SACRAMENTO — In a normal year, some 750 California farmers and ranchers would attend the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting to learn about important policy issues facing agriculture, to network and to recognize members for their contributions.
Of course, 2020 isn’t a normal year, but the Farm Bureau will still be holding its Annual Meeting virtually on Dec. 6-9, thanks in part to $66,000 in grants from Farm Credit, which for more than 20 years has provided funding to help make the meeting possible and this year is the program’s largest sponsor.
In addition, this year Farm Credit will continue to support the annual Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet, which is part of the Annual Meeting program, and for the first time will also sponsor the Farm Bureau’s Awards of Excellence, which recognize county Farm Bureaus for excellence in policy implementation, leadership, member services, agricultural education and public relations.
Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson said it was important to hold the Annual Meeting this year despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
“Throughout its history, Farm Bureau and our members have had to innovate and change with the times. Through the Great Depression, World War II, the turmoil of the 1960s, the farm crisis, recessions, droughts, floods—and now, the COVID-19 pandemic—Farm Bureau has endured by providing its members with the knowledge and services they need to survive during crises and be ready to thrive when the crises pass. Despite all the challenges, we are ‘Still Farming.’
“As we pivot to a virtual format for the 2020 Annual Meeting, we’re dedicated to providing Farm Bureau members with what they’ve come to expect from previous meetings—learning, policy discussions, connections with old and new friends—in an altogether different format,” he said.
Melanie Duval, the Farm Bureau’s director of member advocacy, said Farm Credit’s support is gratefully appreciated.
“This year, Farm Credit is not only our title sponsor but in addition has generously sponsored our award and recognition programs,” Duval said. “They help make our Annual Meetings possible and have helped make the award program possible this year as well. Farm Credit has been a wonderful partner over the years.”
Despite the logistical challenges, Duval said the Annual Meeting will be as informative and interesting as always. The Farm Bureau has built a set at its Sacramento offices that replicates what the stage would have looked like, and also developed a virtual platform to allow members to seamlessly view general sessions and breakout sessions. Also featured will be programs including a cooking demonstration from a Sacramento chef who uses local farm-to-fork food, and continuing education courses. Members also will be able to attend a virtual tradeshow and participate in business meetings to shape the Farm Bureau’s advocacy efforts in 2021.
Curt Hudnutt, President and CEO of Farm Credit member American AgCredit, said the sponsorship is an important part of Farm Credit’s commitment to strengthening California agriculture.
“Farm Credit proudly provides financial services to farmers and ranchers throughout California and we are honored to have such a long and strong relationship with Farm Bureau. We are thrilled to once again sponsor the Annual Meeting along with several of the accompanying programs. The California Farm Bureau has done an outstanding job of working with legislators to solve the regulatory challenges facing producers as well as providing education and other resources for the state’s farmers and ranchers. With them, we share a deep commitment to ensuring the health and long-term viability of agriculture in the Golden State,” Hudnutt said.
–Farm Credit