AFBF President Zippy Duvall to give keynote address.

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall will provide a keynote address at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 Annual Meeting and County Leadership Conference Dec. 10-11 in Des Moines. The meetings are being combined this year for the first time, featuring elements of both the annual meeting and county president’s leadership conference from previous years.

“We are honored to have President Duvall join us and visit with members,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “Agriculture is at a crossroads, and Zippy is sure to deliver insightful messages to Iowa’s farmers.”

The annual meeting will include educational seminars, a business session of voting delegates and leadership elections. There will also be a special educational track specifically designed for county leaders on topics including turning ideas into action, running effective meetings and enhancing team communication. 

Additionally, members will celebrate county Farm Bureau and young farmer achievements during two award recognition dinners.

Educational sessions

The annual meeting kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10 with two educational sessions. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, a biofuel advocacy organization, will discuss carbon policies. Also, Iowa State University Extension Vice President Jason Henderson will provide an analysis of the U.S. economy and the implications for agriculture. The educational sessions will be repeated at 2 p.m. with Iowa Farm Bureau Farm Education Program Manager Zach Brummer providing an agricultural market outlook.

County leadership sessions will run concurrently with the educational sessions.

County Farm Bureau successes will be celebrated at a noon luncheon, recognizing membership toppers, outstanding county Farm Bureaus, Ag Leaders Institute graduates and the Leo Waggoner Award winners.

In addition to the second round of educational sessions, the afternoon will feature a voting delegate session as well as the semifinal and final rounds of the Young Farmer Discussion Meet.

Duvall, a Georgia farmer who has served as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation since 2016, will provide the keynote address at the evening dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

The dinner will feature young farmer activities, including a speech by Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee Chair Zac Preston, recognition of the 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Award winners, Discussion Meet results and introduction of 2025 Grow Your Future award finalists.

“When you see these young people walk across the stage and hear their stories, it’s clear there’s promise for the future of agriculture,” said Johnson. “While agriculture faces many challenges, it’s a reminder that the heart of a farmer remains strong in times of adversity.”

PICTURED ABOVE: Johnson

The night will conclude with a reception for candidates for Iowa Farm Bureau vice president and district director positions and a young farmer social event.

On Dec. 11, caucuses for Districts 1, 3 and 5 will be held prior to the general session. 

The general session will begin at 8 a.m., featuring the Iowa Farm Bureau president’s annual address to members. Award presentations will include agency of year, Farm Bureau Community Partnership and Distinguished Service to Agriculture honorees.

Keynote speaker John O’Leary will wrap up the session, sharing how life’s unexpected challenges can shape us and the importance of the heroes who support us. 

O’Leary was given less than a 1% chance of surviving after a fire left burns on 100% of his body when he was 9 years old. Today, he’s a bestselling author and highly sought after speaker with an engaging message that uplifts and entertains audiences with motivation and laughter.

Pictured above: O'Leary

After the general session, re­­searcher and author Karen Eddington will present an educational seminar with tools and techniques to help agricultural audiences handle stress under pressure and overcome low points. 

The annual meeting will wrap up with a voting delegate session, including elections for Iowa Farm Bureau vice president, district directors, American Farm Bureau voting delegates and an internal study committee member.

Contact your county Farm Bureau by Nov. 27 to register for the annual meeting. More information is available online at www.iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.