A State Staff Resource: Understanding the GO Team
What is the GO Team?
The Grassroots Outreach (GO) Team is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s key advocates: farmers and ranchers who are trained and ready to engage with media, lawmakers and the public. Members are selected because of their credibility, ability to tell agriculture’s story and willingness to step forward when opportunities arise.
AFBF created the GO Team in 2013 to adapt to a new era of advocacy, where direct constituent contact and sharing personal stories are the most effective ways to influence policy. In fact, as highlighted years earlier in a widely cited New York Times article on the estate tax debate, AFBF itself had difficulty producing a credible, trained farmer voice when a reporter needed one on deadline.
The GO Team ensures that trained advocates are available and ready, so reporters, lawmakers and the public hear directly from real farmers and ranchers when it matters most.
How GO Team Members are Identified and Used
AFBF maintains a database of GO Team members, allowing AFBF staff to quickly identify advocates who farm specific commodities or raise livestock and who have also indicated the policy issues and engagement tactics they are comfortable with — such as tax policy, conservation or trade. So, when a reporter or congressional committee is looking for a dairy farmer who can speak on the Waters of the U.S. Rule or PFAS, we can pinpoint the right advocate before reaching out to state staff for approval or additional suggestions.
When an opportunity arises (e.g., a media interview, lawmaker meeting, White House engagement), AFBF staff:
- Search the database to identify potential farmer/rancher voices.
- Reach out to state staff to confirm the choice or to receive an alternate suggestion.
- Prepare the approved member for the opportunity.
Because many requests have tight turnarounds, it is critical that AFBF has up-to-date records of the state staff contact responsible for GO Team coordination. Outdated information risks missing media or legislative engagement opportunities.
Expectations for GO Team Members
- Voluntary & flexible: No set schedule — members choose which opportunities to accept.
- Tailored requests: Assignments match the member’s farm background, comfort level and issue expertise.
- Commitment to training: GO Team members participate in AFBF media and advocacy training to stay prepared.
How Members Join the GO Team
GO Team members must be Farm Bureau members in good standing and represent Farm Bureau in a favorable light.
- Eligible through AFBF leadership pipelines (IACs, P&E, YF&R, WLC, PAL and the Women’s Communications Boot Camp).
- May be nominated by their state Farm Bureau (state president signature required).
- AFBF staff may also submit nominees to states for review and approval.
The GO Team nomination form requires the signature of the state Farm Bureau president.
Why It Matters for State Staff
- Direct influence: Lawmakers and media respond most strongly to real stories from credible farmers and ranchers.
- Rapid response: Opportunities often come with little notice. State staff approval is essential to move quickly and strategically.
- Shared responsibility: State staff play a central role in ensuring GO Team efforts reflect the voices and priorities of their members.
Support Available
AFBF staff provide state Farm Bureaus with media and advocacy training:
Tom Donnelly – Senior Director, Grassroots Program Development
(202) 406-3614 | tomd@fb.org
Johnna Miller – Senior Director, Media & Advocacy Training
(202) 406-3650 | johnnam@fb.org
Annual Report
The 2024 Grassroots Outreach Team (GO Team) Annual Report highlights the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) strategic initiative to empower farmer and rancher advocates to navigate the complex landscape of national media and legislative advocacy.
Click below to download your copy today!
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