American Farm Bureau Convention Sunday Preview: Keynote Address from President Zippy Duvall, Ag Innovation Challenge Final Four, Opening News Conference and More

The American Farm Bureau Federation Convention continues with an action-packed day of programming Sunday, focused on the hottest topics and most pressing issues facing farmers, ranchers and consumers in 2025.

Sunday’s slate of activities includes two general sessions, 11 workshops, the live pitch competition for the final four Ag Innovation Challenge teams and the Sweet 16 round of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet. AFBF President Zippy Duvall will deliver his keynote remarks during the opening general session at 9:30 a.m. Central Time, and the highly anticipated state award winners will be announced.

The mid general session, which begins at 4 p.m. Central Time, features an inspiring and motivational keynote address from decorated fighter pilot and Folds of Honor founder Lt. Col. Dan Rooney. The Farm Dog of the Year and Distinguished Service Award winner will be announced during this session as well.

All general session content, excluding Lt. Col. Rooney’s keynote address, will be livestreamed for farmers, ranchers and the general public who are not able to join us in San Antonio. Visit fb.org during any of the general sessions to access the livestream.

Media are also invited to attend the convention opening press conference at 1:45 p.m. Central Time. President Duvall will provide a wrap-up of AFBF’s work in 2024 and preview priorities for 2025.

A livestream of the opening press conference will be available to all media, regardless of Convention registration status. Access the livestream here: https://app.sli.do/event/jLT6aCdnyCybZkaKNSzEXn

Sunday’s workshops will focus on livestock marketing trends in 2025, an analysis of the 2024 elections, a panel discussion on farmer perceptions of stress and mental health, public policy hot topics and more. Start times, locations and descriptions of all workshops are available here.

Cultivation Center Stage presentations include tips and tricks from a panel of top agricultural social media influencers, what to know when a solar power contractor comes knocking, remarks from AFBF’s inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence recipient and a variety of additional engaging topics.

New this year on the trade show floor is the Ag Insights Hub, where key industry partners will deliver timely updates on the issues that matter most to farmers and ranchers. Learn more about Cultivation Center Stage and Ag Insights Hub events here.

Saturday Recap

Though the general session programming begins Sunday, plenty of exciting events took place today. From tours of Texas agriculture to the opening of the trade show and Cultivation Center Stage, Saturday had plenty to offer for attendees.

AFBF economist Danny Munch provided an update on the Federal Milk Marketing Order reform process, while NASA’s program manager for agriculture earth action, Dr. Bradley Doorn, shared insights on how NASA uses Earth observations to strengthen food security, support market stability and protect rural livelihoods.

Later, singer-songwriter-author LaDonna Gatlin inspired the Cultivation Center Stage audience with her story of resilience and strength. The stage programming wrapped with announcements of the Sweet 16 round of YF&R Discussion Meet and the Achievement Award Top 10. Winners of both contests will be announced during the closing general session on Monday.