Farm Bureau summer leadership conference draws members from around Idaho

By Sean Ellis

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

ISLAND PARK - Farm Bureau has long been considered the Voice of Agriculture in Idaho.

During Idaho Farm Bureau Federation's annual Summer Leadership Conference, President Bryan Searle thanked participants for being that voice and encouraged them to continue speaking up for agriculture.

"Isn't it awesome to belong to an organization where your voice matters?" he said. "What a powerful voice that each one of you has."

"Thank you for representing the organization so well," added Searle, who farms near Shelley. "Your involvement makes a difference."

IFBF Vice President Richard Durrant reminded participants that Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization and that each of their voices is important.

"Each voice counts," he said. "Grassroots starts with one individual. This is what makes Farm Bureau great - being engaged and being involved."

The conference brings together Farm Bureau volunteer leaders in various capacities, along with their families, for three days of leadership and policy training and discussions.

Participants, who come from every part of the state, include county Farm Bureau presidents and vice presidents, and members of the state's Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and Promotion and Education Committee.

This year's conference took place July 15-17 in Island Park.

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation policy was a major topic of discussion this year.

"I sure appreciate each of you taking the time to be here because we need good discussion so we have sound policy going forward," said Durrant, who farms near Meridian. "There are so many issues we deal with and we need to be educated on these issues."

During a discussion on what county Farm Bureaus can do to develop good policy, participants offered their advice.

"You work together to develop good Farm Bureau policy," said Val Hammond, president of Fremont County Farm Bureau.

Being familiar with the IFBF policy book was a main piece of advice.

"To develop good policy, you have to know the issues," said Madison County Farm Bureau President Shaun Blaser. "I do think we need to spend more time reading and understanding our policies."

Tyler Moore, IFBF's director of finance and systems, compiled data that shows Idaho Farm Bureau members donated a total of $908,000 during the past year, up from $599,000 the previous year.

That included $291,000 toward 4-H and FFA, $218,000 in charitable donations, $227,000 toward scholarships, and $172,000 for banquets and picnics.

"This is the fruit of our labor. This is what we put back into our communities," Moore said. "This is what grows Farm Bureau; this is what grows our communities. I'm excited to see what this year brings."

Farm Bureau Insurance Co. of Idaho was named one of the top 10 places to work this year, CEO Todd Argall told participants. This ranking was based on employee feedback.

"This is a really significant accomplishment and something we're really proud about," he said.

He also noted that Idaho Farm Bureau now has more than 86,000 members, an all-time high.

"Our agents are doing a remarkable job (and) it's happening across the state of Idaho," Argall said.

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