Apply Now for AFBF Women’s Communications Boot Camp

Smith: The spring session of the American Farm Bureau Federation's Women's Communications Boot Camp is April 20-23, 2026. Shawn Wood, an Arizona farmer and member of the AFBF Women's Leadership Committee, said the Women's Communications Boot Camp is an incredible experience.

Wood: Inside that experience, it's an intensive multi-day training program for female Farm Bureau members who want to strengthen their communication and advocacy skills. That includes hands on sessions in public speaking, media training, message development, and strategic storytelling, and it all focuses on helping women become effective and represent agriculture and Farm Bureau.

Smith: One of the most important qualities they hope to see in applicants is a passion for agriculture and advocating.

Wood: So, women who actively are involved in farming, ranching, agribusiness, agriculture leadership. Secondly, a desire to advocate so applicants who want to speak for agriculture in their communities with media or in policies and really that can be starting from the beginning all the way up to experienced. It really meets someone where they're at.

Smith: Wood said that all Farm Bureau women are encouraged to apply, regardless of the level of advocacy experience they currently have.

Wood: If you're just getting started in your journey, or if you really have been quite involved and you're looking for that fine polishing skills, this boot camp creates better advocates wherever that person and that woman may be at. So, Boot Camp equips someone with the practical, real world communication skills that directly strengthen their advocacy impact.

Smith: Learn more and apply for the experience by February 6 at fb.org/women. Chad Smith, Washington.