More than 800 Farm Credit leaders gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the 2026 Farm Credit Annual Meeting to reaffirm their core mission of supporting members, strengthening rural communities and advancing agriculture amid challenges.
Over three days of learning, exchanging ideas and networking, Farm Credit directors and staff focused on a commitment to “raising the bar” for America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. As a network of member-owned cooperatives, this includes a dedication to services that extend beyond reliable financing, including advocacy, education and support resources.
“We are talking about raising the bar on excellence,” said Christy Seyfert, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council. “The entire theme of the meeting has revolved around that – how we can continue to press for improvement and lean into the Farm Credit mission so we may better serve agriculture and rural America.”
Seyfert opened the meeting with a key Washington update, outlining current policy developments and the Farm Credit Council’s ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of its customers. A central focus was continued engagement around credit policy improvements in Farm Bill 2.0, which is critical to providing long-term certainty for producers and rural communities.
The Honorable Jeffery Hall, Board Chairman and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration, provided a regulatory perspective on the Farm Credit System during his address to attendees, during which he emphasized the importance of collaboration, a high standard of member service and ensuring a strong future for agriculture and rural communities.
Veteran policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer brought his decades of experience in agriculture and trade policy to share an agricultural economic outlook for 2026, offering insights into market conditions, global trade dynamics and policy considerations shaping the year ahead. Wiesemeyer’s analysis and forecast reinforced the importance of strong agricultural policy and reliable lending services as producers continue to navigate challenging circumstances.
The Farm Credit Annual Meeting also highlighted the importance of leadership and resilience. Chaunté Lowe, four-time Olympian and bronze medalist in the high jump, delivered an inspiring message on perseverance and “raising the bar” themes that resonated with Farm Credit’s mission-driven approach to customer service.
A panel of Farm Credit CEOs from AgCarolina Farm Credit, AgTexas Farm Credit Services, AgWest Farm Credit and FCS Financial shared insights into initiatives designed to enhance service, responsiveness and long-term value for customers across the Farm Credit System. Their discussion focused on collaboration, innovation and staying grounded in cooperative principles while meeting evolving customer needs.
Additional speakers explored the next generation of agriculture, from its future leaders to the key innovations being developed that will enable it to thrive. Attendees heard from a panel of student representatives from Farm Credit partnership organizations, including FFA, MANRRS, Agriculture Future of America, 4-H, and Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, who discussed the importance of continued investment in youth agriculture initiatives.
On the innovation front, Allison Bredder of NASA Acres provided an overview of how satellite research and farm data are being connected to support agricultural decision-making and productivity.
The meeting’s speaker sessions closed out with an emphasis on strengthening America’s political future — and the key role of bipartisanship in that future. Political strategist Donna Brazile and former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour teamed up for a spirited bipartisan discussion on our country’s political outlook and the importance of collaboration across party lines for the benefit of all Americans.
Recognizing the pressures facing agriculture today, Farm Credit also reinforced its commitment to mental health awareness, resources and support for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Leaders emphasized that supporting agriculture means supporting its people first, particularly during challenging times
The Farm Credit Council Board of Directors also leveraged Annual Meeting to plan for a strong 2026 in Washington, organizing and re-electing Stan Claussen and Scott Bell as Board Chair and Board Vice Chair, respectively. Claussen farms corn, sugar beets, soybeans and alfalfa in Montevideo, Minnesota, and Bell runs two cattle, poultry and row crop operations in Scott and Leake counties in Mississippi. Brandon Wittman, chief executive officer and general manager of Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative in Huntley, Montana, was re-elected CoBank representative. Susan LaGrande, a wine grape producer of Colusa, California, was newly elected member at large. Michael “Bo” Stone, who produces row crops and operates a swine and cow-calf herd in Rowland, North Carolina, remains on the Executive Committee as the immediate past Board Chair.
As Farm Credit looks ahead, the Annual Meeting reaffirmed the organization’s mission-driven focus, support for agriculture and rural America and important initiatives to showcase agriculture during America’s 250th year and International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow. It has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for more than a century with the capital necessary to make businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services. For more information visit www.farmcredit.com.
