National Farmers Response to COVID-19

An Update from our President

National Farmers Work-from-Home Extended

National Farmers President, Paul Olson has extended the Work-from-home practices through January 3, 2021.

Determining now that we will continue to do our part for the next three months to help stop the spread of COVID-19 will help employees better plan time through the upcoming holiday season.

National Farmers leaders are genuinely concerned about the safety of all employees, members and their families. The decision is aimed at keeping each and every employee and member as safe from this virus as we can.

This decision can be changed if a vaccine is developed and proves to be effective and widely available.

The National Farmers Board of Directors has made the decision to move the February 2021 national convention to a virtual, online format. National Farmers members and staff are the top priority. When making this decision, the number of people flying into the convention city from different parts of the country, members driving in and individuals at higher risk were all weighed. The circle of potential virus spread is a major factor as ag groups make cancellations into 2021.

Board members voted decisively to do everything possible to protect members, staff and all those involved with making National Farmers convention happen, from COVID-19.

In the meantime, President Paul Olson, Vice President Bruce Shultz and board members, in conjunction with the National Farmers Communications and Marketing staff, which spearheads convention production, are working to provide an excellent virtual convention experience. A successful convention for rural members can be accessible.

A reliable, easy-to-use, robust virtual meeting software service has been selected with many functions to make the virtual convention as personal and interactive as possible. This product is used for many meetings, conferences and worship services across the country right now.

We have ideas and help to share about how to participate. We will provide that at a later time, and well before the event.

Virtual Convention 2021 Facts

• This virtual convention will be free to attend, but members must pre-register.
• The Resolutions Committee will meet Feb. 4 at Noon CST on Zoom. You must pre-register before Feb. 4 to attend the policy committee meeting.
• The virtual event will take place February 9-10, beginning at 11 a.m. central time each day. Convene will only last four hours daily.
• Commodity division presentations will bring you the latest marketing and industry updates.
• Guest speakers will inform you about important, practical dairy, grain and livestock topics.

We will stay in touch with you about —

• Tips for Viewing – Where and How
• Official Convention Committee Meetings

We appreciate your patience as we move forward with planning a valuable online event. We will stay in touch. Thank you for your incredible perseverance throughout 2020. National Farmers leaders and staff appreciate you.