When farmers gather, they don't waste time admiring the problem - they roll up their sleeves and go to work. That spirit was unmistakable at the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention, where grassroots delegates from across the country met in Anaheim, California, to define the 2026 agricultural policy agenda. What emerged wasn't just a list of talking points - it was a bold, boots-on-the-ground action plan rooted in economic reality, shared values, and a deep understanding of what's needed to keep farming viable.

As a farmer and advocate, I know firsthand the strain of tight margins, high input costs, and labor shortages. These challenges aren't theoretical - they're lived daily in farm communities coast to coast. That's why this year's agenda doesn't chase headlines. It's about stability, security, and smart investment - not just for today, but for the long haul.

The newly launched FARM 250 initiative, which ties into America's approaching 250th anniversary, is more than symbolic. It's a recommitment to the pillars that built this nation and still sustain it: Feeding families, Advancing innovation, Rural resilience, and Mindful stewardship. The 2026 policy platform reflects those values, with priorities that speak directly to the survival and success of farm families.

Farmers called for immediate bridge support for producers still reeling from weather disasters and market disruptions. But just as urgently, they demanded a strong, multiyear farm bill that updates loan limits, boosts conservation and research funding, and invests in the future of rural America. This isn't about temporary relief. It's about building something that lasts.

Labor reform continues to top the list of concerns. No matter the region or commodity, farmers are struggling under an outdated system that fails to reflect modern ag labor needs. Delegates made clear: it's time to fix it. Our workforce depends on it, and so does our food supply.

On trade, the message was just as firm. Farmers need expanded market access, fair enforcement, and administration-level focus on getting deals done. U.S. agriculture cannot afford to fall behind on the global stage.

When it comes to regulation, farmers want clarity, consistency, and science-based policy. They aren't anti-regulation - they're pro-reality. Regulations must support both environmental stewardship and the ability to make a living. That same logic applies to food and health policy, where farmers are demanding a seat at the table to share how food is produced - safely, sustainably, and with care.

Infrastructure and innovation also featured prominently. Delegates reaffirmed support for broadband expansion, land-grant university research, and investments in the ag supply chain - including processing, transparency, and U.S.-grown biofuels like year-round E15.

Conservation policy, long a cornerstone of Farm Bureau values, remains grounded in voluntary, incentive-based, farmer-led programs. Environmental sustainability is non-negotiable - but so is economic viability. The policy path forward recognizes that both can, and must, coexist.

At every turn, what stood out was the power of grassroots leadership. The policies adopted weren't handed down from a boardroom - they were crafted in barns, fields, and kitchen tables by people who live and breathe agriculture.

That's what makes this policy roadmap matter. It's not theoretical. It's not political theater. It's a practical, people-first agenda for feeding the country, supporting rural communities, and ensuring that American agriculture thrives - now and for generations to come.

I'm proud to stand alongside farmers and ranchers who are not only weathering storms but shaping the future. Because in agriculture, policy isn't just paperwork - it's survival.