More than 1,000 Iowa Farm Bureau Federation members are expected to gather today in Des Moines for the organization's annual meeting.

The two-day event, to be held at the Polk County Convention Complex, will feature educational seminars presented by agricultural experts and will focus on the theme "Energizing Iowa."

"This year's annual meeting is focused on energizing Iowa — something Iowa Farm Bureau members have been doing for years," said IFBF president Craig Lang in a press release announcing the event. "Iowa agriculture is now, more than ever, fueling, healing, clothing, feeding and energizing the world. Our annual meeting and Iowa Farm Bureau Week is a great time to celebrate this."

The keynote address will be presented Saturday by David Buerle, a rural development advocate and founder of Innovative Leadership Australia. Buerle will discuss ways Iowa farmers can use their experience in adapting to change by taking a leadership role in community development initiatives.

Educational seminars will be presented today, covering topics such as renewable fuels, carbon offsets, the 2007 Farm Bill and animal welfare issues related to the livestock industry.

IFBF members will also hold elections for their leadership positions, as well as election of 11 farmers to represent Iowa as delegates to the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in January.

Iowa Independent will be there, so be sure to watch for news from the meeting.