When we talk with farmers across the country, from cotton fields in Mississippi and cornfields in Iowa to apple orchards in Washington, the theme is the same: uncertainty. The past few years have tested even the most seasoned farmers. Facing rising input costs, unpredictable market access and many other challenges, farmers and ranchers are working harder while margins grow thinner.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation announced the next recipient of an award that recognizes veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities. Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Rutter of South Carolina is the second recipient of the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence presented by AFBF with support from Farm Credit. Rutter served 22 years in the Army, where his service included leading intelligence operations across Europe and the Middle East.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the Senate vote to end the government shutdown and urged the House to act quickly.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation is expanding the reach of its landmark Farm State of Mind initiative to a broader coalition of food and farming sector partners by joining forces with the Farm Family Wellness Alliance to launch the Farm State of Mind Alliance.
Read MoreThirteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Read MoreIt’s almost time to kick off AFBF’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey! Each year, AFBF reports on the average retail cost of a traditional meal for 10 people. Help from farmer and rancher members across the country makes this possible.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the future of America’s beef supply.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s plans to reduce beef prices through increased beef imports from Argentina.
Read MoreA just-launched national Women in Agriculture Study is a comprehensive effort to capture women’s voices from across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The survey remains open through March 31 to gather insights from women working in production agriculture, agribusiness, education and advocacy, as well as from men and others in related fields who can offer perspectives on women’s roles in agriculture.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation sent letters to President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders to emphasize the severe economic pressures facing America’s farmers and ranchers. Falling crop prices, skyrocketing expenses and trade disputes are creating conditions that are too much for farm families to bear.
Read MoreFarm Bureau veteran Dr. John Newton returns to the American Farm Bureau Federation team on October 20, 2025, to serve as Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis. In this role, he will lead AFBF’s government relations and advocacy staff and serve as chief economist, guiding AFBF’s team of economists.
Dr. Newton previously served as AFBF’s chief economist from 2018 to 2021. He returns to AFBF after serving as the chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry from 2021 until 2024, and most recently serving as part of the Farm Credit system as the executive head of Terrain.
Read MoreSoybean growers this week are set to hear details of a potential bailout. The White House is promising to make farmers a “fortune” after their largest buyer, China, left the market and has not returned.
Meanwhile, critical services are on hold as the government shutdown continues. The Senate will gather this afternoon for another vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government.
Read MoreShoppers preparing for upcoming fall holidays, including Thanksgiving, should brace for higher turkey prices this year. New analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Intel series says economic factors as well as disease challenges have driven wholesale turkey prices up about 40%. While prices may be higher, the analysis shows there will be enough birds to meet consumer demand and Thanksgiving specials are likely to be offered by retailers.
Read MoreA new wage rate rule for agricultural guestworkers takes a much-needed step towards reforming regulations that have put labor out of reach for many of America’s farmers. The Department of Labor announced its new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States. The new rule revises agriculture wage rates for all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration today for the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held Jan. 9-14, 2026, in Anaheim, California.
The theme of the 107th consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention is “Imagine. Grow. Lead.” It will empower attendees with forward-thinking perspectives and policy insights to navigate the future of agriculture.
Read More
