The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation will hold its Annual Convention Nov. 27-29 at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs. This is one of Virginia’s largest farm events. We expect hundreds of farmers from around the state, as well as many agricultural and agribusiness dignitaries.
Michelle Payn, principal of Cause Matters Corp. who connects people and the science of food and farming, will kick off the convention during lunch on Nov. 27. The opening luncheon also will include recognition of print and broadcast news professionals through the 31st Annual VFBF Journalism Awards for exemplary coverage of agriculture.
Also scheduled for Tuesday are several educational conferences, before and after lunch. At 10 a.m., a conference on Direct Marketing – Making Dollars & Sense, will feature a panel of farmers who sell their products directly to consumers. After lunch, Putting the ‘Me’ in Media will be presented by Virginia Farm Bureau communications staff with an emphasis on how members can participate effectively in a media interview. Another workshop, Taking It On Locally, will feature a panel of five Farm Bureau producer members who will share how their county Farm Bureaus addressed local issues and built relationships with their elected officials.
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, Scott VanderWal, vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, will give an update on national issues affecting farmers, during the general session.
About 800 people will attend the three-day event, which will include award presentations and discussion and votes on Farm Bureau’s policies for 2019.
There will be numerous local news angles for reporters, regardless of your coverage area. Delegates and other farmer members will attend from nearly every county in Virginia. As always, the Communications Department will provide reporters with a working press room. Staff also can help you set up interviews with farmers who are attending from your area.
To find out more about this year’s convention, visit the online VFBF Convention Newsroom atvafb.com/convention. It features our news releases, a convention fact sheet, links to our magazines, photos and more.
If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to keep checking the online newsroom. You also will find updates on Twitter (twitter.com/vafbnews) and Facebook (facebook.com/vafarmbureau).
If you need to reserve a hotel room, please contact Christie Young at 804-290-1035 or[email protected]. You will receive the Farm Bureau group rate of $130 per night. When you arrive at The Omni Homestead Resort, please check in at the press room, the Mount Vernon Room, and pick up your press credentials.
Any questions about the VFBF Convention can be directed to Greg Hicks, vice president of communications, at 804-290-1139 or [email protected].
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