With the theme “Projecting forward…with excellence,” the 71st annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau convention will be Nov. 9-11 at the Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City.
“This is our most important meeting of the year,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “It’s a great time for our leaders to discuss current issues and decide policy for the organization to follow in the coming year.”
The convention kicks off Friday, Nov. 9, with contests for the young farmers and ranchers followed by the opening session. Featured speakers in the opening session include U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Glenn Coffee representing the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office.
Break-out sessions will feature John Anderson, American Farm Bureau economist discussing the economics of food prices; and attorney Jim McCarthy focusing on wealth transfer and business succession.
Also, awards for Journalist of the Year, Secretary of the Year and County awards will be announced during the Friday opening session.
A unique feature of this year’s convention will include a food drive where convention attendees are invited to bring non-perishable food donations for Gov. Mary Fallin’s “Feeding Oklahoma” food drive campaign.
“We are proud to support Gov. Fallin’s efforts to meet the needs of hungry Oklahomans,” said Spradling.
A reception for the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program participants will wrap up Friday’s convention events.
Saturday’s highlights include the annual resolutions session, selection of voting delegates for the American Farm Bureau convention and the President’s annual address.
The annual awards banquet Saturday evening will include announcement of the Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year, Young Farmer and Rancher contest winners, the coveted Lewis Munn and John I. Taylor awards and Farm Bureau’s new Lifetime Legacy Award.
The convention wraps up Sunday morning with a vespers service featuring inspirational speaker Paul Ott.
Throughout Friday and Saturday, convention participants will have the opportunity to visit OFB’s trade show on the first floor of the Cox convention center. The exhibits include farm ATV’s, trucks, tractors, farm supply businesses, and booth displays on health care, finances, arts and crafts.
