From the Desk of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall

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Reintroducing whole milk in schools can help farmers and fuel America’s students.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us it’s time to bring choice back to the school lunchroom.

SCRIPT

The farm economy is struggling.

But there are steps the government can take right now that would benefit farm families, and families across the country.

One of those would be to allow whole milk in schools.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would overturn USDA restrictions that limit schools to providing only fat-free or 1-percent milk.

U.S. milk production is on pace to reach a record high in 2025, but fluid consumption continues to decline.

Allowing whole milk back into schools would increase demand for butterfat, while providing important nutrients for America’s school children.

It’s time to bring choice back to America’s school districts. Let them choose whole milk.

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

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America’s food independence is ensured by the smallest to the largest farms.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us we must protect farms of all sizes.

SCRIPT

Farmers and Farm Bureau know that our nation’s food security relies on a diversity of farm sizes and commodities.

Unfortunately, it’s getting harder for smaller farms to stay in business—especially in the face of an economic storm in farm country.

That’s a problem that matters to all of agriculture—big and small.

We need the government to reopen, access to top trade markets, and policies that help farms succeed—from the farm bill to ag labor reform.

These are not easy tasks—they will take hard work. But farmers don’t shy away from hard work, and neither should our lawmakers.

Together, we can help farms of all sizes and ensure America’s ability to be food independent long into the future.

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

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An attempt to lower grocery prices may have unintended consequences for America’s ranchers.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us increased beef imports threaten a fragile recovery for cattle farmers.

SCRIPT

Farmers are facing an economic storm.

They’re being paid historically low prices for crops across the board, while expenses remain high.

Many beef farmers have operated in the red for several years as well.

Now, talk of importing beef from Argentina threatens the fragile recovery cattle farmers are just starting to experience.

Just the mention of beef imports creates more volatility and uncertainty in rural America.

Flooding markets with foreign-grown beef could also affect our nation’s ability to remain food independent.

We urge the Trump administration to carefully consider the damage importing more beef and cattle from other countries will have on America’s cattle farmers.

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

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The farm economy is threatening the livelihoods of families across the country.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us survival could mean temporary federal assistance.

SCRIPT

Across the country, farms are disappearing as families close the gates on the farms tended by their parents, grandparents and generations before them.

Prices paid for crops have fallen off a cliff since 2022, and U.S. agriculture has experienced a trade deficit during the same time period.

Farmers need a lifeline.

We’re urging leaders to authorize bridge payments for farmers before the end of 2025.

This assistance must be broad enough to ensure farmers of all sizes and products can survive to see another season.

While emergency aid will help temporarily ease the burden facing farmers, only long-term solutions will improve economic conditions in rural America.

That includes fair trade agreements, year-round renewable fuels, and protecting interstate commerce, just to name a few.

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