More than 380 Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) members from across the state made their way to South Texas for the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Annual Convention.

KFB President Eddie Melton said Kentucky always brings one of the largest groups to this annual event.

“We were second only to the home state of Texas this year however, we always show up big for this and many other events, a testament to the dedication our members have to this organization,” he said. 

AFBF President Zippy Duvall encouraged, motivated, and challenged convention attendees with an inspiring keynote address. In it, he discussed the organization's successes in the previous year and celebrated grassroots leaders as part of the organization's "Year of the County Farm Bureau President."

“Having an impact – making a real difference – begins with you, at the local level,” Duvall told the county leaders in the audience. “Whether you’re giving back to your communities or helping farmers pick up the pieces from a storm, you are the heartbeat of the federation.”

During his remarks, Duvall pointed out some of the many county farm bureau presidents across the country including one from Kentucky.

“In the Southern region, Megan DeHart from Mercer County, Kentucky, has taken her county to new heights,” he said. “She spearheaded a social media campaign: #365Days Of Mercer County Ag. Every day, the county showcased the farms, the faces, and the families behind local agriculture. The campaign was a big success and helped members of the community feel closer to farmers just down the road.

Megan’s outreach goes far beyond that, Duval added.

“She found a way to connect Farm Bureau to underserved populations,” he said. “She planted gardens at local rehab facilities and retirement homes. She couldn’t bring the residents to the farm, so she brought the joy of farming to them.”

Duvall also provided a recap of some of the landmark achievements made possible by engaged grassroots members, including sending more than 50,000 messages to Congress and federal agencies.

These advocacy efforts led to victories such as the Securities and Exchange Commission reversing course on an overreaching disclosure regulation and leading the charge on ensuring Congress provided financial protection for farmers and ranchers in the year-end spending package.

“That’s a record during my time as president. And I’m really proud of your engagement," Duvall said. "Let's build on that because we will need everyone to step up in 2025."

"Step Up, Drive Forward" is the theme of the 2025 convention, and Duvall encouraged members to continue stepping up when it comes to advocating for a new, modernized farm bill.

“You all know what a tough battle the farm bill has been. And, while we appreciate Congress passing another extension, we will not let up, despite lawmakers kicking the can down the road and making political excuses,” he said. “Tens of thousands of you stepped up to help, and you can bet we’ll keep working together to get a modernized farm bill.”

 In addition to the general sessions, award recognitions, and a multitude of informational breakout sessions, voting delegates discussed and adopted priorities for the coming year.

According to information from AFBF, for the third year, delegates were polled at the beginning of the voting session regarding their farms. The results show 97 percent of those who cast votes operate family farms and nearly two-thirds represent small- to mid-size farms as defined by USDA.

“Today, Farm Bureau demonstrated what truly makes it the voice of American agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall after the delegate session. “Delegates from each state Farm Bureau and Puerto Rico directly addressed the challenges and opportunities facing farmers and ranchers. The policies they set today give us a roadmap to work with the new administration and Congress to address the needs of rural America. It includes the passage of a new farm bill, enacting regulatory reform, and creating new markets for the men and women who are dedicated to keeping America’s pantries stocked.”

Delegates also adopted policy supporting the development and sale of domestically sourced sustainable aviation fuel, including expanding the list of acceptable conservation practices for feedstock eligibility.

They strengthened policy on alternative energy production, including increasing the responsibility of energy companies to manage land used for development and prioritizing energy production on land not suitable for agriculture.

Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a strong agriculture workforce, delegates voted to stabilize labor costs to avoid drastic swings that put the economic sustainability of farms at risk. They also recommended the AFBF board study potential alternatives to the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology used for the H-2A program.

On trade, delegates added policy in support of a United States—Mexico—Canada Agreement review process to encourage new opportunities while protecting U.S. agriculture from unfair competition.

Policy on rural broadband was revised to support requiring companies that win broadband loans or grants to quickly complete projects in underserved rural areas. Delegates also directed AFBF to press more forcefully for reform of the current requirements for small-scale meat, dairy and value-added processing facilities.

From a state perspective, KFB was well-represented during this year’s conference, beginning with the Young Farmer Program representative who participated at the nation level. Those participants included Outstanding Young Farm Family Alex and Sarah Richardson of Meade County, Excellence in Ag winner Bethany Mattingly of Jefferson County, and Discussion Meet winner Ruth Ann Fink of Clark County, who finished in the top 16.

Counties of Excellence participants from Kentucky included Bourbon County, Hopkins County,  Laurel County, and Woodford County.

The AFBF County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Awards celebrate unique, volunteer-driven programming at the local level. The CAE program categorizes county activities into the following areas: Education and Ag Promotion, Member Services, Public Relations and Information, Leadership Development, Policy Implementation, and Safety.

During a meeting honoring county Farm Bureau presidents, KFB was recognized for having one of the largest groups of county leaders in attendance.

“I was proud to stand alongside county presidents from across Kentucky as our state was recognized for having the highest percentage of county presidents in attendance for the Southern Region,” Melton said. “It’s an honor to have so many dedicated volunteer leaders in our organization.”

KFB was also recognized with four Awards of Excellence during the convention. The Awards of Excellence recognize state Farm Bureaus that demonstrated outstanding achievements in four program areas during 2024: Advocacy, Coalitions and Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach and Leadership & Business Development. KFB was recognized in all four categories.

 One of the most unique competitions came by way of the Farm Dog of the Year and People's Choice Pup Award with both winners announced during the convention. Kentucky was well represented in that event, as well.

Late last year, Daisy, a mixed breed two-year-old from Hardin County was named as one of the top five contenders in the People’s Choice Pup competition. The AFBF People's Choice Pup Award is a part of the Farm Dog of the Year Competition. A panel of judges selected by AFBF will select the Farm Dog of the Year.

Members of the public voted online in the People’s Choice Pup part of the competition. Daisy, owned by KFB members Shelby and Lora Ennis, was named People’s Choice Pup. Daisy received a trophy plate, Purina products and a $2,500 cash prize.