ANAHEIM, CA – Twenty-three Montana Farm Bureau members joined thousands of other farmers and ranchers from across the country for the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention, held January 9–14, 2026. The event featured high-level workshops, a bustling trade show, and keynote addresses from top government officials and industry leaders, all focused on the future of American agriculture.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall opened the convention by challenging the 5,000 attendees to "imagine the possibilities" and strive for servant leadership. He emphasized the importance of storytelling in bridging the gap between the farm and the table.

“Every conversation and engagement—from social media stories to meetings at the statehouse or the White House—bridges the gap,” Duvall said. “It is critical for consumers and lawmakers to hear the truth straight from the source: the farmers themselves.”

In a rare joint appearance, the "Big Four" leaders of the congressional agriculture committees took the stage to discuss rural America's most pressing issues. Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) joined House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-Minn.). Their discussion centered on:

  • Passing a new five-year Farm Bill.
  • Expanding domestic and international market access.
  • Securing a stable agricultural workforce.
  • The power of grassroots advocacy.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed the crowd, highlighting the administration’s focus on international trade deals and financial "bridge payments" to ensure economic viability as she acknowledged current hard times in farm country. She reinforced a key theme of the week: “Food security is national security.”

Attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Tim Tebow—Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL player, and best-selling author. Tebow delivered a message of unity, stating, “We have power when we put principles into action and support each other. We must continue to grow, learn, and adapt.”

For Montana members like Susan Lake of Northwest Counties Farm Bureau, the convention offered a firsthand look at the people advocating for them in Washington. D.C.

“It was wonderful hearing from Secretary Rollins in person and attending an informative session with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. Seeing the team this administration has put in place for agriculture gives me great hope,” Lake, the Ronan seed potato grower said. “It’s refreshing to know the USDA staff is accessible to rank-and-file farmers. Now, we need to focus on getting prices up and input costs down so our families can stay in business.”

The Montana delegation stayed busy throughout the week. They cheered on MFBF Discussion Meet winner Cady Brown as she competed on the national stage and explored California’s diverse agriculture through tours of Temecula wineries and local mushroom and avocado farms.