Honouring County Presidents for Farm Bureau Leadership

Feb 13, 2025
By Farms.com

Recognizing Local Champions of Agriculture and Advocacy

The Farm Bureau has dedicated the past year to recognizing county presidents for their leadership in strengthening agriculture and advocating for rural communities. These leaders work tirelessly to connect farmers, legislators, and community members, ensuring a strong voice for agriculture at all levels.

This celebration was highlighted at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, where county leaders were honored for their contributions. “Having an impact and making a real difference begins at the local level,” emphasizing the importance of their efforts in driving Farm Bureau’s mission forward.

Among those recognized was Megan DeHart of Kentucky, who launched the #365DaysOfMercerCountyAg campaign to connect the public with farmers. Stewart Ramsey of Delaware helped reduce farm property taxes and brought agriculture education into schools.

In Kansas, Heather Mentzer encouraged farmers to engage in legislative discussions, while Mark Lopez of California expanded farmers’ markets and raised millions for agricultural education.

These county presidents exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to agriculture. Their work strengthens local farming communities, inspires future leaders, and ensures continued support for agriculture nationwide.

Farm Bureau encourages ongoing appreciation for these individuals who are shaping the future of farming.

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.