The American Farm Bureau Federation is now accepting nominations for its Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program. This program builds on the personal development journeys of promising young members, elevating them to the next level through an intensive, executive-style curriculum that demands significant effort and commitment. The core competencies developed include self-awareness, industry knowledge, message development, message delivery, policy engagement, and interpersonal skills.

Notably, both former Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse, PAL Class 3 graduate, and current Arizona Farm Bureau President John Boelts have successfully completed the program, emerging as stronger advocates for agriculture and exemplifying the impact it can have on leadership at the state and national levels.

“When I applied and was accepted into the PAL program, I had expectations of receiving valuable media training experience. But what I encountered throughout the two-year program was so much more,” explains Arizona Farm Bureau President and Yuma farmer John Boelts. “Immersive and engaging, PAL was a catalyst that challenged and cultivated myself and my classmates to be our absolute best at conveying the value and needs of our farm, ranch, or nursery through the media, with policymakers, right here at home and on a global stage. Also, the friendships I have been blessed with through this program span two continents and are irreplaceable. I cannot recommend the program enough.”

Each state Farm Bureau may nominate up to two candidates by submitting letters of recommendation. Ideal candidates are passionate about advocacy and policy, eager to leverage social media, and fall between the ages of 30-45 at some point during the program years (2026–2027). While not mandatory, the following experiences can strengthen a nomination:

  • State winner of a YF&R competitive event
  • Retired member of any AFBF national committee
  • Retired chair of a state Farm Bureau committee
  • Finalist from a prior PAL nomination who was not selected
  • Graduate of a state leadership or advocacy development program (e.g., Leadership Academy, Institute, LEAD, etc.)
  • Demonstrated excellence in advocacy or political outreach at the state or national level

The state nomination is part of the application process, which requires three recommendation letters, including one from the state Farm Bureau president. Applications must be emailed to johnnam@fb.org by 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 23, 2026.

The application form is available at the link below and on the AFBF website: https://www.fb.org/initiative/pal-partners-in-advocacy-leadership.

As in previous years, we ask the state Farm Bureaus to commit to sponsoring the selected class member's expenses for attending the PAL graduation as part of the 2028 Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference. This includes airfare and lodging, while AFBF covers all other major program costs. This is an outstanding opportunity to invest in the future of agricultural advocacy. Consider nominating strong candidates today!