Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall announced his candidacy for president of the American Farm Bureau Federation July 17 while speaking at the annual GFB Young Farmer Conference in Georgia. The Greene County native is in his fifth two-year term as president of Georgia’s largest farm organization.
“Agriculture and farming will continue to play an enormously important role in the future of our country. It’s no secret that our rural population is shrinking, and the world population is expanding. America’s farmers and ranchers need a strong Farm Bureau organization to advocate for them,” Duvall said. “There has never been a more important time for agriculture to maintain an effective grassroots organization. As a third-generation farmer, I am passionate about the outlook for agriculture and excited to kick off this campaign.”
Duvall’s announcement came three days after the July 14 statement by current AFBF President Bob Stallman that he would not seek re-election in January.
“Bob has been a great leader for American Farm Bureau,” said Duvall, “He has set a wonderful example for the organization.”
Duvall has held numerous leadership roles in Farm Bureau at the county, state, and national levels. As GFB president, he has served on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors since 2007. During his tenure, Duvall has served on numerous AFBF committees and presently serves on the finance committee.
Duvall began his Farm Bureau journey as a volunteer with his local Greene County Farm Bureau, where he still serves on the board of directors. In 1982, he won the GFB Young Farmer Achievement Award and went on to win the AFBF Award in 1983. Duvall chaired the GFB Young Farmer Committee in 1985, and in 1987, he served as chairman of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and on the AFBF Board under the leadership of the late AFBF President Dean Kleckner from Iowa.
A longtime local public servant, Duvall has served as county commission chairman and president of the local electric membership corporation. He has received various appointments by Georgia’s last two governors. Duvall also serves as a deacon at the New Hope Baptist Church in Greene County.
A lifelong dairyman, Duvall sold his milking herd in 2005 and began raising beef cattle. He and his wife of 36 years, Bonnie, now run a 250 brood-cow beef operation and continue to raise poultry and hay. The Duvalls have four children and three grandchildren.
