Mar 30, 2026 by INFB Marketing
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th Convention adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2026. Key topics ranged from labor to animal health to risk management.
For the fourth year, delegates were polled during the voting session regarding their farms. The results showed almost 99% of those who cast votes operate family farms, and more than two-thirds represent small- to mid-size farms as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The delegate discussion highlighted the fact that farmers across the spectrum and across the country are struggling.
“America’s farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges in agriculture, including high supply costs, trade imbalances and low commodity prices. Our members gave us clear guidance on how we should address those challenges in the coming year,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We look forward to taking their stories to leaders in Washington, as we work to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue to fill pantries for families across the country.”
Delegates adopted policy to improve labor programs to meet the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers, including formalizing support for the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology, and further revisions to avoid unpredictable rate swings in the future.
They voted to support federal funding for research and biosecurity facilities to better identify and combat illnesses and pests that threaten the health of crops and animals. New policy also includes committing more resources specifically to eradicate the New World screwworm, and keeping the U.S.-Mexico border closed to cattle trade until the screwworm is controlled.
Delegates revised national farm policy to provide more protection for dairy farmers who may suffer losses due to market challenges. They also formalized support for prioritizing locally grown fruits, vegetables, bread and proteins in institutional purchases such as schools and government facilities.
Voting members also requested that the board of directors analyze several agricultural issues, including the impact of tariffs and the lack of affordable insurance options for poultry farmers.
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