The 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention: Driven to Lead, Fueled by Community

One of my favorite activities every year is gathering with Farm Bureau families from across the country at the American Farm Bureau Convention. There is something special about bringing together farmers, ranchers and agricultural leaders from every corner of America. We may raise different crops, face different challenges, and come from different communities, but we share a commitment to agriculture, rural communities and growing high-quality food.

That is why I am excited to invite you to join us in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan. 8-13, for the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention. This year’s theme is “Driven to Lead. Fueled by Community.” I cannot think of a better way to describe the people who make up our Farm Bureau family. Farmers are leaders by necessity, making decisions every day for the good of our families, our land and our communities. But none of us do it alone. We rely on a community of neighbors, friends, and fellow farmers who share ideas, offer support, and tackle challenges together.

Farm Bureau Leadership Starts with Community

The American Farm Bureau Convention is one of the largest gatherings of the agriculture community in the nation. Every year, thousands of farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals and community leaders come together to learn from one another, hear new perspectives and return home with ideas they can put to work. Whether you are interested in public policy, member engagement, rural development, or consumer engagement, we offer opportunities to sharpen your leadership skills and connect with people who understand agriculture firsthand.

Some of the most valuable conversations happen outside the meeting rooms. They happen while walking around the trade show floor, sharing a meal or catching up with someone from another state who is facing many of the same opportunities and challenges you are. I always leave energized by the ideas and inspiration our members bring to the table.

Farm Bureau Leaders Drive Innovation and Excellence

One of the things I look forward to most is celebrating the people and programs that are making a difference in local communities. The 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention will once again showcase outstanding county Farm Bureaus through the County Activities of Excellence program. Across the country, county leaders are finding creative ways to strengthen their communities and share agriculture’s story.

That same spirit of innovation will be on display in the Ag Innovation Challenge, where some of agriculture’s brightest entrepreneurs will compete for $100,000 in startup funding and the opportunity to grow their businesses.

We will also spotlight young leaders in agriculture with our Young Farmers & Ranchers competitions, including the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. And through our Youth Leadership Program, we’ll welcome students from 4-H, FFA and Jr. MANRRS to learn, connect and see firsthand the opportunities that agriculture and Farm Bureau have to offer.

Bringing the Farm Bureau Community Together

Of course, the American Farm Bureau Convention is not all business. It is also a chance to celebrate the traditions and relationships that bring our Farm Bureau family together. We will once again recognize a Farm Dog of the Year, one of my favorite traditions. Applications are open until July 11, and I cannot wait to learn more about the dogs and farm families behind this year’s nominees.

From the trade show and workshops to general sessions and hugs in the hallways, the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate the Farm Bureau family. I hope you will join us in Charlotte as we celebrate the accomplishments of our members, learn from one another, and prepare for the year ahead. Together, we’ll celebrate the resilience of farmers and ranchers who are driven to lead agriculture forward through every challenge and fueled by the rural communities we support.