News media are invited to attend Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) 107th Annual Meeting and Convention, Dec. 8-10 at the Younes Conference Center South, in Kearney. Nearly 350 farmers and ranchers from across the state will gather for leadership development and discussion of key food, farm, and ranch issues. Contact Cassie Hoebelheinrich at (402) 853-4238 to arrange interviews. The media room is on the second floor in Ruby 1.
____________________________________________________________________________
Story Ideas/Agricultural Issues
State of Nebraska Agriculture
Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president
What are the key issues facing Nebraska farm and ranch families, and what does the future look like for Nebraska agriculture? Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue will address those issues and more in his annual State of Agriculture address. Monday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. Crystal 1-3.
Farm and Ranch Succession – Dr. Ron Hanson from the University of Nebraska will outline a five-step transition guideline that empowers family members to achieve a planning pathway that provides clear direction for their continued Nebraska farming success for the next generation. Monday, Dec 9, 10:15 a.m. Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10 & 2:30 p.m. Diamond 7.
Lessons on the Road to Peace – Through engaging portraits and heartfelt narratives, learn how individuals can how we can work toward common good and create a world that is more just for all. Join award-winning photographer, John Noltner, on a journey of discovery and inspiration in this keynote presentation. Monday, Dec 9, 1:00 p.m. Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10.
____________________________________________________________________________
Monday, Dec. 9 — WORKSHOPS
State, National, & Environmental Issues Update
Bruce Rieker, Jordan Dux, & Kole Pederson, Nebraska Farm Bureau
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Diamond 3
From Washington, D.C. to Lincoln, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Public Policy Team is constantly working with decision makers advocating on behave of farm and ranch families. Learn more about what is happening in the world of state, federal, and regulatory policy and get a look as to what might be in store for 2024.
What is Agricultural Literacy, Why Does it Matter, and How Do We Attain it?
Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Diamond 1
Attend this session to explore how agricultural education and agricultural literacy are different and how they complement each other. Delve into what’s at stake and simple ways you can promote and protect Nebraska’s number one industry. After the presentation, sign up to receive free resources for Agriculture Reading Hour and National Agriculture Week.
NFBI: Who Needs an Analysis?
Tina Barrett & Flint Corliss, Nebraska Farm Business Inc.
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Diamond 7
Ever wonder what a financial analysis could do for your farm? We’ll explore the benefits of accrual basis income, how benchmarking can show you where you’re doing well and where you can improve, and what information you need to be able to get an analysis done for your operation.
Nebraska Energy & Its Growing Needs (Panel Discussion)
Courtney Dentlinger, NPPD; Seth Voyles, OPPD; James Dukesherer, NREA
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Diamond 8
In-depth discussion about our state’s emerging energy demands and how they intend to meet those needs. Will the state have enough power to meet the growing demands? In times of emergencies and energy shortages, who decides who gets the power? Are traditional energy production plants capable of producing enough? What about renewable energy? Is nuclear energy part of the solution? Join us to learn more.
Q&A on NEFB Health Plans
Kelsey Scheer, Nebraska Farm Bureau
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Diamond 6
Get your questions answered about affordable health care coverage through Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans. The health plan offerings include individual and family plans, as well as dental and vision options. Kelsey Scheer, NEFB’s assistant director of NEFB Health Plans, will walk you through these plans and see how you could see a 30% to 50% reduction in premium cost, compared to unsubsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) products.
GROWER’S GALA
Here We Grow
Megahn Schafer, executive director, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation
6:30 p.m. -Crystal 1-3
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation will host a night of food, live music, and a live auction. The mission of the Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. Funds raised for the night will help develop agricultural awareness throughout Nebraska; build consumer knowledge on their sources of food, fiber, and fuel; and fund scholarships and leadership opportunities in agriculture.
____________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, Dec. 10 – Farm/Ranch and Food Issues
VOTING DELEGATE SESSION
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. -Diamond 4,5,9,10
The agriculture policy development portion of the annual meeting provides farmers and ranchers from across the state the opportunity to discuss and debate agricultural issues and determine Nebraska Farm Bureau’s position on agricultural issues for the coming year. (Nebraska Farm Bureau staff can aid in identifying farmers and ranchers to discuss key issues.)
LUNCH
11:45 a.m. -Crystal 1-3
Member Appreciation – Young Farmers and Ranchers Awards Announced
- Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement in Agriculture Award Winner
- Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Winner
- Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet Winner
- Collegiate Discussion Meet Winner
ANNUAL FARM BUREAU BANQUET
6:30 p.m. – Crystal 1-3
Silver Eagle Award Announced – 2024 recipient is Steve Nelson.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.