American Farm Bureau Convention Sunday Recap: President Zippy Duvall Outlines Key Accomplishments in 2024; Farm Dog of the Year, Distinguished Service and Founders Awards[...]

The American Farm Bureau Convention continued today with a jam-packed lineup of keynote addresses, workshops, Cultivation Center Stage presentations and an array of awards.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall encouraged, motivated and challenged convention attendees with an inspiring keynote address, where he discussed the organization's successes in the previous year, and celebrated grassroots leaders as part of the organization's "Year of the County Farm Bureau President."

"Having an impact - making a real difference - begins with you, at the local level," Duvall told the county leaders in the audience. "Whether you're giving back to your communities or helping farmers pick up the pieces from a storm, you are the heartbeat of the federation."

Duvall also provided a recap of some of the landmark achievements made possible by engaged grassroots members, including sending more than 50,000 messages to Congress and federal agencies. These advocacy efforts led to victories such as the Securities and Exchange Commission reversing course on an overreaching disclosure regulation and leading the charge on ensuring Congress provided financial protection for farmers and ranchers in the year-end spending package.

"That's a record during my time as president. And I'm really proud of your engagement," Duvall said. "Let's build on that, because we will need everyone to step up in 2025."

Step Up, Drive Forward is the theme of the 2025 convention, and Duvall encouraged members to continue stepping up when it comes to advocating for a new, modernized farm bill.

"You all know what a tough battle the farm bill has been. And, while we appreciate Congress passing another extension, we will not let up, despite lawmakers kicking the can down the road and making political excuses," Duvall said. "Tens of thousands of you stepped up to help, and you can bet we'll keep working together to get a modernized farm bill."

Also during the opening general session, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Former Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney was honored with the Farm Bureau Founders Award. More information is available here.

Additionally, Delaware, Iowa, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin earned the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can be awarded for program and membership achievement. The New Horizon Award was given to Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, South Carolina and Wisconsin and 34 states were recognized with Awards of Excellence. Read more here.

During the mid general session, decorated fighter pilot and founder of the non-profit Folds of Honor, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, inspired the audience to honor the sacrifice of America's servicemen and women. Retiring AFBF board of directors members were also recognized.

Sirius, a Maremma sheepdog from Florida, was named the 2025 Farm Dog of the Year, and "The Soil in Jackie's Garden" by Peggy Thomas was announced as the Foundation for Agriculture's 2025 Book of the Year.

Workshops focused on opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agricultural trade, an analysis of 2024 election results, a panel of farmers reflecting on mental health wellness in agriculture and more.

Monday Preview

Tomorrow's highlights include the closing general session featuring remarks from Eric Boles, CEO and founder of The Game Changers, Inc., a leadership training and development company. Boles is a global expert in talent development, change management and cultural transformation. YF&R award winners will also be announced, as well as the 2025 Ag Innovation Challenge winner and runner-up.

Thought-provoking and informative workshops and Cultivation Center Stage programming continue tomorrow. A farm bill panel discussion with House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig begins at 9:00 a.m. CT. Other topics include insights on developing trust with consumers, a discussion on the sustainability supply chain and insights from leading industry partners on topics such as fighting financial fraud and emerging tech in animal health.

What We're Saying

Press Contact

Mike Tomko
Director, Communications
(202) 406-3642
[email protected]

Bailey Corwine
Media Relations Specialist
(202) 406-3643
[email protected]