With Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s 2024 annual meeting now in the books, attention shifts to the upcoming American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in San Antonio, which is slated for Jan. 24-29.
This gathering represents more than a milestone on the calendar — it’s an opportunity for Pennsylvania’s farmers to shape the future of agricultural policy at both state and national levels.
This year, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau submitted 30 national resolutions to the American organization.
These policies will be presented for consideration at January’s annual convention where they may be incorporated into the national Farm Bureau policy book.
This grassroots-driven process demonstrates the strength and unity of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members, whose voice influences Farm Bureau policy at the county, state and federal levels.
Each year, the American Farm Bureau Federation convention offers a platform for Pennsylvania’s farmers to make their voices heard on pivotal issues affecting their livelihoods and communities. It’s not just a policymaking event — it’s an opportunity for collaboration, innovation and education.
Attendees engage with industry leaders, explore the latest advancements in agriculture, compete in national competitions, and network with fellow farmers and stakeholders from across the nation.
“AFBF Convention is about looking at Pennsylvania’s needs and advocating for the policies that we set forth in Hershey as a state organization so that we can address some of the issues that our farmers face at the national level,” said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman, who also serves on the national federation’s board of directors for the Northeast Region. “The event is a great opportunity to network with other states and share solutions to common problems.”
This networking goes beyond discussions. It builds bridges between states, fostering a unified agricultural voice that can influence legislation and drive innovation at the national level.
At the heart of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s influence is this grassroots process, which ensures every member has a voice. Policies that begin as resolutions proposed by individual county members can eventually shape state and national legislation, demonstrating the profound impact of engaged and proactive farmers.
Here’s how it works:
1. A member identifies an agricultural challenge or issue and proposes a policy resolution to their county Farm Bureau.
2. County members vote on resolutions, and approved measures become county policy.
3. Endorsed resolutions at the state level move forward to the organization’s state policy development committee.
4. Delegates vote on these resolutions at the state level, with national resolutions submitted for consideration at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention.
This process underscores the democratic and inclusive nature of Farm Bureau’s policy development, ensuring every farmer, no matter the size of their operation, has the chance to make an impact.
“When farmers notice a problem, they want to fix it,” Hoffman said. “The members of Farm Bureau working together as a united voice on an issue can influence real change to advance agriculture in Pennsylvania and in our nation. When one member has an idea, voting delegates have the power to make it policy, which directs Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau’s lobbying efforts.”
This ability to turn individual concerns into collective action is what makes Pennsylvania Farm Bureau so essential. It’s not just about solving immediate challenges — it’s about creating a sustainable future for agriculture, one where farmers can thrive, innovate and lead.
As Pennsylvania farmers head to San Antonio, they carry with them not just policies but a shared commitment to strengthen agriculture for all. Their work exemplifies how collaboration, determination and the power of a unified voice can yield meaningful change in Pennsylvania, across America and beyond.
