American Farm Bureau Federation
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2026 – The American Farm Bureau Federation recently selected an outstanding group of leaders in agriculture as the organization’s 13th Partners in Advocacy Leadership class. AFBF designed PAL to help agricultural leaders accelerate their engagement abilities and solidify their roles as advocates for agriculture.
“Effective advocacy at the local, state and national levels has never been more critical to advancing policies that support agriculture and strengthen rural communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We commend the members of PAL Class 13 for their commitment to championing issues that impact the entire farm-to-consumer food chain.”
Members of PAL Class 13 are: Ellie Watson, Alabama; Jesse Lasater, Colorado; Mathew Heberling, Illinois; Megan Espinda, Indiana; Meg Gennings, Massachusetts; Amanda Cook, Minnesota; Dr. Lorin Harvey, Mississippi; Stuart Beam, North Carolina; Trevor Barnson, Utah; and John Reese, Utah.
PAL training involves four learning modules designed to develop specific advocacy skills while exploring components of leadership and its theories and philosophies. The modules build on one another over the two years of the program and include intense, in-person, hands-on training.
PAL graduates emerge with experience and confidence — in everything from legislative policymaking and issues management to social media and media relations — to effectively engage all critical stakeholders.
To be eligible for the PAL program, candidates must be Farm Bureau members between the ages of 30 and 45, with demonstrated leadership skills. The program is sponsored by AFBF, Farm Credit, Syngenta, John Deere and Merck Animal Health.