Convention Schedule
Join the Kansas Farmers Union Board of Directors as it holds its quarterly meeting and reviews proposed bylaw changes prior to the General Session. During the General Session, members nominate board candidates and national convention delegates, receive a report on organization finances, and begin drafting 2015 KFU Policy. KFU has a rich history of working to protect and promote the interests of family farmers and ranchers by taking a leadership role in advocating for farming, ranching and agricultural interests across the state. Each year, members review past policy, propose and debate new issues, and adopt policy for the coming year. Following dinner, evening activities include a presentation on the Kansas State Budget by Duane Goossen, Senior Fellow for the Kansas Center for Economic Growth, as well as an early KFU history lesson with National Farmers Union Honorary Historian Tom Giessel.
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The KFU Board will hold a meeting and review proposed bylaw changes.
Call to Order
Distribution of Credentials
Officer and NFU Delegate Nominations
Royce Jannsen, KFU’s CPA presenting the Financial Report
Consideration and adoption of policy and bylaws begins
Friday morning sessions highlights water issues while providing updates from Washington D.C. and news on grain marketing opportunities. Rosanna Bauman gives the keynote during lunch. Renewable energy for farm and home as well as developments with farmer veterans in Kansas are on tap for early afternoon before the election polls open. An interactive session answers questions and advances the dialogue around health and potential changes to the Kansas corporate ag law. The Kansas Local Food and Farm Task Force Report is previewed and the Food and Farm Council initiative is discussed. Cover crop research is shared by a SARE grantee before the final general session and the adjournment of convention. Following the banquet, keynote presenter Robert Gipe shares his insights on rural revitalization and connection through arts and culture and the KFU Foundation Action is held.
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The General Session continues with additional time for the consideration and adoption of policy and bylaws.
*Only if Policy is not finalized on Thursday.
2:15 p.m. A Training Farm for Veterans: Solving several national problems head-on with Gary LaGrange
This NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant compared the economics of three, after-wheat cover cropping scenarios in Republic County Kansas: using cover crop mixes without harvesting, grazing cover crops, and haying cover crops. The field was approximately 61 acres and plots were laid out under the supervision of Peter Tomlinson, K-State Extension Agronomist, to ensure replicable results and advice on specific cover crop varieties was provided by Dale Strickler, a widely known cover crop expert. The three scenarios were:
1) A cover crop cocktail consisting of legumes, brassicas, and forage components such as oats planted after wheat harvest in the summer of 2014 on approximately 20.3 acres;
2) A cover crop cocktail planted on approximately 20.3 acres after wheat harvest and 50 head of 400-500 pound steers turned out to graze; and
3) A cover crop cocktail planted on approximately 20.3 acres after wheat harvest and swathed and baled at the optimal time to balance tonnage and protein content.
Voting results will be announced.
Consideration and adoption of policy and bylaws will continue, if needed.
2015 Kansas Farmers Union Convention officially closes.
We hope you will stay on for dinner and the evening event, Robert Gipe.
Ruth Hirsh Award with Donn Teske
Presentation of the annual KFU Ruth Hirsh Award.
Midwest Regional Agency Report with Jeff Downing
Details coming soon.