By Blake Jackson
New York Farm Bureau leaders joined agricultural representatives from across the country at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates, held as part of the organization’s 107th Annual Convention & Trade Show from January 9-14, 2026.
NYFB President David Fisher and Vice President Kim Skellie attended alongside delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. In total, 10 NYFB members and staff participated in the event, which drew nearly 5,000 attendees representing every sector of U.S. agriculture.
The convention, themed “Imagine, Grow, Lead,” featured extensive educational sessions, networking opportunities and in-depth policy discussions. During Tuesday’s voting delegate meeting, 330 delegates and 168 alternate delegates considered and approved numerous national policy positions.
Several proposals advanced by New York Farm Bureau were adopted, reflecting the organization’s grassroots advocacy at both the state and federal levels.
Among the approved policies were support for a USDA plan to allow vaccination of poultry against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, backing the Department of Labor’s updated Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology with provisions to limit year-over-year increases, support for congressional oversight of FDA food labeling enforcement, and opposition to mushrooms started overseas being labeled as “American grown” after fruiting in the U.S.
NYFB earned national recognition with the New Horizon Award for innovative state programs, highlighting improvements to its State Annual Convention. Additional honors included Awards of Excellence in Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development.
NYFB members also took part in national competitions, including the Young Farmer Discussion Meet and the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
“At New York Farm Bureau, we often say we are the voice of agriculture. This convention is a great example of that promise to our members. We helped form and pass policy positions that will help our farms succeed, thanks to the grassroots efforts of our members,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher.
“Aside from policy work, we also shared valuable ideas with representatives from across the country. We plan to use those ideas to improve our communications, programming and member benefits. In this way, we provide our members with the best value in their NYFB membership, which ultimately supports our family farms.”
Photo Credit: new-york-farm-bureau
Categories: New York, Government & Policy