GFB News Magazine
GFB Women Strengthen Leadership Skills at ACE Summit
by Heather King
Women's Leadership Programs Coordinator
Posted on October 2, 2026 4:01 PM
In June, 19 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members joined nearly 500 agricultural advocates from across the U.S. and the world in Washington, D.C., for the American Farm Bureau Federation's International Year of the Woman Farmer Advocate, Cultivate, Empower (ACE) Summit.
Hosted by AFBF as part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), the three-day conference celebrated the role women play in agriculture while equipping participants with leadership skills, advocacy tools and professional connections.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions, attendees explored topics ranging from agricultural trade and labor to personal growth. GFB’s delegation took full advantage of the summit to strengthen their voices as advocates for agriculture.
One panel discussion explored how 2026 was designated the IYWF. Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council; Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer for the International Fresh Produce Association; and Karla Thieman, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs at JBS USA, discussed the collaboration that led to the international recognition. Learn more at https://gfb.ag/iywf.
The panel also highlighted AFBF's recently released Women in Agriculture Study, which examines the many roles women fill on farms, ranches and within agricultural businesses. Read more on opposite page.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall encouraged attendees to continue sharing their agricultural stories and emphasized the essential role women play in producing food, fiber and fuel. Georgia attendees also enjoyed a private tour of AFBF headquarters led by Duvall.
Another panel featured international women ag leaders who shared how collaboration, mentorship and communication are advancing opportunities for women in agriculture. Panelists Ale Aguirre of the Southside Native Seed Project, Deané de Bruin of Flat Acre Farms, and Abi Reader, president of the National Farmers Union Cymru, discussed the importance of building strong support networks and using social media to connect with consumers and challenge outdated perceptions of farming.
During the Women in Ag Day on Capitol Hill, attendees met directly with lawmakers to advocate for agriculture. GFB’s delegation met with U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s staff, Rep. Buddy Carter’s staff, and Rep. Clay Fuller’s staff to discuss issues affecting Georgia farmers and rural communities.
The day ended with the IYWF Congressional Reception, where Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, discussed the importance of recognizing and supporting women in agriculture. The Georgia delegation enjoyed a special evening tour of the U.S. Capitol led by Rep. Buddy Carter.
The ACE Summit reinforced the important role women play in agriculture and equipped attendees with new ideas, stronger connections and renewed enthusiasm for advocacy. GFB’s delegation returned home prepared to continue serving as leaders and champions for Georgia agriculture.
Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Programs 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.
GFB members honed their leadership and advocacy skills while attending the AFBF ACE Summit, June 1-3, in Washington, D.C. /Photo courtesy of Heather King