Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) showed up and showed out at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in Anaheim, CA, from January 9-14, 2026.
AFBF sorts each state into one of six groups based on their membership size. Delaware is part of group one along with other states with memberships up to 6,999 members. States then compete against one another within these groups for awards. DEFB swept the awards for its membership group for the third year in a row.
Delaware received the New Horizon Award which recognizes the most innovative new state Farm Bureau program. The honor was presented for DEFB’s Specialty Crop Crate Program. This program was funded through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant and provided teachers with crates including materials and lesson plans related to agriculture and aligning with curriculum standards.
Delaware also received the Pinnacle award, the highest distinction a state Farm Bureau can achieve. This award acknowledges Delaware for outstanding achievements in innovative member programs and overall excellence.
DEFB also received the Awards of Excellence which recognizes states that demonstrate outstanding achievements in the four program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development.
“It is an honor to accept these awards on behalf of the Delaware Farm Bureau,” said DEFB President Bill Powers. “Delaware is as successful as it is because of our dedicated and passionate members and staff, and I am grateful for each of them.”
The DEFB Foundation was recognized for its support of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture with the Leader award. This award is given when each board member donates at least $50 to the Foundation.
Mollie Lynch, DEFB Women’s Committee State Chair, served as the Women’s Committee Delegate, with Kim Klair, New Castle County Women’s Committee Chair, as the alternate. They represented Delaware at the national Women’s Committee meeting.
Maci Carter, DEFB Promotion and Engagement (P&E) Co-Chair, competed in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet Competition. Carter was the first representative of Delaware in many years.
DEFB First Vice President and Sussex County Farm Bureau President Steve Breeding was elected to serve as the Vice Chair of the AFBF National P&E Committee.
DEFB President Powers served as Delaware’s delegate during the AFBF Annual Meeting, where policies were discussed and established. A poll taken during the meeting showed that 99% of those who cast votes operate family farms and more than two-thirds represent small- to mid-size farms according to AFBF.
Policies discussed included improving labor programs, supporting federally funded research and biosecurity facilities, prioritizing locally grown foods in institutions such as schools and government facilities, and more. To read more about AFBF policies, visit https://www.fb.org/news-release/american-farm-bureau-establishes-2026-policies.
The 2027 AFBF Convention will be held in Charlotte, NC from Jan 8-12. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, call the DEFB state office at 302-697-3183. For more information on Delaware Farm Bureau, visit defb.org.
