Virginia Farm Bureau Women Connect at ACE Summit

The American Farm Bureau Federation (FBF) ACE Summit this year honored the United Nations' International Year of the Woman Farmer by gathering women from all areas of agriculture to attend and acknowledge their role in the food production system, agribusiness and farming.

A total of some 450 participants from around the U.S. and the world joined with 21 members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women's Leadership Committee for the historic national women's leadership forum in Arlington and Washington, D.C. from June 1-3. The biennial ACE Summit equips and connects women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals through leadership development, advocacy training, networking opportunities and professional growth.

“It was incredible to have such a large cohort of Virginia women representing us at the summit, especially during the IYWF,” said Faye Hundley, VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee chair. “The caliber of speakers and workshop topics made for a thought-provoking and educational experience that empowered women to see their value.”

During the three-day event, participants discussed the history and importance of the UN's International Year of the Woman Farmer as well as the barriers and opportunities women farmers face throughout the world. Learning sessions focused on the current global trend in agriculture, the impact of technology in agriculture, and creative methods to tell the story of agriculture to consumers, policy makers and communities.

The participants also received a message from a group of agricultural leaders: CEO and founder of Frey Farms, Sarah Frey, the International Fresh Produce Association chief global policy officer, Alexis Taylor, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council president and CEO, Krysta Harden.

The ACE Summit was an initial opportunity to meet new people and gain new perspectives on agriculture for Jennifer Bryington from Orange County Farm Bureau, Ireland, Sweden and beyond.

“I attended workshops that stretched my thinking, but it was the conversations in between that stayed with me the most,” she said. “I heard stories of loss and resilience; and stories of women who kept showing up after droughts, hardships, heartbreak, financial struggles and unimaginable challenges. It reminded me of why our work matters so much.”

Highlight of the event was the release of AFBF's National Women in Agriculture Study, which takes an in-depth look at women engaged in U.S. agriculture.

Key Highlights:

• 450 women attended the AFBF ACE Summit
• 90% of women farmers are confident industry advocates
• Delegates urged lawmakers to address farming challenges

An overwhelming 90% of respondents expressed confidence in representing agriculture in both the public and professional arena, and they are interested in leadership positions. It also highlighted the gaps requiring further support, such as leadership involvement, skill development, financial planning, and overall well-being, as well as caregiving responsibilities.

On the last day of the summit, the participants put their advocacy into practice, interacting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C on Capitol Hill meetings with the representatives. They shared ideas and talked about the issues facing Virginia agriculture, including this year's extreme weather conditions and how they affected Virginia crops.

This was a reminder to Monica Bowman that storytelling can help to bring about real change.

“Our stories are more than personal experiences—they are powerful tools for shaping policy, building understanding and strengthening agriculture,” said the Franklin County Farm Bureau member.

Sheila Newman of Carroll County Farm Bureau said it was a great opportunity to learn from others and promote farming communities at the summit.

“I returned home with new knowledge, valuable connections, and a renewed appreciation for the important role women play in agriculture,” she said.

Other members of the VFBF delegation included Ann Smith of Rockbridge County, Ashley Kuhler of Shenandoah County, Sarah Gillsespie of Smyth County, Cutler Blankenship and Amber Compton of Spotsylvania County, Candace Monaghan of Botetourt County, Sheila Newman of Carroll County, Aimee Adams of Charlotte County, Roxanne Stone cypher of Chesapeake, Faye Hundley of Essex County, Monica Bowman and Morgan Washburn of Franklin County, Jennifer Bryington of Orange County, Katelyn Burner of Orange County, and Melissa Chambers of Orange County.

As members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Women Leadership Program, participants demonstrate their support of Virginia's biggest industry, agriculture, by engaging in education in their communities, local outreach efforts, and Farm Bureau advocacy.