Farm & ranch leaders to address critical issues at 2026 Utah Farm Bureau convention

The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) will convene its 110th annual convention, November 18-20, at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah. The convention's theme is 'Stewarding Land, Leaders, and Legacy.'

Stewarding is the act of carefully and responsibly managing, overseeing, or protecting something entrusted into one's care, which applies directly to how the Utah Farm Bureau invests in the leadership potential of its members and the future of Utah's agricultural industry through its policy process, leadership development programs, and relationship-building opportunities. All three of these will come together at the upcoming meeting in Provo.

Convention attendees will address critical public policy topics, including water management in the state, rising input costs, labor shortages, and other relevant issues. Beyond simply rehashing old topics, the convention seeks to create more opportunities for Utah's agricultural community to come together and find solutions that make a difference.

"We're excited about our convention this year- and to kick off our meeting with such a great lineup of speakers and issues. This is truly democracy at the grassroots level, with those feeling the impact of state and federal regulations the most having a say in how the rules and laws are created," said ValJay Rigby, Utah Farm Bureau President. "Farm Bureau takes its role as a steward just as seriously as our individual farmers and ranchers do. We want to make sure we're providing value for your membership and helping our members grow into the best advocates for our industry as possible."

Thursday's agenda consists of nominations and elections for the organization's Vice President and Board of Directors. The agenda also includes a live auction luncheon to support agricultural education and the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation. The foundation provides relief to families and individuals affected by poverty and natural disasters, including several recent donations of meat to local community food pantries. It also works with the Women's Leadership Committee and the Ag in the Classroom program to improve agricultural education in communities throughout Utah.

The general session will begin Thursday afternoon with remarks from Utah Farm Bureau president ValJay Rigby, followed by an inspiring message from Holly Hall, who will speak about courage, connection, loss, and moving forward to accomplish things you may have felt you "could never" accomplish. Following Hall, Dr. John Newton of the American Farm Bureau will provide perspective on economic forces impacting agriculture and what the future may hold from recent elections.

At the end of the general session, the Sand County Foundation will present the Leopold Conservation Award. The outstanding conservationist receives a $10,000 check and a Leopold Crystal for their dedication to wise stewardship of Utah's natural resources.

The Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) 'Final Four' of the YF&R Discussion Meet will take place following an ice cream break fundraiser, which goes to support the upcoming YF&R Congressional Relations Tour in Washington, D.C. The competitive event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on the exchange of ideas and information on topics ranging from balancing agricultural needs with rural energy infrastructure and the impact of rural veterinarian shortages to the role science and food play in today's nutritional debates.

Friday's action will feature the resumption of the Farm Bureau delegate session in the morning. After lunch, the general session will feature a message from Utah Farm Bureau vice president Tyson Roberts, spine-rattling experiences from Hall of Fame Rodeo Cowboy Kaycee Feild, and front-line lessons of land management from Utah's new commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, Jamie Barnes.

Following the general session, there will be two rounds of breakouts, with presentations ranging from succession planning and federal land management to mental health and floral design.

The convention will conclude with the Farm Bureau Gala banquet on Friday evening, with new president of Utah State University Brad Mortensen speaking to those attending. Registration is still available by visiting HERE.