San Antonio—In his opening address this morning, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall not only talked about the successes of the nation’s largest agricultural organization but had praise for the county Farm Bureau presidents from across the nation.

“I know firsthand how much work and dedication goes into your role because I have been there. Having an impact – making a real difference – begins with you, at the local level,” Duvall told more than 5,000 members in the advance.

“Whether you’re giving back to your communities or helping farmers pick up the pieces from a storm, county Farm Bureau presidents are the heartbeat of the federation,” said Duvall. “When people are excited about their local Farm Bureau, amazing things happen, because it’s contagious. With growth comes energy and enthusiasm and that, my friends, becomes the secret sauce to make a difference for our families, neighbors and our communities.”

Three county presidents from Montana Farm Bureau were in attendance and enthusiastically shared that Duvall’s comments rewarded and motivated them.

“President Duvall did an excellent job summarizing what it is that county Farm Bureau presidents do,” said Carbon/Stillwater County President Carla Lawrence. “Since he has been a Farm Bureau president, he understands that it’s not an easy job. He brought home that we must step up and drive forward. I got some new ideas from the county presidents they highlighted during the presentation.”

Lewis & Clark County Farm Bureau President Scott Stoner noted, “The first time I heard what the county presidents’ duties were, I learned they did a lot. I participated in the Town Hall Zoom Meetings President Duvall held for county presidents in 2024. I am going to take to heart his call to action to step up and accomplish more. It was great to be recognized by the Farm Bureau president.”

Bernie Evans, president of the Dawson/Wibaux County Farm Bureau, said he was encouraged by President’s Duvall’s call to step up and help. “It’s important to encourage our younger Farm Bureau members to be more involved and share their new ideas.”

Duvall then switched gears to talk about Farm Bureau priorities. “Your American Farm Bureau team is also stepping up and leading in Washington on the policy priorities that you, our grassroots members, have set,” Duvall said. He went on to talk about the challenges facing farmers and ranchers including prompt passage of a farm bill and ag labor reform.

“We’ll keep working with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that they strike the right balance to protect wildlife and allow farmers to keep farming,” said Duvall. “A central theme throughout the progress we’ve made is helping decision–makers understand the very real impact of laws and regulations on you and your farms.”

Thirty-eight Montana Farm Bureau members are attending the American Farm Bureau Convention which runs January 24-29, 2025.