Farm Bureau Federation. The delegates also will elect a new president, vice president, five district members for the state board of directors, a young farmer and rancher chairman, and women's committee chairman.

Young farmers and ranchers from across the state will compete in the annual discussion meet on Sunday, Nov. 26. Participants will vie for the honor of competing in Orlando, FL, at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting on Jan. 7 to 10, 2001.

Presentation of the two Service to Agriculture awards will be conducted during the evening banquet on Tuesday, Nov. 28. One individual from within the organization and one from outside will be recognized for their contributions to agriculture.

Other activities include the ag education auction; wake-up breakfast, sponsored by the Colorado Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. featuring Howard Helmer, the world's fastest omelet maker; an awards luncheon; vesper service; and recognition of county Farm Bureau achievements.