76th SCFB Annual Meeting
Join us as we round out the celebration of our 75th year at the Annual Meeting of South Carolina Farm Bureau. We have an exceptional slate of educational workshops, as well as attendee favorites like the Dairy Bar and the Big Farm Show.
New this year, the Country Store is getting a makeover as the Farmers Market & Craft Fair. Come shop a wonderful assortment of local goods and handmade items. And don't forget to stop by the Silent Auction and cast your bid!
We hope to see you at the beach so we can all catch up and set the direction for our organization in 2020.
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Event Location
Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, SC
9800 Queensway Blvd
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 -
Contact
Melanie Moulder
mmoulder@scfb.org
803-936-4409
Time
Title
Location
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Title
Ag in the Classroom Golf Tournament Registration
Location
Arcadian Shores
Track
Costs/Fees
Click here for more information.
Time
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Title
Ag in the Classroom Golf Tournament
Location
Arcadian Shores
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Title
Receiving Items for Farmers Market & Craft Fair and Silent Auction
Location
Embassy Suites - Hampton and Somerset
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Title
Convention/Voting Delegate Registration
Location
Embassy Suites - Cambridge Hall
Track
Costs/Fees
Please bring your confirmation letter you received from online registration to get your name badge printed.
Time
2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Title
Self-Serve Dairy Bar Treats
Location
Embassy Suites - Cambridge Hall
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Title
Welcome Dinner
Location
Marriott Resort - Atlantic Ballroom
Track
Costs/Fees
The kickoff event for Annual Meeting includes the presentation of the Ag in the Classroom Golf Tournament Awards, the SCFB Legislators of the Year, and recognition of the Legislative All Stars.
This year's menu features beef, sponsored by the SC Beef Council.
Time
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Title
Farmers Market & Craft Fair and Silent Auction Open
Location
Embassy Suites - Hampton and Somerset
Track
Costs/Fees
Instructions for bidding in the Silent Auction
- Use the Silent Auction bid number that appears on your registration name badge to bid.
- Provide a cell phone number when bidding.
- Present your name badge with bid number to pick up your item on Friday night before 10pm.
Time
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Title
Big Farm Show
Location
Embassy Suites - Lakeside Pavilion
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Title
Dairy Bar
Location
Big Farm Show (Lakeside Pavilion)
Track
Costs/Fees
Join the Coastal District for some frozen treats in the Big Farm Show!
Time
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Title
Convention/Voting Delegate Registration Open
Location
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
Title
Location
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Title
Continental Breakfast
Location
Embassy Suites - Kensington ABC
Track
Costs/Fees
Enjoy a continental breakfast and hear from the Young Farmer and Rancher committee about projects and initiatives.
All are invited to attend.
Time
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Title
Convention/Voting Delegate Registration
Location
Embassy Suites - Cambridge Hall
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Title
General Session
Location
Embassy Suites - Kensington DEFG
Track
Costs/Fees
The first business session for the Annual Meeting starts with an open hearing for resolutions.
Time
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Title
Dairy Bar Open
Location
Big Farm Show (Lakeside Pavilion)
Track
Costs/Fees
Join the Coastal District for some frozen treats!
Time
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Title
Big Farm Show
Location
Embassy Suites - Lakeside Pavilion
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Title
Cultivating a Mindset for Success
Location
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
Dr. Milt Lowder, sports phycologist for the Clemson University football team will share a personal perspective on mental health in the agricultural community. His interactive presentation will cover:
- Rediscovering your why
- Creating the optimal conditions for positive growth
- Focus on being your best, and
- Pursuing Worthy Goals
Time
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Title
Biotechnology in Today's Society
Location
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
Farming and ranching feed a nation, and we enjoy the most plentiful, safe, affordable and diverse food supply in human history. However, the consumer feels like there is a problem with food, that it is not wholesome or nutritious, and that it is bathed in chemistry that harms human health. The disconnect comes from many levels operating through the internet to destroy trust in food and farming. We have watched this happen, and when scientists and farmers tried to engage we were not always effective. That tide is turning. The presentation will cover communications strategies to engage the consumer effectively, and remarkably the tactics discussed affect all of our relationships and make us better listeners and negotiators.
