Farmers, Ranchers Urged to Own Their Story at RMFU Convention

(Denver, CO) – Farm and ranch families will share their stories of successes and struggles during the annual meeting of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “The families and communities that depend on production agriculture have been through tough times,” says RMFU President Dr. Dale McCall. “This is our time to learn how to survive and thrive today and prepare for future challenges.”

The convention will be held November 18-19 at the DoubleTree in Greeley, CO. During the event RMFU members will elect directors and a new president, celebrate achievements, learn about the latest trends in production agriculture, and develop and adopt policy priorities.

The convention theme of “Own Your Story, Own Your Voice” speaks to the organization’s success in putting farmers and ranchers at the table in local, state, and federal policy development that impacts production agriculture and rural communities. RMFU members attending the convention will learn how they can use various communications tools to better leverage their personal stories for the common good.

President Dale McCall announced earlier this year he will retire from the position. Announced candidates for this position are current Vice President Chad Franke and Kathryn Bedell. In District I, incumbent Danny Wood will face challenger Jay Wisdom. In District III the announced candidate is Hana Fancher. And in District IV, incumbent John Field will run against Jacob Gray.

A pre-convention session will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the DoubleTree. This event will focus on “Demystifying the Farm Bill” and a look at the projects of the RMFU Cooperative Development Center. Congress is in the early stages of writing a new farm bill. RMFU members already have been working with the Congressional delegations in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming to identify key needs for this federal legislation.

The convention opens Friday morning with reports on the farm organization, along with nominations for delegates to the National Farmers Union convention to be held in San Francisco next spring. At 1 p.m., Dawn Thilmany McFadden of Colorado State University will present “Consumer Trends and Developments in the Regional Food System.” The Harvest Moon Gala will be held Friday evening. During this celebration, RMFU will present the Farm Family of the Year Award, the FUSA Agent of the Year Award, and the Fellows Excellence in Leadership & Service Award.

The main event of the convention will take place Saturday when delegates introduce, debate, and adopt key policy priorities for the farm organization.

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg will address delegates during the convention.