The Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is heading to the Flathead Valley this June for its annual Summer Conference. Hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell, June 15–17, the event offers a blend of grassroots policy development, high-level educational seminars, and tours of Northwest Montana’s diverse agricultural landscape.
The Summer Conference serves as the engine for the organization’s policy-making process. MFBF’s 12 standing committees will meet throughout the event to discuss pressing industry issues and draft policy recommendations to be reviewed by county Farm Bureaus later in the year.
The conference kicks off June 15 with leadership sessions, including the ACE Leadership Seminar and the Women’s Leadership Committee meeting. The Young Farmers & Ranchers will host a specialized tour featuring the region’s unique commodities, including fiber hemp, hops and cherries.
The general session Tuesday, June 16 features keynote speaker Karen McNenny, a renowned business and personal relationship coach. During lunch, John Newton, chief economist for the American Farm Bureau, will provide a “view from the Hill” regarding federal policy and economic trends.
With two educational workshops, attendees can dive into specialized topics, learning about the Ranch Workforce Project and the BioAgriculture Detection Dogs.
Wednesday offers a firsthand look at local production with tours of Kalispell Kreamery, Longview Lavender Farm, and Farm to Market Pork.
The Montana Farm Bureau Foundation will host two premier fundraising events during the conference: Tuesday’s Blue Jean Ball is an evening of community featuring a social hour, live and silent auctions, dinner and live music; Wednesday, members will hit the links at the Buffalo Hill Golf Club for the Hot Iron Golf Scramble, a friendly competition to support agricultural education and literacy.
Farmers, ranchers and industry partners are encouraged to attend. For a full schedule and to register, visit mfbf.org or contact the MFBF state office at 406-587-3153.
###
Montana Farm Bureau Federation
