The Montana Farm Bureau is holding a variety of educational workshops and top-notch speakers during the MFBF Annual Convention November 13-16 in Billings. Speakers include former Cargill CEO Greg Page, Monsanto’s Director of Millennial Engagement Vance Crowe, and American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Sherry Saylor.
During the morning address, Crowe will discuss his work helping scientists and farmers around the country share their knowledge with a public that is not fascinated with modern agriculture. Saylor and Page are scheduled as lunch speakers Monday and Tuesday. Saylor, who served as a legislator in her home state of Arizona, will talk about being a sustainable leader Monday. On Tuesday, Page will provide insight into the challenges and choices farmers and ranchers face as they feed a more populous and hopefully more prosperous world.
Workshops
- GMO Labeling Bill - Andrew Walmsley, director of congressional relations, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), provides insight and updates on the bio-tech labeling bill.
- MRP - The Montana Rangelands Partnership (MRP) is a collaborative, public-private partnership comprised of more than a dozen local, state, and national organizations.
- The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) faces some opposition, but agriculture can come out a real winner. AFBF’s Dave Salmonsen and Chris Eyler, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, provide timely information.
- Weather and climate change? Dr. Paul Stoy, Assistant Professor, Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, will discuss his research on changing weather patterns and related cropping systems in the Northern Plains region.
- Coordinated Charitable Giving - Learn how you can benefit financially and help to improve the future of agriculture by taking advantage of financial tools through Farm Bureau.
- Social Media – This is an interactive crash course on getting your social media marketing and messaging on a mission to grow your business or influence.
- Cheers to Rural Development - Home grown microbreweries and distilleries are popping up in cities and small towns helping with rural development. See how this trend is a win-win.
“We are thrilled to offer our members attending the convention a packed schedule of educational speakers and workshops,” said MFBF President Bob Hanson. “We all look forward to coming to the Northern and Double Tree Hotels in downtown Billings. It’s rewarding to have so many of our members attending this very important meeting.”
