AFBF - American Farm Bureau Federation

03/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/16/2026 08:08

Farm Bureau Recognizes Graduates of Partners in Advocacy Leadership Class 12

The American Farm Bureau Federation is honoring 10 outstanding leaders as graduates of the organization's 12th Partners in Advocacy Leadership class. PAL is designed to help agricultural leaders accelerate their engagement abilities and solidify their roles as advocates for agriculture.

"We're proud of our PAL graduates and the dedication they've shown throughout the program," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. "Their commitment to strengthening their advocacy skills will make a meaningful difference in rural communities across the nation."

Graduates of PAL Class 12 are: Magen Allen, Arkansas; Jennifer Beretta, California; Amanda Durow, Minnesota; Jessica Graves, Mississippi; Jon Iverson, Oregon; Matt Moreland, Missouri; Jackie Mundt, Kansas; Linda Pryor, North Carolina; Chris Riley, Utah; and Karl Shlagel, Maryland.

PAL training consists of four learning modules focused on developing advocacy skills such as storytelling, policy development and stakeholder engagement. The modules build on one another over the two years of the program and include intensive, in-person, hands-on training.

"The PAL program pushed me outside my comfort zone in a way that felt constructive and growth-oriented," said Durow. "I'm more prepared to speak up, represent agriculture well and step into leadership opportunities with confidence."

PAL Class 12 was sponsored by AFBF, Farm Credit, Syngenta, John Deere and Merck Animal Health.

Applications for PAL Class 13 will be accepted through March 23 and must be approved by the applicant's state Farm Bureau president. To be eligible for the program, candidates must be between the ages of 30 and 45, with demonstrated leadership skills. Learn more here.

Press Contacts

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

Bailey Corwine
Communications Manager
(202) 406-3643
[email protected]

AFBF - American Farm Bureau Federation published this content on March 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 16, 2026 at 14:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]