The 104th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention was hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico this year. Washington Farm Bureau (WFB) was represented by 18 members and staff. Participants engaged in networking opportunities, workshops, and listened to several keynote speakers. Additionally, the annual Women’s Committee Delegate Session took place, and the three Washington Farm Bureau officers took part in the annual Voting Delegate meeting. 

The theme of the convention, “Mi Familia” was carried out in all aspects of the event as members of the Farm Bureau family and supporters gathered to discuss topics essential to the future of the agriculture industry. 

“Farmers and Ranchers solve problems every day. Continuing to grow our network, glean ideas, and serve our members by engaging in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national policy process is inspiring as we look to the future of Washington Farm Bureau and the growth opportunity before us,” said President Rosella Mosby. 

Mosby was joined by 1st Vice President, Bridget Coon, and 2nd Vice President, Anne Lawrence for the 2023 Delegate Business session. Pam Hesse, was the WFB alternate delegate. More than 340 delegates from the 50 state Farm Bureaus and Puerto Rico Farm Bureau gathered, representing the diversity of agriculture across the United States. Delegate representation is based on each state’s total membership. “Delegates demonstrated the strength of Farm Bureau by coming together to represent hard-working farm families from all 50 states and Puerto Rico,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

Washington Farm Bureau submitted three policy updates, a first for WFB in many years. All three were approved by the voting body. All of the policies approved by the organizations delegates will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization in 2023. 

Next year’s AFBF Convention will be hosted January 12th – January 17th in Salt Lake City, Utah. Any WFB members are welcome and encouraged to attend.