Farm Bureau expands its reach through community 

By Dan Durheim
Chief Operating Officer

As I reflect on where we are as an organization and where we are headed, the words community, engagement and shared values come to mind. 

We are in what I’d call the heart of advocacy season, a time of tremendous opportunity to activate our grassroots energy, create meaningful conversations and renew our shared purpose.

During the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to county Farm Bureau events across the state—from San Diego and Orange to Siskiyou, Butte and El Dorado. Each stop reinforces something essential: Community is still alive and well. But it’s up to us to keep it vibrant, connected and relevant. We do that by showing up, listening to our members and creating authentic opportunities where they feel heard, supported and inspired.

The events I attended weren’t just celebrations of agriculture. They were vibrant demonstrations of what Farm Bureau stands for. 

In San Diego County, the Graze at the Fields event held at the beautiful Carlsbad Flower Fields brought together farmers, chefs, local businesses and community members around food and kinship. The San Diego event was a powerful example of our mission in action. From the smoked tuna chowder to the educational exhibits and the presence of Ag in the Classroom, this was agriculture brought to life. We didn’t just talk about the importance of farming. We showed it.

Orange County’s Steakfry had its own unique flavor both literally and figuratively. Santa Maria-style barbecue and the energy of 4-H and FFA youth reminded us of the deep roots we have in our communities. 

In El Dorado County, people came together across generations to reclaim a community space, dance and celebrate their rural lifestyle. This is what makes Farm Bureau more than an organization. It makes us a movement.

Advocacy is no longer something we do once a year with a large contingent in Washington, D.C., or Sacramento. Through our Calling on the Capitol Series, we are reimagining what member engagement can look like. Smaller groups meeting more frequently are building stronger, more personal connections with elected officials. Members who’ve never advocated before are stepping up, supported by our staff and empowered with information.

This approach is delivering tangible results: more confidence among our members, better visibility with policymakers and deeper relationships. Our advocacy is becoming more accessible, more dynamic and more effective because it’s rooted in the lived experiences of our members.

Whether in board meetings or at community events, what I hear again and again is a desire for connection, support and relevance. People are craving meaningful engagement. 

At a recent gathering in El Dorado County, I sat with a family that was raising their kids in the agricultural lifestyle. They didn’t regularly attend board meetings, but they were there, involved and invested to secure the future of the next generation. 

That’s why listening is at the core of everything we do. It’s how the Calling on the Capitol Series evolved. It’s how we’re shaping programs at the county level, and it’s how we ensure that innovation and relevance stay central to our mission.

We know the headwinds farmers face: uncertainty with tariffs, high costs and added regulatory pressure. These are real challenges impacting livelihoods. So how do we respond? With new ideas, solutions and a commitment to making Farm Bureau essential to the people we serve.

This year, we’ve made intentional growth to increase operational engagement and align our work with three clear goals: advocacy, organizational strength and member value. We’ve reorganized the board around these pillars, and the questions coming from our leadership reflect a forward-looking mindset: What does the Farm Bureau of the future look like? How can the state office better support the counties?

Today’s world is filled with distractions, and lifestyle changes have pulled people away from the traditional concept of community. But what I see—event after event, county after county—is that people still want to come together. And when Farm Bureaus provide the right opportunities, they do—by the hundreds.

When we talked in January about the three pillars—policy advocacy, business solutions and leadership development—we committed to not just talk but act. I can confidently say that we are moving the needle. The unity I’ve seen among members, the curiosity and engagement of youth, and the dedication of our board and staff are a testament to that.

The heart of our strength is our people. Our power lies in our unity and our grassroots energy. Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep connecting.

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