Creative farmers are encouraged to apply for the American Farm Bureau’s Farmer Idea Exchange. The program is geared to surface inventions, equipment modifications, innovative crops, marketing techniques, management systems and farming practices developed by farmers and ranchers. It is designed to encourage Farm Bureau members to share their innovative ideas and help farmers find ways to decrease costs, improve efficiency while improving the environment and their net income. Farmer Idea Exchange rules and the entry form for 2007 can be found at www.fb.org, click on programs. Entries must be submitted to the Minnesota Farm Bureau, Special Programs Coordinator, P.O. Box 64370, St. Paul, Minn. 55164 by Sept. 7. Up to 15 ideas from around the country will be selected to display their winning idea as part of the 2008 AFBF Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 13-14, 2008. This is an informal presentation of the innovations and practices that farmers have developed and used. The winners selected will receive up to $1,500 toward expenses incurred to participate in the AFBF showcase. Minnesota Farm Bureau is comprised of 78 local Farm Bureau associations across Minnesota. Members make their views known to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for young farmers and ranchers develop leadership skills and improve farm management. Promotion and Education Committee members work with programs such as Ag in the Classroom and safety education for children. Join Farm Bureau today and support our efforts to serve as an advocate for rural Minnesota, www.fbmn.org.
