Adverse weather and  low commodity prices helped make 2018 a tough year for many in U.S. agriculture. But the year will go down as a banner year for policy advancement for Farm Bureau members, according Zippy Duv­all, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

Farm Bureau, Duvall told members at the opening general session of the AFBF annual convention in New Orleans, was instrumental in the on-time passage of the new farm bill, in reforming the tax code, in rolling back overreaching regulation and in pushing for new trade agreements to solidify overseas markets.

Grassroots strength

The credit for that success, Duvall said, can be...