CONVENTION AGENDA
This is a DRAFT agenda and is subject to change
Sunday, March 9
9:00 AM: Registration Desk Opens - Ballroom Foyer
Sponsor Exhibits Open – Ballroom Foyer
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Opening Session - Oklahoma Station Ballroom
Welcome & Call to Order – Rob Larew, NFU President
National Anthem - KC Sheperd
Parliamentarian/Bylaws Cmte/ Rules, Credentials, Elections Cmte
Secretary & Treasurer Reports
Jim Schultz, Founder, Open Prairie
Sponsor Recognition
National Youth Advisory Council speeches
11:30 AM: Lunch on your own
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM: General Session Resumes - Oklahoma Station Ballroom
SPONSOR
Welcome to Oklahoma - Scott Blubaugh, President, American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union
Chuck Hoskin Jr./Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
Protecting Democracy Panel
Cattle Lawsuit Update
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Opening Reception – Oklahoma Station Ballroom Foyer
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Opening Banquet - Oklahoma Station Ballroom Foyer
Award - Milt Hakel Award
Award - Meritorious Service Award
Remarks by Rob Larew, NFU President
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM NFU PAC Reception ($100 suggested contribution) - Oklahoma Station 6, 7 & 8
Monday, March 10
7:00 AM: Registration Desk opens – Oklahoma Station Ballroom Foyer
Sponsor Exhibits open – Oklahoma Station Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: General Session – Oklahoma Station Ballroom
Membership & Leadership Awards
Chevron Presentation – Harrison Pittman, NALC Director
Farm Policy in Flux: What’s Ahead in Washington and How Farmers Can Take Action
With dozens of new members of Congress and the return of the Trump administration, there’s a wide range of policy issues in play in Washington, D.C. Policymakers are considering trade agreements and tariffs, tax reform, and deep spending cuts to federal agencies. These are all in addition to the need for a new farm bill, which is already two and a half years behind schedule. During this discussion, staff from the agriculture committees on Capitol Hill will provide insights and updates about these timely topics and more, helping prepare Farmers Union members for grassroots advocacy in the year ahead.
10:15 AM- 11:15AM: Breakout Session 1
Rooted in Purpose, Inspired by Vision: National Farmers Union's Cooperative Legacy - Tom Giessel, NFU Amateur Historian, and Kate Giessel – PINON
In celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives, please join Tom and Kate Giessel for a look at the way Farmers Union has promoted the cooperative model and educated communities and policy makers about the principles, benefits, and impact of cooperatives throughout the organization's history.
Making Climate Smart Agricultural Practices Profitable – Jon Doggett, former CEO of the National Corn Growers Association and advocate for farmers – OKLAHOMA STATION 2
Come learn about different programs the government is working on to support Climate Smart Agriculture in biofuels. We will discuss ways in which farmers can learn more these programs , participate in these programs and not have to choose sustainability over profitability.
Solar and Agriculture: Growing Together – OKLAHOMA STATION 3
Panelists
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- Sarah Moser, Director of Farming Operations and Agrivoltaics, Savion
- Shawn Rumery, Senior Program Director, Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2)
- Iain Ward, Founder and CEO, Solar Agricultural Services Inc. (SolAg)
- Ethan Winter, National Smart Solar Director, American Farmland Trust
As solar development has grown, farmland has emerged as an attractive project site, with benefits to farmers, developers and communities. However, the repurposing of agricultural lands has also led to some tensions. In response, solar developers and farmers are partnering on system designs that allow for agriculture to continue under and around the panels, with documented success across various crop and livestock types.
Join panelists engaged in farming, farmland conservation and solar energy development for a conversation on opportunities and challenges in co-locating solar and agriculture. Speakers will discuss the current state of agrisolar development, identify stakeholder considerations, provide examples of successful collaboration and chart a pathway to mutually beneficial growth.
11:15 AM: Lunch on your own
12:00 PM: Delegate Registration closes
12:45 PM-1:45 PM: Breakout Session 2
Farmers Union Comes to the Twin Territories & Forms New State - Paul Jackson, AFR Secretary/Treasurer - PINON
With the proximity of both the Farmers Alliance (1877) and Farmers Union (1902) beginnings in north Texas it didn’t take long for the Union movement with former Alliance members to cross the border into Indian and Oklahoma Territories. Union members were key to writing a constitution creating the State of Oklahoma enshrining the Progressive and Populist ideas of the day against monopolies and executive branch power. Enjoy the story, the journey, the challenges and the successes of Cooperation, Education and Legislation in a new state ripe with opportunity!
Strengthening Leadership and Engagement in Your Cooperative, Board Room, and Team: How to Create Engagement That Lasts - R.J. Gray, President & CEO, Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council, Inc. - OKLAHOMA STATION 2
Cooperative boards play a critical role in guiding their organizations toward success, but effective leadership and engagement can sometimes feel elusive. In a world where collaborative problem-solving is mandatory, ensuring every voice is heard while fostering a vibrant and participatory boardroom isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential. Ready to elevate your boardroom dynamics, engagement, and your team. Let’s dive into actionable strategies that can transform your cooperative into a powerhouse of engagement and strong leadership.
Cultivating a Healthy Mindset During Uncertain Times – Clinton Wilson, Carlye Stewart – OKLAHOMA STATION 3
Uncertain times can leave us feeling uncomfortable, agitated, and stressed. Join Colorado State University’s Clinton Wilson and RMFU’s Ag Well Director Carlyle Stewart to discuss farm stress, strategies for relief, and additional tools available for support. Prioritize your mindset this spring by learning strategies to find encouragement in uncertain times.
2:00 PM – 4:30PM : General Session Resumes
National Youth Advisory Council Speeches
Sponsor Recognition
Bylaws & Policy Consideration – Oklahoma Station Ballroom
4:30 PM – 7:30PM: Reception, Film Screening & Discussion – Oklahoma Station 6, 7, 8
Tuesday, March 11
7:30 AM: Registration Desk opens – Ballroom Foyer
Sponsor Exhibits open – Ballroom Foyer