Farm Bureau Equips Farmers to Lead

One of the things I’m most proud of at Farm Bureau is that we don’t sit back and wait for leadership to happen—we invest in it. Agriculture faces constant challenges, and meeting those moments requires farmers and ranchers who are prepared, confident and ready to speak up. That’s why our staff doesn’t just stay in Washington behind a desk. We also invest time and resources in the countryside, sending staff out to work side by side with our farmer members to make sure they have the tools they need to lead, advocate and tell agriculture’s story.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when farmers and ranchers are given the confidence and training to use their voice. Leadership doesn’t start when someone steps into the spotlight. It starts much earlier, when people are equipped to speak clearly, build trust and show up for their communities. That belief shapes everything we do at Farm Bureau, and it’s why our programs are designed to meet members where they are, no matter their age, background, or where they are on their leadership journey.

Building Confident Farmer Leaders

For us, that means helping farmers and ranchers build confidence early and carry it forward. Through programs like Young Farmers & Ranchers and our Women’s Communications Boot Camp, members gain real-world experience in public speaking, media engagement and advocacy. These opportunities are about preparing farmers to speak up, whether that’s in their community or in front of lawmakers. I’ve seen the impact of this investment firsthand—from my own experience in the YF&R program to my wife Jennifer’s experience in Women’s Communications Boot Camp—and the benefits of these development programs are felt across our entire federation.

Connecting with consumers is another priority. Through our Promotion & Engagement Committee’s Target Training, members learn how to bridge the gap between field and fork and have meaningful conversations with people who want to better understand how their food, fuel and fiber are being produced. Building trust doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when farmers are equipped to tell their story clearly and confidently.

Empowering Every Farmer to Be a Leader

Leadership development also has to be accessible. That’s why Farm Bureau University gives members tools to learn anytime and anywhere, whether it’s from a desktop in the office or a tablet in the field. These online courses give members the flexibility to sharpen their leadership and communication skills in a way that fits real farm life.

For those who feel called to take their leadership to public office, Farm Bureau Campaign School provides nonpartisan training and resources for members. At the request of state Farm Bureaus, our staff brings these opportunities directly to farmers and ranchers across the country. Over the past four decades, thousands of graduates have gone on to run for local, state and congressional offices—and 82% of those graduates have been elected. Those results speak for themselves, and they show what’s possible when farmers and ranchers are prepared to serve. Beyond these programs, our training staff spends weeks on the road each year providing media training and leadership workshops across the country. We do it because a prepared member is a confident advocate, and confident advocates make a difference.

No matter where you are on your leadership journey, Farm Bureau has something for you. I’m proud that our organization continues to invest in farmers and ranchers to shape their communities today and strengthen agriculture for years to come.