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
The Dairy Checkoff’s new approach to consumer marketing helps farmers bridge the gap between physical vs. digital touchpoints and deliver more end sales.
November 14, 2025 01:52 PM
·
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
November 13, 2025 02:22 PM
·
Learn the conditions farmers must meet to qualify for this new three-year tax deferral on farmland sales, how much it could save, and other details to consider.
November 13, 2025 01:57 PM
·
RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
November 13, 2025 01:24 PM
·
The facility will increase the range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World Screwworm.
November 13, 2025 01:15 PM
·
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
November 13, 2025 01:00 PM
·
FD-TV’s own Tammi Arender caught up with Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.
November 13, 2025 12:05 PM
·
With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could lock in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
November 13, 2025 11:33 AM
·
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
November 13, 2025 10:58 AM
·
