The Oregon Farm Bureau, which originated in Umatilla County in 1932, returns to its roots this week for its 75th Anniversary State Convention at the Pendleton Convention Center.

The Umatilla County Farm Bureau started before 1920, but the statewide organization officially was incorporated in 1932 in Pendleton after a group of agricultural producers founded it during a meeting at a farmhouse in Pilot Rock, said Anne Marie Moss, Farm Bureau communications director. The Farm Bureau’s first state office was established soon afterward in Pendleton.

Between 250 and 300 Farm Bureau members are expected to attend all or part of the week’s events.

“We’re just tickled to death they’ve come back to Pendleton,” said Pat Kennedy, executive director of the Pendleton Convention Center. “We’re just delighted. They’re going to have a really good time.”

Dave Dillon, Farm Bureau executive director, said the organization is excited to be back in Pendleton.

“There’s a character here we don’t get in other places,” he said.

Today’s Leadership Conference is organized by the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. The day-long workshop includes presentations about the Farm Bill, lobbying techniques, testifying at a legislative hearings, and communicating effectively with the media.

Although state leaders began meeting this morning, and early conference registration this afternoon, the first general session doesn’t begin until Tuesday morning. The conference runs through Thursday evening, when cowboy poet and humorist Baxter Black will entertain after the annual awards banquet. His performance is open to the public. Tickets are $16.

Bob Stallman, American Farm Bureau president, leads a list of speakers who will address Oregon farmers this week. He is expected to discuss the 2007 Farm Bill and other national agriculture topics, said Moss.

John Blackburn, chief executive officer of Country Insurance & Financial Services, also is scheduled to speak, she said.

State President Barry Bushue, an east Multnomah County berry and nursery stock producer, will address the House of Delegates session at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Delegates sessions continue Wednesday morning. In the afternoon, a Pendleton-area tour package is available. Participants will visit the Heritage Station Museum, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Hamley’s the Pendleton Underground and the Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame. Wednesday’s events will conclude with a Western Barbecue and the community’s Western Extravaganza Show.

On Thursday, in addition to delegates’ meetings, Stephanie Page of the Oregon Department of Agriculture will speak at breakfast about “Generating Renewable Power on Your Land and Reducing Energy Use.”

In addition to the meetings and meals, Farm Bureau members are participating in a photo contest. Convention attendees will vote on the winners.

Members also will be able to purchase a Pendleton Woolen Mills blanket commemorating the Oregon Farm Bureau’s 75th Anniversary.