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The 2005 Leadership Conference, set for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Omni Hotel in Austin, promises information on a full slate of agriculture issues for all Texas Farm Bureau leaders and members. Several issue sessions are scheduled with key speakers for Monday morning and afternoon.
"These speakers will give important insight to current key issues. We hope that you will plan to participate in all the conference sessions," said TFB President Kenneth Dierschke.
Registration runs from 7 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday. Livestock identification will be the topic of discussions from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dr. Bud Alldredge, chairman of the state's Animal Health Committee, will give a presentation on the "National Animal Identification Program," followed by Dr. Bob Hillman, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, who will give a "National ID Program Update." Rounding out the segment will be Glen Fisher of Allflex, USA, who will discuss "ID Equipment for Producers."
From 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Julie Anna Potts, general counsel for the American Farm Bureau Federation, Washington, D.C., will bring leaders up to date on the Commodity Check-off Programs litigation. Monte Reese, Cattlemen's Beef Board CEO, Denver, Colo., will address national check-off challenges in his talk entitled "What's at Steak." Brian Murray, Texas Department of Agriculture special assistant, Producers Relations, will discuss state check-off programs.
From 11-11:30 a.m., Kody Carson, TFB Cotton Committee chairman, will review "Fuel Spill Prevention Regulations." An Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, representative will follow up with a discussion of the current regulations.
From 1 to 2 p.m., Kyle Kacel, chairman of TFB's Wildlife Committee, will discuss "User Fees Charged by State Agencies." Next, Richard Traylor, TAHC chairman, will appraise conferees of TAHC fees, followed by Mike Berger, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, whose talk will cover "Texas Parks and Wildlife Fees." Finally, Sen. Kip Averitt of Waco will explain "State Reasoning for Fees."
During the 2 to 3 p.m. slot, TFB District 6 Director Gary McGehee, chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, will speak on "Increased Water Yields from Brush Control."
A presentation on "Alternative Energy Sources," by Darren Turley, chairman of TFB's Dairy Committee, will kick off the 3 to 4 p.m. session. Also during this part of the program, Pat McDowell of Shamrock, a Wheeler County Farm Bureau leader, will speak on "Opportunities for Producers." Completing the segment will be Russell Smith, executive director of Texas Renewable Energy, speaking on "Alternative Energy Sources."
A special conference focusing on the Trans Texas Corridor is also planned.
Commodity Advisory Committee meetings are scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday evening.
A Presidents Breakfast begins at 7 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1. Registration continues from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The General Session will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The morning agenda is as follows: "President's Message," "School Finance," "Rural and Water Issues," "Media Awards," "Ag Lead Recognition," "Legislative Staff Update," and "Legislative Action Center—CAP WIZ."
Capitol visits are planned from 1:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday afternoon. Buses will be provided for participants. The evening will be capped off with a Legislative Dinner from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the hotel. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has been invited.
Capitol visits will resume at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Pesticide applicators can earn CEU credits in a session from 8 a.m. until noon.
