RICHMOND—When women show up, amazing things happen.
Over 50 leaders representing agricultural operations across Virginia met at the state capitol to connect, learn and make their voices heard on Feb. 26 as part of the first-ever Farm Woman Lobby Day. Members of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program visited legislative offices to promote agricultural literacy as the 2026 General Assembly session continues.
Women distributed the Agriculture in the Classroom Book of the Year Farm Boots to legislators, and encouraged them to read to their district students in celebration of Agricultural Literacy Week March 23-27.
Farm women also heard from Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, administration leaders and rural advocates.
“Thank you for the work you do in communities across Virginia,” Spanberger said. “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.”
Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier said the governor’s cabinet is committed to promoting and protecting the state’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,” she said. “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, is a farmer and VFBF state board member representing the northern Shenandoah Valley. He noted that 2026 is designated as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
“Women need to be where the decisions are made,” Pence said. “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 left a book with staff at the office of Del. Lily V. Franklin, D-Roanoke.
“We are celebrating women in agriculture,” she said. “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, said Farm Bureau’s advocates make a lasting impression on lawmakers. Their voices stand out among the many special interest groups lobbying at the General Assembly.
“We know that women of the Farm Bureau are so strong, so tough and so smart!” Perry said.
Faye Hundley, WLC chair, encouraged the women leaders to “keep that little fire burning.”
“And continue to advocate as strongly as you have today.”
-Virginia Farm Bureau