What the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention Is
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and Convention is the yearly gathering where Farm Bureau members from across the state set the organization's policy, elect board members and take part in training and recognition events. The 2026 meeting runs Sunday, December 6, through Tuesday, December 8, 2026, in Kearney. Voting delegates decide the policy that guides the organization's work at the state and national level, while other members come for workshops, a keynote speaker, networking and the discussion meet competition.
Ways to Take Part
| Role | What you do |
|---|---|
| Voting delegate | Attend the Tuesday general session: hear the Secretary-Treasurer report, memorials, the nominating committee report and the NEFB-PAC report, then vote on policy resolutions and board elections. |
| Member | Attend the Monday workshops, the Member Appreciation Lunch, the keynote and the evening events. |
| Discussion meet competitor | Compete in the Collegiate Discussion Meet (Sunday) or the Member Discussion Meet (Monday rounds). The Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet winner is recognized Tuesday. |
| Regional delegate | Join your region's Tuesday caucus to choose nominees for the State Leadership and Policy Committee (SLPC), across seven regions. |
How It Works: The Timeline
Sunday, December 6
- Committee meetings and convention registration (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.)
- NEFB Board of Directors meeting at 4:00 p.m.
- Collegiate Fellowship orientation and the Collegiate Discussion Meet (orientation 4:15 p.m., meet 5:00 p.m.)
- NEFB PAC Reception, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Monday, December 7
- Registration from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Discussion Meet Round 1 at 8:30 a.m. and Round 2 at 2:30 p.m.
- Workshops on farm succession planning, AI for farms, data centers in Nebraska, agriculture and national security, and a state, national and environmental issues update
- Member Appreciation Lunch at 11:30 a.m., then a keynote by Jason Wetzler
- SLPC meeting at 4:00 p.m., Member Benefit Recognition Reception at 5:15 p.m. and the Grower's Gala at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 8
- Member Breakfast and Delegate Orientation at 7:30 a.m.
- Regional caucuses at 8:30 a.m.
- Voting delegate general session, with board elections and recognition of retiring board members
- The President's Annual Address by Mark McHargue at lunch, and adjournment at 1:30 p.m.
Who Can Attend and Rules
The meeting is built for Farm Bureau members. Only voting delegates take part in the general session votes, and registration is closed during the Tuesday lunch for voting delegates. Delegate orientation takes place at the Tuesday member breakfast.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Hotel rooms at the convention rate: reserve by November 9, 2026
- Online registration: closes November 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Onsite registration: available during the event. Hours are Sunday 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
What You Get
Members get a voice in policy, workshop content, meals and receptions, and a chance to meet leaders from every part of the state. The program also includes the Silver Eagle Award presentation and the Member Benefit Recognition Reception with prizes. At the previous meeting, held in Kearney December 7 to 9, 2025, delegates adopted policy on workforce housing and childcare for small towns and counties and on farmer ownership of farm data, and kept current policy on the Livestock Brand Act.
Where
The meeting is in Kearney, around the Younes Conference Center. Convention-rate hotels are the Comfort Inn, 118 S. 3rd Ave., phone (308) 236-3400, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites, attached to the Younes Conference South, 510 W. Talmadge Rd., phone (308) 236-4200.
Questions
When must I register?
Register online by 11:59 p.m. on November 30, or register onsite once the meeting begins.
Who do I call about registration?
Call Nebraska Farm Bureau at (402) 421-4470 for registration. The general number is (402) 421-4400 or (800) 742-4016.
What day is the discussion meet?
The Collegiate Discussion Meet is Sunday at 5:00 p.m. The Member Discussion Meet rounds are Monday at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
When are board members elected?
Board elections take place during the continued voting session on Tuesday.
Official Links
- 2026 Annual Meeting and Convention: schedule, registration and hotels
- Recap of the previous annual meeting: policy outcomes from Kearney
County Farm Bureaus in Nebraska: The Essentials
County Farm Bureaus are the grassroots base of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. They support local farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocacy and education, and they hold annual meetings where policy ideas start. NEFB's county page details 26 chapters, and other counties are active too.
Examples
Washington County held an Ask a Farmer event at a Fremont grocery store, and 2026 Century Club grants of $250 funded projects such as fair T-shirts for 4-H and FFA exhibitors in Boone County. Annual dues vary by county, from $50 in Sherman/Valley to $70 in Dakota, Kearney/Franklin and Nance.
Getting involved
Join at ne.fbiris.com/join or call (402) 421-4466. Student memberships for ages 14-23 cost $20 a year. Several county scholarships are due in March and April, so ask your regional manager early.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show
Annual convention and trade show of Nebraska Cattlemen at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney, scheduled for Dec. 9 to 11, 2026.
- Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic
Winter livestock judging contest in Kearney on Feb. 14, 2026, part of the Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit.
Kearney, NE | Organizer: Nebraska 4-H Official event details - Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference
The 41st annual conference for women in farming and ranching, with a pre-conference session on Feb. 25 and the main program Feb. 26 and 27, 2026, in Kearney.
416 Talmadge St., Kearney, NE | Organizer: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Official event details - Nebraska Livestock Judging Classic
Summer judging classic in Kearney on June 12, 2026, counted on the Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit.
Kearney, NE | Organizer: Nebraska 4-H Official event details - Buffalo County Fair 4-H Livestock Shows
4-H schedule July 21-27, 2026: dog show, horse show, sheep and goat judging, beef, rabbit, poultry and swine showmanship, fashion show and cake walk and pie auction.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.