North Dakota Farmers Union members from across the state will draft policy, elect a new vice president and learn more about the state's burgeoning energy industry at the organization's annual convention. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the Ramkota Inn, Bismarck.

National Farmers Union President Tom Buis will offer the opening address.

Members and guests will be able to attend the following breakout sessions, which will be held at 1:30 p.m. and again at 3 p.m.: "North Dakota Oil and Gas Activity Update" by Bruce Hicks of the State Industrial Commission; "Myths and Realities of Cap and Trade" by Carmen Miller of the PEW Environmental Group; and "New Energy Opportunities" by Kenneth Hellevang of North Dakota State University.

Members also will elect a vice president to succeed Richard Schlosser, Edgeley, who is retiring. Announced candidates are Elwood "Woody" Barth of Solen and Marcy Svenningsen of Valley City.

Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson will be the featured speaker at the evening banquet. Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos will provide the evening entertainment.

Gov. John Hoeven will speak to members at 5:30 p.m. Saturday prior to the Torchbearer ceremony. More than 50 North Dakota youth will graduate from the farm organization's youth program and be recognized as Torchbearers. The Farm Family of the Year also will be announced Saturday evening.

For more information on the North Dakota Farmers Union state convention, go to www.ndfu.org.