Yuma Farmer John Boelts Steps Up as Arizona Farm Bureau President

During the 103 Annual Meeting of the Arizona Farm Bureau, Yuma farmer John Boelts stepped up as Arizona Farm Bureau President as Stefanie Smallhouse stepped down. President Boelts will finish out Smallhouse's last year of her current 2-year term with the option of running for election in November of 2025.

John Boelts, and his wife Alicia, farm 3,000 acres of fresh vegetables and melons, durum wheat, cotton, forage crops, and seed crops along with their partners in Yuma. John has served two terms as Yuma County Farm Bureau President, four years as Arizona Farm Bureau 2^nd Vice President, and the last seven years serving as 1^st Vice President.

President Smallhouse stepped down to pivot to family and their farm and ranch businesses going forward. Her seven years as president led the organization through some challenging times including the ongoing water issues in Arizona and also brought focused direction and policy successes to the organization.

"My memory is filled with so many stories from our members across the state and I will have a lasting connection to them regardless of whether our paths cross again," said President Smallhouse. "My peers from other states, who share similar experiences to my own and have advised me or sharpened my skills along the way, will always be treasured. John is ideal to step into the Arizona Farm Bureau presidency role and I'm excited for how he will carry the organization forward."

John and Alicia have three children, John, Matthew and Daisy.

Also in leadership, Pinal County Farm Bureau President and Farmer Richie Kennedy stepped into the First Vice Presidency position and Yavapai County Farm Bureau President and Agribusiness woman Sharla Mortimer become Second Vice President.

President Boelts' executive committee will include Graham County Farm Bureau President and Rancher Ben Menges and Cochise County Farm Bureau President and Agribusinessman Stephen Klump. This committee includes the First and Second Vice Presidents.

About Arizona Farm Bureau: The Arizona Farm Bureau is a member-driven, grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and improving the Arizona agriculture industry through member involvement in advocacy, outreach, education, programs, and services. The organization has more than 30,000 member families. Go to www.azfb.org to learn more about Arizona agriculture.