In early July, Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) President Bill Powers represented the organization at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) annual Council of Presidents meeting in Washington, D.C. The event brings together Farm Bureau presidents from across the country to discuss national agricultural priorities, leadership initiatives, and the policy issues affecting farmers and ranchers nationwide.
Throughout the meeting, Farm Bureau leaders received updates on several key topics and initiatives, including results from AFBF’s Women in Agriculture study and application, the Growing a Healthier America initiative, the agricultural economic outlook from USDA Chief Economist Dr. Justin Benavidez, midterm election analysis from The Russell Group, and insights from USDA Deputy Secretary Judge Stephen Vaden.
While in Washington, President Powers met with the offices of Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons, as well as Representative Sarah McBride, to discuss issues important to Delaware agriculture, including the need for a modernized Farm Bill. During those visits, he presented each office with a photograph from the 2025 Delaware Farm Bureau Photo Contest to display in their offices.
President Powers also attended legislative and industry receptions hosted by AFBF, providing opportunities to connect with congressional staff, agricultural stakeholders, industry partners, and fellow Farm Bureau leaders from across the country.
The Council of Presidents concluded with meetings at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where attendees heard directly from several administration officials. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discussed the council’s role in economic and agricultural policy, as well as the administration’s efforts to address challenges facing farmers and ranchers. Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, Ambassador Julie Callahan, provided an update on trade priorities, including efforts to expand market access, review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and pursue trade policies that create meaningful opportunities for American agriculture.
Additional presentations included remarks from Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, who emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with the agricultural community and welcomed open dialogue with Farm Bureau leaders. Attendees also heard from Justin Schwab, General Counsel of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, who discussed the council’s role in coordinating federal environmental policy and its work with agencies on the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The annual Council of Presidents meeting provides a valuable opportunity for state Farm Bureau leaders to engage with federal policymakers, gain insight into emerging issues, and ensure the voice of agriculture is represented in national discussions. By participating in these conversations and meeting directly with Delaware’s congressional delegation, President Powers helped bring the perspectives and priorities of Delaware farmers to the forefront as policy decisions continue to shape the future of agriculture. The meeting provided an important opportunity for President Powers to represent DEFB, engage with national agricultural leaders, and advocate for Delaware farmers’ interests at the federal level.
