OFB convention will be held Nov. 6-8
Oklahoma Farm Bureau's 68th Annual Meeting will be held November 6-8 at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. The theme for this year's convention is "Our Brand - Our Future."
"When you see the FB brand, the words integrity, tradition, hard work and the spirit of agriculture come to mind," said Monica Wilke, OFB & affiliated companies executive director. "As we look toward the future, we will build upon that strength of character for a future OFB leaders will continue to be proud of."
Ed Bell, a fruit and vegetable farmer from Hagerstown, Indiana, will deliver the keynote address during the kickoff session Nov. 6. Bell is a gifted communicator who embodies the American Dream through his perseverance, endurance and service to others. In addition to farming and speaking, he assists farmers and rural people with disabilities nationwide.
Congressman Frank Lucas and Sen. Tom Coburn also have been invited to speak during the convention.
In addition to Bell, there are break out sessions on agricultural marketing featuring Top Third Ag Marketing's Mark Gold and the American Humane CertifiedTM Program with Tim Amlaw.
OFB has announced several new features this year, including a Commodity Committee Briefing & Reorganization Session, a dance floor and a reception honoring former OFB & affiliated companies Executive Director Matt Wilson.
The commodity session will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. OFB's commodity chairmen will report on activities and reorganize for the future.
A dance floor is being added as part of the banquet and entertainment festivities. A more casual dress with a western flair is encouraged as the crowd enjoys the music of Johnny Lee and The Urban Cowboy Band. The banquet and entertainment will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 beginning at 7 p.m.
Also, OFB members will have the opportunity to wish Wilson well during a reception honoring the former executive director, which will take place Friday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 7 p.m.
During the awards and recognition program, the organization will announce its Farm Family of the Year, top young farmer and rancher and winners of other state and county awards.
During the Vespers and Memorial Session Nov. 8, The Homesteaders will share gospel music and Heather Whitestone McCallum will inspire the crowd with her message of determination.
The true grassroots nature of the farm organization will be evident during the business session as voting delegates will decide policy issues with input from all 77 county Farm Bureaus. The policies will then guide the organization during the coming year.
"Whether you're interested in networking with other producers, helping to set policy for the next year, or learning about ways to improve your operation, you will find what you're looking for at this convention and we hope you will join us in Oklahoma City," Wilke said.
Conference Agenda (tentative)
Speakers and entertainers:
Ed Bell
Mark Gold
Tim Amlaw
Johnny Lee
The Homesteaders
Heather Whitestone McCallum