More than 1,000 Farm Bureau members in Kansas will gather Dec. 2-4 in Manhattan for the organization’s 95th annual meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn and Manhattan Convention Center.

The meeting will include workshops, discussion of public policy issues, and a one-day meeting tailored to county Farm Bureaus.

On Dec. 2, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Faces of Farming finalist Katie Pratt will speak on the importance of strong advocacy efforts for agriculture.

Workshops will begin at 8 a.m. Dec. 3 and continue through the day. Topics include crop insurance, the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), animal disease traceability, and K-12 education funding. Ireland’s first Secretary for Food and Agriculture, John Dardis, will give the keynote speech on ag innovation, consumer relations, and free trade.

County Farm Bureaus will receive awards for their work and county coordinators will be recognized for years of service. Young Farmers & Ranchers contest winners will also be announced.

At the Dec. 3 evening banquet, 10 Kansas farm families will be recognized for service to Farm Bureau and their communities. One family will be recognized with the annual Natural Resources Award for using environmental protection measures and conservation practices. Others will be recognized for distinguished service and as Friends of Agriculture.

On Dec. 4, more than 400 voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2014. Topics will include water, animal care, endangered species, and energy development. The agenda is available online at http://www.kfb.org/news/annualmeeting.