93rd Annual RMFU Convention November 16 and 17

DENVER–Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) leaders from throughout Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming will focus on “Paths to Prosperity,” the theme of the 93rd annual RMFU convention, to be held Nov. 16-17 at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, Colo.

The convention will convene Friday morning, Nov. 16, with a keynote address from National Farmers Union (NFU) President Leland Swenson. Prof. Greg MacLeod, University College of Cape Breton, Canada, will share his experience in helping communities “re-form” themselves in a session entitled Models for Prosperity, scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Friday.

Following MacLeod’s address, convention goers can choose from one of three workshops, each of which focuses on a different area in which agricultural producers can work to improve their economic and overall well being. The workshops are Financial Planning, presented by David Haraway, Colorado College, Colorado Springs; Prototypes for Community Sustainability, presented by MacLeod; and 2002 Farm Bill—The Parts & Pieces, presented by Chris Schepis, NFU Government Relations Office, Washington, D.C. Convention delegates have the task of deciding on state and national policy positions and proposed bylaws changes. They also will elect a new RMFU president and vice president, three new board members and RMFU members to serve as delegates to the 2002 NFU convention. Candidates for president include John Stencel, Parker, Colo.; and Reed Kelley, Meeker, Colo. Candidates for vice president will be Sue Jarrett, Wray, Colo.; Michael Gardner, Pine Bluffs, Wyo.; and Paul Stout, Broadview, N.M. Running for board seats are Elwin Poe, Holyoke, Colo.; Ken Macy, Pine Bluffs, Wyo.; and Charles Klaseen, Crawford, Colo.

A variety of awards and presentations will be made throughout the convention, including the presentation of RMFU Legislator of the Year to Rep. Dan Grossman, D-Denver, and RMFU Excellence in News Media Award to Steve Raabe, Denver Post business writer. RMFU young leaders, including Darrick Ferhringer, Peetz, Colo., who was elected to the 2002 NFU Senior Youth Advisory Council, will address the convention.

The 93rd annual RMFU convention will wrap up with a formal banquet Saturday evening, Nov. 17, featuring Cowboy Entertainer Gary McMahan, following by induction of newly-elected RMFU officers.