Young Farmers and Ranchers Legislative Conference Feb. 14-15 in Cheyenne–Jan. 24, 2011
–Joint with WyFB Legislative Meeting
Exploring the Wyoming State Legislature and gaining realistic skills and strategies for making an influence is the focus of the 2011 Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Legislative Conference. Wyoming young farmers and ranchers are invited to attend the “YF&R Legislative Conference” Feb. 14-15 in Cheyenne. The conference is open to all young agricultural producers (between the ages of 18-35) and all Farm Bureau members. Children are welcome.
Hosted by the WyFB YF&R Committee, the conference begins at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at the Holiday Inn in Cheyenne. The conference is being held in conjunction with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Legislative Meeting.
“While the state Farm Bureau has held its legislative conference for years, this is the first time for YF&R to join in with our own programs,” Chalsey Kortes, WyFB YF&R State Chair, said. “The state YF&R committee has worked hard to put together sessions that will enable young producers to better understand and participate in the legislative process. It is truly important to have our voice heard.”
Both meetings kick off with a noon luncheon featuring Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Gerry Geis and House Agriculture Committee Chair Representative Mark Semlek.
Following lunch, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead is scheduled to speak at 1:30 p.m.
After hearing from legislators and the Governor, YF&R participants will learn more about the Wyoming Legislature with a presentation from the Legislative Service Office (LSO). Wendy Madsen, Legislative Information Officer with the LSO, will present “The Wyoming Legislature is not a Spectator Sport—Participate!” at 1:45 p.m.
Monday’s afternoon activities also include legislative briefings from WyFB lobbyists, a parliamentary procedure demonstration, and tours of the Capitol. Monday evening provides the one-on-one visits with the legislators during the “Legislative Banquet.” YF&R Game Night starts at 8:30 p.m.
“We will have a lot of fun as we get to know each other during game night,” Kortes stated.
Tuesday’s activities begin with the House Agriculture Committee meeting at the Capitol. Start time will be announced one week prior; but could be between 7-8 a.m.
“Sitting in on a legislative committee meeting will show producers part of the legislative process,” Kortes said. “It is invaluable to take part first hand so you see how you can influence the process as an individual, but better yet as individuals joining together for the good of agriculture through Farm Bureau.”
“Cultivating Contact: The reality of interacting with “government” will be presented at 9 a.m. by Kyle Perry with the American Farm Bureau Federation. In this session, participants will acquire realistic skills and strategies for making an influence. Most importantly, they will leave with the motivation to effectively and appropriately contact their legislators.
The final session is “History of Farm Bureau” presented by Mike Stanton, retired AFBF staff member. This session is powerful for those who are new to Farm Bureau and those who have been with Farm Bureau for many years. Learn about the history of Farm Bureau and see how the organization’s grassroots policy development system provides great strength for agriculture.
A luncheon will conclude the conference. At this time the drawing will be held for one lucky participant to win a Kindle donated by Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Must be present to win.
Registration
The registration fee is $65/adult and at cost for meals/child. The agenda and registration are available at www.wyfb.org or you may call 866.272.2197. The registration deadline is Feb. 9. Late registrations will be accepted after Feb. 9 at $80/adult.
Room reservations may be made by calling the Holiday Inn at 1-800-HOLIDAY or 307.638.4466 by Feb. 3. Mention “Farm Bureau Federation” for the meeting room rate.
The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general agriculture organization. The purpose of the YF&R program is to develop leaders for the betterment of agriculture and Farm Bureau. Visit www.wyfb.org.
-FB END-
CONTACT:
Kerin Clark, WyFB Media Director, 307.532.2002 or [email protected]
Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation
Young Farmer & Rancher 2011 Legislative Conference
Feb. 14-15, 2011 at Holiday Inn in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Joint with WyFB Legislative Meeting (*Indicated by asterisk)
Sunday, February 13
5 p.m. WyFB YF&R Committee Meeting
Monday, February 14
11 a.m. Registration
*Noon Luncheon-Sponsored by Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company
Speakers: Senator Gerry Geis, Senate Ag Committee Chair and Representative Mark Semlek, House Ag Committee Chair
*1:30 p.m. Wyoming Governor Matt Mead
1:45 p.m. The Wyoming Legislature is not a Spectator Sport-Participate!
Speaker: Wendy Madsen, Wyoming Legislative Service Office, Legislative Information Officer
*2:45 p.m. Join Legislative Issues in progress (begins at 2:30 p.m.)
Speakers: WyFB Lobbying Team, Ken Hamilton and Brett Moline
*4 p.m. Parliamentary Procedure Demonstration—Cheyenne FFA
4:15 p.m. Capitol Tour
*6:30 p.m. Legislative Banquet
8:30 p.m. YF&R Mixer/Game Night
Tuesday, February 15
8 a.m. House Agriculture Committee at Capitol (Room 302).
NOTE: Time could be moved up to an earlier start depending on workload of committee. Schedule is typically announced one week prior. Please check with us Feb. 14.
9 a.m. Cultivating Contact: The reality of interacting with “government”
You’ve explored the Wyoming State Legislature and the issues pertaining to agriculture. Why should you become involved? How can you become involved? In this session, you’ll acquire realistic skills and strategies for making an influence. Most importantly, you’ll leave with the motivation to effectively and appropriately contact your legislators.
Speaker: Kyle Perry, American Farm Bureau Federation, Director, Leadership Development
*10 a.m. Break
*10:15 a.m. “History of Farm Bureau”
Speaker: Mike Stanton, Retired, AFBF Director of Membership Development and Managing Director, Members Services, AFB, Inc.
*11:45 a.m. Luncheon
Sponsorship appreciation: Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, Farm Credit Services of America