American Farm Bureau to elect new president in January

Huron, SD — American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman has announced that he will not seek re-election in January 2016 following 16 years at the helm of the nation’s largest, most influential general farm organization. Stallman, a cattle and rice producer from Columbus, Texas, is the 11th president during AFBF’s almost 97-year history.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve the nation’s Farm Bureau members and represent agriculture and rural America,” Stallman said. “After 16 years as AFBF president, six as Texas Farm Bureau president and several more in other Farm Bureau roles, it is time to hand over the reins of leadership-a decision that is made easier by knowing the great leadership and foundation that exist to continue moving Farm Bureau forward. I am as optimistic as ever about the future of American agriculture and Farm Bureau.”

AFBF has thrived under Stallman’s presidency. Farm Bureau membership nationwide has grown by more than 1 million member families. Programming has grown to include more efforts to build rural communities and economies and more leadership development programs to help farmers and ranchers become advocates for agriculture and citizen leaders in their communities. AFBF has grown organizationally, particularly with the acquisition of the IDEAg farm events and publications business in 2013. And AFBF has grown in its effectiveness as an advocate in the courts for farmers’ and ranchers’ freedom to operate, and it remains the most visible, influential voice in the nation’s capital for farmers and ranchers of all types, sizes and regions.

“While the presidential gavel will change hands, what defines Farm Bureau will remain the same: our grassroots strength and our commitment to strengthening America’s agricultural and rural communities,” Stallman added.

Scott VanderWal, farmer from Volga, South Dakota, and President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, has worked extensively with Stallman while serving together on the AFBF board of directors, as well as on the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture board of directors.

“It has been a pleasure working with Bob Stallman, traveling with him on trade trips and experiencing his leadership for the organization. He will be leaving American Farm Bureau in great shape both financially and organizationally,” VanderWal commented.

A new AFBF president will be elected to a two-year term during the 97th annual meeting of voting delegates on Jan. 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida.