Delegates to the 101st American Farm Bureau Federation convention finalized policy priorities for the year ahead. AFBF Vice President Scott VanderWal, who farms at Volga, South Dakota, says the decisions made by members address important issues facing the American farmer. “Our members are looking for economic opportunity to succeed. Trade continues to be a major focal point for us to provide a level playing field.” Voting delegates updated labor and immigration policies, emphasizing significant changes to the H-2A program. After a year-long process to review ways to modernize Federal Milk Marketing Orders, AFBF’s delegates also voted to support creation of a flexible, farmer- and industry-led milk management system. “The lack of profitability has been pretty severe and long standing for the dairy industry,” says VanderWal. Other key policy areas include conservation compliance, hemp, rural broadband and climate change research. Listen to the RRFN story.