This year marks Arizona Farm Bureau’s 100 years. Officially incorporated in 1921, this grassroots organization serves Arizona’s farmers and ranchers in grassroots advocacy, communication and agriculture education, in addition to Arizona families that have joined the organization in support of the agriculture industry.

 

“As we give consideration to our past, we prepare for the future,” said Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse, a rancher in southern Arizona. “Millennials, the largest living adult generation, are more focused on the nexus between food and the environment than any other previous generation. The nature of social media will continue to challenge our ability to inform the consumer but also give us a megaphone not seen in our past. Innovations in agriculture will face detractors but give us an opportunity to tell our story. Disruptive technology and products will cause us to adapt and pivot while improving our efficiencies.”

 

Arizona Farm Bureau has featured ongoing celebrations this year with its Centennial culminating in a Governor’s Reception that takes place Wednesday evening, November 10th at the Renaissance Hotel in Glendale. Governor Doug Ducey signed a proclamation and will congratulate Arizona Farm Bureau via video. 

 

Added Smallhouse, “We live and work by the cycle of the seasons in a loop of prepare, plant, steward and harvest. We have good years and bad. While we are subject to both factors within and out of our control we know, ‘Agriculture is essential to Arizona’s prosperity and Arizona Farm Bureau is the Voice of Agriculture. We empower members through grassroots advocacy, communication, and education.’” 

 

The Governor’s Reception occurs during Arizona Farm Bureau’s 100th Annual Meeting, November 10th through the 12th at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, 9495 West Coyotes Blvd., Glendale. 

 

“I am proud to be a part of honoring the achievements of this organization over the last 100 years and to share our success with those that made it possible,” said Arizona Farm Bureau CEO Phil Bashaw. “I am also humbled to have the opportunity to work with our members to write the next chapter of our history.”


About Arizona Farm Bureau 

The Arizona Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and improving the Arizona agriculture industry through member involvement in advocacy, outreach, education, programs and services. As a member services organization, individuals can become a member by contacting the Farm Bureau online. Go to www.azfb.org to learn more about Arizona agriculture.