By Jamie Martin
A new group of agricultural leaders is ready to champion farming and rural communities after graduating from the American Farm Bureau Federation's Women's Communications Boot Camp.
The program brought together fourteen women from across the United States for an intensive four-day training experience focused on communication, leadership and advocacy. Participants completed workshops covering public speaking, media engagement, and message development.
“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.”
Agriculture depends on effective communication to connect farmers and ranchers with consumers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The boot camp was created to help participants build the skills needed to explain agricultural issues and represent the interests of rural communities.
Throughout the training, attendees participated in practical exercises that simulated real-world communication situations. They learned how to respond to media questions, share personal agricultural experiences, and communicate key messages in a clear and professional manner.
Farm Bureau leaders emphasized that women continue to make valuable contributions to agricultural leadership. By strengthening communication skills, participants become better prepared to support their local communities and contribute to the future success of the agricultural sector.
“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 program attracts individuals from diverse farming and ranching backgrounds. Participants have opportunities to share experiences, discuss challenges facing agriculture, and learn communication techniques from industry experts. This collaborative environment helps create strong networks among agricultural leaders from different regions.
Graduates leave the program with enhanced confidence and a better understanding of how to engage with audiences outside the farming community. Effective communication can help bridge the gap between agriculture and consumers, leading to greater awareness of the work involved in food and fiber production.
One participant noted that the experience improved her ability to communicate with consumers and explain agricultural issues to individuals who may have little direct exposure to farming. The training also helped refine media skills and provided practical strategies for sharing agricultural perspectives.
The Women's Communications Boot Camp has grown into one of Farm Bureau's most recognized leadership development initiatives. Since the first session, hundreds of women have completed the program and used their training to serve as advocates for agriculture.
The fall 2026 session represented an important milestone as the organization celebrated the 25th boot camp. Since the initiative began, a total of 367 women has graduated from the program, demonstrating its long-term impact on agricultural leadership.
“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.”
The American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee works closely with Farm Bureau staff to organize and conduct the training twice each year. Together, they provide educational experiences that help participants develop practical communication and leadership skills.
As agriculture continues to evolve, knowledgeable and confident communicators are needed more than ever. Programs like this help ensure that producers and agricultural advocates can effectively share information about farming, food production, and rural issues with a broad audience.
The next opportunity for participation will arrive when applications open for the spring 2027 session. Future participants will have the chance to further strengthen agriculture's voice and contribute to meaningful conversations about the industry's future.
Photo Credit: American Farm Bureau Federation
Categories: National