Women in Farm Bureau play a vital role in the development of policies and programs and are encouraged to be active in all areas of Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Women's Program is to develop and provide programs which will encourage individuals to become grassroots leaders of Colorado Agriculture.
- Senior Field Studies - Denver area high school seniors are placed with Farm Bureau families throughout the state for a week each April to get a hands-on education about agriculture.
- Ag in the Classroom - Farm Bureau Women and volunteers help children learn the source of their food at their National Western Stock Show booth called "Great Grains". They educate kids (and their parents) about Colorado grains and let them grind wheat into flour. FB supports and promotes programs and activities sponsored by the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture including the Colorado Reader, Summer Ag Institute for teachers, Adopt a Classroom and other activities and materials (www.growingyourfuture.com). Ag resources are provided to teachers and students, and presentations are given in the classroom, at water and ag festivals, Farm Days, etc.
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- Consumer Education - Educational activities are sponsored for the public on Food Check-Out Day, National Agriculture Day/Week, Farm-City Week, at County Fairs and at other times. Grocery stores, malls and Farm Shows are among the places these events are held.
- Ronald McDonald House - FB Women ask for $1/member donations at county annual meetings to purchase food for the three Ronald McDonald Houses in Denver and Colorado Springs. Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families with seriously ill or injured children in a nearby hospital. Historically, a $500 food gift card has been purchased for the Colorado Springs House each year. $1000 in groceries is purchased and delivered to a Denver House in recognition of Food Check-Out Day; the number of days it takes to pay for a family's food supply for one year. Dinner is also prepared by FB Women for the House guests.
- Farm Days - Farm Days are sponsored by schools on the county level. Students get a close encounter with farm animals and crops through a field trip to a central location, such as the local fairgrounds.
- Legislative Program - FB Women may become involved in letter writing and phone campaigns, sponsor county-level "Meet the Candidate" meetings or make personal contacts with legislators regarding issues important to farmers and ranchers and Farm Bureau. They sponsor a legislative dinner and give a basket of Colorado products to one Senator and one Representative who win the "grocery basket guessing contest".
- Annual Meeting - At the state annual meeting, FB Women sponsor an Ag Education Auction, to raise funds for that purpose. They also sponsor a Women's Business Luncheon and Morning Devotions Program.
- Personal/Professional Development - FB Women provide opportunities for personal and professional development through workshops at the state annual meeting, regional and national FB leadership conferences and opportunities to attend the AFBF Annual Meeting.
Chairman - Angela Ryden, New Castle
District 1 - Amber Clay, Secretary, Erie
District 2 - Nancy Berges, Julesburg
District 3 - Susan Leach, Lindon
District 4 - Chris Kelly, Walsh
District 5 - Vacant
District 6 - Lynda Wyer, Ramah
District 7 - Beth Jones, Hooper
District 8 - Carol Baumgartner, Mancos
District 9 - Maurine Rettig, Grand Junction
District 10 - Merry Dice, New Castle
For additional information regarding the Women's Committee please contact
Patty Kenny, Director, Office Services, at 303-749-7506