By Peggy Jo Goodfellow, Arizona Farm Bureau: Have you talked to a farmer today? Arizona Farm Bureau's Speakers Bureau, Fence Line, will give you your chance! Our Fence Line speakers’ bureau is made up of farmers and ranchers who are happy to tell you about what they do on their farm or ranch everyday, plus share a few stories and their passion for agriculture. 

Fence Line offers face-to-face presentations and the opportunity to talk directly with an Arizona farmer or rancher about how your food is grown. And, yes, you'll have a chance to meet and ask questions of real farmers and ranchers in Arizona agriculture today. 

With 97% of Arizona agriculture's farmers and ranchers coming from family farms, you'll also get to connect with the families that feed, fuel and clothe us. They come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. One of our farmers might represent a small, medium or large family farm. Their method of agriculture might be organic, natural or conventional. They might come from a generational farm or they might be first-generation, beginner farmers. 

Plus, the majority of our farmers and ranchers are members of Arizona Farm Bureau. So, they understand the value of groups and what it means to belong to something making a difference in our world ... for a better world. 

Fence Line speaker topics include:

  • Food Safety Today = Best practices
  • Genetics
  • Leadership: How to Pass the baton
  • Biotechnology
  • Arizona Water Issues
  • The High Cost of Farm Equipment
  • Buying Local
  • Learn about Arizona Agriculture
  • Agritourism
  • Animal Welfare
  • Arizona's 5 c"s... citrus, cattle,cotton, climate &copper
  • Protecting your Agriculture
  • How I grow/produce: Beef, Dairy, Grain, Hogs,Nursery and more
  • Agriculture Issues
  • Yuma, "The Winter Salad Bowl"

Here are a few comments about our speakers:

I just wanted to thank you for putting me in contact with [produce farmer] John Boelts. It was a wonderful day of learning and he went out of his way with my students. We were all very impressed. My students and I were astounded by his depth of knowledge and his ability to convey it. All of us felt privledged to have had the opportunity to learn so much. He is passionate about his crops and cares that he is helping to feed the people of the United States a quality food product. 

Brophy College Preparatory

I just want to thank you for arranging for [Rancher] Sonia Gasho to speak to our Nature Club tonight. She was a wonderful speaker and I think there were more questions than we have had for any other speaker. After the meeting a few of us enjoyed her company at dinner. Thanks again for arranging such an interesting and informative speaker.

SaddleBrooke Nature Club

We contacted you for a speaker for our staff training. You contacted [dairy farmer], Wes Kerr, who gave us a training on his family’s dairy farm. His presentation was ranked extremely high by our staff due to his knowledge of the farm, science, etc. And staff thought he was one of the most relatable and dynamic speakers that we have had in a long time. 

Maricopa County Environmental Services Department 

For more information about Fence Line and to schedule a speaker, call me at 480-635-3609 or email peggyjogoodfellow@azfb.org.