HARRISONBURG—Whether they grew up in a multigenerational farm family or are newcomers to agriculture, women farmers are making an impact in their communities throughout the commonwealth.
At its annual conference, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program typically honors a “Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman,” for her contributions to a farm business, agricultural enterprise or rural leadership.
But this year is different.
The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer to highlight the role of women in food production, distribution and agricultural trade, while improving livelihoods at home. The VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee celebrated this by recognizing farm women from all 14 of the organization’s districts at their conference on April 11 in Harrisonburg.
“We thought it fitting to honor more than just one distinguished farmer this year,” said keynote speaker Kiah Twisselman Burchett, a ranch girl-turned-motivational-speaker called Coach Kiah. “We’ve had so many incredible women making a difference in agriculture every day.”
Their roles run the gamut, said Faye Hundley, Women’s Leadership Committee chair.
“These remarkable ladies are leaders, educators and advocates,” she said. “And true champions of the farm!”
All 2026 Distinguished Farm Bureau Women won a paid trip to the annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January, to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“The nominees were all surprised to be honored,” said Christy Murphy, VFBF Women’s Leadership coordinator. “They expected only one of them to be selected Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman.”
They are:
DISTRICT 1 — Cindy Mullins of Wise County is a fourth-generation farmer now raising her own daughter with the same “boots-on-the-ground” approach, with passion to see farming and agriculture succeed in rural Wise County.
DISTRICT 2 — Kristy Waller of Smyth County is a first-generation dairy farmer also raising livestock for beef and pork, sold through the family’s retail operation called The Farmhouse Market.
DISTRICT 3 — Sheila Newman of Carroll County runs a cow-calf operation, and is passionate about preserving the heritage of agriculture. Newman helped implement the Carroll County Special Assessment Land Program, and supports regional producers through the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market.
DISTRICT 4 — Monica Bowman of Franklin County is a third-generation dairy farmer and agricultural advocate, organizing activities for Agriculture Literacy Week and coordinating farm safety days. Bowman also serves on her Farm Bureau board, multiple subcommittees, and the county’s Ag Development Committee.
DISTRICT 5 — Elaine Martin of Augusta County owns a direct-to-consumer beef business and knows firsthand that the public lacks awareness about the sources of food. She connects with community members by sharing stories about her farm upbringing.
DISTRICT 6 — Kayla Lawrence of Frederick County co-manages a fifth-generation farm operation called Richard’s Fruit Market—a diverse, local agricultural business. Lawrence has led award-winning initiatives to enhance rural exploration with agritourism programming in Frederick County.
DISTRICT 7 — Helen Taylor of Prince William–Fairfax County is a long-standing women’s leader and advocate for WLC projects, ensuring that agricultural education, outreach and literacy efforts leave a lasting impression on every generation.
DISTRICT 8 — Cheryl Falvella of Fluvanna County generates local interest in agriculture through multiple educational and arts initiatives, including the “Soil your Undies” decomposition challenge that promotes understanding of soil health. She also leads popular barn quilt painting classes benefitting youth programs.
DISTRICT 9 — Karen Jones of Chesterfield County has served her women’s committee for over 20 years. A retired schoolteacher, Jones is an advocate for agricultural education with a gift for human connection and engaging newcomers to Farm Bureau.
DISTRICT 10 — Katie Hammock of Pittsylvania County is a nurse also known as “The Dairy Wife.” She has witnessed the consequences of farm accidents firsthand, which has led her to become a safety advocate, hosting workshops statewide, and developing a Farm Bureau first aid kit.
DISTRICT 11 — Katrina Wells of Lunenburg County grows fields of flowers at Lunenburg Lavender. Cultivating lavender and producing bath and beauty products has become a labor of love, with opportunities to share her agriculture story with visitors.
DISTRICT 12 — Stacy Richardson of King & Queen County is a realtor who incorporates agricultural awareness into property showings with clients, helping them understand the value of farmland and the local role of agriculture. An Ag Day event on her family farm enhances the community’s knowledge of farming.
DISTRICT 13 — Stephanie Ripchick of New Kent County opens her farm seasonally to schoolchildren and the public, allowing visitors to experience agriculture, grow their farm knowledge, and build connections between farmers and consumers.
DISTRICT 14 — Roxanne Stonecypher of Chesapeake-Virginia Beach is a leader who strengthened local agricultural programming, encouraged broader participation in Farm Bureau, and elevated the visibility of the WLC initiatives. She has been integral to local farm-related projects that have earned national recognition.
Additional nominees include Aimee Adams of Charlotte County; Sandra Heath of Patrick County; Cheyenne Rhodes of Shenandoah County; Ashley Fisher of Tazewell County; and Shawn Carr of Isle of Wight County.
“And we had a couple nominees who withdrew their names,” Murphy added. “They said they didn’t feel worthy of the honor.”
Learn more about the Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program.
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.