Time
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Title
Break
Location
Big Farm Show (Lakeside Pavilion)
Track
Costs/Fees
Enjoy some freshly brewed coffee or get your chocolate milk fix while you take a trip around the Big Farm Show to see the latest ag products and innovations.
Time
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Title
Making it Grow Q&A
Location
Big Farm Show (Lakeside Pavilion)
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
Host of SCETV's Making it Grow, Amanda McNulty and regular show contributor Tony Melton will answer home gardening questions from the audience. Bring your perplexing plant problems and let this team of professionals help you with a solution.
Time
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Title
Game Plan for Growth
Location
Embassy - Kensington DEFG
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
In a follow-up to his morning keynote, Dr. Milt Lowder will help participants assess their mental wellness and empower them with hands-on tools.
Time
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Title
CAMM Training
Location
Embassy - Winchester
Track
Costs/Fees
$15
Speakers:
This one-hour recertification course will focus on beef grazing systems and water quality protection.
Cost: $15 made payable to Clemson University
Time
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Title
Legislative Luncheon
Location
Kensington ABC
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
All are invited to enjoy a sandwich buffet and hear an update from the SCFB Government Relations team while getting tools and tips for being an outstanding grassroots advocate. Sym Singh from Governor Henry McMaster's office is also joining to share some perspective on being an effective spokesperson for agriculture.
Time
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Title
Women's Leadership Luncheon
Location
Marriott Resort - Atlantic Ballroom
Track
Costs/Fees
$15
Celebrate the successes of the year and enjoy entertainment sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Tickets available for purchase for $15 from the Farmers Market & Craft Fair, or at the door.
Time
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Title
County Purpose Activity Panel
Location
Big Farm Show (Lakeside Pavilion)
Track
Costs/Fees
Next to grassroots advocacy, purpose activities are one of the most important things counties can participate in. This session will feature counties that have excelled in a purpose activity from legislative to educational to membership.
Time
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Title
Pesticide Applicator Training
Location
Embassy - Kensington DEFG
Track
Costs/Fees
Earn pesticide recertification credits and learn more about the latest on 2019 Dicamba use requirements.
Time
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Title
Feed Safety Update
Location
Embassy - Pembroke
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
This informational workshop will detail the steps the South Carolina Department of Agriculture takes to make sure livestock and pet owners in South Carolina are purchasing safe, nutritious feed products.
Time
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Title
SCFB Marketing Assoc. Annual Meeting
Location
Embassy - Winchester
Track
Costs/Fees
Annual meeting of the Marketing Association with financial report, investment report and election of officers.
Time
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Title
YF&R Excellence in Ag Presentations
Location
Embassy - Eton
Track
Costs/Fees
Hear from South Carolina's finest young leaders as they share about their involvement in agriculture, leadership and promoting Farm Bureau's mission.
Time
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Title
Experience Ag in the Classroom
Location
Marriott Resort - Tides 1&2
Track
Costs/Fees
Immerse yourself in an Ag in the Classroom lesson led by the 2019 Betty J. DeWitt Outstanding Educator.
Time
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Title
Pesticide Applicator Training
Location
Embassy - Kensington DEFG
Track
Costs/Fees
Earn pesticide recertification credits and learn more about cotton blue virus and preventing nematodes.
Time
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Title
Navigating the SC Tax Code
Location
Embassy - Pembroke
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
Learn how to navigate the often confusing tax code and how to protect yourself in the event of unfair reassessment of agricultural land.
Time
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Title
Farm Succession Planning
Location
Embassy - Oxford
Track
Costs/Fees
Speakers:
This workshop will cover the basics of business succession and estate planning. Learn what is involved in transferring a business from one generation to the next and figure out the best options for your farm. You can even schedule a follow up visit at your farm with one of Clemson's Agribusiness Team members.
