Ag Policy Blog

The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting will have a few twists going into this weekend in Atlanta.

First, AFBF returns to Atlanta, the scene of an ice storm that effectively shut down the group's convention a decade ago. And Atlanta weather is going to play a factor as temperatures going into Friday morning will drop to 26 F before the forecast calls for temperatures to rally. Still, the lows will hit below freezing most of the convention days.

The convention's big kickoff is Sunday morning. But that won't be the only kickoff in the area. The Georgia World Congress Center is about .4 miles walking distance from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Atlanta Falcons will play their final game of the season Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons-Saints game is set for a 3:25 p.m. Eastern start.

Then, on Tuesday when the AFBF convention ends and everyone is heading to the Atlanta airport to fly home, they may encounter some interstate and airport delays. That's because President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris plan to visit Atlanta on Tuesday. Details of the trip from the White House has not been released, but airlines and travel agencies are already notifying passengers of possible flight delays later in the afternoon flying out of Atlanta.

Farm Bureau also has sent its convention registrants an "official health and safety message" urging the wearing of masks and social distancing at its convention.

The message notes, "On Dec. 21, 2021, the City of Atlanta re-instated an indoor mask mandate, which may be enforced against individuals in certain circumstances. It is advisable to wear a mask indoors and always carry a mask while in Atlanta."

Farm Bureau also announced that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will address the annual convention on Monday.

The speech, which Vilsack will deliver at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, will be streamed live for those registered virtually for the convention.

Farm Bureau has also opened registration to attend the convention online.

American Farm Bureau Federation -- AFBF Official Health & Safety Statement https://mailchi.mp/…

-- Register Now to Virtually Attend AFBF22 https://www.fb.org/…

Chris Clayton can be reached at Chris.Clayton@dtn.com

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