(NAFB.com) – The American Farm Bureau Federation recently announced the members of its 13th Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) class, a program designed to help agricultural leaders strengthen their advocacy and communication skills. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said strong leadership is essential as agriculture faces growing policy challenges. “Effective advocacy at the local, state, and national levels has never been more critical to advancing policies that support agriculture and strengthen rural communities,” Duvall said. The two-year program includes four intensive training modules focused on legislative policymaking, issues management, leadership development, media relations, and social media engagement. Participants gain hands-on experience designed to prepare them to advocate for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Members of PAL Class 13 represent Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Utah. To qualify, applicants must be Farm Bureau members between the ages of 30 and 45 with demonstrated leadership abilities. Program co-sponsors include Farm Credit, Syngenta, John Deere, and Merck Animal Health.