New Hampshire farmers can be assured they will be represented at the 96th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention. Twelve members of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation (NHFBF) will be traveling to San Diego, California to take part in the nation’s largest farm organization’s conference this weekend, January 10 – 12.
The AFBF has over 6 million member families in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The Annual Convention is an opportunity for members across the nation to come together for business, educational and networking opportunities. There will be 357 voting delegates representing every crop and livestock sector in the United States. During this meeting delegates will adopt policies and elect leadership to guide Farm Bureau throughout 2015. NHFBF President Jeff Holmes will be among the delegation and voting according to state policy.
For a bright future in agriculture, President Holmes takes the job seriously and strives to ensure New Hampshire is well represented on a national level. “This year we have a new Congress, a new Farm Bill and some longstanding policies to contend with,” said President Holmes. “Biotechnology continues to be an issue; there’s a great deal of misinformation out there threatening the progress we have made to keep our food safe, affordable and abundant. This technology is necessary to feed the world’s growing population. It is likely delegates will reaffirm support for nationally based labeling standards.”
Young Farmers from across the country will be competing for top honors. Recipients of the New Hampshire Young Farmer Achievement Award, Adam and Patricia Crete of Boscawen will be among America’s best in production agriculture. In addition, Christian Murdock, DVM of Concord will be presenting her leadership accomplishments and contributions to the farming community in competition for the Excellence in Agriculture Award.
Farm Bureau strives to strengthen members’ abilities to analyze issues and develop solutions that best meet their needs. The Discussion Meet has been designed for this reason and simulates a committee meeting. Amy Gowell Drogue of Barnstead will be representing New Hampshire during the national Discussion Meet and will be speaking with three other competitors on predetermined topics.
Fellow New Hampshire Farm Bureau members extend their gratitude towards President Holmes for representing Granite State farmers and wish our Young Farmers great success with their competitions.