Farm Bureau

Recent changes to the Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit could benefit farmers and ranchers in the future. Chad Smith has more. Smith: Long-awaited updates to the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, known as 45Z, have been announced by the Department of Energy. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the changes allow for calculations of tax incentives using the GREET model. Glenn: It's used to help determine the level of tax credit given.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall addressed attendees with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the value women add to the industry that produces food, fiber and fuel for the world. He encouraged women of all ages to advocate through sharing their own agricultural experience with the world. Women involved in agriculture from across the globe united for a session focused on agriculture through a global perspective.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Farm Credit, is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities. The honoree will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus reimbursement in travel and other expenses incurred for him/her and one guest to attend the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan. 8-12.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Trump administration’s clarification of a key aspect of farm labor access for the dairy sector. “Farmers thank the Trump administration for addressing the farm labor crisis by expanding H-2A access for certain dairy jobs. The reality is clear - fewer Americans choose to work on farms while the need for qualified workers increases, creating a difficult labor market for U.S. farm families.

Some of the most valuable conversations happen outside the meeting rooms. They happen while walking around the trade show floor, sharing a meal or catching up with someone from another state who is facing many of the same opportunities and challenges you are. I always leave energized by the ideas and inspiration our members bring to the table.

America was built by the farmers and ranchers who have fed and clothed the nation for the past 250 years. Today, they face mounting pressures as they work toward passing their farms to the next generation. AFBF President Zippy Duvall, Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley and the Forsythe family discussed those challenges with WJLA ABC7 including developmental pressure, farm bill and succession planning. Watch the story here. Learn more about FARM 250 here.

Farmers and ranchers have made good progress to reduce runoff into the Mississippi River basin. Chad Smith has the details. Smith: States along the Mississippi River basin have surpassed a key federal target for reducing nitrogen flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hypoxia Task Force. Courtney Briggs, the senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the task force is a collaborative effort.

To better connect urban and suburban lawmakers with the people and places that sustain Virginia agriculture, Virginia Farm Bureau hosts a series of farm tours and roundtables. In 2025, the organization’s three regional events involved a total of 14 legislators, seven of whom were represented by key staff who engage directly with farmers.

U.S. cotton growers are feeling the strain of a down agricultural economy. However, Chad Smith has some good news. Smith: The USDA recently announced a new plan to help U.S. cotton growers weather the various economic challenges facing their sector. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the Great American Cotton Plan is a great step toward bolstering the cotton market.

Unlike wild-caught fisheries, catfish are raised in carefully managed outdoor ponds where producers control stocking rates, feeding, water quality and harvest timing. Most fish begin life in hatcheries before being transferred to fingerling ponds and eventually moved into larger grow-out ponds, where they are raised to market size, which  typicallytakes from 18 months to more than two years.