This year’s annual convention comes on the heels of a national election, and when delegates gather on Nov. 21, we will have our own president to elect, as well as two board members and a slate of delegates to the 2009 National Farmers Union Convention (Washington, D.C., March 8 to 10).

This year’s convention will be in the beautiful Little America Hotel and Resort, in Cheyenne. Discounted room rates are available until Oct. 27. Check the registration form for details. Please also note that RMFU is offering day care for children. To sign up, use the convention registration form.

Nominations for president and directors will be at 8:20 a.m. on Friday, right after opening ceremonies. Also on Friday morning will be the state policy adoption meetings. At 11:30 a.m., before the awards luncheon, nominations will be heard for delegates to the 2009 NFU convention.

The convention will convene at 8:00 a.m. Saturday with speeches from candidates for delegates to the NFU Convention and a candidates panel at 10:35 a.m., featuring the candidates for RMFU president and board.

This year’s convention highlights RMFU’s Fellows Program. On Saturday morning, RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr will present the Class of 2008 to the convention, “Leadership of the Future.”Before lunch, Tony Frank, RMFU Director of Renewable Energy Development, will make a presentation honoring Wyoming participants in the carbon credit program.

The Education luncheon is at noon. The convention will break for lunch after the Elections and Credentials Committee report. When the convention reconvenes at 1:30 pm, balloting will begin for all elected offices.

At 2:45 p.m., the convention will hear a presentation from Robert Martin, Executive Director, Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production: “Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America.” His presentation will review the report of the Pew Commission on factory meat production and its recommendations for the future of the livestock industry.

The presentations will be followed by a panel of RMFU livestock producers and then a general discussion.

Stick around for the closing reception at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, with the report of election results, introduction of winning candidates, and installation of officers.

It promises to be an exciting year ahead for all of us. Come to Cheyenne in November, and be a part of shaping it.