The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program recognized 14 women from across the state as Distinguished Farm Bureau Women at its annual conference on April 11 in Harrisonburg. The awards, usually given to one recipient each year, were expanded this year to honor one woman from each district in observance of the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The recognition aims to highlight the vital role women play in agriculture and rural leadership throughout Virginia. The honorees represent a range of backgrounds, from multigenerational farm families to newcomers making an impact through education, advocacy, and agricultural business.
“We thought it fitting to honor more than just one distinguished farmer this year,” said keynote speaker Kiah Twisselman Burchett. “We’ve had so many incredible women making a difference in agriculture every day.” Faye Hundley, chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee, said: “These remarkable ladies are leaders, educators and advocates. And true champions of the farm!”
Winners received a paid trip to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention scheduled for January in Charlotte, North Carolina. Christy Murphy, coordinator for VFBF Women’s Leadership, said: “The nominees were all surprised to be honored. They expected only one of them to be selected Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman.”
Among those recognized were Cindy Mullins (Wise County), Kristy Waller (Smyth County), Sheila Newman (Carroll County), Monica Bowman (Franklin County), Elaine Martin (Augusta County), Kayla Lawrence (Frederick County), Helen Taylor (Prince William–Fairfax County), Cheryl Falvella (Fluvanna County), Karen Jones (Chesterfield County), Katie Hammock (Pittsylvania County), Katrina Wells (Lunenburg County), Stacy Richardson (King & Queen County), Stephanie Ripchick (New Kent County) and Roxanne Stonecypher (Chesapeake-Virginia Beach). Additional nominees included Aimee Adams, Sandra Heath, Cheyenne Rhodes, Ashley Fisher and Shawn Carr.
Participants in the Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program support agriculture—the state’s largest industry—through educational outreach projects and advocacy efforts within their communities.
Virginia Farm Bureau Foundation AGPAC relies on an annual membership fee of $40 for funding according to the official website. The organization promotes agricultural prosperity with a focus on enhancing member success by providing resources and opportunities that benefit Virginia agriculture according to its official website. Its operations extend across Virginia supporting residents statewide according to its official website, while also advocating for agriculture at the General Assembly according to its official website. AGPAC partners with companies such as Case IH and John Deere so members can access savings on farm equipment according to its official website.
Murphy concluded that some nominees withdrew their names because they did not feel worthy of recognition.
