ANAHEIM, Calif. (RFD News) — The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention continued Sunday with a packed agenda highlighting leadership, policy priorities, and grassroots engagement across agriculture.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall challenged farmers and ranchers to embrace servant leadership during his keynote address, urging members to engage directly with consumers, lawmakers, and the administration to explain how modern agriculture produces a safe, reliable food supply. Duvall emphasized that leadership often requires sacrifice but remains essential to strengthening agriculture’s future.
A rare four-corner panel featuring leaders of both House and Senate agriculture committees underscored bipartisan agreement on several priorities. Lawmakers stressed the urgency of passing a new five-year farm bill, expanding domestic and international markets, securing a stable agricultural workforce, and maintaining strong grassroots advocacy.
The opening general session also featured major recognitions. Former Virginia Farm Bureau President Wayne Pryor received the Farm Bureau Founders Award, while longtime Iowa agricultural leader Bill Northey was honored posthumously with the Distinguished Service Award. Several State Farm Bureaus earned Pinnacle, New Horizon, and Awards of Excellence honors.
Additional highlights included Max, a Border Collie from Oklahoma, being named 2026 Farm Dog of the Year, along with workshops focused on USDA policy, farm business growth, and the Make America Healthy Again movement.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
January 22, 2026 12:56 PM
·
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
January 22, 2026 12:40 PM
·
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
January 22, 2026 11:24 AM
·
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
January 22, 2026 10:39 AM
·
Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.
January 21, 2026 12:42 PM
·
The Farm Bureau is making an urgent call to Congress for more farm support. Colton Lacina with Farmers National Company joined us to discuss farmland values and how market dynamics for the year ahead reflect stabilization rather than collapse.
January 21, 2026 12:30 PM
·
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
