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
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