Agricultural leaders from across the northeast region gathered this week in Dover for a dynamic three-day conference focused on leadership development, advocacy, and innovation in agriculture. The Northeast Presidents and Administrators Conference, hosted by the Delaware Farm Bureau, brought together farmers, policy experts, and industry professionals to collaborate, learn, and tour some of Delaware’s premier agricultural operations.
DEFB President Bill Powers was excited to welcome the group to Delaware. “Delaware is such a unique state. We are small but mighty when it comes to agriculture, which is our number one industry. It’s important for people to see just how diverse farming is in Delaware. We’re constantly adapting to keep agriculture strong as the state’s landscape continues to change.”
The conference kicked off Monday, August 25, with a visit to Harrington Raceway, where attendees enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the paddock, followed by a welcome reception and dinner. The evening concluded with live harness racing, offering a unique opportunity for networking in a relaxed setting.
Tuesday’s agenda was filled with insightful and engaging sessions focused on leadership, advocacy, and communication. The day began with “Investing in Valuable Board Meetings,” presented by Margee Wolff, Vice President of Leadership, Education & Engagement at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). Attendees then participated in “Elevate Your Advocacy Efforts,” a dynamic panel discussion featuring public affairs professionals from CLYDE and CropLife America. Ed Kee and Georgie Cartanza delivered a compelling presentation on building global partnerships, sharing insights from the Nuffield USA Farming Scholars program. Rounding out the morning, Terri Moore, AFBF Vice President of Communications, provided an informative update on national communication strategies and efforts within the agricultural community.
In the afternoon, attendees took part in agricultural tours showcasing Delaware’s rich farming landscape. Stops included Fifer Orchards in Camden-Wyoming, where attendees enjoyed a scenic tractor ride around the farm and had the chance to sample the orchard’s famous peach ice cream. The group then traveled to Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel, where they learned about the winemaking process and participated in a guided wine tasting. The day concluded with a farm tour and farm-to-fork dinner at Marvel Farms, highlighting Delaware’s watermelon production and the talents of local chefs.
On Wednesday, August 27, the focus turned to state-level programs and member engagement. Nikko Brady, Deputy Chief of Staff for Climate, Food Systems & Planning in the Office of the Delaware Governor, discussed the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program, followed by a session on communicating member value with Austin Large, AFBF Senior Director of Membership & Organizational Development.
The final day also featured a visit to Shadybrook Farm, a leading potato operation in Dover, where attendees learned about potato production and observed the bagging process firsthand. The group then enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch at the iconic Sambo’s Tavern, where they connected with representatives from Farm Journal Foundation and learned more about their work in agricultural media. The conference concluded with a tour of Georgie Cartanza’s poultry operation in Dover, offering a closer look at Delaware’s poultry industry.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall praised the conference saying “Bringing together Farm Bureau leaders to learn from one another and plan for the future is incredibly important. It was also wonderful to learn more about the state’s agriculture on several farm tours. Delaware Farm Bureau knocked it out of the park when it comes to planning a great meeting for the northeast region.”
The conference successfully combined leadership development with real-world agricultural experiences, fostering stronger connections between stakeholders and showcasing Delaware’s vibrant and diverse farming community.
For more information about the Delaware Farm Bureau, please visit www.defb.org.
