Fourteen women leaders complete communications training to support agriculture and rural communities
Fourteen women leaders from farm and ranch families across the United States have completed the latest session of the American Farm Bureau Federation's Women's Communications Boot Camp.
The intensive four-day program helped participants strengthen their communication skills through hands-on training in public speaking, media engagement, and message development. The goal of the program is to prepare agricultural leaders to effectively share the story of farming and ranching with consumers, policymakers, and local communities.
“Women are influential leaders in agriculture, driving progress through their commitment and engagement,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana row crop farmer and chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “As Boot Camp graduates strengthen their communications skills, they will be even better equipped to serve their communities and advance Farm Bureau’s mission at the local, state and national levels.”
Women continue to play an important role in modern agriculture. Through leadership positions on farms, ranches, agricultural organizations, and community groups, they help shape the future of the industry. The training program is designed to give participants the confidence and tools needed to communicate agricultural issues clearly and accurately.
During the boot camp, attendees practiced media interviews, learned how to develop effective messages, and improved their public speaking abilities. These skills can help them advocate for policies that support farmers and ranchers while also helping consumers better understand food production.
Farm Bureau leaders praised the graduates for their dedication to agriculture and community leadership. They noted that strong communication skills are increasingly important as farmers and ranchers work to explain modern agricultural practices and address public questions about food production, sustainability, and rural life.
“Boot Camp graduates demonstrate a deep commitment to agriculture and their communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “These Farm Bureau women have challenged themselves to grow as leaders and communicators, and the skills they have developed will help them strengthen Farm Bureau and agriculture for generations to come.”
The graduating class represented several states and a range of agricultural backgrounds. Participants brought experiences from crop production, livestock operations, agribusiness, and other agricultural sectors. The diverse group allowed attendees to exchange ideas and learn from one another while strengthening their leadership abilities.
One participant said the program helped improve her ability to communicate with consumers and share agricultural perspectives with people who may not have direct connections to farming. Building these connections is an important part of increasing public understanding of agriculture.
The Women's Communications Boot Camp has become a well-established leadership development program within the Farm Bureau. Since its launch, hundreds of women have completed the training and gone on to serve as advocates, educators and community leaders. Many graduates use their skills to support local and national agricultural initiatives while helping tell the story of farming to broader audiences.
The 2026 fall session marked the 25th boot camp organized by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Since the program began, 367 women have graduated from the training. The milestone reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to leadership development and communication education.
Training sessions are offered twice each year through a partnership between the American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee and Farm Bureau staff. The program provides participants with practical experience and professional guidance designed to improve communication effectiveness.
“Boot Camp has helped me polish my media skills and ability to communicate with consumers,” said Kelsey Grapperhaus of North Carolina, a wholesale seed supplier serving the Southeast. “It’s been a great opportunity to learn how to effectively share my perspective with people who may not have a direct connection to farming.”
As agriculture faces new challenges and opportunities, effective communication remains essential. Programs such as the Women's Communications Boot Camp help ensure agricultural leaders are prepared to engage with consumers, media representatives, and policymakers while promoting the interests of rural communities.
Applications for the next session will open in December 2026, giving more women involved in agriculture the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills that can benefit their farms, organizations and communities.
Photo Credit: American Farm Bureau Federation