While speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a new partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service with Farmers For Soil Health, an initiative of the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association and National Pork Board.
Read MoreAmerica's largest farm advocacy group renewed its support of a no-cost sugar policy that creates a level playing field for sugar producers while ensuring a safe, reliable and affordable supply for consumers.
Read MoreI see that the future is bright for agriculture as we work to get through this pandemic. I visited 26 states and Puerto Rico, and I bring the stories from your farms to our nation's leaders and lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
In Louisiana, I saw firsthand how regulations like Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, can impact farms. Farmers in Arizona made it clear how H-2A visa delays are hurting agriculture. The shocking realities of the border crisis became very real when I visited our southern border states. In Kansas, farmers weren't shy about sharing their concerns around livestock markets. And in Puerto Rico, the power of farm bill programs to strengthen farmers was on full display.
Read MoreFarmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2022. Key topics ranged from milk pricing and beef market transparency to urban agriculture.
Read MoreToday’s program at the American Farm Bureau Convention continued today with an engaging slate of workshops, a video message from the president of the United States, keynote addresses and awards.
Read MoreThe Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, now in its eighth year, provides opportunities for Farm Bureau members to showcase business innovations being developed for agriculture. Grain Weevil Corporation is the winner of this year’s competition. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, announced the winner at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention.
Read MoreWinners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced at the American Farm Bureau’s 103rd Convention. Young farmers and ranchers from around the country competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge, achievement and commitment to promoting agriculture.
Read MoreWork on the family farm takes everyone pitching in and doing their part, including four-legged friends, prompting Farm Bureau to launch the Farm Dog of the Year contest four years ago – now a popular feature of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention.
The winner of the 2022 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Fit, a Border Collie owned by Florida Farm Bureau members Cindy and Andrew Deak. AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized Fit, four regional runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup today at its convention.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau officially kicks off an exciting calendar of in-person and virtual programming Sunday, focused on the future of agriculture and the most pressing issues for farmers, ranchers and consumers in 2022.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 15th “Book of the Year” award to author Kiki Thorpe for “How to Grow a Monster.” The award was presented at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Convention.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation presented awards to state Farm Bureaus at the organization’s 103rd Convention, which runs through Jan. 12. The awards recognize excellence in implementation of outstanding member programs and membership achievement in 2021.
Read MoreFarmers and people in rural areas are more comfortable talking about stress and mental health challenges with others. Stigma around seeking help or treatment has decreased in rural and farm communities but is still a factor, according to a new research poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Read MoreMember farmers from the American Farm Bureau Federation will participate in a roundtable on Thursday, Jan. 6, about the impact of the proposal to repeal and replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). The event is hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy. Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse and Colorado Farm Bureau Vice President James Henderson will join several other farmers attending the roundtable to explain why this rule is so consequential for agriculture.
Read MoreThe Convention team is closely monitoring updates to Covid guidance and restrictions from the CDC, State of Georgia and City of Atlanta and will notify staff and attendees via the Convention App, Website, and email as appropriate. On Dec. 21, 2021, the City of Atlanta re-instated an indoor mask mandate, which may be enforced against individuals in certain circumstances. It is advisable to wear a mask indoors and always carry a mask while in Atlanta.
Read MoreI work with veterinarians who research influenza—the flu—in Ohio. They spend days at county fairs taking nasal swabs from pigs and blood samples from people who work with pigs. They follow the spread of disease from animals to people and from people to animals. Pigs that get the flu run fevers, become lethargic, and sometimes have respiratory symptoms, just like people. Veterinarians often recommend vaccinating animals to prevent flu and other diseases.
More than 10 years ago, these veterinarians told me a pandemic was due. They expected something like the 1918 flu, which caused millions of deaths worldwide. They thought an influenza outbreak would start in animals and move to people—a typical zoonotic disease.
Read More
