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Monday, Jan 14
This morning’s closing General Session featured the announcement of the Young Farmer and Rancher competition results, the Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge Awards, remarks from Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and keynote speaker President Donald Trump addressed the group.

Jess and Adam Campbell did not advance in the Excellence in Agriculture contest.

The counties that won the County Activities of Excellence presented at the IDEAg Trade Show.

Sunday, Jan. 13

The opening General Session of the 2019 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention began with the annual parade of state flags. Notable presenters included Louisiana governor, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Mike Strain, commissioner of Louisiana’s department of agriculture and forestry. AFBF President Zippy Duvall delivered his annual address, focusing on the history of AFBF and how it has been a united voice over the last 100 years. He noted the struggles and triumphs of 2018 and looked ahead at 2019, leaving the audience with the question, “How will you answer the call as we break through to the next century of American Farm Bureau?”

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 12th “Book of the Year” award to Lisl Detlefsen for “Right This Very Minute.”

Ohio Farm Bureau recognized with awards

Ohio Farm Bureau received all four Awards of Excellence, which are given to state Farm Bureaus that demonstrate outstanding achievements in four program areas: Advocacy; Engagement and Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; and Membership Value. Also at the American Farm Bureau Foundation breakfast, state Farm Bureaus were recognized for exemplary financial support of the foundation. Ohio received the Scholar Award, which is given to the six state Farm Bureaus with the highest total donations to the foundation within their membership groups.  Additionally, Ohio Farm Bureau qualified for one of 25 Apex Awards, which are given to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total contributions to the foundation by 10 percent or more over the previous year.

Young Ag Professionals contests continue

Annie Specht (second, right) competed in the Discussion Meet Sweet 16 round, where the contestants discussed the question: Technology is one of the driving forces for innovation and advancement in agriculture. How can the industry attract the best and brightest minds from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into agricultural careers?

The crew from Ohio gathered to congratulate @anniespecht after an outstanding Discussion Meet round. #AFBF19 #ofbf pic.twitter.com/1ElGUdJBgz

— Ohio Farm Bureau (@OhioFarmBureau) January 13, 2019

Jess and Adam Campbell of Warren County are Top 10 finalists in the Excellence in Agriculture competition. Final results will be announced Monday during the General Session.

Annie Specht of Tuscarawas County did not advance to the Final Four in the Discussion Meet. Congratulations to all Young Agricultural Professionals contestants.

Saturday, Jan. 12

Annie Specht competed in the first two rounds of the Discussion Meet. During the Discussion Meet, the participants share their thoughts and ideas on specific topics. The two questions today were:

In our modern world, the rapid dissemination of information and opinion about agriculture and food technologies can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Given these challenges, how can Farm Bureau best protect farmers’ and ranchers’ access to production technology options?

As the voice of agriculture, how can Farm Bureau be more inclusive of all agriculture and production practices? This includes, but is not limited to, women in agriculture, organic production, fresh produce, forestry and aquaculture.

Congratulations to Annie as she advances to the Sweet 16 round, which takes place Sunday.

Jess and Adam Campbell are in New Orleans for the Excellence in Agriculture competition. Jess presented on Saturday, sharing their story of how Carroll Creek Farms began. The presentation included the couple’s vision for the future, and how they are personally addressing issues that impact Ohio agriculture, such as ag unity, consumer perceptions and the mental health crisis in rural communities. The top 10 finalists will be announced on Sunday.

The IDEAg Trade Show opened this afternoon and the day ended with a reception for members hosted by Nationwide.

Friday, Jan. 11

Many Ohio Farm Bureau members and staff are in New Orleans to celebrate this past year’s achievements and represent Ohio as Farm Bureau policy priorities are set for the coming year.

Check in on this page for LIVE updates from the Big Easy at the American Farm Bureau’s 100th Annual Convention Jan. 11-16.

Eight Ohio county Farm Bureau projects were chosen to participate in the County Activities of Excellence program, and young agricultural professionals Jess Campbell and Annie Specht will be competing in the national Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet contests, respectively.  

Speakers include Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. President Donald Trump is also scheduled to speak.

You can also follow the action as it’s happening on OFBF’s social media through Facebook and by following the #AFBF19 hashtag on Twitter.

Our partner, Nationwide, is a sponsor of this event.

Online Extra

Coverage recap from Ohio’s Country Journal Jan. 21, 2019