Animal welfare, environmental and agricultural issues and the economy will be hot topics during the 68th annual convention of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Nov. 6-8 at the Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City.

“It’s been a difficult growing season for many of our producers, however, this meeting gives them an opportunity to focus on the future,” said OFB President Mike Spradling.

The convention schedule includes sessions on humane care of farm animals, commodity prices and federal agriculture legislation.

A highlight of the convention occurs Nov. 6 when the farm group hands out a number of awards and recognizes its top leaders. Included among the awards is the 2009 farm family of the year, the top young farmer and rancher achievement winner, and the distinguished service to Farm Bureau and to agriculture awards. In addition, the winners of the young farmers and ranchers discussion meet and excellence in agriculture contests will be announced.

Featured speakers include Indiana farmer and motivator Ed Bell, animal welfare expert Tim Amlaw and former Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum. Congressman Frank Lucas has also been invited to address the farm group.

For more convention information, including an agenda, please visit our convention '09 page.