2021 Virtual American Farm Bureau Convention
The American Farm Bureau invites you to attend our 2021 Virtual Convention this Sunday through Wednesday, January 10-13, to cover more than 50 speakers, 20 workshops and annual traditions including the Young Farmer & Rancher competitions, Ag Innovation Challenge and the Distinguished Service Award.
This year, we have an impressive lineup of keynote speakers. Mike Rowe, host of “Dirty Jobs,” will sit down for a fireside chat during the closing session on Wednesday, January 13. Navy SEALs commander Rorke Denver will give the keynote address on Tuesday, January 12, with an inspiring talk about leadership.Sonny Perdue is also scheduled to address Farm Bureau members for the final time as Secretary of Agriculture on Tuesday, January 12. Secretary Perdue will reflect on USDA’s accomplishments during the past four years. Land O’ Lakes President & CEO Beth Ford will sit down with AFBF President Zippy Duvall for a conversation on the top issues facing agriculture on Monday, January 11.
Sessions and speakers will highlight how we are Stronger Together, this year’s theme, with a focus on advances in agriculture achieved together and how farmers and ranchers pulled together to address the challenges of COVID-19 and the shifts in markets, while also giving back to support our communities.
Impact of COVID-19
As COVID-19 took hold in the U.S., consumers faced empty store shelves and back-logged grocery delivery. A food system that faced skepticism before the pandemic is now under increased scrutiny after it scrambled to navigate a disrupted supply chain and unanticipated ripple effects. Worker safety also took center stage as farmers scrambled to ensure employees were protected from illness. Workshops will focus on changes ahead in food production and the supply chain, how farmers can further their safety efforts, and how agriculture can address consumer concerns as the world works to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Administration
January marks the beginning of the Biden/Harris Administration, as well as a new Congress. The shift from President Trump to President Biden will bring new challenges and opportunities for American agriculture. In addition, the outcome of the November elections narrowed the political margins in both the House and the Senate, while creating one of the largest congressional freshman classes in recent history. Workshops will feature the AFBF Public Policy and Political Affairs teams, who will look forward to how the new political landscape will shape agriculture.
Planning for the Future
A global pandemic and a multi-year trade dispute dealt devastating blows to America’s farmers and ranchers. AFBF economic experts will discuss the outlook for U.S. crop and livestock production in 2021. Farm Bureau experts will also examine how to navigate the complex tax system to ensure farms thrive and survive for another generation.
New Technologies
The seventh annual Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge will feature four startups showcasing their business innovations in food and agriculture. There will also be workshops on how entrepreneurs can turn an idea into reality, and how capitalizing on new demands can create additional revenue streams for farm families.
Foundation Night In
We are bringing the fun straight to you this year with the Foundation Night In on Monday, January 11, at 5 p.m. ET! Country music stars Sara Evans and Phil Vassar headline the evening with performances. The Book of the Year, Farm Dog of the Year and the top 16 competitors in the YF&R Discussion Meet will also be announced. The first 1,200 people to register for the Foundation Night In can sign up to receive a free copy of the Book of the Year.
Opening News Conference
President Duvall will kick off convention activities with a news conference at 4:15 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 10, just prior to the opening session. President Duvall will be joined by special guests and make several announcements about Farm Bureau activities and efforts.
If you would like to attend, please email Mike Tomko or Bailey Corwine. You must be registered for the convention by 3:00 p.m. ET Friday, January 8, in order to attend the press conference. Press conference login details will be distributed by 10:00 p.m. ET Saturday, January 9.
You can view the full convention schedule by going to the 2021 American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Convention website.
Registered media may also attend the AFBF Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates on Thursday, January 14, during which policy priorities for 2021 will be established. If you would like access to the delegates meeting, contact Mike Tomko or Bailey Corwine.
You still have time to register to attend the convention. For the first time in AFBF history, registration for the Annual Convention is free and open to everyone.