RICHMOND—This year’s American Farm Bureau Federation ACE Summit celebrated the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer, bringing together women from across the agricultural sector to recognize their contributions to farming, agribusiness and the global food supply chain.

Twenty-one Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee members joined around 450 attendees from across the U.S. and world for the landmark national gathering on June 1-3 in Arlington and Washington, D.C. The biennial ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit equips and connects women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals through leadership development, advocacy training, networking opportunities and professional growth.

“It was incredible to have such a large cohort of Virginia women representing us at the summit, especially during the IYWF,” said Faye Hundley, VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee chair. “The caliber of speakers and workshop topics made for a thought-provoking and educational experience that empowered women to see their value.”

Throughout the three-day event, attendees explored the origins and significance of the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer while examining the challenges and opportunities women in agriculture face across the globe. Educational sessions highlighted emerging trends in the global agricultural landscape, how technology is shaping agriculture, and effective strategies to share agriculture’s story with consumers, policymakers and communities.

Participants also heard from a lineup of agricultural leaders, including Sarah Frey, CEO and founder of Frey Farms; Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer of the International Fresh Produce Association; and Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

For Jennifer Bryington of Orange County Farm Bureau, attending the ACE Summit for the first time was an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and network with agriculture professionals from Ireland, Sweden and beyond.

“I attended workshops that stretched my thinking, but it was the conversations in between that stayed with me the most,” she said. “I heard stories of loss and resilience; and stories of women who kept showing up after droughts, hardships, heartbreak, financial struggles and unimaginable challenges. It reminded me of why our work matters so much.”

One of the event’s highlights was the release of AFBF’s National Women in Agriculture Study, which provided a comprehensive look at women working in U.S. agriculture.

The study found that 90% of respondents felt confident representing agriculture in public or professional settings and are interested in pursuing leadership roles. It also identified areas where more support is needed, like caregiving responsibilities, skill development, leadership involvement, financial planning and overall well-being.

On the final day of the summit, participants put their advocacy into action and met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. During meetings with Reps. John McGuire, Eugene Vindman, Jen Kiggans and Ben Cline, they shared insights and discussed challenges facing Virginia agriculture, including the impacts of this year’s severe weather on the commonwealth’s crops.

For Monica Bowman, this was a reminder that sharing stories can help create meaningful change.

“Our stories are more than personal experiences—they are powerful tools for shaping policy, building understanding and strengthening agriculture,” said the Franklin County Farm Bureau member.

Sheila Newman of Carroll County Farm Bureau echoed Bowman, adding that the summit offered a “unique opportunity” to learn from others and advocate for farming communities.

“I returned home with new knowledge, valuable connections, and a renewed appreciation for the important role women play in agriculture,” she said.

The VFBF delegation also included Candace Monaghan of Botetourt County; Sheila Newman of Carroll County; Aimee Adams of Charlotte County; Roxanne Stonecypher of Chesapeake; Faye Hundley of Essex County; Monica Bowman and Morgan Washburn of Franklin County; Stacy Richardson of King & Queen County; Kelsey Trainor of King George County; Elizabeth Dzula of Essex County; Jennifer Bryington, Katelyn Burner and Melissa Chambers of Orange County; Ginger Shotwell of Pittsylvania County; Ann Smith of Rockbridge County; Ashley Kuhler of Shenandoah County; Sarah Gillsespie of Smyth County; Cutler Blankenship and Amber Compton of Spotsylvania County; and Julia Stephens of Wythe County.

Participants in the Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program support agriculture, the state’s largest industry, through educational efforts in their communities; local outreach projects; and advocacy for Farm Bureau policies.

Contact Christy Murphy, Women’s Leadership Program coordinator, at 804-290-1031.