AFBF program trains women farmers to strengthen agriculture advocacy.
Twelve farm and ranch women leaders have completed the spring session of the Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The four-day program focused on strengthening communication skills that support agriculture advocacy.
“Women play a vital role in advancing agriculture through leadership and engagement,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana row crop farmer and chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “As Boot Camp graduates refine their communications skills, their impact will benefit their communities as well as Farm Bureau at the local, state and national level.”
Participants received hands-on training in public speaking, working with the media, message development, and effective storytelling. The goal of the program is to help women confidently explain farming practices and agricultural issues to a wider audience.
Graduates will use their training by participating in local media interviews, communicating with elected officials, and joining social media campaigns that highlight modern agriculture. These efforts help connect farmers with the public and improve understanding of the agricultural industry.
Isabella Chism, an Indiana row crop farmer and chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee, said women play an important role in advancing agriculture. She noted that stronger communication skills allow participants to benefit their communities and Farm Bureau organizations at all levels.
The 2026 spring session graduates include Kelsey Prothro and Margie Raimondo of Arkansas; LaDonna LaValle of Florida; Sherry Kenney of Louisiana; Jennifer Williams of Mississippi; Nicole Lujan of New Mexico; Michelle Patterson of North Carolina; Caitlyn Barton of Ohio; Mieke deJong of Oregon; Diann Bussell and Haley Brazel of Tennessee; and Natalie Fullmer of Utah.
“Farm Bureau women across the country continue to step up as advocates for agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We value their commitment to leadership and lifelong learning.”
This marks the 24th Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by AFBF. The program now has 353 graduates and is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.
“This training let us ‘put our boots to the ground’ through real-life scenarios that prepare us to effectively share with people outside of agriculture,” said graduate Haley Brazel, a farmer and Farm Bureau member in Tennessee who is also an analyst at her local USDA Farm Service Agency office.
The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee hosts the program twice each year in partnership with AFBF staff. Applications for the fall 2026 session open on June 22.
Photo Credit: American Farm Bureau Federation