From the Desk of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall

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American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall recently sat down with Make America Healthy Again advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In this week’s commentary, Duvall tells us farmers must be willing to reach out and engage with supporters and skeptics.

SCRIPT

Policy doesn’t move on its own. It moves when people show up, build relationships, and tell their stories.

That’s why engagement matters, especially in agriculture, where decisions are often made far from the farm gate.

Recent conversations I’ve had with leaders like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and the four leaders of the congressional agriculture committees reinforce the importance of having agriculture at the table early.

These conversations don’t happen by accident. They happen because Farm Bureau is a trusted voice.

Our credibility is built on more than a century of grassroots engagement in every county and every state.

If you want agriculture to be understood, respected and supported, we have to be willing to show up and speak up for our families, our farms and our communities.

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

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The economic crisis continues to take its toll on agriculture.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us Congress must take action to ensure farmers can survive.

SCRIPT

Farmers are sounding the alarm about the state of the agricultural economy.

Record high supply costs and historically low crop prices continue to throw many farmers into the red.

The agricultural trade deficit is making matters even worse.

Over the past several years, farmers have lost tens of billions of dollars.

Investments included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and other ad hoc programs will provide meaningful first steps in assistance.

But, they do not cover the extensive losses faced by farmers.

Congress must take further action.

Federal policy should focus on increasing long-term demand for American grown products, and providing additional financial support.

Investing in agriculture ensures a stable food supply for everyone.

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

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Newly released dietary guidelines are reshaping the food pyramid.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us a balanced diet shouldn’t be about elevating one food group over another.

SCRIPT

Nutrition starts long before food reaches your plate. It starts on the farm.

There’s no single food that covers all nutritional needs for every person. Balance matters.

Farmers grow a wide range of foods that work together to nourish America’s families.

Milk, meat, grains, fruit and vegetables are not competitors—they’re complements.

That balance was reflected in a recent win to allow whole milk back in schools.

Farmers grow the grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins families rely on every day.

But farmers are facing one of the toughest economic stretches in years.

If policymakers want Americans to have access to well-balanced diets, they need to make sure farmers can stay in business.

Supporting farmers means protecting nutrition, food security, and America’s future.

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

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America is preparing to celebrate its 250^th anniversary.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us the country’s success is due in large part to its farmers.

SCRIPT

This year marks the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our nation.

The founding fathers recognized the role farming plays in our ability to be self-sufficient.

When the United States was founded, nine out of ten people lived on farms.

Now, it’s about one-percent.

Every farmer is more important than ever to the future success of our country.

In the months ahead, we’ll celebrate the contributions America’s farmers made in building this nation, and the vital role they’ll play in the next 250 years.

We call it FARM 250.

• Feeding families
• Advancing innovation
• Rural resilience
• Mindful stewardship

These four pillars are key to the success of agriculture, and success of the U.S.

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