RICHMOND—More than 50 women agricultural leaders from across Virginia made history on February 26 when they gathered at the state capitol for the inaugural Farm Woman Lobby Day.
The participants, who represent farming operations throughout the state, came together as part of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program to advocate for agricultural literacy while the 2026 General Assembly session continues. The women visited lawmakers’ offices to share their perspectives and promote farming education.
During their visits, the farm women handed out copies of “Farm Boots,” this year’s Agriculture in the Classroom featured book, to state legislators. They urged the lawmakers to read the book to students in their districts during Agricultural Literacy Week, scheduled for March 23-27.
The event featured remarks from several key state officials, including Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, along with administration officials and rural advocates.
“Thank you for the work you do in communities across Virginia,” Gov. Spanberger told the assembled women. “In the legislation that’s moving forward, or the work our administration is doing, it’s important we have an agricultural perspective at the table.”
Katie Frazier, Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, emphasized the state government’s dedication to supporting the commonwealth’s largest private industries.
“And we want to build on the diversity of our industries and see opportunities for growth across all sectors in all areas,” Frazier explained. “Many of our legislators are not from areas that represent agriculture anymore, but they still understand and appreciate the impact that all of you make in your community.”
Del. Justin Pence, R-Edinburg, who farms in addition to serving in the legislature and sits on the VFBF state board representing the northern Shenandoah Valley, highlighted the significance of 2026 being declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
“Women need to be where the decisions are made,” Pence emphasized. “It’s meaningful when you come here to share your perspectives. Agriculture is a bipartisan issue, and Farm Bureau has a great working relationship with legislators on both sides of the aisle.”
Orange County farmer and district women’s leader Katelyn Burner delivered a book to the office of Del. Lily V. Franklin, D-Roanoke.
“We are celebrating women in agriculture,” Burner explained. “About a third of Virginia farms are women-owned and-operated, which is amazing. And we’re also celebrating 16 years of Ag Literacy Week. This is an opportunity to teach children in kindergarten through third grade about where their food comes from, the importance of farms, and how hard farmers work.”
Sen. Russet W. Perry, D-Leesburg, praised the impact that Farm Bureau advocates have on state lawmakers, noting that their voices distinguish themselves among the numerous special interest groups that lobby the General Assembly.
“We know that women of the Farm Bureau are so strong, so tough and so smart!” Perry declared.
Faye Hundley, who chairs the Women’s Leadership Committee, urged the participating women leaders to “keep that little fire burning.”
“And continue to advocate as strongly as you have today,” she added.
