Candid Conversation presents a discussion about the topical issues related to Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) priorities, the agricultural industry, and rural communities, in a question-and-answer format. In this special edition, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall discusses the importance of county leaders to Farm Bureau at all levels.

KFB: For our readers who may not know your history as a county leader, would you share some of that with them?

After facing some frustrations as a young dairy farmer, my dad encouraged me to get outside my own fencerows and join our county Farm Bureau. He emphasized that if I wanted to make real change, I need to start at the local level. I took his advice and soon found myself serving as the young farmer chair for my county. It was in these early meetings I learned how much Farm Bureau is like a family, something I consistently feel, and just how powerful grassroots advocacy and collective voice can become.

That role then led me to serve on the state and national young farmer committee, county president and eventually as the state president of Georgia Farm Bureau. Since 2016, I’ve had the honor of serving as the American Farm Bureau President.

KFB: As a true grassroots organization, how vital are county leaders to the success of Farm Bureau as The Voice of Agriculture?

County leaders are the backbone and the strength of our organization. They understand the unique issues and opportunities on their farms and within their communities better than anyone else. Our strength and influence as a national organization are rooted in the dedication and engagement of our local leaders. They are also the ones driving change and innovation at the grassroots level, turning challenges into opportunities and aspirations into achievements. By organizing local events, engaging with community members and leading advocacy efforts on the local, state and national level, they ensure the voices of American farmers and ranchers are heard loudly and collectively.

KFB: So many of our county leaders are also involved in their local communities in a variety of roles. In doing so, do you think that involvement helps to fortify their leadership skills which in turn benefits their local Farm Bureaus?

Definitely. Being involved in our local communities is a great way to enhance our leadership skills. Whether it’s supporting the school district, volunteering at the local food bank or getting involved with local government, we have a chance not only to give back but also to gain skills, such as public speaking and leadership, that can be invaluable to our roles within Farm Bureau. This involvement also helps build relationships and understand community needs and serves as an opportunity to show how important service and community involvement is to our organization. We all have the opportunity to make Farm Bureau the premiere organization in our counties and show how our members are the ones who show up and lend a hand to our neighbors in need.

KFB: As you travel the country and speak to many of these local leaders, are you hearing some consistent messages on the issues they face on the farm and in their communities?

From across the country, some of the most consistent concerns I hear from our farmers and ranchers are the issues around labor and securing a new and updated farm bill. Both of these issues are on the top of our priority list and we are hard at work advocating for change in Washington.

There has also been a lot of conversation around the decreasing number of family farms. Earlier this year, USDA released its 2022 Census of Agriculture which reported the number of farms and ranches is down 7% from 2017, largely hitting our small- and medium-sized farms. From the rapidly growing regulatory requirements to inflation, it’s getting harder for these farms to hold on, and it feels like more for-sale signs continue to pop up across the countryside.

Lastly, another big item of conversation is the looming expiration of numerous tax provisions in 2025, many of which help farms and small businesses. Our farm families have greatly benefited from these exemptions, but with the expirations quickly approaching we need Congress to ensure these tax provisions, critical to family businesses, are made permanent.

KFB: From an advocacy perspective, what message do you bring to these local Farm Bureau leaders and members?

My key message I want to bring to local Farm Bureau leaders is how important their voices are. In Farm Bureau, our grassroots members’ voices, stories and concerns serve as the foundation on which our polices are built. When it comes to understanding what works and what doesn't on the farm, the farmers who work on the land every day know best.

I also firmly believe that there is nothing more powerful than sharing your story. Time and time again, I’ve seen how firsthand experiences have had the power to resonate with policymakers and the public, shaping new perceptions and influencing decisions. We live in a time where the public is more curious than ever about where their food comes from, and it’s our collective stories that can provide invaluable examples and a persuasive case for changes that improve our farms and communities.

KFB: How important of a role to the local Farm Bureau leaders have in getting challenges resolved at all levels including state and national issues?

Our local leaders are pivotal in resolving challenges at all levels. They are often the first to identify issues facing their farms and communities and are also the most powerful voices in inspiring change. When we speak with a united voice across Farm Bureau, we have a tremendous impact.

One recent example of this was our victory with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) final climate disclosure rule, which would have required Scope 3 reporting requirements had it not been for our collective advocacy. Scope 3 reporting would have required public companies to report the greenhouse gas emissions of their supply chain—all the way back to the farm. A requirement that likely would have squeezed many small farms out of business. Through our grassroots engagement and with the help of county leaders, we sent almost 20,000 messages to the SEC and Capitol Hill, sharing their perspectives on how Scope 3 reporting would affect their farms. That effort directly led to several personal conversations with SEC Chair Gensler and his assurance that our message was heard, loud and clear. Mind you, before this, I had never spoken to Chair Gensler, and this may have been the first time the chair of the SEC has ever had to call the president of Farm Bureau. That is the power of local Farm Bureau leaders and just one great example of how their role helps give Farm Bureau the influence we are so blessed to have.

KFB: Fostering the next generation on the farm is vital to the preservation of our agricultural heritage. What are your thoughts on the importance this next generation will bring to Farm Bureau?

The next generation is crucial to the future of agriculture and Farm Bureau. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a passion for farming and ranching that will drive our organization and agriculture forward. It’s important to invest in their development and encourage them to get involved. This includes providing educational opportunities, inviting them to join our Young Farmers and Ranchers program and establishing mentorship opportunities with experienced farmers. We need the brightest minds and the hardest workers ready to solve agriculture's challenges and explore new opportunities. By investing in our next generation of leaders, we help to secure our sustainable food, fiber and fuel supply for generations to come.

KFB: What advice would you give to new county leaders as they begin their Farm Bureau journey?

My advice to new county leaders is to embrace the journey of continuous learning and growth. There is always another step for us to take, whether it’s in our personal leadership journey or for growing our county Farm Bureau. It all starts with you, and the more we get outside of our own fencerows, the greater change we can make. Take full advantage of the resources and support available through your state Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau. And most importantly, continue to engage with your community, give back, provide leadership and strive to make your Farm Bureau the premiere organization in the county.