Key Moments from the 2026 AFBF Convention

More than 4,000 farmer and rancher Farm Bureau members gathered for the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention, held earlier this month in Anaheim, California.

Setting the stage for a dynamic convention experience, during his annual address to members AFBF President Zippy Duvall encouraged attendees to imagine the possibilities before them and dream of growing an even brighter future for agriculture. He acknowledged the economic challenges many farmers face and urged resolve, optimistic about brighter days ahead. He also challenged young leaders to take the next step in their Farm Bureau journey and urged all attendees to lead in their communities and across the organization.

Underscoring Farm Bureau’s strong presence in the nation’s capital, a slate of distinguished elected leaders and administration officials addressed today’s most pressing agricultural issues.

All four leaders of the congressional agriculture committees made a rare joint appearance, offering attendees a bipartisan look at the issues shaping rural America. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Sen. John Boozman (R‑Ark.) and Ranking Member Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D‑Minn.) joined House Agriculture Committee Chair Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R‑Pa.) and Ranking Member Rep. Angie Craig (D‑Minn.) to discuss priorities such as passing a new farm bill, strengthening markets at home and abroad, securing a reliable workforce for farmers and ranchers, and elevating grassroots advocacy. Watch their discussion here.

Another highlight was an appearance by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. She shared updates on current USDA initiatives and priorities for the future. Watch Rollins’ remarks here. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden also joined us for a discussion about challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

In addition, nearly two dozen Cultivation Center Stage events were livestreamed. This included competitions, award announcements and TED-style educational speeches and panels from several of agriculture’s top thought leaders. A few highlights are listed below.

Fireside Chat on Mental Health. Tara Beaver-Coronado, a content creator and mental health advocate, hosted this session with President Duvall. They explored the importance of reducing the stigma around mental health and the essential role authentic storytelling plays in the social media era. Watch it here.

Rural Development Drives Prosperous Communities. This discussion explored the state of rural economic and business development across the country as well as the ongoing efforts of determined leaders and innovative entrepreneurs working to ensure rural America’s Main Streets continue to thrive. Speakers included Rodd Moesel, former president, Oklahoma Farm Bureau; Dr. Doug Steele, vice president, food, agriculture & natural resources at the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities; and Joby Young, executive vice president, AFBF. Watch it here.

Empowering Young Leaders. Several CEOs from youth organizations shared best practices for engaging and empowering young leaders. Watch here for insights from Jill Bramble, president and CEO, National 4-H; Mark Stewart, president and CEO, Agriculture Future of America; Scott Stump, CEO, FFA; and Ebony Webber, CEO, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Entrepreneurs competed for $145,000 in startup funds, with the Final Four teams competing before judges and a live audience. FarmMind was announced as the winner. The company brings field data, compliance, finances and real‑time agronomic insights together in one platform. Watch the Ag Innovation live competition here .

Select livestream recordings from the convention are available on AFBF’s YouTube channel.

Cyndie Shearing is a director of communications at the American Farm Bureau Federation.