Convened November 4th through the 5th, Arizona Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West in Mesa, functioned as a high-energy hub of collaboration and advocacy for the state's agricultural sector. Amid a packed schedule blending policy deliberations, networking opportunities, and celebratory honors, the event buzzed with the voices of farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders navigating challenges like water concerns and economic pressures. Kicking off with morning addresses from three prominent GOP gubernatorial candidates — Karrin Taylor Robson, Congressman David Schweikert, and Congressman Andy Biggs — the gathering set a diplomatically charged tone as we approach 2026 and the next Arizona governor’s race.

The night before, the Arizona Farm Bureau celebrated a farmer/rancher star-studded awards banquet featuring a keynote from Governor Katie Hobbs, who highlighted agriculture's $31 billion economic impact on Arizona. This dynamic forum not only recognized trailblazers in the industry but also set the tone for Arizona Farm Bureau’s 104th Annual Meeting.

Wednesday afternoon’s highlight was the election of a new state officer team that will lead the organization in advancing our priority issues for 2026 and beyond. Yuma Farmer John Boelts was unanimously voted in as our Arizona Farm Bureau president. The rest of the officer slate was established with Maricopa County Farm Bureau member Shawn Wood voted in as First Vice President and Graham County Farm Bureau member Ben Menges voted in as the Second Vice President.

The Arizona Farm Bureau (AZFB) traces its roots to the broader Farm Bureau movement just before and during World War I, when agricultural cooperatives emerged to support wartime food production. It was formally established in January 1918 with Dr. J.C. Norton as its first president, focusing initially on agriculture markets, and collaboration with the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture to bolster the state's nascent farming sector. Officially incorporated in 1921, the grassroots organization quickly grew to advocate for farmers and ranchers amid economic and environmental challenges. Over the decades, AZFB played key roles in water rights battles, labor reforms, and federal legislation, with notable leadership from figures like Cecil H. Miller Sr. and his son Cecil Jr., who served as president from 1971 to 1992, the only father-son duo in its history. As part of the national American Farm Bureau Federation (founded 1919), AZFB celebrated its centennial in 2021, continuing to represent Arizona's $31 billion agriculture industry through policy advocacy, education, communications, and community programs.