LITTLE ROCK — Approximately 500 farm and ranch leaders will explore “The Landscape of Arkansas” through speakers and workshops July 21–22 at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 60th Officers & Leaders Conference. It will be in the Holiday Inn Northwest Arkansas & Convention Center in Springdale.

Attendees actually will view some of the state’s landscape when renowned nature photographer Tim Ernst shows some of his work. Known as “Arkansas’ Wilderness Photographer,” Ernst is nationally known for his outdoor photos of the state. His work has been featured in National Geographic magazine and The New York Times. Eight of his photograph collections have become coffee table books.

U.S. Rep. John Boozman of Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District and Matt Courson of McGehee (Desha County) will also address the conference.

Courson will close the gathering at Tuesday’s luncheon. Just 20 years old at the time, a 2006 ATV accident left him a paraplegic. His presentation on “Nothing is Impossible” will focus on overcoming challenges to attain goals.

Joe Bragger, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, will also speak Monday afternoon. As a participant, he will explore that state’s groundbreaking Discovery Farm program and how it may be adapted to Arkansas.

Stanley Reed of Marianna (Lee County) and Randy Veach of Manila (Mississippi County), ARFB president and vice president, respectively, will share the chair during the gathering. Reed will present his traditional mid-year president’s address.

The conference is a training and information event for local Farm Bureau leaders, and they will be able to choose from among several workshops that include:

• Food, Feed and Fuel: Fact and Fiction. Jim Sartwelle, an economist with American Farm Bureau Federation, will examine the current debate over the food vs. fuel issue.

• A Preview of the 2009 Legislative Session. This workshop will explore the next legislative session. Dr. John Shelnutt, economic analyst/tax researcher with Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration, and state Rep. Bruce Maloch, who represents District 4, will speak.

• AFBF Ag Challenges Initiative. Don Lipton of American Farm Bureau Federation public relations will discuss the organization’s new communication program aimed at countering political threats to the livestock industry that arise from unfounded public perception.

• Cellulosic Ethanol from Rice Hulls and Rice Straw. Tom Bowers of Pan Gen Global will discuss his company’s involvement in producing ethanol.

• Oklahoma Poultry Litter Litigation. This workshop will look at developments in the Oklahoma lawsuit. Charles Moulton of the Arkansas Attorney General’s office will field questions and look at the A.G.’s role in the conflict. Additionally, President Reed will discuss ARFB’s involvement.