Elections, Standout Speakers Headline National Farmers 20/20 Marketing Vision Convention in Bloomington, Minn. Feb. 10-12
(AMES, Iowa) Jan. 20, 2020—National Farmers members from across the U.S. will convene at the annual winter meeting Feb. 10-12 in Bloomington, Minn., listening to agricultural experts about the farm economy, livestock contracting and nutrition trends, farm policy, ag risk management and marketing.
National Farmers’ 20/20 Marketing Vision Convention in Bloomington, Minn., kicks off Feb. 10, at 3 p.m. at the Hilton MSP, Mall of America Hotel. Dr. Dennis Todey, USDA Climate Hub, will discuss farm challenges in changing climate conditions and Minnesota NFU President Gary Wertish will talk to members about Minnesota Farmers Union priorities. The day will end with remarks from National Farmers Organization Vice President Paul Riniker, Greeley, Iowa.
Feb. 11 brings a full slate of agricultural topics, with National Farmers business starting the day at 9 a.m. Dr. Harwood Schaffer, director, Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, will speak about ag trade and the issues farmers face after USMCA and the U.S.-China Phase I trade deal ratifications. NFU Vice President Patty Edelburg will speak at 1 p.m. about dairy issues and NFU’s ag policy positions. Minnesota Agricultural Commissioner Thom Peterson and Dr. John Ikerd, professor emeritus of agriculture and applied economics, University of Missouri – Columbia, take the stage that afternoon. President Paul Olson addresses the convention body at an evening dessert reception.
The Feb. 12 slate of events begin with a candidate forum and officer elections for president and vice president. Commodity Marketing Day continues with a slate of presenters covering dairy, grain and livestock initiatives and accomplishments from and by National Farmers.
Brad Rach, dairy director, will lead the day’s segment for milk producers, talking about structure management. Director of Livestock Pat Lampert, will moderate the presentation centering around National Farmers and Nexus cattle marketing and risk management. Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, University of Minnesota, will address ruminant nutrition, feed delivery and nutritional additives. Matt Brandyberry, grain marketing specialist, headlines the presentation about Grain Marketing Plus, with NForganics’ grain segment being led by Mike Schulist, program manager and organic grain marketing specialist.
At the end of the day Feb. 12, the Institute for Rural America hosts a benefit auction, which includes baskets that represent National Farmers member states and are filled with products associated with each state. An evening cocktail party and dance begins at 7:30 p.m., with the band Passion returning to entertain members.
Register for convention at nationalfarmers.com. Members can call 952-854-2100 and make their reservations at the Hilton Hotel today. Attendees should mention National Farmers for the special $130 room rate.
National Farmers is a conventional and organic commodity marketing organization for the nation’s farmers and ranchers.
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