Illinois Farm Bureau to host annual Commodities Conference

[June 20, 2012]  BLOOMINGTON -- Illinois Farm Bureau members, staff, farmers and agriculture industry professionals are invited to attend the 2012 Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference, titled "Agriculture: The Biggest Winner." The conference, scheduled for July 25, will be at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.

This year's conference will feature a number of general and breakout sessions focusing on international trade, markets, communicating with consumers, weather, land rights, cover crops, locally grown foods and on-target spray applications.

"We're very excited about this year's conference," said Tamara Nelsen, senior director of commodities for Illinois Farm Bureau. "We have an excellent group of speakers on a wide range of topics. There will certainly be something for everyone at this year's event."

Those wishing to attend the conference may preregister online at www.ilfb.org from June 18 through July 16. Participants also may contact their local County Farm Bureau to register or contact Nicole Moore at 309-557-3343 or [e-mail]. Registration is $35 per person and includes lunch. Registration the day of the event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Marriott.

In addition to the conference, Illinois Farm Bureau will host a VIP International Reception on July 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott. The cost of that reception is $25 for Commodities Conference registrants.

The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a nonprofit membership organization controlled by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 420,500, a voting membership of 82,973 and represents 2 out of 3 Illinois farmers.

[Text from file received from Illinois Farm Bureau]