2025 AFBF Annual Convention

Daily updates
View the full convention schedule and follow the action as it’s happening on Ohio Farm Bureau social media channels: Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok, using #AFBF25.

Monday, Jan. 27
Ohio Farm Bureau was very well represented by our Young Agricultural Professionals at this year’s convention. Abby Campbell won the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet and was awarded a $35,000 credit toward a new Ford vehicle and paid registration to the AFBF FUSION Conference in Denver, Colorado, courtesy of Ford.

Washington County’s Abby Campbell with AFBF President Zippy Duvall after Campbell won the national Discussion Meet contest at Farm Bureau’s annual national convention in San Antonio Jan. 27.

“The Discussion Meet is unique because it’s not so much about dominating a conversation, but more about how you facilitate a conversation,” Campbell said. “That is a skill that is extremely more valuable than just being able to talk in front of a group of people. There are so many people who can answer the difficult questions facing farmers and help tell the stories of agriculture. Talking directly with those who are personally facing the challenges we talked about throughout this competition helped me prepare, and I appreciate the connections I have made through Ohio Farm Bureau and the resources they provide to excel in this contest.”

We couldn’t be prouder of our YAP contestants for the national AFBF contests, Catherine Wolcott, who took part in the Outstanding Young Farmer contest and Sara Tallmadge, who competed in the Excellence in Agriculture contest. They are great representatives for Ohio Farm Bureau and all of Ohio agriculture.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s convention.

Sunday, Jan. 26
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall gave his keynote address, sharing the successes of the organization in 2024, including $30 billion dollars to support farmers and ranchers and thwarting efforts by the Securities and Exchange Commission that would have extended Wall Street regulations all the way to the farm.

“Just last month, the power of the federation was on full display,” Duvall said. “We successfully led the charge to ensure Congress recognizes how tough it is right now for farmers. We flooded Congress with over 12,000 messages in 72 hours, urging action. This led to $30 billion dollars to support farmers and ranchers at a critical time. After losing an average of 77 farms per day for five years, something had to be done, and we did it.”

Duvall also highlighted the goals for 2025, stemming from the major challenges facing the agriculture sector.

Dale Arnold
OFBF Director of Energy Policy Dale Arnold speaks to attendees at AFBF’s national convention on the importance of keeping up on the ever-changing energy landscape.

“You all know what a tough battle the farm bill has been and, while we appreciate Congress passing another extension, we will not let up, despite lawmakers kicking the can down the road and making political excuses,” Duvall said. “Tens of thousands of you stepped up to help, and you can bet we’ll keep working together to get a modernized farm bill. Everywhere I go across the country, I hear about your struggles to find skilled, reliable workers. I hear you loud and clear about operating on razor-thin margins as labor costs rise. I know it keeps you up at night wondering how you will provide for your family and keep providing jobs for the men and women who have become like family. Your American Farm Bureau team is pressing House and Senate leaders to understand the urgency of ag labor reform.”

Ohio Farm Bureau received an Award of Excellence, which recognizes state Farm Bureaus that demonstrated outstanding achievements in four program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development.

Abby Campbell
Abby Campbell of Washington County has advanced to the final four in the AFBF Discussion Meet competition in San Antonio. She will compete on Monday.

Two of our own shared their expertise during the convention today. Ohio Farm Bureau Organization Director, Kim Harless was part of a panel discussion about engaging the next generation of agriculturalists with Farm Bureau.

OFBF’s Director of Energy Policy Dale Arnold gave attendees an update on Ohio’s energy policies and why Farm Bureau members across the country need to be aware of what is happening in the energy sector as new sources look to expand.

Abby Campbell from Washington County is headed to the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet Final Four. She will compete first thing Monday morning on the main stage of the Trade Show. Best of luck, Abby!

Saturday, Jan. 25
The first two rounds of the 2025 American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet included Ohio’s Abby Campbell from Washington County. Campbell and fellow competitors shared their thoughts and ideas about topics including:

  • Succession planning is often a tough subject not only for individual farms and ranches but also within county Farm Bureaus. Some younger members may find it challenging to become involved in their county Farm Bureau beyond the YF&R committee. What are some ways that county Farm Bureaus can encourage involvement from young members and how can actively engaged young board members help their county Farm Bureaus plan for the future?
  • Young farmers and ranchers are finding they need to diversify their farm portfolio. What are some ways that young farmers and ranchers can utilize diversification to explore new revenue sources? How can Farm Bureau support YF&R members as they strengthen their farm and ranch businesses?

Campbell is moving on to the Discussion Meet Sweet 16 Sunday afternoon.

Sara Tallmadge shared her extensive work within the agriculture community, which began with a profession in animal health before transitioning to her current role in ensuring the health and wellbeing for rural Ohioans.

Tallmadge traveled to San Antonio from Ashland County to compete in the American Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award contest. She shared her passion for cultivating relationships with farm organizations like Ohio Farm Bureau to expand healthcare resources for all Ohioans. Tallmadge will find out if she made the Top 10 nationally on Saturday night.

Sunday’s slate of activities includes two general sessions, 11 workshops, the live pitch competition for the final four Ag Innovation Challenge teams and the Sweet 16 round of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall will deliver his keynote remarks during the opening general session at 9:30 a.m. Central Time, and the highly anticipated state award winners will be announced.

Ohio group at 2025 AFBF Convention
Ohio Farm Bureau members and staff at the AFBF National Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

 

Friday, Jan. 24
More than 130 Ohio Farm Bureau members and staff are traveling to San Antonio to celebrate this past year’s achievements and represent Ohio member interests as Farm Bureau policy priorities are set for the coming year at the American Farm Bureau 106th Annual Convention.

“Step Up, Drive Forward” is the theme of this year’s event, which offers attendees an opportunity to meet other farmers and leaders, hear from experts, learn about new tools and trends and be inspired to become even more successful in 2025.

Twelve Ohio county Farm Bureaus were chosen to participate in the County Activities of Excellence program, and Young Agricultural Professionals Catherine Wolcott, Sara Tallmadge and Abby Campbell will be competing in the national Outstanding Young Farmer, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet contests, respectively.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall will give his annual address to Farm Bureau members during the opening general session of the convention Sunday, Jan. 26. This year’s keynote speakers include Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a decorated F-16 fighter pilot, also on Sunday, and Eric Boles, a global expert in talent development, change management and cultural transformation, during closing ceremonies on Monday.

Ohio Farm Bureau partner, Nationwide, is a sponsor of this event.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
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

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