Women advocate for agriculture during 2021 conference | ARTICLE BY ALICE KEMP, PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
Women’s Committee Program awards were presented to county representatives by 2021 Virginia Future Little Miss Agriculture USA RyleeAnn Waitson at the closing session.
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articipants in the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Conference were excited to reconnect and recharge after the 2020 conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Members of county Farm Bureau women’s committees from across the state gathered in Henrico County Aug. 27-29 and discussed ways to advocate for agriculture under the theme “Together Toward Tomorrow.” “It turned out really great,” said Faye Hundley, VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee chairman. “Everyone enjoyed participating in the many educational workshops. I had people tell me they learned so much more about our own members, farmers and the diversity we have in agriculture.” VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor commended the women’s committee for its resilience and adaptability. “At the start of this pandemic, no 10
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one knew what they were going to be able to do, but you never left— you just kept on,” he said. “Your commitment to staying connected over the past months is inspiring.” Pryor highlighted the committee’s charitable efforts, including the 2020 PB&J Food Drive that raised more than 4,300 pounds of food and $3,300 in cash donations. He also praised the committee for its “tireless and endless creative efforts to support Agriculture in the Classroom and future generations of decision makers who understand and appreciate agriculture’s impact.” He encouraged leaders to continue talking with everyone about agriculture’s importance. “Engage with media, engage our consumers in conversations about food and about agriculture,” he said. “And last, but certainly not least, stay politically active. We need all the activists we can get.” American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership vice chair Lorenda Overman was the keynote speaker.
Overman farms with her husband in North Carolina and manages the family farm’s swine and row crop operations. She emphasized the importance of welcoming diversity in each person’s story and finding the common ground to make a connection. She also encouraged conference participants to face challenges and step out of their comfort zones—embracing the uncomfortable. “Don’t let the imposter syndrome win,” she said. “Use the tools and the talents you have and you own to achieve your goals. Always know your audience … know who you are, and know that you have value.” Conference workshops focused on the future of the Farm Bureau women’s program, explored unique farming operations around Virginia, and educated attendees about mental health concerns affecting farmers and their families. Participants also learned about AITC’s vast resources, uses for dried flowers and herbs from the garden, and how to make cream cheese.
