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Monday, Jan. 10

Today, American Farm Bureau members heard from President Joe Biden. Through a pre-recorded video message, the president expressed his appreciation for what farmers do to feed their families and America’s families and highlighted some of the ways his infrastructure bill and efforts to address unfair pricing practices in the livestock industry will help create transparency in the marketplace.

The president’s message was followed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (pictured above with AFBF President Zippy Duvall). Secretary Vilsack covered a wide range of topics including the supply and demand issues being realized in agriculture, as well as rural broadband, climate-smart agriculture and the importance of maintaining strong export markets. He assured attendees that the relationship between USDA and Farm Bureau is strong and how his agency works with AFBF on all major policies that come across his desk.

Ohio Farm Bureau members gave back to the Atlanta community during the AFBF Convention by joining the Outreach Program and putting together packaged meals for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Together with other state Farm Bureau members, they succeeded in reaching the goal of packaging 8,500 meals.

Sunday, Jan. 9

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall gave his keynote address, sharing stories of his travels across the country over the past year. He emphasized how the American Farm Bureau team is sharing stories from farm country on the Hill in Washington, D.C., with the administration, and through many communications channels that reach far and wide. He said sharing those stories is important within our organization, too, because we are stronger when members understand what their neighbors in other regions are facing.

Ohio Farm Bureau received an Award of Excellence, which recognizes state Farm Bureaus that demonstrated outstanding achievements in four program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development.

American Farm Bureau Foundation announced its 15th Book of the Year, “How to Grow a Monster” by Kiki Thorpe. Ohio received a Leader Award from American Farm Bureau Foundation for the state board’s support of the foundation.

Ohio Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson visited with national farm media about the 2021 successes for Ohio Farm Bureau and the issues being tackled this week at the national level.

Stacie Anderson from Wood County made a strong showing in the Sweet 16 round of American Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet on Sunday. Competitors tackled this question:

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries. What can we, as young farmers and ranchers, do to create a more preventative, rather than reactive, approach to farm safety in our communities?

Stacie is a great representative for the Buckeye State and Ohio Farm Bureau is proud of her efforts. Congratulations to her on a job well done!

Finally, Ohio Farm Bureau’s Senior Director of Communications, Ty Higgins, was part of a panel addressing mobilizing the conversation around mental health. He shared Ohio Farm Bureau’s efforts on this front, and fellow panelists also discussed what other state Farm Bureaus are doing to actively promote, support and advance the conversation around mental health in farm and ranch communities.

Saturday, Jan. 8

The first two rounds of the 2022 American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet included Ohio’s Stacie Anderson from Wood County. Anderson and fellow competitors shared their thoughts and ideas about topics including:

As the world population increases, so will the need for renewable resources. On a local level and across the globe, how can Farm Bureau help farmers and ranchers continue to increase their efficiency in the use of valuable resources and transition to “Green Energy” practices on their farm or ranch?

COVID revealed several cracks involving the processing of livestock. How can Farm Bureau policy support easing government regulations to ensure long-term economic viability for local animal processing facilities, while ensuring the health of workers and that a healthy product is still delivered to consumers?

Anderson is moving on to the Discussion Meet Sweet 16 Sunday morning.

Joe Everett introduced the judges to his farm, his family and how his military background prepared him for going back home to work on the family farm. Everett traveled to Atlanta from Shelby County to compete in the American Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award contest. Everett shared his world adventures during his time in the U.S Navy and how he hopes to get more military veterans involved in agriculture in Ohio and across the country. 

Sunday’s plethora of programming includes two general sessions, 12 workshops, the live pitch competition for the final four Ag Innovation Challenge teams and the Sweet 16 round of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet. AFBF President Zippy Duvall will deliver his keynote remarks during the opening general session at 9:30 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 7

More than 125 Ohio Farm Bureau members and staff are traveling to Atlanta to celebrate this past year’s achievements and represent Ohio member interests as Farm Bureau policy priorities are set for the coming year at the American Farm Bureau 103rd Annual Convention.

Four Ohio county Farm Bureau projects were chosen to participate in the County Activities of Excellence program, and young agricultural professionals Joe Everett and Stacie Anderson  will be competing in the national Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet contests, respectively.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall will give his annual address to Farm Bureau members during the opening general session of the convention at 9:30 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, Jan. 9, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will speak during the closing general session at 11:30 a.m.

This is the first time in Farm Bureau history that the convention is being offered in-person and on a virtual platform at the same time. For those unable to attend the 2022 American Farm Bureau convention in-person, consider registering for the virtual event. Select workshops and sessions will be broadcast live with most available for on-demand viewing on the convention virtual platform.

You can view the full convention schedule on the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention Website and follow the action as it’s happening on OFBF’s social media through Facebook and by following the #AFBF22 hashtag on Twitter.