Time
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Title
Discussion Meet Competitor Orientation
Location
Embassy - Eton
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Title
County Farm Bureau Investment Board, LLC
Location
Embassy - Oxford
Track
Costs/Fees
Annual Meeting of County Investment Board LLC, with finance report, investment report and election of officers.
Time
4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Title
Discussion Meet Semi Finals
Location
Embassy - Kensington A and B
Track
Costs/Fees
Listen in as Young Farmers discuss some of the most challenging issues facing agriculture today and determine solutions to problems being debated across the nation.
Time
5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Title
Discussion Meet Final Round
Location
Embassy - Kensington A
Track
Costs/Fees
The Top 4 Finalists hold their final discussion before the state winner is determined.
Time
6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Title
Farmers Market & Craft Fair and Silent Auction Open
Location
Embassy - Hampton and Somerset
Track
Costs/Fees
Silent Auction bidding ends at 7:15 pm
Time
6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Title
Convention/Voting Delegate Registration Open
Location
Embassy - Cambridge Hall
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Title
Awards and Recognition Program
Location
Embassy - Kensington DEFG
Track
Costs/Fees
Our volunteer leaders are the core of this organization. Join us as we honor and recognize those dedicated members who have gone above and beyond in the last year.
Time
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Title
Awards Reception
Location
Embassy - Kensington ABC
Track
Costs/Fees
Congratulate the 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient and the Young Farmer & Rancher winners.
Time
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Title
Farmers Market & Craft Fair Open
Location
Embassy - Somerset
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Title
Silent Auction Item Pick-Up
Location
Embassy - Somerset
Track
Costs/Fees
Items not picked up by 10:00 pm on Friday will be offered to the next highest bidder.
We accept payments by cash, check or credit card.
Time
Title
Location
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Title
Convention/Voting Delegate Registration
Location
Embassy - Cambridge Hall
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Title
Self-Serve Dairy Bar Open
Location
Embassy Suites - Cambridge Hall
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Title
Voting Delegate Session
Location
Embassy - Kensington DEFG
Track
Costs/Fees
Voting delegate session followed by election of officers and the Organizational Meeting of the 2020 SCFB Board of Directors
Time
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Title
Farmers Market & Craft Fair Open
Location
Embassy - Somerset
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Title
Pee Dee District Caucus
Location
Embassy - Kensington A
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Title
Piedmont District Caucus
Location
Embassy - Kensington B
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Title
Central District Caucus
Location
Embassy - Kensington C
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Title
Coastal District Caucus
Location
Embassy - Eton
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Title
Talent Registration
Location
Marriott Resort - East Hall
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Title
Farmers Market & Craft Fair Item Pickup
Location
Embassy Suites - Somerset
Track
Costs/Fees
Counties pick up unsold items. Any items not picked up by 11:30 am will be donated to a local charity.
Time
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Title
Talent Rehearsal
Location
Marriott Resort - Atlantic Ballroom
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Title
Annual and/or Board Meetings of Affiliate Companies
Location
Embassy - Winchester
Track
Costs/Fees
To be held immediately following the adjournment of the State Board meeting
SC Ag in the Classroom Fund Board
SCFB Foundation
SCFB Holding Co.
Pro-Ag, LLC
SCFB Management, LLC
Time
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Title
SCFB Financial Services, LLC
Location
Embassy - Eton
Track
Costs/Fees
Time
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Title
Talent Contest
Location
Marriott Resort - Atlantic Ballroom
Track
Costs/Fees
Amanda McNulty
Host and Producer, Making it Grow
Amanda McNulty is a consumer horticulture agent with Clemson Extension, where she works with clients and teaches a master gardener training program. Amanda serves as the host and producer of the gardening advice television program "Making It Grow" and writes and records "horticultural tips" aired on all SCETV radio stations. You can find her regular column in the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources SC Wildlife magazine.
