More than 1,000 Oklahoma agricultural leaders are expected to fill the Cox Convention Center Nov. 11-13, in downtown Oklahoma City for the annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention.
“This is our most important meeting of the year,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “This is when our leaders decide policy for the organization to follow in the coming year.”
The convention kicks off Friday, Nov. 11, with contests for the young farmers and ranchers followed by the opening session. Featured speakers in the opening session include Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb and KWTV Meteorologist Gary England.
Also, awards for Journalist of the Year, Secretary of the Year and County awards will be announced during the Friday opening session.
A unique feature of this year’s convention will include a food drive where convention attendees are invited to bring nonperishable food donations for Gov. Mary Fallin’s “Feeding Oklahoma” food drive campaign.
“We are proud to support Gov. Fallin’s efforts to meet the needs of hungry Oklahomans,” said Spradling.
A reception for the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program participants will wrap up Friday’s convention events.
Saturday’s highlights include the annual resolutions session, Farm Bureau presidential election, selection of voting delegates for the American Farm Bureau convention and the President’s annual address.
The annual awards banquet Saturday evening will include announcement of the Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year, Young Farmer and Rancher contest winners, the coveted Lewis Munn and John I. Taylor awards and Farm Bureau’s new Lifetime Legacy Award.
The evening’s activities will conclude with entertainment provided by country music singer Joe Diffie.
The convention wraps up Sunday morning with a vespers service featuring Oklahoma Congressman James Lankford.
Throughout Friday and Saturday, convention participants will have the opportunity to visit OFB’s trade show on the first floor of the Cox convention center. The exhibits include farm trucks, tractors, a health care booth and farm supply businesses.