Ag News
Three Georgians among AFBF Women's Communications Boot Camp graduates
Posted on Nov 04, 2026 at 13:55 PM
Fourteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp, including three from Georgia.
From left, Taylor Outlaw of Wilkinson County, Toni Gaines of Bartow County and Bristol Peterson of Wilcox County were among the participants who completed an intensive four-day course featuring hands-on training in public speaking, media engagement and message development. / Photo courtesy of American Farm Bureau
“Women’s communication bootcamp was a life-changing experience,” Peterson said. “It provided another level of confidence for me when speaking up for agriculture. It taught us how to advocate, how to answer hard questions, and how to be a better voice for agriculture!”
Graduates will use their skills to advocate for farmers and ranchers, support issues important to rural communities and help tell agriculture’s story.
“I chose to participate in the Women’s Bootcamp because I want to be the best advocate for agriculture that I can be,” Gaines said. “The experience was incredibly meaningful, giving me the knowledge and confidence to better represent the farmers and ranchers who work every day to feed and fuel our country. I left inspired, empowered, and even more committed to being a voice for agriculture.”
Other graduates are Elizabeth Spruell (Alabama) Joy Tracey (Indiana), Katie Saterbak, (Minnesota), Janille Baker (Nevada), Kelsey Grapperhaus, Ashley Parker and Pamela Walker (North Carolina), Jacey Fye and Cyndi Mackey (Oklahoma), Sheila Newman (Virginia) and Kelly Wilfert (Wisconsin).
“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.”
This marks the 25th Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by AFBF. Since its inception in 2007, 367 women – a total of 10 from Georgia - have graduated from the program, which is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, in partnership with AFBF staff, hosts and provides training for Women’s Communications Boot Camp twice each year. Applications open Dec. 10 for the spring 2027 Boot Camp session.
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