Registration open for Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting & County Leadership Conference

Veteran Mark Lindquist to keynote

Registration is now open for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) 108th Annual Meeting, Dec. 8-9 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines. Farm Bureau members and leaders can register to gain timely agricultural policy insights, explore practical on-farm uses for artificial intelligence, prepare for successful farm transitions and take part in leadership sessions, networking opportunities and awards recognizing county Farm Bureau achievements.

"Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting gives members an opportunity to connect, gain actionable insight for their farms, and celebrate the people and achievements that strengthen our organization," said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. "We look forward to recognizing our county Farm Bureaus, Ag Leaders graduates and young farmer award recipients whose leadership demonstrates the strength of our grassroots organization."

On Dec. 8, county Farm Bureau leaders can attend sessions focused on creating a positive culture, strengthening engagement, building member value and navigating difficult moments with confidence.

Farmer and author Jolene Brown will share real-world lessons to help farm owners transfer knowledge and business assets to the next generation during the educational seminar, "The Positives of Passing It On," at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8.

During a breakout session at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, Paul Gormley, a growth project manager for Iowa State University's Center for Industrial Research, will discuss practical ways farmers can use artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, support decision-making, analyze information and create new farm management opportunities.

American Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs Brian Glenn will provide an ag policy update covering the latest on farm bill negotiations, how the 2026 election changed the outlook in Washington and what farmers can expect from the 120^th U.S. Congress, when it convenes in January 2027.

A Dec. 8 celebration luncheon will feature graduates of Iowa Farm Bureau's Ag Leaders Institute, a year-long program focused on building skills and knowledge in agriculture and communication. County Farm Bureaus and members will also be honored for their outstanding service to agriculture and their communities, as well as their efforts in recruiting new members.

Iowa Discussion Meet semi-finalists who advanced from preliminary rounds at the Young Farmer Conference earlier in January will compete in the finals during the afternoon of Dec. 8. The Discussion Meet is a cooperative-style dialogue on agricultural issues. The winner will be announced during the Young Farmer evening reception and will represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in January. Three young farmers will be presented with the Young Farmer Leadership Award for their involvement with their local Farm Bureau, community service and commitment to their family farms.

On Dec. 9, Farm Bureau agencies, community partners and Distinguished Service to Agriculture (DSA) award recipients will be honored. President Johnson will deliver remarks, followed by a keynote from U.S. Air Force Veteran Mark Lindquist featuring lessons from his life and career.

Lindquist's life journey - from a South Korean orphanage to a Minnesota farm, U.S. Air Force serving during the war in Afghanistan and leading humanitarian missions in Ukraine today - shapes his message about service, perseverance and making a greater impact through life and work.

A former sergeant in the United States Air Force, Lindquist is a motivational speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed live for over 4 million people in 27 countries and all 50 states. He has been on a self-directed humanitarian mission to Ukraine since March 2022, delivering more than $15 million worth of aid to those in need in eastern Ukraine. He has received a medal for outstanding volunteerism from the chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine, and his work has been featured in major media outlets worldwide.

"We are honored to welcome Air Force veteran Sergent Mark Lindquist as this year's keynote speaker," said Johnson. "His stories of perseverance, humanitarian service and sacrifice will offer a powerful message that resonates."

The annual meeting will conclude with a voting delegate session at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9, including elections for Iowa Farm Bureau vice president, director in district 5, 7 and 9, AFBF voting delegates and an Iowa Farm Bureau internal study committee member.

For the full agenda and registration details, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.