From the Desk of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall

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Artificial Intelligence has made its way to the farmgate.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us AI could open new doors to improving agriculture.

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I recently visited the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, where researchers are putting AI to work for farmers in real ways.

I saw how AI can help farmers target weeds in tomato fields and reduce herbicide use by as much as 70%, while also lowering costs.

Farmers have always adopted tools that help us do more with less, and AI is another tool to improve efficiency and care for the land.

At the same time, farmers understand that this innovation comes with concerns, especially as more data centers move into rural communities.

Farmers deserve a seat at the table as these conversations move forward because no one understands stewardship better than the people who work the land every day.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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A new tool is helping farmers protect trees from citrus greening.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us scientific innovation is critical to producing safe and healthy food.

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Agriculture never stands still.

Every season brings new challenges, and innovation has always helped us keep our farms moving forward.

Last month’s approval of a new gene-edited citrus rootstock was an important step forward for agriculture.

Citrus greening has devastated America’s citrus industry for years.

The newly approved rootstock gives farmers another option to help protect trees from the disease.

Farmers have always worked to improve crops and livestock through careful breeding and selection.

Gene editing allows scientists to build on that work by making those same kinds of changes that could otherwise take decades.

Gene editing is another tool to help us keep producing safe, healthy food.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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China has agreed to purchase billions of dollars in agricultural goods from the U.S. in addition to previous commitments to buy American soybeans.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us it’s an important step toward improving the farm economy.

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Farmers are encouraged by President Trump’s recent trip to China.

He left Asia with a commitment from China to purchase an additional 17-billion dollars in agricultural goods per year from the United States.

When added to previous soybean commitments, total farm exports to China could be up to 28 to 30-billion dollars.

That’s still well below record highs set in 2022, but we’re pleased that the president made agriculture one of his priorities at the summit.

Trade disruptions have created uncertainty for America’s farmers and ranchers, who depend on open and fair markets.

The trip to China was a positive step forward, and we urge the administration to continue seeking avenues for American grown agriculture products.

I’m Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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The House of Representatives took a major step forward in improving the farm economy.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says farmers applaud House passage of year-round E15 legislation.

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The House of Representatives proved what is possible when they work together on behalf of the American people.

The bipartisan vote to allow the sale of year-round E15 will benefit drivers and farmers at a time both are desperately in need of good news.

Fuels blended with 15-percent ethanol could increase demand for corn by up to 2-point-4 billion bushels a year, which would help raise struggling corn prices.

America’s drivers would also have the choice to fill their tanks with fuel that is typically 10 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon.

We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and approve the sale of E15 year-round.

It’s a win-win for farmers, and for all of America.

I’m Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.