WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2013 – A group of 14 farm and ranch leaders was honored by the American Farm Bureau Federation as graduates of the organization’s seventh annual Women’s Communications Boot Camp. The agricultural leaders were recognized after completing an intensive three-day course featuring sessions on public speaking, testifying, messaging, working with the media and seeking elected office.

“After completing this course, you’ll be greater assets to Farm Bureau,” AFBF President Bob Stallman told attendees gathered for the kickoff of the program. “There continues to be a great disconnect between American society and today’s farmers,” Stallman noted, which is where the effectiveness of women as communicators comes into play.

“When it comes to delivering messages about agriculture, studies have shown women have more credibility; that’s just the way it is,” Stallman said.

This year’s Boot Camp graduates are: Michele Aavang of Illinois, Marieta Hauser of Kansas, Jennifer Tucker of Kentucky, Denise Cannatella and Denise Hymel of Louisiana, Jennifer Cross of Maryland, Sharon Hartman of North Carolina, Angela Bailey of Oregon, Lyn Spinella of Rhode Island, Wanda Blair of South Dakota, Christy Brown and Amanda Willis of Tennessee, Becca Ferry of Utah and Vicki Malloy of Washington state.

Women’s Communications Boot Camp is sponsored by the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee under the leadership of Chair Terry Gilbert. The program is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.

Source: Press release courtesy of American Farm Bureau