A Virginia high school senior’s mission to connect consumers with agricultural producers has earned her statewide recognition from the Farm Bureau.
Savannah Jones from Appomattox County High School received the title of 2026 Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador during the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Conference held in Harrisonburg.
According to Faye Hundley, chair of VFBF’s Women’s Leadership Committee, this honor celebrates young people’s agricultural accomplishments and gives them a platform to represent Farm Bureau and Virginia’s top industry.
Jones, who comes from four generations of farming families and participates actively in FFA and 4-H organizations, intends to earn her bachelor’s degree in animal science before becoming a veterinarian specializing in large animals.
During her conference presentation, Jones highlighted a startling statistic: “Did you know that 7% of Americans believe that chocolate milk comes from a brown cow? While that doesn’t seem like much, it equates to 23 million people.”
Given that most Americans are now three generations away from farming life, Jones proposes creating agricultural education packages for schools. These resources would feature brief 10-20 minute lessons, interactive components, spotlights on Virginia agricultural products, and educational videos.
Her plan also includes establishing year-round virtual farm partnerships with elementary students. Using photographs, video content, and live question-and-answer sessions, this program would link “students to real Virginia agriculture” while giving farmers chances to tell their stories.
“These activities will introduce consumers to what farmers are doing and why they’re doing it, as well as highlight the deep passion and love agriculturalists have for growing crops and raising livestock,” Jones explained.
Jones has taken on leadership positions within her school’s FFA chapter, worked as a 4-H Youth Livestock State Ambassador, and participates in the Appomattox Student Internship Program. She credits these youth organizations with influencing her career direction.
“Our youth are the next generation of agriculture supporters, and we must start there to invoke change,” Jones said. “I hope to sow a seed for a love of ag that will blossom as they grow.”
Jones received a $2,000 monetary prize provided by Colonial Farm Credit and Farm Bureau.
Second place went to Mindi Burch from Shenandoah County, who holds an MBA from Perdue University Global. Along with her husband Ben, she operates Corner Market Farm to Table, works as an EMT with Augusta County Fire and Rescue, and teaches part-time at Bridgewater College. She earned a $500 cash award.
Members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program promote agriculture, the state’s biggest industry, by conducting community education programs, local outreach projects, and advocating for Farm Bureau policies.
VFBF represents Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy organization with nearly 137,000 members across 88 county Farm Bureaus. The organization operates as a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary group dedicated to supporting Virginia’s agricultural sector.
For more information, contact Christy Murphy, Women’s Leadership Program coordinator, at 804-584-6210.
