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
Lawmakers have until September 30 to shore up federal spending for next year, or risk a government shutdown. The Farm Bill is also set to expire the same day.
September 15, 2025 11:57 AM
·
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
September 12, 2025 02:13 PM
·
Bottom line: Despite all the efforts advocates make, workers are still making less money.
September 12, 2025 01:33 PM
·
September 12, 2025 12:19 PM
·
Assistance for losses due to flooding and wildfire on non-federally managed land
September 12, 2025 10:47 AM
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
September 11, 2025 01:21 PM
·
As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.
September 11, 2025 11:26 AM
·
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney joins us for a Canadian perspective on President Trump’s controversial tariff rollout, lower court rulings, and upcoming review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
September 10, 2025 03:10 PM
·
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
September 10, 2025 02:45 PM
·
