Amanda Durow, a fifth-generation dairy and crop farmer and agribusiness lender from Minnesota, joined fellow cohort members in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program for a trip to South Africa, September 2-14, 2025. 

The current cohort’s focus is agricultural labor, a critical issue affecting family farms across the United States. South Africa is a leading country of origin for farm workers who come to the U.S. under the H-2A visa program, and provided a unique experience for the participants.

“Traveling to South Africa was an amazing, eye-opening experience that gave me a global perspective on agriculture," said Durow. "I saw firsthand that while farming looks different around the world, the challenges – especially around labor – are universal. Farmers everywhere share the same resilience and commitment, and that inspires me as a leader to think bigger about the future of U.S. agriculture.”

Durow was selected as one of only ten agricultural leaders nationwide to participate in the program, a two-year intensive training that equips participants with advanced skills in advocacy, media, legislative engagement, and stakeholder relations. Through the program, the group has traveled to New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago to meet with policymakers, media, and industry leaders.