Iowa Native and Record-Breaking Former NASA Astronaut, Dr. Peggy Whitson, to Keynote 

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Iowa’s largest grassroots general farm organization, will celebrate a century of success December 3-5 in Des Moines during the 100th IFBF Annual Meeting.  

IFBF’s ‘A Century Strong’ celebration officially kicks off Monday, Dec. 3, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Des Moines with a special centennial celebration on Monday evening featuring award-winning entertainment by Don Felder, renowned as former lead guitarist of the Eagles, one the of the most popular and influential rock groups of all time.

The educational sessions start Tuesday and continue Wednesday and will feature a wide variety of seminars and panels with timely updates on critical farm programs and opportunities for growth in rural Iowa.  The opening seminar, ‘Making Things Happen in Rural Communities,’ will feature a panel of rural entrepreneurs who will share their insight into economic growth in rural communities, particularly looking at value-added agriculture opportunities in rural Iowa. 

Members will also benefit from a seminar featuring USDA and U.S. Senate ag committee staff members who will provide an update on the farm bill and its programs that are critical for Iowa farmers.  Tuesday afternoon will also feature cyber security expert, Kyle Loven's presentation, ‘Don’t be Another Fish in the Dark Net,’ and how farmers need to secure sensitive information. 

Trade and export markets are a top priority in agriculture with farmers closely following developments.  Ambassador Gregg Doud, U.S. Trade Representative, will lead a trade-focused panel session and will share the latest updates and outlook with members.  Paul Clayton, senior vice president of export services at the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), will also serve on the Farm Bill and U.S. Trade panels.

Tuesday will also feature several competitions and recognitions for IFBF young farmer members and an evening dinner and gala.  That night, entertainment by Home Free, an a cappella all-vocal band from Minnesota, will round out the evening entertainment.  District director candidates and vice president receptions will follow the evening program.   

“On Wednesday, we will celebrate the success and hard work of our members during our annual award presentation, and Dr. Peggy Whitson, record-breaking former NASA astronaut and Iowa native, will deliver the keynote speech,” says IFBF President Craig Hill, whose annual meeting remarks help kick off Wednesday’s general session.  “Dr. Whitson’s remarkable life story is an incredible and inspiring example for others to follow.  From humble beginnings on a Ringgold County family farm to daring stories from space flight and crash landings in the fields of Kazakhstan, her stories of adventure, perseverance, and achievement are a fitting way to round out IFBF’s centennial celebration.”  

For more information, a detailed agenda or to register to attend the 2018 IFBF Annual Meeting, check out www.iowafarmbureau.com.