Hofmeyer serves as alternate delegate

Norman Hofmeyer of Charles City County was one of two alternates from Virginia Farm Bureau Federation who joined more than 5,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation in shaping policies important to farmers and ranchers Jan. 13-16 at the 94th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

The theme of this year’s meeting was “Many Voices, One Vision.”

Delegates helped formulate AFBF policy for 2013 and concentrated on issues such as the 2012 Farm Bill, agricultural labor, water quality and estate and capital gains taxes.

The event included presentations on the 2013 outlooks for livestock and crop production, energy development on farms, and transportation issues, among other topics. The keynote speaker was retired astronaut Mark Kelly, husband of former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.