This week is the first anniversary of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. The organization’s first annual meeting was held in Kansas City this week. The Alliance was begun to give farmers and ranchers a voice in the conversation about where food in America comes from. The Alliance believes, together, we can begin a dialogue with Americans about where their food comes from, the importance of today’s agriculture and our commitment to continuous improvement.

Bart Schott, a farmer from North Dakota, who represents the National Corn Growers Association on the Alliance’s board, was elected vice chairman of USFRA’s Board of Directors. Schott says – it’s a very exciting time when you look back over the past year and see the big advances that have been made in the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. It’s really exciting to be a part of it.

During the annual meeting the board discussed budget issues for the coming year, heard from a public relations firm about plans for 2012, and several breakout sessions into committee and task force meetings.