New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) President David Fisher and Vice President Kim Skellie joined delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates during AFBF’s 106th Annual Convention & Trade Show, held from January 24-29 in San Antonio, Texas. Over a dozen NYFB members and staff participated in the convention, which brought together nearly 5,000 individuals from diverse agricultural sectors across the country.
Themed “Step Up, Drive Forward,” the event featured educational programming, networking opportunities, and discussions on public policy. Delegates voted on several policy positions for AFBF, with contributions from NYFB’s grassroots efforts shaping key adopted measures.
In a major highlight, Monroe County Farm Bureau member Labby from Rochester was named national runner-up in the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. This competition, now in its 11th year, celebrates business innovations in agriculture. Labby’s AI-powered optical sensing technology enables rapid raw milk testing, providing results in under 10 seconds. The technology helps detect mastitis early, preventing losses for dairy farmers. Labby received $25,000 as the runner-up prize.
NYFB also earned the prestigious Pinnacle Award, the highest accolade a state Farm Bureau can receive for achievements in programming and membership. Additionally, NYFB received Awards of Excellence in Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development.
NYFB President David Fisher, who serves on the AFBF Board of Directors, was reappointed to the national board’s Executive Committee. New York Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural lobbying and trade organization, recognized as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” The organization is committed to addressing economic and public policy challenges facing the agricultural community.
