USDA Leadership Resource Panel

On Friday, August 18th, over 352 people participated in the in-person programs and activities at the Federation's historic Rural Training and Research Center.

We held our traditional USDA Leadership & Resource Panel Discussion. USDA leadership got the opportunity to meet and hear directly from our members as the USDA strives to make efforts to better serve the needs of Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives. USDA Leadership shared best practices and resources with attendees as we highlighted our expanding partnership, focusing on a path forward to address the unique and historic challenges of underserved communities.

Next, we held concurrent workshops on heirs' property, the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), cooperative development and regional marketing, and agroforestry demonstrations and tours.

We wrapped up the evening with our annual Friday Fish Fry, horse rides, hayrides, a live auction, and live music.

Proceeds from Friday's Rural Training & Research Center live auction go to renovating our historic Big House to its original 1965 decor.