GFB News Magazine
Female farmers share your thoughts by March 31!
by Heather King
Posted on February 27, 2026 2:47 AM
Female farmers: share your thoughts!
The American Farm Bureau WLC is conducting a National Women in Agriculture Study to capture women’s voices across the U.S. involved with agriculture and forestry. The study aims to gain a better understanding of the experiences and future needs of women who farm, ranch, or work in ag education, advocacy, agribusiness and related ag/forestry fields. Please take the survey by March 31 at www.gfb.ag/women-in-ag-study.
GFB Women celebrating International Year of the Woman Farmer
Members of the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee are from left: Chairwoman Romy Strickland, Spalding Co., GFB Dist. 5; Vice Chairwoman Anna Strickland, Madison Co., GFB Dist. 2; Emilia Jackson, Floyd Co., GFB Dist.1; Carol McQueen, Henry Co., GFB Dist. 3; Della Fowler, Greene Co., GFB Dist. 4; Jane Wooten, Jeff Davis Co., GFB Dist. 6; Whitney Sheppard, Screven Co., GFB Dist. 7; Alicia Berry, Sumter Co., GFB Dist. 8; Michaela White, Thomas Co., GFB Dist. 9; & Melissa Williams, Berrien Co., GFB Dist. 10. /Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Learn how a coalition of U.S. female ag leaders asked for the designation on page 14. The year will spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, which often go unrecognized, from production to trade. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. The GFB Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) will celebrate the year at its Women in Ag Summit in March, at its district meetings and while advocating for agriculture through the year.
The GFB WLC will host its 4th Annual Women in Ag Summit in Savannah on March 19-20. The summit will provide personal and professional development to women in Georgia agriculture. Attendees will participate in a service project and hear from keynote speaker, Courtenay DeHoff, a motivational speaker and tv personality.
GFB’s WLC consists of a great group of enthusiastic district chairwomen who are looking forward to promoting agriculture and helping ladies in their districts do the same. Planning is underway for this year’s district Women’s Leadership meetings that will begin this spring and run throughout the year.
These events usually include a farm tour, an educational lesson or informative speaker, a hands-on activity, and the chance to meet other female Farm Bureau members. Watch for announcements about the 2026 meetings from your county offices and on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group.
Women’s Leadership activities can range from teaching an Ag in the Classroom lesson at your local school or library, hosting a legislative event, or manning an exhibit at a local festival to promote agriculture to consumers. Please reach out to your county Farm Bureau if you’re interested in getting involved.
Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program Coordinator Heather King may be reached at hcking@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to volunteer with your local Women’s Leadership Committee.