Two-day event brings members together for grassroots policy development, educational sessions, competition, and awards.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) Convention, bringing Farm Bureau members and guests together for two days of policy, education, leadership, and networking December 11-12 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover.
The Convention will kick off Friday morning with the Annual Meeting of the Delegates, where DEFB’s grassroots policy development process is on display. Each county selects delegates to represent its members in discussions surrounding the organization’s policy book and bylaws. The policy book guides the advocacy and work of the organization. Guests are welcome to observe the meeting, while voting is reserved for county delegates.
Following lunch, the Convention will feature educational sessions focused on navigating risk management and making informed decisions on the farm. Dr. Faith Parum, Deputy Chief Economist at American Farm Bureau Federation, will provide an economic update focused on rising fuel and fertilizer prices. A second session will focus on mitigating risk and liability on the farm, with an emphasis on agritourism.
Saturday will feature the organization’s competitive events, including the Discussion Meet competition for DEFB members ages 18–35. The competition simulates a committee meeting in which discussion and participation are expected from each participant. Competitors are evaluated on their exchange of ideas and information surrounding a predetermined agricultural topic.
The competition helps participants build discussion skills, develop a deeper understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can work together to reach consensus and solve problems. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and watch the next generation of agricultural leaders showcase their skills.
The Convention will wrap up Saturday evening with the Annual Banquet. Prior to the banquet, DEFB will host a Women in Agriculture Reception in recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Attendees are invited to help celebrate Delaware’s women in agriculture. A banquet ticket is required to attend the reception.
The Annual Banquet will follow the reception and provide an opportunity for DEFB to recognize state award recipients in several categories, including Farm Family of the Year, Influencer of Agriculture and more. Banquet attendees will also hear from the finalists of the DEFB Ambassador competition before the 2027 DEFB Ambassador is announced. The Delaware Young Farmers and Ranchers will also host silent and live auctions to support their programs and initiatives throughout the year.
“The Delaware Farm Bureau Convention is a great place for members and the community to network, learn, and shape Farm Bureau policy,” said DEFB President Bill Powers. “There’s a lot happening over the two days, and whether you’re coming for the Annual Meeting, the sessions, the Discussion Meet or the banquet, we hope to see you.”
Convention is complimentary; however, registration is required for all events. Banquet tickets are $50 per person and include admission to the Women in Agriculture Reception. Registrations must be completed by November 25, 2026.
The full Convention schedule and registration information can be found at defb.org/convention.
For more information on the convention or Delaware Farm Bureau, visit defb.org or call the DEFB state office at 302-697-3183.