Speaker Sessions
Date
Time
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Amelia Ruple
Supervisor Government Services, SC Department of Revenue
Amelia was born and raised in Lancaster, SC, and graduated from Lancaster High School. She graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg VA with a BA in American History and American Politics, and then received a JD degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, GA where she was a member of the Moot Court Society.
Following law school, she returned to South Carolina in 1988 and was in private practice in Columbia for several years with a general practice litigation firm. After taking a few years off from the practice of law to engage in the practice of raising children, Amelia returned to work for RBMG as a loan reviewer. She then worked at the SC Administrative Law Court as a law clerk to Judge Carolyn Matthews from 2002—2007.
In March 2007, Amelia moved to the SC Department of Revenue in the Litigation section. Her litigation experience was varied in that she tried tax matters including property, sales and admissions tax cases, as well as regulatory matters such as bingo and alcohol applications and violations.
In October 2011, Amelia took a job in the Local Government/Property section of SC Department of Revenue as the Coordinator of Training and Research, with the responsibility of advising counties on questions which arise from property tax and the administrative process, as well as helping to plan the annually required training for county officials.
She is a member of the SC Women’s Lawyer Association, the SC Association of Assessing Officials, and is a licensed instructor for the SC Real Estate Appraisers Board through LLR.
She is married with three children: Anna graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur GA and Kennesaw State University and is teaching high school in Leroy, Alabama. Macy is a graduate of Winthrop University and is attending Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, and Thomas is graduate of Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina and is living in New York City “experiencing life” and preparing for graduate school. In her “spare time,” Amelia enjoys travelling, cooking and reading, as well as lying on the couch with her dog.
Speaker Sessions
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Time
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Track
Austin Therrell
Feed Program Coordinator, SC Department of Agriculture
Austin currently serves as the Feed Program Coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture where he is responsible for the supervision of the animal feed regulatory program. He graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor of science in animal and veterinary science in 2013.
Prior to joining the team at SCDA, Austin worked in sales for a family-owned pet food company in the sporting dog industry. During his time there he learned about the manufacturing and marketing aspects of the pet food industry and formed relationships with feed dealers and distributors across South Carolina.
Austin serves on AAFCO’s Pet Food Committee, as a co-chair of the Feed and Feed Ingredient Manufacturing Committee, and as a member of the AAFCO Board of Directors.
Speaker Sessions
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Time
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Corey Smith
Senior Tax Policy Manager, SC Department of Revenue
Corey joined the South Carolina Department of Revenue in December of 2015 and is the Senior Tax Policy Manager for sales and use tax, miscellaneous taxes, and regulatory matters in the Policy Division. He has served as a primary editor for the Department’s annual Legislative Update and the South Carolina Sales and Use Tax Manual. He drafts formal advisory opinions and provides informal guidance to taxpayers on various matters.
Corey graduated from Clemson University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing. He worked for UPS Inside Sales in Greenville, South Carolina, as a sales representative and sales coach before attending law school. He received a J.D. from the Charleston School of Law in 2012 and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2013. Prior to joining the Department, Corey worked as an associate attorney at the Rosen Law Firm, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina.
Corey is originally from Western New York. He moved to Clemson in 1994, and while growing up he sang southern gospel music with his family as the Willing Servants. He loves college and professional sports, especially the Clemson Tigers. Corey and his wife, Ashley, met during college and have two boys. They are all avid Tiger fans and share a home with an overweight orange cat named Lucky and a Chihuahua named Izzy, who is affectionately referred to as “Feast.”
