DES MOINES, Iowa — More than 1,100 farmers attended the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF)’s 94th Annual Meeting Dec. 4-5 in Des Moines, which featured internationally-recognized livestock facility designer Tempe Grandin, Gov. Terry Branstad and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey.

“Iowa farmers met many challenges in 2012, and thanks to their innovation, were able to overcome drought and market risks,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president and a Milo farmer. And Branstad declared Dec. 2-8 as Iowa Farm Bureau Week to honor the accomplishments and contributions of the state’s nearly 100-year-old organization.

“This year, our annual meeting theme, ‘People, Progress and Pride,’ celebrates the accomplishments, challenges and potential of our many diverse family farmers,” Hill told attendees Dec. 5.

Moreover, the IFBF celebrated member contributions with a recognition banquet on Dec. 4 and a young farm leaders’ achievement luncheon on Dec. 5.

“Today’s responsible farmers are strong members of their communities and are focused on the future; they’re always looking for better ways to provide safe food choices for today’s consumers, so they embrace innovation and the expertise of others,” he added.

Keynote speaker Grandin, who learned to cope with autism in her youth, was featured in the 2010 HBO Emmy Award-winning movie “Temple Grandin.” A Colorado State University professor of animal science, she has long been recognized as an expert by livestock farmers and meat-processing industry leaders.

“I talked to one student at the University of Colorado-Boulder that thought if beef cattle went to Whole Foods, they were born on pasture and if they went to Safeway or Kroger or someplace like that, they were born in a feed yard,” she said. “The most basic things, people just don’t know; it’s kind of appalling. The public is who we need to be talking to.”

Lowell Catlett, “futurist” economist and author, gave closing remarks on Dec. 5 about innovation in technology and health care, and how farmers are ideally positioned to “blow the doors off” of expectations “because of their knack for finding better ways to raise animals, grow crops or feed the world.”

Catlett helps national and international organizations do future planning on the impacts of technology on careers, lifestyles and the economy. He said one day, farmers may be using specially-equipped cell phones to analyze cattle and crop health.

In addition, a panel discussed Iowa’s proposed nutrient reduction strategy and its role in protecting Iowa surface water and reducing the Gulf Hypoxia Zone.

“Iowa farmers know the importance of protecting the land and water, and have shown increasing willingness to voluntarily implement management practices to improve Iowa’s water quality and downstream waters,” said Northey, who was one of the panelists.

Members met internationally-known opera singer Simon Estes, wrestling legend Dan Gable and former Iowa Hawkeye and NFL football player Tim Dwight, all Iowa natives, at a Dec. 4 reception at the Iowa Hall of Pride.

Earlier that day, delegates from Iowa’s 99 counties also had the opportunity to attend several hands-on educational seminars to help them navigate challenging markets, rules and regulations, as well as the most current best management practices for water quality, which expanded this year to three separate sessions.

On Dec. 5, voting delegates reelected IFBF District 1 board member Carlton Kjos, District 3 board member Phil Sundblad, District 5 board member Morey Hill and IFBF Vice President Joe Heinrich.

IFBF Young Farmers met Dec. 4 to compete for the state Discussion Meet title and a John Deere X320 riding lawn mower, as well as the chance to advance to the national competition Jan. 13-16, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn.

Mahaska County farmers Mark and Stacy Boender were presented with the IFBF 2012 Young Farmer Achievement Award on Dec. 5 at the annual meeting. The Boenders raise corn and soybeans in rural Oskaloosa, and also run an excavating business; Mark works with his father and brother.

“We grew up working together,” wrote Mark about his family in his achievement award application. “We can accomplish more together, build off each other’s strengths and grow our businesses. Family is very important to me.”

Osage farmer Keith Kroneman was recognized for his leadership efforts with the 2012 Bob Joslin Award, which honors young farmers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the IFBF, agriculture and their communities. A member of the Mitchell County Farm Bureau, he participated in 2007 in the IFBF’s Ag Leaders Institute, a program that provides leadership training to young farmers.

“(As with) a lot of farmers, we’re content to do our own thing and stay quiet,” he said, “but sometimes you have to get up and do things, and say something.”