The following statement on possible trade retaliation by China against U.S. farm exports may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “If the trade situation continues to deteriorate, our lives as farmers and ranchers will become more difficult. America’s farmers and ranchers export more than $21 billion of farm products to China – more than 20 percent …
Over Regulation Threatens Family Farms, AFBF President Duvall Tells Senate
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, in testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, recounted a long list of regulatory abuses and missteps by the federal government. Drawing on his two years as president of the nation’s largest farming organization, Duvall called for bipartisan cooperation in reducing over regulation, which has been a target of administrations …
Farmers Celebrate 2017 Victories
From tax reform, to the Waters of the U.S. Rule, officials in Washington, D.C., gave farmers and ranchers plenty to cheer about last year. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall this month told Farm Bureau members at the organization’s Annual Convention that tax reform topped the list. Tax Duvall says the Waters of the U.S. rule was one of …
AFBF Sets 2018 Policy, Raises Membership Dues
A low-key policy session of American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) delegates this week opted to raise annual national dues for members to $5, from $4. The Hagstrom report points out that delegates voted 298 to 50 in favor of the dues increase, but only after rejecting an amendment to limit the increase to 50 cents. The dues increase required a …
AFBF President Zippy Duvall Discusses Farm Labor
Delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention this week unanimously re-elected AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Delegates also approved measures to help assure a prosperous agricultural and rural economy in the coming year and beyond. During a press conference, one issue Duvall was asked about was immigration reform and farm labor. This past year, many farmers were forced …
Farm Bureau Re-elects President Zippy Duvall
Sets Agenda for 2018 Delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention unanimously re-elected AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Delegates also approved measures to help assure a prosperous agricultural and rural economy in the coming year and beyond. Resolutions approved by farmer and rancher delegates from across the nation ran the gamut of issues, from trade to regulatory reform, …
Farm Safety Net Should be Called Food Safety Net
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall suggested a rethinking of what farmers consider the farm bill to be. Opening the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention Sunday, Duvall says it’s time to stop calling the farm bill a safety net for farmers. Farm Bill Duvall calls the farm bill a food security bill for everyone. Food Security AFBF held meetings …
Duvall on NAFTA: I’m Concerned But Optimism Remains
As the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations continue, much is up in the air, and how it could impact the agriculture community. President Trump said he wanted to rework the more than 20-year-old trade deal, to make it fairer for American workers. However, much of the agriculture community is happy with the current NAFTA deal, and worry that …
Farm Bureau Seeks Full Withdrawal of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The American Farm Bureau thanks Secretary Perdue for delaying the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule. The health and well-being of livestock is a top priority for all farmers and ranchers. We work with a host of specialists, from animal scientists to nutritionists, to manage our farms …
Farmers Applaud Move to Reform Tax Code
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau applauds Congress for its progress in reforming the tax code. This new tax plan moves us closer to a tax system that rewards the hard work and entrepreneurship of America’s farm and ranch families. “Today’s proposal includes expanded, immediate expensing while continuing the business interest …