After a year of celebrating our 100th Meeting of California Farm Bureau members, there is something equally exciting about our 101st meeting this December in Monterey. While California Farm Bureau continues to uphold the traditions that have established Farm Bureau as California’s largest active grassroots organization, uniting agriculture with a common goal to make our industry, communities and families better off, this 101st Annual Meeting will begin to lay the groundwork on exciting opportunities in the next century to deliver on our organization’s purpose, “To secure the future of California’s farmers and ranchers.”
Please join us in Monterey, December 8-11, for California Farm Bureau’s 101st Annual Meeting.
Even after 100 years, the importance of advocacy and maintaining a resolve of purpose remains critically important. Our experience tells us the future will hold new challenges and possibilities.
It is often said the best way to predict the future is to build it. Join fellow farmers and ranchers as we discuss and develop policy, recognize the county Farm Bureaus at the core of our grassroots structure and individual members who have demonstrated that working together during this past year is how we will continue “Building Our Future.”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
| 11:00 a.m. | FARM PAC® Golf Tournament |
| 4:00 p.m. | YF&R State Committee Meeting |
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens De Anza Foyer – Portola Hotel |
| 8:30 a.m. | Finance Committee Meeting Driftwood – Portola Hotel |
| 9:00 a.m. | Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Orientation – Judges Ironwood I – Portola Hotel |
| 9:00 a.m. | Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Orientation – Contestants Ironwood II – Portola Hotel |
| 9:00 a.m. | Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Orientation – Room Chairs, Moderators & Timekeepers Redwood I – Portola Hotel |
| 10:00 a.m. | Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet – Round 1 Ironwood II, Redwood I, Redwood II – Portola Hotel |
| 10:00 a.m. | Buses Depart for Wine Trail Tour Front of the Portola Hotel |
| 11:00 a.m. | Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet – Round 2 Ironwood II, Redwood I, Redwood II – Portola Hotel |
| 11:00 a.m. | California Farm Bureau Membership Committee Meeting Bonsai Ballroom – Portola Hotel |
| 12:00 a.m. | Rural Health and Safety Committee Meeting Driftwood – Portola Hotel |
| 12:30 p.m. | Announcement of Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Elite Eight |
| 1:00 p.m. | County President Caucus (Invitation only) Bonsai Ballroom – Portola Hotel |
| 1:00 p.m. | County Manager Roundtable (Invitation only) Colton – Monterey Conference Center |
| 1:30 p.m. | Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Elite Eight Rounds Redwood I, Redwood II – Portola Hotel |
| 2:30 p.m. | Announcement of Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Final Four De Anza Foyer – Portola Hotel |
| 3:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions How to Tell Your Story and Why Cottonwood I – Portola Hotel Succession Planning and Long Term Care Cottonwood II – Portola Hotel |
| 3:30 p.m. | Trade Show Opens De Anza Ballroom – Portola Hotel |
| 4:00 p.m. | Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Finals De Anza Ballroom – Portola Hotel |
| 5:00 p.m. | Trade Show Welcome Reception * De Anza Ballroom – Portola Hotel Trade show attendance is free; food and beverages require an event ticket |
| 8:00 p.m. | Leadership Farm Bureau Graduation Reception (Invitation only) Ferrante’s Bay View – Monterey Marriott |
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
| 7:00 a.m. | FARM TEAM Leaders Breakfast (Invitation only) Bonsai - Portola Hotel |
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens De Anza Foyer - Portola Hotel |
| 8:00 a.m. | Doors Open for General Session Serra Ballroom - Monterey Conference Center |
| 8:30 a.m. | Opening General Session Serra Ballroom - Monterey Conference Center Welcome - Colby Pereira, Monterey County Farm Bureau Call to Order and Annual Address - Jamie Johansson, California Farm Bureau Federation Nationwide Check Presentation Steve Hirsch, Nationwide Board of Directors Leopold Conservation Award Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award Young Farmers and Ranchers Open Discussion Meet Winner |
| 10:00 a.m. | Break De Anza Foyer - Portola Hotel |
| 10:30 a.m. | General Session Resumes Serra Ballroom - Monterey Conference Center Leadership Farm Bureau Class of 2019 Graduation Travis Mann, Vice President-Loan Officer, Golden State farm Credit Keynote Speaker Dave Dravecky, Former Baseball Player for the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants |
| 12:00 p.m. | Luncheon * Staying Engaged Through the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Implementation Panel De Anza Ballroom - Portola Hotel |
| 12:30 p.m. | Trade Show Opens |
| 1:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions Industrial Hemp: A New California Corp De Anza Ballroom - Portola Hotel California Problems, Federal Opportunities Cottonwood - Portola Hotel Water Updates Ironwood - Portola Hotel Irrigated Lands Outreach and Education Workshop - Nitrogen Information for Growers Throughout the State Bonsai - Portola Hotel |
| 3:00 p.m. | Coffee Break Hot Topics Roundtable De Anza Ballroom |
| 3:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions Visualize the Future with Young Farmers & Ranchers Redwood – Portola Hotel Membership Matters – How to Win and Retain Members Cottonwood – Portola Hotel New 401(k) Retirement Program Ironwood – Portola Hotel Legislative Redistricting Bonsai – Portola Hotel |
| 5:00 p.m. | Reception De Anza Ballroom - Portola Hotel |
| 6:00 p.m. | Awards Banquet* Serra Ballroom – Monterey Conference Center |
| 7:30 p.m. | Farm Bureau County Fair San Marcos Ballroom – Monterey Marriott After dinner, join us for a fun-filled evening at the midway! Enjoy a live band and your favorite fair activities from face painting to carnival games. |
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens De Anza Foyer – Portola Hotel |
| 8:00 a.m. | County Presidents and Managers Breakfast (Invitation only) Bonsai Ballroom – Portola Hotel |
| 8:00 a.m. | Flu Shot Clinic De Anza Foyer – Portola Hotel Free flu shots sponsored by the Rural Health and Safety Committee. Limited quantities available. |
| 9:30 a.m. | Delegate Business Session Serra Ballroom – Monterey Conference Center Approval of Minutes of 100th Annual Meeting Report of Secretary and Treasurer Mark Dawson Consideration of Bylaw Amendments Resolutions Committee Report Consideration of Recommendations Report of the 2019 Nominating Committee Nominations of Delegates to the AFBF Annual Meeting |
| 12:00 p.m. | Ag in the Classroom Award Luncheon* De Anza Ballroom – Portola Hotel Pledge of Allegiance 2019 Literacy for Life Award YF&R FARM PAC® Raffle and Check Presentation |
| 1:30 p.m. | Delegate Business Session Resumes Serra Ballroom – Monterey Conference Center |
| 2:00 p.m. | Commodity Caucuses Redwood I, Redwood II, Ironwood I, Ironwood II – Portola Hotel Commodity caucuses provide an informal networking and discussion opportunity for farmers and ranchers to meet by commodity. In this session, sit down with like-minded producers from across the state to discuss the issues you face, share information and learn from one another. CFBF staff will be on hand to answer questions that may arise during discussions. |
| 3:00 p.m. | CFBF District Caucuses Cottonwood I, Cottonwood II – Portola Hotel Colton I, Colton II, Colton III – Monterey Conference Center |
| 5:00 p.m. | FARM PAC® Reception (PAC Donors Only) Ferrante's Bay View - Monterey Marriott |
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
| 8:00 a.m. | Delegate Business Session Serra Ballroom – Monterey Conference Center Consideration of Recommendations (continued) Confirmation of Elections: Directors from Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 California Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee Chair, Two Vice Chairs and Secretary Confirmation of Appointment: Chair of California Farm Bureau Federation Rural Health Department Election of Officers: California Farm Bureau Federation Election of National Voting Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Announcement of 102nd Annual Meeting, Reno, NV Dates and Site Communications Unfinished Business New Business Adjourn |
*Ticketed Events
*Applies to agricultural, associate and collegiate members
100% of your registration payment will be refunded if cancellation notice is received at CFBF by November 8, 2019. No refunds will be issued for requests received after November 8, 2019.
Book online: https://book.passkey.com/go/CFBF2019Meeting
By Phone: (888) 222-5851, mention California Farm Bureau Federation 2019
Annual Meeting to receive discounted rate. Any reservation canceled within 48 hours
prior to arrival, or no show, will forfeit one night’s room and tax.
Check in is 4 p.m. and check out is 12 p.m.
Self parking is $21/day, Valet is $23/day
Join us for informative sessions regarding important issues affecting our members.