Speaker Sessions
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Time
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Dr. Kevin Folta
Horticultural Sciences Professor, University of Florida
Kevin Folta is a professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida, Gainesville. He got his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from University of Illinois at Chicago in 1998, and he has worked at University of Wisconsin before settling in at University of Florida. Dr. Folta researches the functional genomics of small fruit crops, the plant transformation, the genetic basis of flavors, and studies at photomorphogenesis and flowering. He has also written many publications and edited books, most recently was the 2011 Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Berries. Dr. Folta received the NSF CAREER Award, an HHMI Mentoring Award and was recognized as "University of Florida Foundation Research Professor" in 2010.
Speaker Sessions
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Dr. Milt Lowder
Founder and CEO, Synergy Group
Growing up on a family farm in Oswego, SC and working in the family business – Lowder Brother’s Gin Company – Dr. Milt Lowder has deep roots in agriculture. Starting as a weed puller, then moving on to driving tractors and eventually on to “store manager,” he learned first-hand the value of hard work, the importance of good habits, and that you truly do reap what you sow. By observing his family, he learned the power of a positive attitude and developed a respect for the perseverance necessary for growth.
This background is the foundation of Dr. Lowder’s beliefs and career path that led to his current role as the Founder and CEO of Synergy Performance. A licensed counseling psychologist, he completed his Ph.D. with a concentration in Organizational Development from the University of Kentucky. He also serves as the Sport Psychologist for the Clemson University Athletic Department. There, he works with student-athletes, teams, and coaches to improve their performance and to assist them as they deal with the pressures of college athletics and life. Coach Swinney acknowledges that “Milt has been an integral part of our success since 2009.”
It is from this unique perspective that Milt will approach his time with the Farm Bureau. He will share concepts for a sound mental approach to cultivating your fertile soil and leveraging best practices to face today’s many challenges.
Whether speaking, coaching, or consulting, Dr. Lowder challenges others to become better leaders at work, at home, and in their community. He helps his clients narrow the gap between who they are and who they want to be. This is achieved by raising their awareness, calling them to meaningful action, and learning to hold themselves accountable to what they believe.
Dr. Lowder is married with three children and lives in Greenville, SC. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, attending sporting events, and being outdoors.
Speaker Sessions
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Time
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Lee Van Vlake
Pee Dee Area Livestock and Forages Agent, Clemson Extension
Lee has worked with Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service since 2006 as an Area Livestock and Forages Agent in the Pee Dee Region. Lee graduated from Clemson University in 2004 with a bachelors degree in animal science and in 2012 with a masters degree in agricultural education. Lee enjoys working with beef cattle and operates a cow-calf operation in Darlington County, SC. He enjoys camping and spending time with his family outdoors.
Speaker Sessions
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Time
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Sarah Cohen
Director of Government Affairs, SC Chamber of Commerce
Sarah Cohen is the Director of Government Affairs for the SC Chamber of Commerce. She is a South Carolina native and graduate of Winthrop University.
Speaker Sessions
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Time
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Track
Steve Richards
Agribusiness Extension Associate, Clemson Extension
Steve Richards is an Agribusiness Extension Associate with the Extension Agribusiness Program Team. Steve works mainly with producers and value added agricultural businesses in the low country but has statewide responsibilities in agribusiness management, marketing, and finance. Steve's home office is the Beaufort County Extension Office.
Steve's work experience began in quality assurance and production management for food processing firms in the Midwest. Next, he worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension, authoring many business planning workbooks and consulting with hundreds of agricultural businesses on topics such as profitability improvement, business expansion, business financing, and succession planning. In his more recent roles, Steve has consulted for Farm Credit East and worked with agricultural entrepreneurs in the Finger Lakes food, wine, and tourism region.
Speaker Sessions
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Time
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Track
Sym Singh
Director of Legislative Affairs, SC Governor's Office
Sym Singh is the Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Henry McMaster. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Sym worked at the Department of the Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
A Greenwood native, he received his undergraduate degree from Lander University and a masters in public policy from Liberty University. He is active in the Greenwood community, serving as president of the Lander University Young Alumni Council and as a member of the Greenwood Tower Club.
Speaker Sessions
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