Farm Bureau unveils 12th advocacy leadership class

May 06, 2024

By Farms.com

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has introduced its 12th Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) class, continuing its mission to cultivate leaders skilled in advocating for agriculture. This initiative is part of AFBF’s ongoing effort to strengthen the voice of agriculture at all levels of government and society.

This year’s class features ten distinguished leaders from states like California, Minnesota, and Missouri, all selected for their leadership qualities and dedication to advancing agricultural interests. Members include Jen Beretta from California and Chris Riley from Utah, among others.

The PAL program is structured around four dynamic learning modules that span two years. These modules are designed to equip participants with the skills necessary for effective advocacy, covering legislative policy, issues management, and communication strategies, including social media and media relations.

Training under the PAL program is rigorous and interactive, focusing on real-world applications of advocacy strategies. It is supported by notable agricultural organizations like Syngenta and Farm Credit, which contribute to the development and success of the program.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall highlighted the critical role of advocacy in promoting agricultural issues that benefit not only farmers but also the entire farm-to-consumer food chain. Graduates of the PAL program is expected to lead efforts in their communities to influence policies and practices that favor a thriving agricultural sector.

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.