The U.S. FDA’s Produce Safety rule requires that for each farm, “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.” This Produce Safety Alliance-approved Grower Training Course is the only course currently recognized by the Food and Drug Administration. Presented by: Safe Food Alliance in partnership with Bryan Little, Food Safety Training Partnership
Effective public and media outreach can build goodwill for Farm Bureau and for farmers and ranchers in general. We will discuss how to communicate successfully with reporters and other audiences—what to say, how to say it and why it’s important to tell your own story rather than have someone else tell it for you. We will also cover how to create a communications strategy and tailor your messages to further your goals. Presented by Dave Kranz and Tracy Sellers, California Farm Bureau Federation
Anyone who is actively involved in farming or ranching and is interested in transitioning their operation to the next generation may benefit from attending this session. We'll cover the benefits of having a transition plan, who needs one and what needs to be done to put a plan in place to help minimize legal difficulties. We’ll also cover the relevance of Long Term Care in planning and the effect it can have on your family and your farm. We’ll discuss the options that are available, the importance of having the conversation and the impact long term care can have on the best laid plans. Presented by Nationwide.
As the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act implementation is moving forward it remains important that we stay engaged locally to be certain agriculture’s interests are understood and being addressed. With the Groundwater Management Plans due in January 2020 for those critically overdrafted basins and all other high and medium priority basin plans due in 2022 it is imperative that we stay engaged in the development of those plans. Presented by William (Bill) Lyons Jr., Agricultural Liaison to Governor Gavin Newsom, David L. Orth, Principal, New Current Water and Land, LLC, Tim Godwin, P.G. 8055, C.HG. 859 Special Advisor to Deputy Director of Statewide Groundwater Management California Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management Office
With the advent of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act and the 2018 Farm Bill, California has opened the door for the newest crop—industrial hemp. Come learn about this new agricultural commodity—what is it, how is it to be regulated by federal, state and local officials, and what are the opportunities and challenges hemp farmers may experience.
Presented by Representative from US Department of Agriculture (tentative), Joshua Kress, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Rick Gurrola, Shasta County Agricultural Commissioner, Industrial Hemp Advisory Board, Patrick Goggin, California Hemp Council, Dave Roberti, Industrial Hemp Farmer
Animal activist demonstrations, unwelcomed incursions and confrontations with private property owners have been on the rise. At its core, this growing animal activist movement cares little for animal welfare and is more determined to end all animal agriculture. This workshop will provide a legislative and animal activism update, as well as discuss potential strategies to help those in animal agriculture be better prepared for potential conflicts with activist organizations. Presented by Robert Spiegel and Carl Borden, California Farm Bureau Federation
California policy makers stayed busy in 2019 imposing new mandates on employers; such as new regulations on training requirements, new regulations on agricultural night work and wildfire smoke worker protection. Meanwhile, 2019 may see movement on immigration reforms that will legalize agriculture’s workforce and provide for more practical and workable guestworker programs. Come learn about issues that will impact agricultural employers in 2020. Presented by Bryan Little and Sara Neagu-Reed, California Farm Bureau Federation.
Come hear about the latest water issues affecting farmers and ranchers throughout the state, including updates on unimpaired flows and the Voluntary Settlement Agreements, CV-SALTs, Statewide Winery WDR, water project Biological Opinions, and groundwater recharge. Presented by Danny Merkley, Christian Scheuring, Kari Fisher, Erin Huston, Justin Fredrickson, California Farm Bureau Federation
Irrigated regulatory programs throughout the state require growers to attend outreach and education events. The Irrigated Lands Outreach and Education Workshop will provide growers with information on irrigation and nitrogen management planning and practices, potential impact of nitrates on groundwater, and information on nitrogen well testing, while also fulfilling required education credits now required under the State Water Board’s East San Joaquin WDR permit. Presented by Kion Kashefi, Managing Director/Agronomist, Anteris Agronomics, Melissa Turner, Vice President, MLJ Environmental, Michael D. Cahn, Farm Advisor, Irrigation and Water Resources Cooperative Extension Monterey County
Come hear about an assortment of topics affecting agriculture. This session will cover a handful of the latest topics currently affecting farmers and ranchers throughout the state. Presented by California Farm Bureau Federation Staff
Young Farmers & Ranchers offers tremendous potential for long term growth of Farm Bureau and current opportunities to engage this group of members. Learn about the impact YF&R members are making across the state that benefits California Farm Bureau and how to attract, retain, and involve young members. Presented by California Young Farmers & Ranchers State Committee Members
Membership is more important than ever. Come learn how to make membership a daily focus. We will share best practices for recruitment and retention of members at the local level along with strategies to help drive member engagement. Learn about the impact counties are making in this area and take home tools to help your staff work membership every day. Presented by Melanie Duval and Megan Marques, California Farm Bureau Federation
CalSavers, the new mandatory State-sponsored retirement program will be rolled out over the next 3 years. All employers with 5 or more employees will be required to participate in the program. We will share alternatives to the CalSavers plan designed to provide you and your employees with maximum flexibility in your retirement planning process. Learn how a customized plan will benefit you and your team in building the best possible outcomes for retirement. We will also discuss how the employee education process can help engage your participants. Nationwide is the #1 insurer of 457 Retirement Plans and Farms and Ranches. Presented by Nationwide
Every 10 years, after the federal census, California must redraw the boundaries of its Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly and State Board of Equalization districts to reflect the population. Californians have the ability to serve as commissioners during this process. A commission that represents and reflects all of California is vital to ensuring our way of life is protected and it is imperative that the voice of agricultural is heard in this process. Getting involved in this process could be the difference in making sure our communities of interest, water districts, cities and counties etc. are not broken up and fall victim to representation that does not respect the work we do. Presented by Mike Zimmerman, California Farm Bureau Federation
Arrive a day ahead of schedule to play in an exclusive Farm Pac® golf tournament at the renown Poppy Hills. Immersed in the history of Pebble Beach Resort, the magnificence of Spyglass Hill and the breathtaking views of Spanish Bay, Poppy Hills stands in the center providing guests with a remarkable experience. The tournament will conclude with a wine reception.
