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by Lynn Snyder

Awards, food, friends and approval of official policies are on the agenda of the 84th Ohio Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting, Dec. 4 to 6 at the Hyatt Regency and Cincinnati Convention Center.

Anthony Munoz will serve as guest speaker Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 4. Munoz was the first-round NFL draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1980, and the third pick in the draft. From 1980 until 1993, he would be selected to the Pro Bowl for 11 consecutive years, become a member of the 1980s All-Decade team and the 75^th anniversary All-NFL team. He was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year eight times and played in two Super Bowls. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Currently, he is an analyst for ESPN's NFL coverage and speaks across the country.

County Farm Bureaus will be recognized for their achievements in eight program areas, and young farmers will compete for the statewide Discussion Meet, Young Farmer, Young Farm Couple and Excellence in Agriculture awards. The Excellence in Agriculture award is new this year. Members ages 18 to 35 who do not derive their primary income directly from the farm, but who are actively contributing to and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture are eligible. Just as in the Outstanding Young Farmer and Young Couple contests, a winner from each Farm Bureau area will compete for the state title.

Also of interest Wednesday is the Hospitality Corner, which will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and again Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Ohio Farm Bureau member benefit providers will be on hand to explain their programs and services. The Hospitality Corner also serves as a place to catch up with friends and enjoy a cup of coffee or snack.

"We look forward to hosting more than 1,000 members and guests in Cincinnati," said OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher. "The annual meeting is a good opportunity to recognize members for their involvement and achievements and to determine the course for our organization in the coming year."

The deadline for hotel reservations is Nov. 4. Reservations should be made through county Farm Bureau offices. A more detailed agenda and speaker information will be included in the Oct. 28 issue of Buckeye Farm News.