"After discussions with my family and encouragement from friends and colleagues, I have decided to seek the presidency of the American Farm Bureau Federation at the AFBF annual meeting in January. I believe that my experiences and my leadership capabilities qualify me to lead the organization as our industry and our nation face challenging times.
"American agriculture needs the strong and unified voice of Farm Bureau. My diverse leadership experiences, both inside and outside Farm Bureau, have given me the unique qualifications to represent our nation’s farmers and ranchers.
"I firmly believe that Farm Bureau’s strength resides in our grassroots system. The bedrock of that system is the local Farm Bureau. We can only have a strong American Farm Bureau if we have strong state and county/parish Farm Bureaus. I will dedicate my efforts to strengthen and build on this tradition.
"AFBF President Bob Stallman has done an outstanding job leading our organization, and it has been an honor to work with him. I look forward to visiting with Farm Bureau members, listening to their ideas, and answering any questions they might have."
Villwock of Edwardsport in southwestern Indiana, took office as president of Indiana Farm Bureau and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance in January 2002. His farming operation produces white corn, soybeans, seed soybeans, and seed wheat.
According to his IFB biography, at the national level, Villwock is a member of the American Farm Bureau board of directors and a member of the executive committee. He is the national vice president of the Farm Bureau Bank, American Agricultural Insurance Company, and AFBIS. In January 2004 he was appointed to the AFBF Trade Advisory Committee. In June 2003, he was elected chairman of the board of trustees of the Farm Foundation. He is a member of the 25 x 25 Ag Energy Working Group, a national task force promoting the use of renewable fuels. He was also a finalist in the national Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet, was elected national chairman of the Young Farmer/Rancher committee, and in that role served on the AFBF board of directors.
A 1972 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in agricultural economics, Villwock has been involved with many state agriculture organizations and has been the recipient of many awards.
