From left: Stewart Ramsey, AFBF President Zippy Duvall, DEFB President Bill Powers, and Jim Minner accepting an award at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention.
For the second consecutive year, the Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) has taken home top honors at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention, held in San Antonio from Jan. 24–29.
Delaware earned the prestigious New Horizon Award for its innovative #WhyFarmBureau social media campaign, which highlighted members sharing their personal stories about being part of the Farm Bureau.
The state also received the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can achieve, based on membership size and excellence in advocacy, partnerships, outreach, and leadership.
“For the second year in a row, Delaware has brought home numerous awards from the national convention,” said DEFB President Bill Powers. “I’m honored to accept these on behalf of Delaware Farm Bureau members.’
This recognition, he said, highlights the hard work the organization do to support Delaware farmers and agriculture, ensuring it remains the state’s number one industry.
“If you appreciate agriculture and want to help us preserve and protect it for the future, we invite you to join us,” he said.
The DEFB’s mission is to promote and protect Delaware agriculture through education and advocacy to ensure a quality of life for farmers and their families and their consumers.
DEFB President Bill Powers, left, accepts the Pinnacle Award from AFBF President Zippy Duvall, right, at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention.
Other awards at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention
DEFB was recognized with multiple Awards of Excellence, demonstrating outstanding performance in all four program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development.
Delaware’s commitment to leadership was further praised when it was acknowledged for having the highest attendance of county presidents from the Northeast at the convention.
New Castle County’s Stewart Ramsey was honored for his exceptional leadership, particularly his efforts to bridge urban and agricultural communities.
“I’m truly honored to be recognized by Zippy at the AFBF Convention,” said NCCFB President Stewart Ramsey. “This highlights Farm Bureau’s strong commitment to its grassroots foundation. No matter where you come from, you can make a difference and have your voice heard in Farm Bureau.”
The convention also offered various workshops and sessions on topics like the farm bill, precision agriculture, and market trends.
DEFB received several awards from the AFBF Foundation, including the Scholar Award for top donations, the Apex Award for a 10% increase in donations, and the Leader Award for board member contributions.
The Delaware Women’s Committee was also recognized for their support of the Lion Whiteheart Scholarship, with Sussex County’s Connie Fox and Kent County’s Mary B. Gooden representing Delaware at national meetings.
Delaware’s delegates, led by President Bill Powers, participated in the AFBF Annual Meeting, where policies for 2025 were discussed, including topics like trade, labor costs, and renewable energy.
The 2026 AFBF Convention will be held in Anaheim, CA.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
