HARRISONBURG, Va. — From multi-generational farming families to agricultural newcomers, female farmers across Virginia are creating meaningful change in their local communities.
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program made history at their annual gathering by breaking from tradition. Instead of selecting just one recipient for their yearly “Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman” award, which recognizes contributions to farming enterprises, agricultural businesses, or rural leadership, they chose to honor exceptional women from every single district.
The decision came as the United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, an initiative aimed at showcasing women’s vital roles in food systems, agricultural commerce, and improving family welfare. The VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee marked this milestone by celebrating female farmers from all 14 organizational districts during their April 11 gathering 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.”
According to Faye Hundley, Women’s Leadership Committee chair, these women serve diverse functions within agriculture.
“These remarkable ladies are leaders, educators and advocates,” she said. “And true champions of the farm!”
Each 2026 Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman recipient earned an all-expenses-paid journey to the upcoming American Farm Bureau Federation Convention scheduled for January 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.”
The honorees include:
DISTRICT 1 — Cindy Mullins of Wise County represents fourth-generation farming traditions while raising her daughter using the same hands-on methods, demonstrating dedication to agricultural success in rural Wise County.
DISTRICT 2 — Kristy Waller of Smyth County operates as a first-generation dairy farmer while managing livestock for beef and pork production, marketed through their family business, The Farmhouse Market.
DISTRICT 3 — Sheila Newman of Carroll County manages a cow-calf enterprise while championing agricultural heritage preservation. Newman played a key role in establishing the Carroll County Special Assessment Land Program and supports area producers via the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market.
DISTRICT 4 — Monica Bowman of Franklin County continues third-generation dairy farming while advocating for agriculture through Agriculture Literacy Week activities and farm safety event coordination. Bowman participates on her Farm Bureau board, various subcommittees, and the county’s Ag Development Committee.
DISTRICT 5 — Elaine Martin of Augusta County operates a direct-sales beef enterprise and recognizes public knowledge gaps about food origins. She builds community connections by sharing personal farming experiences.
DISTRICT 6 — Kayla Lawrence of Frederick County helps manage Richard’s Fruit Market, a fifth-generation diversified agricultural operation. Lawrence has spearheaded award-winning agritourism programs that promote rural tourism in Frederick County.
DISTRICT 7 — Helen Taylor of Prince William–Fairfax County serves as a veteran women’s leader and WLC project supporter, ensuring agricultural education, community outreach, and literacy programs create lasting multigenerational impact.
DISTRICT 8 — Cheryl Falvella of Fluvanna County builds local agricultural interest through various educational and artistic programs, including the “Soil your Undies” decomposition experiment that teaches soil health concepts. She also conducts barn quilt painting workshops that benefit youth organizations.
DISTRICT 9 — Karen Jones of Chesterfield County has dedicated over two decades to women’s committee service. The retired educator advocates for agricultural learning with exceptional interpersonal skills and talent for welcoming Farm Bureau newcomers.
DISTRICT 10 — Katie Hammock of Pittsylvania County works as a nurse while earning recognition as “The Dairy Wife.” Her firsthand experience with farming injuries motivated her safety advocacy work, including statewide workshop presentations and Farm Bureau first aid kit development.
DISTRICT 11 — Katrina Wells of Lunenburg County cultivates flower fields at Lunenburg Lavender. Her lavender farming and bath product creation has evolved into a passionate venture that allows agricultural storytelling with visitors.
DISTRICT 12 — Stacy Richardson of King & Queen County works in real estate while integrating agricultural education into client property tours, helping them appreciate farmland value and local agricultural significance. Her family farm hosts an Ag Day event that builds community farming awareness.
DISTRICT 13 — Stephanie Ripchick of New Kent County welcomes school groups and community members to her seasonal farm operation, providing agricultural experiences that expand farming knowledge and strengthen farmer-consumer relationships.
DISTRICT 14 — Roxanne Stonecypher of Chesapeake-Virginia Beach leads efforts that have enhanced local agricultural programming, expanded Farm Bureau participation, and increased WLC initiative visibility. She has been essential to locally-based farm projects that received national recognition.
Other nominees included 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.”
The Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program participants advance agriculture, the state’s primary industry, through community education initiatives, local outreach activities, and Farm Bureau policy advocacy.
For additional information, contact Christy Murphy, women’s leadership program coordinator, at 804-290-1031.
