Sonoma County Farm Bureau invites you to attend the first State of Agriculture Address on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. The morning's events will begin with a social hour and industry trade show followed by an address by California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger and Keynote from California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. Both Wenger and Ross are dedicated advocates for agriculture, will discuss the challenges and opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Additionally, there will be a panel of experts discussing key agriculture issues in Sonoma County.   

Karen Ross, California Agriculture Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary will be the keynote speaker at this special event for the region's agricultural industry. It will be Ross's first public appearance in Sonoma County since being named Secretary of Agriculture by Gov. Brown in January. Prior to joining CDFA, Secretary Ross was chief of staff for U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a position she accepted in 2009. In addition to her time at USDA, Secretary Ross served more than thirteen years as President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), based in Sacramento.

Paul Wenger, President of the California Farm Bureau Federation, will present his perspective on the politics of farming and the political climate in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. A third-generation farmer, Wenger farms almonds and walnuts on the family farm, which includes property purchased by his grandfather in 1910. His farming operations also include sharecropping, custom farm work and walnut hulling. He has expanded his operation to include processing and marketing of almonds and walnuts through his Wood Colony Nut Co., to provide an opportunity for the fourth generation.

Michael C. Saqui, Managing Shareholder, Saqui Law Group, represented agriculture in farm labor disputes and strikes, also will speak at the State of Agriculture Address. Saqui has fought and prevailed against many of the biggest and best financed labor organizations in the United States. He is one of the most sought-after speakers in California because of his expertise of labor law, assisting employers in developing pro-active approaches to address virtually all employment and labor relations matters.

Lex McCorvey, Executive Director, Sonoma Co. Farm Bureau, will give an overview of Sonoma County agriculture and Farm Bureau’s involvment in important issues associated with ag production. A fourth generation native of Sonoma County, Lex has been involved in the agriculture industry his entire life. Lex raises beef cattle in addition to his Farm Bureau duties. He is a former vocational agriculture teacher at Santa Rosa High School and an adjunct faculty member for SRJC.

Tickets for the event are $25 for non Farm Bureau members and complimentary for members. Tickets can be picked up at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau office starting on October 3, 2011. Limited seating is first come first serve.  

To RSVP Please Download: State of Agriculture Address RSVP Form.pdf

Please fax completed form to 707.544.7452 or email: info@sonomacountyfarmbureau.com.

Presented in part by:

Sponsorships Available:

Sonoma County Farm Bureau is extending an invitation for sponsorships of the State of Agriculture Address. There are three sponsorship levels:

• Corporate Gold Sponsor - $1,000:  Sponsor gets company/corporate logo on marketing materials; 10 guest tickets to the event; sponsor logo and listing in promotional materials; logo and listings in Sonoma-Marin Farm News and Sonoma County Farm Bureau website and booth space at the event.
• Silver Sponsor - $500:  Sponsor gets logo and listing as event sponsor in Sonoma-Marin Farm News and on the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Website and four guest tickets.
• Bronze Sponsor - $250: Sponsor gets listing as event sponsor in Sonoma-Marin Farm News and two guest tickets.
• Book of 10 tickets - $200: Sponsors can also purchase discounted event tickets for their clients.

If you would like to join Farm Bureau as a sponsor of the State of Agriculture Address, please download and complete the form below and fax or email it to Sonoma County Farm Bureau 707.544.7452 or steven@sonomacountyfarmbureau.com.

Download: State of Ag Sponsorship Form.pdf

We ask that you respond immediately so your company name and logo will be included in all of the advanced publicity and marketing for State of Agriculture Address.