Fifteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the spring session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Among the graduates was Haley Ekstrom of Martin County. 

The agricultural leaders completed an intensive four-day course that featured hands-on sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media and messaging. Program graduates will use their training to strategically support issues important to farmers and help tell agriculture’s story. This includes participating in local media opportunities, sharing information with elected officials and joining social media campaigns that spotlight modern agriculture.

“This Women’s Boot Camp was more than I could’ve imagined,” said Ekstrom. “Walking away with new friendships along with connections to leaders in AFBF and Washington D.C. makes your wheels start to spin about how I can make a bigger impact for the next generation within my home state and community. It’s a stepping stone to making us stronger leaders with stronger voices!”

Ekstrom’s fellow Boot Camp graduates were: Angie Newbold, Arizona; Connor Vincent, Delaware; Laura Goss, Florida; Megan Platt, Indiana; Donzetta Hughes, Kentucky; Joan Ruskamp, Nebraska; Shelby Ricks, North Carolina; Emily Warnimont, Ohio; Amy McChesney, Pennsylvania; Megan Floyd, South Carolina; Emmy Armstrong, Tennessee; Amanda Norr, Utah; and Candace Monaghan and Stacy Richardson, Virginia.

“Strong agricultural advocacy is more important than ever for agriculture and Farm Bureau is proud to help our members become fantastic ambassadors,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s a pleasure to recognize the farm and ranch leaders who stepped up to complete this elite training. We congratulate them as they drive forward on their leadership journey.”

This is the 22nd Boot Camp hosted by AFBF. The program has 328 graduates and is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.

The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, in partnership with AFBF staff, hosts and provides training for Women’s Communications Boot Camp biannually. Applications open in June for the 2025 fall session of Boot Camp.