From the Desk of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall

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Veterans Day is a time to thank those who served our nation in the military.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says veterans not only defend our country, they help build rural America.

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This Veterans Day, I’m reminded of how much we owe the men and women who have defended our freedoms.

Across farm country, veterans carry their spirit of service into agriculture.

According to USDA, 15% of farms have a farmer with military experience.

They care for the land, feed their neighbors, and strengthen rural communities.

For some, coming home means returning to the family farm. For others, agriculture is a new calling.

Join me in thanking our veterans and military families. Let's honor their service by supporting the next chapter they are building here at home in our communities.

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

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Discouraging news from USDA’s most recent farm income forecast.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us farmers need certainty if they’re going to stay in business.

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USDA’s most recent net farm income forecast confirms what we already knew – the numbers on our balance sheets are heading in the wrong direction.

Net farm income will decline to 158-point-4 billion dollars in 2026.

That’s 4-point-3 billion dollars lower than 2025.

Among the driving factors are cost increases in fertilizer, fuel, transportation and property taxes.

Market assistance has provided some lifeline to farmers, but additional assistance and long-term solutions are needed.

Passing a new, modernized farm bill will give farmers the tools they need to navigate today’s economic challenges.

Delivering economic assistance, strengthening trade and lowering production costs will help ensure farmers can remain resilient.

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

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It’s voting season across the country as Americans cast their votes in the mid-term elections.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us every farmer should make his or her voice heard at the ballot box.

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Some of the most competitive races in the nation are in farm country, so rural voters will have major influence on the outcome of the midterm election.

While we prepare for Election Day, Congress still has a lot of work to finish this year.

Including getting a strong, bipartisan farm bill across the finish line, delivering permanent year-round E15, achieving agricultural labor reform, and providing timely economic assistance to help keep farmers in business for another season.

Farm Bureau’s “iFarm iVote” resources can help you check your registration, learn about candidates, and make a plan to vote.

I encourage you to vote and remind lawmakers why these priorities matter to your farm and the future of American agriculture.

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

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The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule to reallocate 100% of renewable fuel obligations that were granted for 29 small refineries.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us the move will maintain demand for American grown biofuels.

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The EPA recently took an important next step to ensure continued demand for American grown crops.

EPA’s proposed rule makes sure that biofuel blending remains stable over the next two years.

Renewable fuels mean lower prices at the gas pump and support for the farm economy.

We urged the administration to weigh the impact of changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard that would further destabilize the farm economy.

We’re pleased our concerns were heard.

The proposed rule builds on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s commitment to renewable fuels, which are an important piece of America’s energy strategy.

We will continue to share our members’ perspective during the comment period and work with EPA and the administration to finalize the rule.

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