2021 AFBF annual convention

The 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention took place Jan. 10-13, 2021, giving all Farm Bureau members and anyone interested in agriculture the opportunity to experience one of agriculture’s premier events from the comfort and safety of home.

The convention kicked off with an opening address by AFBF President Zippy Duvall from his farm in Georgia.

“When we started planning this year’s convention in February, we chose the theme: Stronger Together,” Duvall said. “Little did we know how appropriate it would be. The past year has shown us just how true that theme is.

“Clearly, 2020 was a year of challenges,” Duvall continued. “Farmers and ranchers faced high expectations to keep America – and much of the world – fed during a global pandemic.”

Other highlights of this year’s event included a fireside chat with President Duvall and Mike Rowe, best known for his hit TV series Dirty Jobs and most recently his show Returning the Favor. Rowe discussed his efforts to debunk myths and misperceptions about blue-collar jobs and how his foundation is helping to close the skills gap.

Land O’ Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford joined Duvall to discuss hot topics and issues facing agriculture today, including challenges in America’s food supply system, climate-smart practices and rural broadband.

To conclude the meeting, delegates established 2021 policies.

Ohio at the convention

Ohio Farm Bureau was well represented in a number of ways at this year’s convention. Nathan and Lynn Steiner from Wayne County competed for the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, Micah Mensing of Holmes County advanced to the Sweet 16 in YF&R Discussion Meet and Drs. Josh and Sarah Ison made the Top 10 in the 2021 Excellence in Ag competition.

Five Ohio county Farm Bureaus, Delaware, Henry, Pickaway, Scioto and Tuscarawas, were awarded AFBF County Activities of Excellence (CAE) awards, celebrating their unique, local, volunteer-driven programs. Ohio had more CAE winners than any other state.

Ohio Farm Bureau was recognized with two awards from American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The Apex Award is given to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total contributions to the foundation by 10% or more over the previous year. State Farm Bureaus are recognized with a Leader Award when each of their board members donates at least $50 to the foundation.

Online extras

Sessions from the 2021 AFBF Virtual Convention are now available as on-demand content to all registered attendees. The full list of sessions is available online.

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture announced its Book of the Year.

 

 

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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