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Show Volume XVI, No. 13 December 1970 SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH Shuman Resigns The American Farm Bureau Federation meet- ing in annual convention at the Civic Center Collosium in Houston, Texas had listened to an address by the Honorable Rogers C. B. Morton, U.S. Representative from Maryland and nominee for the position of Secretary of Interior and an annual report Address by Charles B. Shuman, President of A FJ3F when Mr. Shuman asked for time for point of personal privilege. Thereafter he introduced his family and while they were on the speakers platform Mr. Shuman announced his resignation that would be effective at the conclusion of the convention. He said, Nw I have a statement that I can make after a long and prayerful thought. This is one of the more difficult decisions I have ever had to. make - - that is, to retire this year as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation and ask the voting delegates to accept my resignation effective with the close of this convention. I have come to this decision primarily because of a number of personal reasons. First, "United for Decision and Action" Theme of AFBF Convention in Houston, Texas. I have an offer which I find difficult to turn down son, George, has made me a proposimy teen-ag- e tion to join him as a partner in the hog business. Furthermore, I want to return to the farming business while I have the health to make the transition. The AFBF presidency is already demanding '"KK A' responsibility and I recognize that physical deteri-atio- n I Also accelerates with each passing year. A near record growth during Roger Fleming, AFBF have the desire to do some writing. 1970 has brought the American made the unannouncement 52nd as to not I the Annual been Farm Bureau Federation have In making this decision, another new Meeting of the world's largest high in memmindful of the impact on Farm Bureau. It is my on 1,943,181 member general farm organization opened bership judgement that now is a good time to make this families. The increase of 77,327 this week in the Civic Center inmember families is the largest coliseum in Houston, Texas. This change in leadership which, in any case, would is the tenth consecutive year that annual gain since 1953. evitably take place in a year or so. Farm Bureau AFBF has shown an Increase in membership is at an all time high and the morale membership, Fleming said. Kuhfuss New Three of the organization's four in the organization is excellent. The direction of govgained membership in regions ernment farm policy has turned away from conAFBF 1970, the southern and midwestern trols and price manipulation - - the major battles regions extabllshed new William J. Kuhfuss, 58 of Mackare over and it is time for old generals to just high membership totals and both, was elected inaw, Illinois, presialong with the nation as a whole, fade away. No one can interpret this change in Farm dent of the nation's largest farm exceeded membership quotas set Bureau leadership as a reversalin policy direction. Elmo Hamilton organization as the 52nd annual for the year. All 13 State Farm Bureaus and meeting of the American Farm My greatest regret in retiring at this time Bureau came toa Federation close Puerto Rico in the southern reis that there are many challenging, unfinished tasks. Hamilton Elected in Houston, Texas on December 1970 membership reached gion I also regret the disruption it causes in a capable 10th. The quotas. region had a net Kuhfuss has of been the But and of this staff. team of officers and dedicated president 41,015 member families. gain To AFBF Board Illinois Agricultural Association -- The midwestern region had a net Sevtwo now. a from would also be the case year or W. Hamilton, President of Farm Bureau in Illinois - - since gain of 37,096 member families eral of the staff are nearing retirement age and my theElmo He 1958. sevthe becomes with the northeastern region gainMay Utah Farm Bureau Federasuccessor will have a better opportunity to shape tion for two years was elected to enth man to hold the presidency ing 1,053 member families. since it was orFifteen State Farm Bureaus esthe organization structure now than if the change were the Board of Directors of the of the AFBF H member-sh1919. e in ganized American Farm ureau Federareplaces tablished a new of Shuman delayed. Sullivan, tion Thursday December 10, 1970. Charles B. high in 1970. These states has led the organiwere Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, For these reasons, I trust you will understand He had been nominated in the West- Illinois, who Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Region Caucus as a result zation for 16 years. Shuman shockmy action in retiring before the completion of my ern ed delegates on the opening day of (continued on Pg 3) of the vacancy created by the pascurrent term. After nine years as a state Farm Bur- sing of Herbert Livingston, Wyom- the convention when he announced eau president Illinois and 16 years as president of ing Farm Fureau Federation Pres- he was retiring at the close of the meeting. the AFBF, it is not easy to step out and sever the ident. Kuhfuss has been serving as a close organizational and personnel relationships that Mr. Hamilton is also president member of the board of directors have been built up over 25 years with thousands of of Salt Lake County Farm Bureau of theAmerlcanFarmBureauFed-eratlo- n AFBF i- V - H ; j s- Membership At All Times High Secreta- ry-Treasurer, all-ti- me Chief all-ti- all-ti- Farm Bureau members, leaders and staff. However, I will be on call to be of service to you and wall look forward to seeing you at many more conventions. This has been a wonderfully rewarding experience for me, a plodding country boy, to come to the top of the greatest voluntary organization of the finest people on Gods earth. I thank you for your loyalty and support. Mabel and our five children and their families join with me to thank you most sincerely and invite you to come see us on th farm i near Sullivan in South Central Illinois, he said in conclusion. and Manager of the Elberta Farms associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Da- y Saints. Mr. in lives Riverton in the Hamilton, South end of Salt Lake County and with his sons operate farming activities there. Other important positions with a bank and Farm Bureau affiliated Insurance companies and marketing organizations are among the number of by Mr. responsibilities held Hamilton. He has spent most of his life in service to fellow citizens not to leave unmentloned service in the Utah Legislature. since 1961. He has an 880 acre livestock and grain farm in Tazewell County Illinois which he farms in partnership with his brother, Alvin. He is an Angus cattle breeder and a past board member of the American Angus Association. Kuhfusss long association with Farm Bureau in Illinois began shortly after his graduation from Illinois State University In 1943 with a bachelor's degree in education, specializing in science and agriculture. He served as on Pg.3 presl-(contlnu- ed me me p. |