Engaged members unleash Farm Bureau's true force

April 8, 2026

California Farm Bureau Chief Operating Officer Dan Durheim with Siskiyou County Farm Bureau member Bruce Fiock.
Photo/Saul Rios

By Dan Durheim
Chief Operating Officer
California Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau membership offers value, but engagement is what unlocks it. When members actively participate, Farm Bureau becomes more than an organization; it becomes a powerful, member-driven force that protects, promotes and advances agriculture.

Farm Bureau’s value proposition is rooted in grassroots advocacy. Policies and priorities are not set from the top down. They are shaped by farmers and ranchers who share their experiences, concerns and solutions.

That structure is not accidental. It is the foundation of Farm Bureau’s credibility. Lawmakers and regulators recognize that when Farm Bureau speaks, it reflects the collective voice of people working the land, managing risk and feeding communities.

Engagement is what keeps that foundation strong. It ensures that Farm Bureau’s advocacy reflects real-world agriculture and that decision-makers hear directly from those affected by legislation and regulation.

When members participate, their voices guide policies on everything from water and labor to land use and environmental regulation. In a state as complex and diverse as California, those firsthand perspectives are essential. No single policy fits every region or commodity, and without active participation, important nuances can be lost.

Active involvement also delivers timely, credible information. Engaged members are better informed about legislative proposals, regulatory changes and agency actions that impact their operations. In today’s fast-moving policy environment, information is not just helpful; it is a strategic advantage.

Through meetings, outreach and Farm Bureau communications, members gain clarity on complex issues and learn how to effectively engage with policymakers before decisions are final. That awareness can make the difference between reacting to change or shaping it.

Engagement further strengthens agriculture through leadership development and connection. Farm Bureau provides opportunities for members to build leadership skills, serve on committees and collaborate with peers across counties, commodities and generations.

These experiences cultivate confidence and capacity. A member who starts by attending meetings may go on to testify at hearings, serve on advisory boards or represent agriculture in broader civic discussions. At the same time, these connections reinforce agriculture’s united voice while preparing members to lead not only within Farm Bureau but also in their local communities and industry organizations.

Participation also opens doors beyond the farm gate. Engagement often leads to educational programs, travel opportunities and exposure to agriculture across California and the nation. Seeing how other regions and commodities navigate shared challenges helps members think strategically, build perspective and bring fresh ideas back to their own operations. It also fosters a deeper appreciation for the diversity of agriculture—how different crops, climates and communities are interconnected within a larger system.

Perhaps most importantly, engagement multiplies impact. A large, informed and involved membership gives Farm Bureau credibility and influence. Policymakers listen when agriculture shows up unified, informed and consistent. Numbers matter, but participation matters more. A membership list carries weight; an active membership drives outcomes.

Siskiyou County Farm Bureau member Bruce Fiock, who helped start the region’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program in the 1980s, told me recently that Farm Bureau involvement has opened doors for him, giving him experiences that he probably would not have had if he did not engage in Farm Bureau. His story reflects a broader truth: Engagement transforms membership from a passive benefit into an active opportunity.

He summed it up this way: “Being engaged has helped me see the bigger picture. Farm Bureau connects you to what’s happening beyond your fence line and gives you the tools to help shape it.”

That “bigger picture” is increasingly important. Agriculture today faces layered challenges—regulatory pressure, resource constraints, public perception and market volatility. Meeting those challenges requires more than individual effort; it requires coordinated action, informed voices and sustained advocacy. Farm Bureau provides the structure for that work, but members provide the momentum.

Farm Bureau’s strength lies in its members, but its effectiveness depends on their involvement. Engagement turns membership into influence, information into action and individual voices into lasting impact for California agriculture. It is how ideas move from conversation to policy, from concern to solution.

Whether attending a meeting, serving on a committee, responding to an action alert or stepping into a leadership role, every member has a part to play. Even small steps—showing up, asking questions, staying informed—contribute to a larger collective effort. Over time, those efforts add up, shaping not only Farm Bureau’s direction but the future of agriculture itself.

Farm Bureau works best when members show up, speak up and stay engaged.

Dan Durheim is chief operating officer of California Farm Bureau. He can be reached at ddurheim@cfbf.com.

In this issue:

Reprint with credit to California Farm Bureau. For image use, email agalert@cfbf.com