By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Collegiate Farm Bureau members from across the nation tuned in Nov. 3 for a virtual townhall with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall.

The townhall, held via Zoom, gave students the chance to connect with national leadership and explore how they can play an active role in the future of agriculture. It was part of AFBF’s efforts to encourage young leaders and help them bring ideas, strong voices and determination to the table.

Duvall noted that Farm Bureau’s growth and success depends on cultivating the next generation of leaders ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

For many students, including Midwestern State University Collegiate Farm Bureau President Wes Haase, the experience was both inspiring and practical.

“It was an eye-opening experience as my first townhall to attend,” he said. “Being able to listen in gave me more insight into how to handle and give ideas to our chapter, as well as take away lessons to help other farmers and ranchers in our community.”

The discussion encouraged chapters to bring agricultural education and awareness to their campuses and communities.

“We discussed different events to promote nutrition and agriculture on campus,” Haase said. “We can highlight things like National Milk Day or Agricultural Nutrition Week and help students understand what takes place behind the scenes in agriculture while getting our members involved.”

These events help the campus and community to get to know what the Collegiate Farm Bureau does and helps recruit new members.

The town hall also offered insight into professional growth opportunities.

“One thing that stood out was the American Farm Bureau internship application and the chance to serve as a social media ambassador,” he said. “Those programs help college students gain hands-on experience and build valuable networks for their future careers.”

He noted the conversation with Duvall focused on the importance of leadership and involvement for the next generation of agriculturist.

“Leadership in agriculture really starts with staying informed and getting involved,” Haase said. “If we support our farmers and ranchers and maintain a strong mindset, our communities will continue to rise and provide for everyone.”

Haase notes the impact of collegiate Farm Bureaus goes beyond campus.

“We are focused on bringing the farming and ranching communities,” he said. ”I’m proud to be part of the MSU Farm Bureau. It’s important that as young individuals, we are next in line to have to bring success to the state of Texas and have a voice to share.”