Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women's Committee

06/19/2026

So close to home in 2027!

The American Farm Bureau Convention is one of the largest gatherings of the agriculture community in the nation. Every year, thousands of farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals and community leaders come together to learn from one another, hear new perspectives and return home with ideas. Whether you are interested in public policy, member engagement, rural development, or consumer engagement, offers opportunities to sharpen your leadership skills and connect with people who understand agriculture firsthand.

📰 https://bit.ly/4grldk7

06/17/2026

Member Candace W. Monaghan representing Botetourt County Farm Bureau in DC..

RICHMOND, Va. — This year’s American Farm Bureau Federation ACE Summit celebrated the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer, bringing together women from...

06/15/2026

PB&J donations are being accepted at the Fincastle Library on behalf of the Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women's Committee. Donations are made to our local food pantries. Please donate if you are able.

06/11/2026

In June we collect PB&J to give to the local food pantries! We have drop locations at the YMCA, the Farm Bureau office on 220, And the Eagle Rock, Buchanan and Blue Ridge libraries!

06/09/2026

This was filmed live from DC while we were in attendance last week. Take a listen!

Thanks to everyone who joined us in person for the latest Ag ConnectHER event hosted LIVE in Washington, DC, during the IYWF ACE Summit. If you missed the LIVE Ag ConnectHER event, don’t worry! You can watch the recording at https://www.fb.org/program/womens-leadership

06/08/2026

June is Dairy Month and in celebrating that we want you to meet Kim Martin. Kim and her husband own and operate Catawba View Dairy, located in Fincastle. Our vision to start a dairy on his family’s farm came to fruition in 2017 and has been a rewarding and insightful journey. We milk around 100 cows and grow our own corn, small grain, and hay to feed our milking herd and young stock.

Prior to working our dairy I spent 14 years in the fresh produce business! I would spend my time selling homegrown fruits and vegetables on the Roanoke City Market. Presently, my daily routine consists of milking the cows twice a day, managing calf care, and all breeding and record keeping for our herd. I really enjoy studying on how to advance our herd health and productivity through genetics!

Pursuing a career in dairy has given me exciting opportunities and new connections to grow both personally and professionally in agriculture. The schedule and workload is not for everyone, but dairy is not just a job, it is a passion and a lifestyle.

The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The Year will spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. IYWF 2026 will raise awareness and promote actions to close the gender gaps and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.

Throughout the year, Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee will be highlighting Women Farmers in our Community. We hope you enjoy!

Virginia Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Program
Botetourt County Farm Bureau
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation

06/08/2026

WLC member, Cathy Cronise, provided sandwiches, chips, ice cream sandwiches for the Youth with Character Academy lunch. One of the Counselors shared that her group of students later that afternoon told her that they learned so much from our sharing time and were appreciative of all the agriculture related giveaways.

06/05/2026

Member, Candace Monaghan has been in DC this week with Farm Bureau surrounded by 450 other women farmers from around the world to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer at the ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit.

They attended panel discussions and workshops focusing on leadership learning opportunities, financial planning, dealing with stress, and learning how to tell their story.

They also met women farmers from Whales, Ireland and Sweden, who are a part of AgConnect Her, an online educational platform to help farmers succeed.

05/31/2026

Global leaders. Bold conversations. The future of food systems. 🌱

We can’t wait for the IYWF ACE Summit next week!

05/18/2026

This educator’s guide was created to accompany “Farm Boots,” a book that explores seasons on the farm and the types of work that farmers do throughout the year. The five lessons cover science, math a…