Virginia Farm Bureau Federation honored Keighley Gore of Stephens City with the VFBF Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman Award March 11 at its annual Women’s Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach.

The award honors involvement in a farm or agricultural business, an agricultural leadership role and participation in community activities. Recipients are nominated by their peers within Farm Bureau.

Gore’s interest in agriculture began with 5 acres and an enthusiasm for the outdoors. This interest was cultivated through 4-H, FFA and Pony Club events, which shaped her appreciation and respect for large animals.

Through her work with the Frederick County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, Gore has been integral in advocating for agricultural education, such as the Beef-A-Poluza event to promote Beef Month and educate the community about beef cattle, nutrition, different cuts of meat, and more.

In addition to her work with the Women’s Leadership Committee, Gore serves on the Frederick County Public Schools Agriculture Advisory Board, as well as the Virginia FFA Foundation Board. She also serves on the Frederick County Extension Leadership Council as a member at large.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to learn about all facets of agriculture in Virginia and how women are enhancing each venture—whether it’s leading large farming operations, taking charge of the family farm market, demanding policy change, or raising the next generation of producers,” Gore said. “I’m in awe of the women who advocate for agriculture and will do my best to shine light on their work and inspire others.”

Keighley lives with her husband, Levi, and two children. Together with their family they operate a meat processing business and maintain honeybee hives and a small flock of chickens.

She will receive a $500 cash prize, courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., and travel packages to the 2023 VFBF Annual Convention and the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Salt Lake City.

Cynthia Martel of Franklin County was named runner-up. She is a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Franklin and has been involved with the county Farm Bureau’s women’s committee for five years. While serving on the committee she has participated in Agriculture Literacy Week, written a grant proposal for a committee activity and assisted in YMCA afterschool programs.

Martel will receive a $250 cash prize, courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

With 133,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to supporting Virginia’s agriculture industry.

Contact Pam Wiley, vice president of communications, at 804-291-6315 or Samantha Beard, VFBF Women’s Leadership Program coordinator, at 804-290-1031.