Farm Credit Highlights Mission, Policy Advocacy and Customer Support During 2026 Annual Meeting

Annual gathering reaffirms commitment to serving agriculture and rural America

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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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. The meeting focused on raising the bar for excellence in serving America's farmers, ranchers and rural communities through reliable financing, advocacy, education and support resources.

Why it matters

As a network of member-owned cooperatives, Farm Credit plays a critical role in providing access to credit and other essential services for the agriculture industry and rural communities. The annual meeting allows Farm Credit to reaffirm its mission, coordinate advocacy efforts, and showcase initiatives designed to enhance customer service and support the future of American agriculture.

The details

Over three days, Farm Credit directors and staff discussed current policy developments, the organization's ongoing advocacy work, and initiatives to improve member services and ensure a strong future for agriculture and rural America. Key topics included credit policy improvements in the upcoming Farm Bill, the agricultural economic outlook, leadership and resilience, innovations in agriculture, and the importance of bipartisanship in supporting the industry.

  • The 2026 Farm Credit Annual Meeting took place from February 7-9, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Christy Seyfert

President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council.

Jeffery Hall

Board Chairman and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration.

Jim Wiesemeyer

Veteran policy analyst who provided an agricultural economic outlook for 2026.

Chaunté Lowe

Four-time Olympian and bronze medalist in the high jump who delivered an inspiring message on perseverance.

Stan Claussen

Farm Credit Council Board Chair who farms corn, sugar beets, soybeans and alfalfa in Montevideo, Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We are talking about raising the bar on excellence. 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.”

— Christy Seyfert, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council (americanagnetwork.com)

“The importance of collaboration, a high standard of member service and ensuring a strong future for agriculture and rural communities.”

— Jeffery Hall, Board Chairman and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

The Farm Credit Council Board of Directors will continue to advocate for credit policy improvements in the upcoming Farm Bill 2.0 to provide long-term certainty for producers and rural communities.

The takeaway

The 2026 Farm Credit Annual Meeting reaffirmed the organization's mission-driven focus on supporting agriculture and rural America through reliable financing, advocacy, education and other essential services. As a member-owned cooperative network, Farm Credit is committed to raising the bar on excellence in serving its customers and ensuring a strong future for the industry.