SAN ANTONIO—Virginia Farm Bureau Federation members will help shape national agriculture advocacy efforts during the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention & Trade Show.

VFBF voting delegates, VFBF women’s delegates and thousands of fellow Farm Bureau producers from across the country will debate and adopt national agriculture-related policies for 2025 at AFBF’s 106th consecutive annual convention Jan. 24-29 in San Antonio.

Voting delegates from Virginia are VFBF President Scott Sink; VFBF Vice President Robert Mills Jr.; James Corl, president of Sussex County Farm Bureau; Kory Gough of Prince William/Fairfax County Farm Bureau; Amy Johnson, president of Bedford County Farm Bureau; Cindy Lam of Page County Farm Bureau; Hunter Richardson of King & Queen County Farm Bureau; and CT Thiemann, president of Louisa County Farm Bureau.

Virginia’s voting delegates will discuss federal policies impacting the state’s farmers while helping develop broader AFBF policies for the year.

“Agriculture is facing a crucial year for federal policy,” noted Ben Rowe, VFBF director of national affairs. “Congress must pass a new farm bill, address the labor shortage, extend vital tax provisions, and generally ensure the industry has a regulatory environment in which it can thrive.”

Virginia introduced several AFBF policy resolutions this year, including policy related to crop insurance and invasive species control.

“Virginia Farm Bureau’s voting delegates are giving their time to make sure the voice of the Virginia farmer is heard during the AFBF policy process,” Rowe explained.

Eight VFBF women attending the Annual Meeting of AFB Women also will offer their input: Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Faye Hundley; state committee members Katelyn Burner of Orange County, Jamie Pence of Shenandoah County, Michelle Martin of Augusta County and Carolyn Neal of Tazewell County; Candace Monahan of Botetourt County; Cecilia Moyer of Ameila County; and Ann Smith of Rockbridge County. Chelsea Newcomb of Louisa County is an alternate.

In addition to policy development, convention participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops to advance their leadership skills, expand their business acumen, and gain insight into the trends and realities impacting food production.

Attendees also can cheer on VFBF Young Farmers Program award winners competing at the national convention.

Virginia’s Achievement Award winner is Bradley Ragsdale of Pittsylvania County; Discussion Meet winner is Marshall Slaven of Augusta County; and the Excellence in Agriculture Award winner is Slaven’s sister, Morgan Slaven, also of Augusta.

Media: Contact Rowe at 804-290-1017; or Mike Tomko, AFBF director of communications, at 202-406-3642.