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• Conferences 
  

  The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation holds a series of conferences each year.  Each conference is unique in its purpose and design.  Important Farm Bureau business is carried out in many of these events while giving members the opportunity to receive updated information on a host of agriculture-related topics.  
  
  Through workshops, speakers, and informal conversations, conference participants network with top agriculture specialists, legislators, other farmers, and leaders from all over the state.  Registration is required for all conferences and can be completed through the Idaho Farm Bureau Events Registration Link.  

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Annual Convention 

The Idaho Farm Bureau annual convention is held every year around the end of November or the beginning of December.  The primary business of the annual convention is to set policy and elect leaders of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.  This is accomplished in what is called the House of Delegates.  Being a grassroots organization, each of the 36 organized Idaho counties selects two farm or ranch delegates to represent them on the House of Delegates floor to discuss and debate all policies.  

The annual convention is a three-day event and has many components.  On Tuesday, participants hear from Farm Bureau leaders and are updated on developments from the past year.  A series of workshops follows covering a range of topics.  Young Farmer & Rancher district finalists from around Idaho come to the annual convention to compete in competitions.  Major awards are given to winners and runners-up in these three different events.
Wednesday starts with more education of the different aspects of the Idaho Farm Bureau and launches into the House of Delegates session.  The Women's Leadership Program also hold its business meeting during this time.

Thursday morning is the continuation of the House of Delegates.  Throughout the annual convention, caucuses are held to elect new leaders for the Women's Leadership, Young Farmers & Ranchers, and District State Board Members.  All election results are ratified Thursday morning by the House of Delegate body, who also elect the president and vice-president of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation on rotating years.

See 2020 Annual Convention Tentative Agenda

Click here to watch IFBF Convention virtually

 

Legislative/Commodities Conference

Held in February, the Legislative and Commodity Conferences blend together to give focus on current commodity and legislative issues that are occurring while the Idaho legislature is in session.  Influential legislators and state department representatives speak and interact with the audience to update and clarify the direction of important issues that affect Idaho's farmers and ranchers.  This is a two-day event.  In the evening of the first day, a strolling buffet is held where Idaho Farm Bureau members have the opportunity to have dinner with their local state senators and representatives.

Market specialists and commodity experts participate in the commodity portion of the conference.  Those who have been appointed to serve on specific commodity committees meet and gain knowledge about their specific commodity, particularly how it pertains to current and future Idaho Farm Bureau policy.  These commodity committees discuss and surface recommendations for future Idaho Farm Bureau Federation policy.

Due to this year’s circumstances, we will not be able to all gather in person like we usually do for our Legislative Conference. We will be offering a virtual mini-conference this year in its place on February 9, from 7 to 9 pm. We are looking forward to sharing information about current legislative topics as well as having guest legislators speak and answer questions. If you have any questions, please contact the Idaho Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs office at 208-342-2688.

See 2021 Legislative/Commodities Conference Registration

Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference

Young Farmers and Ranchers ages 18 to 35 come together at the end of January for fun, education, networking, and more.  Those of this age range share many common challenges and this conference gives them the tools and connections to improve their operations.  Workshops, keynote speakers, social events, and interaction with experts and leaders of Idaho make this time effective.  This is an event that starts late on Thursday and concludes on Saturday morning.  Many lasting friendships across the state have been started at this event.

See 2020 YF&R Leadership Conference Tentative Agenda

County Presidents' Conference

The Idaho Farm Bureau County Presidents' Conference is held in July.  This specific conference gives county presidents the opportunity to receive training, clarify county responsibilities, discuss current issues, and meet with leaders and candidates of Idaho.

See 2019 County Presidents' Conference Tentative Agenda