January 2026
More than 4,000 farmers and ranchers from across the country gathered in Anaheim, Calif. for the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention January 9-14. Florida members participated in competitive events, the voting delegate policy session and breakout workshops.
Young Farmers and Ranchers members Sarah Luther (Alachua County), Katie Quincey (Gilchrist County) and Tyler Shadrick (Madison County) competed in the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture and Achievement in Agriculture Award national competitions. Luther advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the Discussion Meet.
Florida earned State Awards of Excellence in all four program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach and Leadership & Business Development. It was also one of 34 states that qualified for the American Farm Bureau Leader Award. State Farm Bureaus are recognized with a Leader Award when each of their board members donate at least $50 to the AFBF Foundation for Agriculture. The Foundation builds awareness and understanding of agriculture through educational resources.
Florida members enjoyed a private reception with the Alabama Farmers Federation at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library.
A variety of workshops were offered throughout the convention and centered around four tracks: consumer engagement, public policy, member engagement and rural development.
The Florida Farm Bureau women delegates attended the annual women’s meeting where they conducted the annual business meeting, heard from speakers Zippy and Jennifer Duvall, and keynote speaker Coach Kiah, a motivational speaker and online influencer.
During AFBF President Zippy Duvall’s keynote address, members were provided an overview on 2025 accomplishments, including the impact of the Farm State of Mind campaign, strides taken on Growing a Healthier America and a look forward to 2026 bringing the spotlight on young leaders in agriculture.
During the mid-general session, a panel of key leaders in Congress that serve on the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, known as the four corners of agriculture, shared their 2026 legislative priorities that will help farmers and rural communities.
The convention concluded with a keynote address from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and keynote speaker Tim Tebow. Secretary Rollins shared the threats agriculture has faced from the previous administration, the accomplishments of the current administration over the past year, and what farmers and ranchers can expect in the next three years from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Florida delegates voted on policies to guide the organization’s work in 2026. Key topics ranged from the New World Screwworm eradication, protection for dairy farmers suffering losses due to market challenges and support for prioritizing local-grown fruits and vegetables, breads and proteins in school and government facility purchases. Other issues included tariff impacts and affordable insurance options for farmers.
The 2027 AFBF Convention will be held Jan. 8-13, 2027, in Charlotte, N.C.
To view convention photos, click here