Programs
Farm Bureau Women
The purpose of the Farm Bureau Women's (FBW) Program is to help promote the entire Farm Bureau program, with emphasis on activities particularly suited to the talents and interests of women. Any woman from a Farm Bureau family is eligible to participate in the activities of the Farm Bureau Women.
Women are active in all phases of Farm Bureau – from county policy development – to serving as delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation national convention.
The Farm Bureau Women help promote the importance of family and health, safety and crime prevention, state and national agricultural issues, voter awareness and citizenship, Agriculture in the Classroom, the Country Women's Council, and much more.
FarmCity Festival
One of the women's most popular activities is the Farm City Festival held at the state Capitol during the legislative session. Farm women from across the state bring food items produced in Oklahoma to promote agricultural and commodity awareness to our lawmakers and their staffs.
Food Check-Out Day
To recognize the outstanding efficiency and productivity of America's farmers and ranchers, Farm Bureau Women commemorate Food Check-Out Day each year. Food Check-Out Day recognizes the farmer's contribution to the affordability of food in the United States. The event is held annually on the day of the year when, on average, Americans have earned enough income to pay for their yearly food supply.
To celebrate Food Check-Out Day, the state Farm Bureau Women's Committee donates $1,500 in food products to the Ronald McDonald Houses of Oklahoma. The Committee also pays $50 in groceries to lucky shoppers at designated grocery stores within the state. In addition, farm women from across the state donate food and funds to their local charities.
Ag in the Classroom
The purpose of Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom is to help familiarize Oklahoma school children with Oklahoma's number one industry – the food and fiber industry. Specially developed education modules about Oklahoma agriculture are available to Oklahoma teachers for students of all ages.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau is an integral part of the coalition supporting Agriculture in the Classroom. Farm Bureau Women's Committees support the Ag in the Classroom program through county projects, such as farm tours, school curriculum, tree plantings, pizza parties, and much more.
Capitol Visits
Oklahoma Farm Bureau works on both the state and national levels to implement the policies of the organization. The Farm Bureau Women's Committee is an integral part of this process. Farm women from across the state provide representation at the Capitol to voice their concerns with issues affecting the agricultural industry. Many times the women will bring homemade food items to share with their legislators in an effort to educate them about Oklahoma agriculture. This grassroots representation is instrumental to obtaining favorable agriculture policy on both the state and national levels.
Women's Rally & Summer Conference
Farm Bureau Women attend both a State Women's Rally each December, and a Summer Conference in July. These meetings feature motivational speakers and the sharing of ideas for their Program of Work. Fun and fellowship sets the mood for the conferences, which include crafts, a silent auction, special entertainment and outstanding speakers and presentations.
Farm Family of the Year
Each year Farm Bureau Women select and honor county farm families who best represent farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture.
The families must display excellence in the following areas:
• Strong family involvement in all phases of farm management and production
• Innovative family farm operation and management
• Use of modern agricultural techniques
• Active leadership in Farm Bureau, the community and other agricultural groups.
A state Farm Family of the Year is chosen annually from the county honorees. The state winner is announced during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in November.
Nurse's Scholarship
To assist Farm Bureau members in handling costs associated with nurse's training, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women's Committee offers three $500 scholarships per year to qualifying students. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for an application.
Active County Farm Bureau Women's Committees
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Every county Farm Bureau is entitled and invited to send at least one official representative to the annual conference of the Farm Bureau Women, conducted in conjunction with the annual meeting of Oklahoma Farm Bureau in November.
Women interested in women's activities may contact one of the counties listed above found in the County Connections page. If your county is not listed above or for more information, please contact FBW/YF&R Coordinator Marcia Irvin at 405-523-2405 or by e-mail at mirvin@okfb.org.