The Delaware Farm Bureau made an impressive showing at this year’s American Farm Bureau Federation Convention held in Anaheim, California from January 9-14, 2026, bringing home multiple prestigious awards.
The national organization divides states into six categories based on membership numbers, with Delaware competing in group one alongside states having up to 6,999 members. For the third consecutive year, Delaware dominated the competition within its category, claiming every major award.
The state organization earned the New Horizon Award, which celebrates the most creative new state Farm Bureau initiative. Delaware was recognized for its Specialty Crop Crate Program, an educational effort supported by USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding that supplies teachers with agricultural materials and lesson plans aligned with educational standards.
Delaware also claimed the Pinnacle award, representing the highest recognition available to state Farm Bureau organizations. This distinction celebrates exceptional performance in innovative member programming and overall organizational excellence.
Additionally, the Delaware Farm Bureau secured the Awards of Excellence, honoring states that excel across four key areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development.
“It is an honor to accept these awards on behalf of the Delaware Farm Bureau,” said DEFB President Bill Powers. “Delaware is as successful as it is because of our dedicated and passionate members and staff, and I am grateful for each of them.”
The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation earned recognition with the Leader award for supporting the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, an honor granted when every board member contributes at least $50 to the Foundation.
Several Delaware representatives participated in various convention activities. Mollie Lynch, who chairs the state Women’s Committee, served as the Women’s Committee Delegate, with Kim Klair from New Castle County serving as alternate at the national Women’s Committee gathering.
Maci Carter, co-chair of Delaware’s Promotion and Engagement committee, participated in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet Competition, marking the first time Delaware had representation in this event for many years.
Steve Breeding, who serves as Delaware’s First Vice President and Sussex County Farm Bureau President, was chosen to serve as Vice Chair of the national Promotion and Engagement Committee.
President Powers represented Delaware as the state’s delegate during policy discussions at the annual meeting. Convention polling revealed that 99% of voting participants operate family farms, with over two-thirds running small to mid-size operations.
Policy topics addressed during the convention included enhancing labor programs, backing federally supported research and biosecurity infrastructure, emphasizing locally produced food in institutional settings like schools and government buildings, among other issues. Complete policy information is available at https://www.fb.org/news-release/american-farm-bureau-establishes-2026-policies.
Next year’s convention is scheduled for Charlotte, North Carolina from January 8-12, 2027. Those interested in attending can contact the Delaware Farm Bureau state office at 302-697-3183. Additional information about Delaware Farm Bureau is available at defb.org.
