After two decades in the classroom, Jessica M. Jones understands that the power of agricultural education can sustain the industry for generations to come.

The Pittsylvania County educator, who holds a doctorate in leadership studies, was named the 2024 Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman at the recent Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Conference in Roanoke.

The award recognizes a Farm Bureau woman for her agricultural leadership or her contributions to a farm business or agricultural enterprise.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with these ladies, for the work we’re doing in the agricultural industry, for our families, homes and in our communities,” Jones said at the awards ceremony. “I accept this award with all of you, representing what you do each and every day.”

Seven Farm Bureau women across the state were contenders for the award. Jones was nominated by Pittsylvania County farmer Chris Haskins, who is also a VFBF district field services director.

“A passionate educator and Farm Bureau member, she has experienced firsthand the power of Farm Bureau to not just be a support system to our community, but to serve as a transformational agent to society by implementing positive practices through legislative measures,” Haskins noted.

Jones has been teaching the importance of agriculture in Virginia classrooms since 2004, when she served as the agricultural education and environmental science teacher and FFA advisor in Campbell County’s public school system. She joined Pittsylvania County Public Schools in 2007 as the agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor at Chatham Middle School, and she currently works at Tunstall High School in the same capacity. She also is the coach and lead mentor for Tunstall High School FIRST Robotics. Additionally, Jones is a professor of agribusiness, communications and leadership at the University of Mount Olive, a private university in North Carolina.

Appointed by former Gov. Robert McDonnell and reappointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Jones is a Virginia milk commissioner for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Through this role, she helps ensure that Virginians have a constant, available and reasonably priced supply of milk. The Virginia Milk Commission also provides licenses to processors and distributors that sell fluid milk products in Virginia, with a goal of preserving market stability.

Faye Hundley, VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee chair, said Jones is a strong voice for agriculture—from the classroom level to the General Assembly.

“She is motivated to continue working in developing and implementing local, state and national legislative policies that strengthen our communities,” Hundley said. “This helps us be more sustainable in growing, marketing, distributing, servicing and educating the industry that provides the food, fiber and renewable fuel we all depend on.”

Jones also is the superintendent's Region VI representative and president and chair of the Advisory Board for Teacher Education and Licensure to the Virginia Board of Education. ABTEL makes recommendations to the Board of Education regarding personnel policies, education standards and other educational programs.

Jones earned a $500 cash award courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. and trips to the VFBF Annual Convention in Hot Springs in December, and the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio.

Runner-up Melissa Chambers of Orange County received a $250 cash award. She and her family have a 3,000-acre row crop and cattle operation at Brook Farms, and she teaches others about farm safety and the importance of agriculture.

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.

With almost 135,000 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 Christy Murphy, women’s leadership program coordinator, at 804-584-6210.