Space is limited. Sponsors are eligible to receive Farm Bureau logo golf attire, hole signage, Poppy Hills gifts, food and refreshments on the course and private dinner in Carmel depending on giving level. Premier level sponsors can purchase all-inclusive packages for Annual Meeting events and accommodations. To reserve your spot or find out more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Mike Zimmerman at mzimmerman@cfbf.com or 916-561-5617.
Poppy Hills
3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach
Cost: $75 (Price includes Transportation, Tasting Fees and Lunch)
Enjoy an afternoon of private wine tasting, touring, and the beauty that Monterey County has to offer on Sunday, December 8. The tour bus will depart from the hotel at 11:00 a.m. and return to the hotel around 4:00 p.m. Space is limited so make sure to register early to reserve your spot!
Be sure to catch the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. The event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected. This competition encourages an exchange of ideas and information on some of the most pressing issues facing agriculture today. Watch contestants explore these topics and work together to build consensus and solve problems. The final round will take place on Sunday afternoon and the winner will take home cash prizes and a trip to Austin to compete in the American Farm Bureau competition.
The California Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee invites you to join the fun and excitement of its annual raffle to benefit the California Farm Bureau Fund to Protect the Family Farm (FARM PAC®). Funds raised are used to support candidates for public office who share our goal of protecting the farming and ranching way of life. Visit their booth in the tradeshow to check out the silent auction items and learn more about their efforts.
The Trade Show Welcome Reception will feature drinks, appetizers and fun! Held on the Trade Show floor from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, December 8, tickets required for food and beverage.
Make sure to visit the Annual Meeting Trade Show! This event showcases industry leaders and provides the opportunity for Farm Bureau members from around the state of California to network, exchange ideas and do business. For booth space information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Cathie Bradley at cjbasso@aol.com or 916-600-1040.
David Dravecky is an American former professional baseball player, a motivational speaker, and an author. He played Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres (1982–87) and San Francisco Giants (1987–89). In 1988, Dave was at the top of his game peak of his career. His opening day victory over the Dodgers was overshadowed later that fall by the discovery of cancer and the removal of half of the deltoid muscle in his pitching arm. After battling cancer in his pitching arm, he came back a year later to defy the odds and pitch once again in the Major Leagues. Despite being told by doctors, “Short of a miracle, you’ll never pitch again,” he pitched a 4-3 win for the San Francisco Giants that day. His comeback was short-lived. Five days later, he threw “…the pitch that could be heard round the world.” His humerus bone had split in two – ending his season. Cancer ended his career as his team was reaching the 1989 World Series. He won the Hutch Award in 1989.
Join your friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate Farm Bureau’s 2019 successes. The evening’s program will include:
Following the awards ceremony join us for a fun-filled evening at the midway! Enjoy a live band and your favorite fair activities from face painting to carnival games.
Complimentary flu shots will be sponsored by the Rural Health and Safety committee and will be available just outside the Delegate Session on Tuesday morning. Quantities will be limited.
Join us as we recognize Agriculture in the Classroom’s Outstanding Educator of the Year. The luncheon will conclude the Farm Pac® raffle and the Young Farmers and Ranchers committee will do a check presentation of the funds raised.
Please join us to celebrate FARM PAC® members who are being honored for their continuous commitment and earning their “President Circle” special edition pins. The event is open to all PAC donors.
Thank you to our early sponsors!
