After 16 years, Bob Stallman gave his last opening general session address to the American Farm Bureau Federation membership on Sunday at the organization’s 97th annual convention.
“This is the final time I will appear before you at this podium as AFBF president. In just a couple of days, my last official act as president will be to announce the name of the new president of the American Farm Bureau Federation,” Stallman said. “It has been an honor and privilege…as well as a mind-boggling experience…to serve as president of this organization.”
Stallman reminded Farm Bureau members of the importance of fairness and the dangers of depending on government.
“When we ask for the aid of government, we should not be surprised when we find ourselves bound by the chains of government,” Stallman said. “We cannot have the freedom to live, work, play and pray as we see fit if we are willing to take those same freedoms from others. Just as our nation has emerged from contentious political and ideological battles before, we will do so again. You and I – all of us – have the responsibility to keep America great.”
Listen to Stallman’s entire speech here: Bob Stallman final speech to AFBF convention