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MFBF Annual Meeting
December 3, 2015 - December 4, 2015
Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Meeting will be hosted by Middlesex County Farm Bureau. The 2015 meeting will be held on December 3rd & 4th at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Framingham, MA. Join your neighbors and friends in celebrating Massachusetts agricultural industry and the successes of the state’s largest general farm organization.
This two-day event is where Farm Bureau members establish policy for the upcoming year, attend workshops and learning sessions, as well as enjoy good food, entertainment and a bit of rest and relaxation away from the farm.
This year’s MFBF Annual Meeting is a value-packed program. Thursday, December 3rd will be full of workshops with an awards program at lunch. The dinner banquet will honor the 2015 John Ogonowski award winner.
Staying overnight? Farm Bureau Members can book accommodations for Wednesday, December 2nd & Thursday, December 3rd at a rate of $119.95 for a single or double room, taxes are extra. Address: 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA, 01701 Phone: 508.270.1914 / 888-627-7184
The Delegate Session will be held on Friday, December 4th. It is our delegate session that helps guide and direct MFBF. It is through our membership’s grassroots efforts that we develop resolutions which direct our organization for the upcoming year. Contact your County Farm Bureau President if you would like to become a delegate.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & TRADE SHOW BOOTH INFORMATION
TRADE BOOTHS
Trade Booth space is being offered again this year. Trade booth space will be $350 for an 8’x2′ booth. Booth space is at a premium and based on prior demand, you should act quickly to reserve your spot.
ANNUAL MEETING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
MFBF is again offering annual meeting sponsorship opportunities. The Board of Directors will recognize your company as an industry leader by sponsoring the 2015 MFBF Annual meeting and its activities. We are offer- ing four levels of sponsorship:
Platinum Level- $500
Gold Level-$350
Silver Level-$200
Bronze Level-$100
Please contact John Conners or Joan Monaco at 508-481-4766 or email at: john@mfbf.net We have a special offer for those who sponsor at the Platinum level. If you contact us no later than November 16th, your sponsorship will include a free booth!
MFBF Annual Meeting Workshops
Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting, hosted by Middlesex County Farm Bureaus, will be held on December 3rd at the Sheraton in Framingham, MA. The following workshops are being offered:
Making Meetings Worthwhile – This workshop will provide training on do’s and don’ts for effective meetings. Great training for MFBF Committees, County Board members, Ag Commission members, and others.
Media and Advocacy Training – How to effectively communicate with the media. Massachusetts farmers have a great story to tell, but it’s not always easy for them to do. This workship will allow attendees to walk away from the session realizing that doing a good interview and getting the right information out is doable, it just sometimes takes a little work. Sometimes we have to promote our own stories to make sure the word gets out.
Messaging for Today’s Consumer – Learn how to identify key selling points of your farm and how to work them into your farm brand that will effectively communicate it to your desired market. Explore the basics of marketing communications through proper planning, messaging, and marketing tools that include print, email, websites, media and social media.
Understanding the Nutrient Management Regulations-The new nutrient regulations go into effect for agriculture on December 5! Representatives of the Department of Agricultural Resources will be on hand to explain the regulations and answer any questions. Please not that this session will be immediately followed by a session where potential changes to these regulations will be discussed.
Discussion on Potential Changes to Nutrient Management Regulations-Governor Baker has issued an Executive Order calling on a review of all regulations. Due to concerns from the farming community with the nutrient regulations, DAR has graciously agreed to a session exploring potential problems and solutions with these new regs.
Current Issues in Pesticides –Inspectors from the Department of Agricultural Resources will present on current issues in pesticides including Protecting Pollinators, Farm Security and Pesticides, Changes to Worker Protection and General Laws and Regs. 1.5 Credits will be offered.
Employment Law-This workshop will discuss important sections of federal and state labor laws that impact on local farm businesses.
Crop Insurance-This workshop will discuss various USDA programs that agricultural producers can utilize to help manage risk on their operations. The workshop will focus on both pre-disaster planning and post-disaster planning
The Food Safety Modernization Act-does it apply to you? Both the preventative controls rule and the produce rule were recently released.find out the details of these rules and if you must comply