President's Message: Your voice will guide Farm Bureau's policies in 2025

As we step into 2025, we face no shortage of important issues to address while setting our priorities for the new year. This past fall, when we began planning for this year, I encouraged our team to do so with a renewed focus on truly listening to the voices of California farmers and ranchers. They rose to the challenge.

I’m excited to share with you, our farmer and rancher members, a new, year-long initiative focused on understanding your concerns and addressing your needs. This effort will be rooted in California Farm Bureau’s policy and legal advocacy work, while also encompassing all aspects of Farm Bureau’s mission. Together, we aim to uncover solutions to farm policy challenges, as well as opportunities for professional development and education that support your success.

We kicked off this process a few weeks ago at the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, where we hosted a series of listening sessions. Participants selected the topics they wanted to discuss and joined conversations led by our Board of Directors. These farmer and rancher leaders took detailed notes and gathered invaluable feedback about the pain points you’re experiencing at the farm gate. The conversations were heard by our staff, embraced by leadership and will shape Farm Bureau’s priorities as we advance to the next phase of engaging with and amplifying the voices of California farmers and ranchers.

The next step in this policy engagement process brings these conversations out of Sacramento and into county Farm Bureaus. Eight counties have stepped up to host Commodity Advisory Committee meetings, inviting all agricultural members to join either in person or virtually. At these meetings, you will hear from subject matter experts and have the opportunity to share concerns, challenges and proposed solutions directly to California Farm Bureau staff and leadership. Farmer and rancher members from across the state will chair the meetings, building on the issues-based discussions and priorities identified at the Annual Meeting. I encourage each of you to participate. Your voice—the voice of the farmer and rancher—is the one we’re listening for. 

As part of this effort, two members of the Board of Directors will serve as official liaisons at each board meeting, ensuring the discussions are carried from the farm to the boardroom. Additionally, First Vice President Shaun Crook, Second Vice President Ron Peterson, Chief Operating Officer Dan Durheim and I look forward to attending the meetings, engaging with you and hearing your insights firsthand.

You’ll find a schedule of upcoming meetings below. Also, in the next several issues of Ag Alert®, you’ll see an ad with a QR code linking to details for each session, including the agenda and a virtual participation link. For those attending in person, lunch will be provided by the California Farm Bureau.

In 2024, we were reminded that we’re stronger together. In 2025, let’s remind everyone of the powerful voice of California farmers and ranchers.

2025 Commodity Advisory Committee meetings

Agricultural members are encouraged to help shape Farm Bureau policy priorities by attending one or more Commodity Advisory Committee meetings this winter. Meetings will be held in person and virtually, giving members an opportunity to discuss key issues affecting their businesses. Most meetings are tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. at the county Farm Bureau office. Read Ag Alert® for more details.

• Feb. 4: Forestry/Public Lands – Butte County; includes grazing and other permit holders, representatives of forestry and logging.

• Feb. 5: Wheat, Feed and Small Grains – Glenn County; includes grower representatives of alfalfa, rice, hay crops, etc.

• Feb. 6: Field Crops – Colusa County; includes grower representatives of broccoli, strawberries, leafy greens, beans, etc.

• Feb. 13: Nut Trees – Fresno County; includes grower representatives of walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.

• Feb. 18: Fruit Trees – San Joaquin County; includes grower representatives of apples, citrus, stone fruit, etc. (This meeting will begin at 1 p.m.)

• Feb. 19: Livestock – Stanislaus County; includes grower representatives of beef, dairy, sheep, goats, poultry and  aquaculture.

• March 4: Grape – Monterey County; includes grower representatives of table grapes, winegrapes and grape products.

• March 12: Horticulture – San Diego County; includes representatives of flowering and ornamental plants, and nurseries.