Ranchers and farmers across the country are calling for simpler water rules following decades of uncertainty regarding the definition of what is a federally regulated waterway.
On April 22, the American Farm Bureau Federation submitted formal comments to the Environmental Protection Agency urging it to revise the definition of “Waters of the United States” pursuant to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett v. EPA in 2023.
Read MoreAs Americans observe Earth Day this week, the environment is on farmers’ minds year-round. In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall reminds us that farmers are the original conservationists
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau today presented House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress. This is the second Golden Plow award for Chairman Thompson. He was previously honored in 2014.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s decision to temporarily pause and reduce reciprocal tariffs.
“Farm Bureau appreciates President Trump’s decision to pause the reciprocal tariffs on dozens of America’s trading partners for 90 days.“
Read MoreSometimes I wonder why there is a need for one special day—Earth Day—to celebrate the bountiful natural resources surrounding us in Florida or anywhere else.
On my family’s farm we achieve Earth Day objectives throughout the year, guided by respect for the blessings natural resources provide. We must conserve and protect natural resources to grow food and sustain our farm for future generations.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s announcement that the United States will impose reciprocal tariffs on trading partners.
“Trade is critical to the success of farmers and ranchers across the country. We share the administration’s goal of leveling the playing field with our international partners, but increased tariffs threaten the economic sustainability of farmers who have lost money on most major crops for the past three years.
Read MoreSince 2006, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has been on a mission to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through education. Now we are taking these efforts to the next level to ensure that U.S. agriculture remains a leader in innovation, sustainability and global food security. Our goal is to see agriculture applied in STEM classrooms around the country.
Read MoreThe 2025 Feeding the Economy report continues to show that the U.S. food and agriculture sector is a foundational pillar of American culture and commerce. These industries directly support over 24 million jobs (15% of U.S. employment) and are responsible for more than $9.5 trillion of the country’s economic activity – about one-fifth of total U.S. output.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement that it will release $10 billion in economic assistance for corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, rice and other field crop farmers, which was authorized by Congress in December.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Trump administration decision to release $20 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for conservation program contracts signed with farmers under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate vote to confirm Brooke Rollins as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
“Farm Bureau congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to be Secretary of Agriculture. We look forward to her leadership as she takes over USDA at a critical time for America’s farmers and ranchers.”
Read MoreLouisiana farmers, along with their counterparts across the nation, are urging Congress to pass a new farm bill this year, expressing concerns that the current safety net is inadequate to address rising costs. The urgency was palpable at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, where attendees packed a session on the upcoming farm bill.
Read MoreLargely driven by a surge in disaster and economic government assistance, USDA’s latest farm income forecast projects a significant but misleading rebound in net farm income for 2025, rising to $180.1 billion — a $41 billion (29.5%) increase over 2024 and following two years of sharp declines. USDA also adjusted its 2024 estimate downward in this update, now projecting net farm income at $139.1 billion, reflecting an $8.2 billion (5.6%) decline from 2023. This is lower than the $140.7 billion (a $6 billion, or 4.1%, decline) forecast in December 2024, showing that farm sector profitability in 2024 was weaker than previously estimated.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging swift confirmation of Brooke Rollins as the next Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) after the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously advanced her nomination.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the 30-day tariff extension agreement reached between the United States and Mexico.
“Farm Bureau is encouraged that the United States and Mexico have agreed to delay the use of tariffs for the next month. Tariffs and tariff retaliation often hit farmers and ranchers hard, which make it more difficult for them pay their bills and grow the food America’s families rely on.
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