The 111th RMFU Convention To Feature Innovation Fair, Educational Opportunities
Registration Discount Ends TODAY, Thursday, October 31st
Although the convention starts Friday, the popular RMFU Innovation Fair will be open to all on Thursday, November 21. The Innovation Fair will include presentations on topics such as using cattle feed made from forestry products, app-based data collection, farm and ranch business tool kit resources, positioning operations for financial success, and much more. Registration for the Innovation Fair is free for students and Farmers Union members and $15 for non-members. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Greeley.
The RMFU convention will begin with registration and opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22. At 9:15 a.m. a panel will look at hemp as a viable alternative crop. Panelists will include individuals with experience in growing and marketing hemp, researching the net successes of different varieties and growing conditions, and financial challenges. Later that morning, USDA’s National Appeals Division will review how farmers and ranchers may use the division to challenge the agency’s program decisions on a case by case basis. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson will offer his view of ag policy and politics trending on Capitol Hill. RMFU President Dr. Dale McCall will also share his observations and insights regarding the key topics affecting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
At 1 p.m. Friday a water panel will consider the possibilities and realities of supply conditions on the Colorado River Basin and the potential impact of implementation of a drought contingency plan. The Harvest Moon Gala will be the main event Friday evening. The Gala is a fun fundraising event to support the educational programs of the RMFU Foundation.
A health panel set for 9 a.m. Saturday morning will take a thoughtful look at availability and access to rural health care resources with a focus on tools available to manage rural stress.
Farmers Union members will introduce, debate, and adopt policy positions during the convention. As a grassroots organization, Farmers Union policy is decided by the members who show up, stand up, and speak up on the convention floor. These priorities become the marching orders for the board and staff during 2020. Policy discussion is a highlight for many members who started this work in their annual chapter meetings held just prior to the convention.
During the two-day event, RMFU will name the Farm Family of the Year, FUSA Agent of the Year, and leadership awards. Members will elect a president, directors for Districts I, III, and IV, and delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention.
Registration discounts are in place through Thursday, October 31. For details on the Innovation Fair, RMFU Convention, and registration, go to rmfu.org
