Zippy Duvall elected president of American Farm Bureau

Zippy Duvall was elected president of the American Farm Bureau Federation at the group's annual convention in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday.

Duvall has served about 10 years as president of the Georgia Farm Bureau based in Macon, according to a news release.

Duvall, a boiler, cattle and hay farmer from Greensboro, becomes the 12th national president during the Federation's nearly 97-year history. The previous president had served the past 16 years.

"I am so humbled and thankful for your support and belief in my leadership for AFBF president," Duvall said in a statement. "I will continue to represent all farmers and ranchers across the states. May God bless each of you as AFBF moves forward."

Gerald Long of Bainbridge succeeds Duvall as the new president of the Georgia Farm Bureau. Long has served as first vice president since 2008. Robert Fountain Jr. of Emanuel County was selected to serve as first vice president. Long and Fountain will serve until Dec. 6, at which time GFB members will chose to fill the positions.

To contact writer Linda S. Morris, call 744-4223 or follow her on Twitter@MidGaBiz.

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 9:19 PM with the headline "Zippy Duvall elected president of American Farm Bureau ."