NYFB Sees Record Attentendance at 2024 State Annual Convention
Delegates elect board directors; members honored
Verona, NY – New York Farm Bureau attracted a record-breaking 400-plus attendees and nearly 70 sponsors to its State Annual Convention in Verona, NY, held Dec. 3-5. This was the 68th annual meeting of the organization.
The theme for this year’s convention, “Farming Forward: Diversification, Innovation, Leadership,” brought together members, agribusinesses and thought leaders to share new technology, learn ways to farm smarter, promote the agricultural industry and more. The event included nine educational workshops that focused on zoning, permits and assessments; changes in predictive weather science; advocating for agriculture; thriving through diversification; harnessing digital technologies; and adaptive leadership in agriculture.
“The theme of this year’s convention, ‘Farming Forward,’ is critical to everything we do. We must embrace change to remain successful,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher. “That means fostering relationships with our agricultural partners, with the business community, with state legislators and with federal lawmakers. In this way, we bring everyone together to formulate policy, which is the cornerstone of our organization.”
Kathleen Chiavetta, a third-generation leader of Chiavetta’s Catering, a family-owned business based in Buffalo, delivered a member story to open the convention. Kathleen explained how her company changed its business model during the pandemic to operate more efficiently. While initially challenging, Chiavetta said the experience put her company in a better position for long-term success. She encouraged the audience to not shy away from making difficult, but necessary, decisions in their own farm businesses.
Larry Weaver, a comedian, author and motivational speaker, was the keynote speaker. Weaver underscored the importance of hope in the world of farming, peppering his address with personal anecdotes and positive messaging. A cornhole tournament and “Family Feud”-style game called Field-to-Fork Face Off provided lively entertainment and raised funds for NYFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers and Promotion & Education programs.
At the awards banquet Wednesday night, two members received the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, New York Farm Bureau’s highest honor, and two members received the James Quinn Memorial Award.
Robert Somers and Judi Whittaker were the winners of the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Awards. Somers, who had worked for the Department of Agriculture and Markets for almost 30 years before his retirement, resides in Washington County, where he manages his family’s large woodlot. Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball presented the award. Whittaker, a third-generation owner of Whittaker Farms in Broome County, has been instrumental in advocating for safety measures for farmers, including the passage of legislation allowing New York air ambulances to carry lifesaving blood products. New York Farm Bureau Vice President Eric Ooms presented the award.
The James Quinn Award was named after the first Farm Bureau president in the country, who hailed from Broome County. Awards were presented to Barb Hanselman of Delaware County, a staunch advocate for farmers who has successfully challenged restrictive regulations, and Star Bashaw of Franklin County, who focuses on safety training for farmers.
Two New York Farm Bureau members, Eric Ooms and Tony LaPierre, were honored for their years of dedicated service as they stepped down from the board of directors. Ooms has served as vice president since 2008, while LaPierre has served as a board member since 2017.
The convention concluded with the State Annual Meeting, a full day of elections and policy review. David Fisher was reelected president, while Kim Skellie was elected vice president upon the retirement of Eric Ooms. On the state board of directors, two new members were elected: Ryan Akin of Ontario County (District 3) and Michael Murphy of Franklin County (District 7). Bill Zalakar was reelected as chair of the Promotion & Education Committee, and Rich De Meyer was reelected as chair of Young Famers & Ranchers Committee.
Delegates from 52 county Farm Bureaus engaged in robust discussions of a variety of new policies, including issues related to maple, dairy, equine, labor and renewable energy. Delegates voted on policy positions that the New York Farm Bureau will advocate for at the state and federal levels. The organization’s state legislative priorities will be released in January.
-30-
New York Farm Bureau is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau’s mission is “Supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education.”
