Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays, is visiting the Chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee of the American Farm Bureau, Isabella Chism. Chism was one of the general session speakers at the 2023 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in downtown Oklahoma City.
Chism resides in Indiana, where she farms soybeans and sweet corn. Involved in the Farm Bureau first at the county level, Chism said she quickly moved up the ranks after showing interest in playing a larger role.
“Once I was in D.C., I understood the impact we can have as a farm organization representing all farmers, all sizes, and it was just amazing to me,” Chism said. “From that point on, I ran for the second vice president position and was elected to that in Indiana, which then, because I was a woman, allowed me the opportunity to be recognized at national conventions.”
Chism said the Women’s Leadership Committee exists in order to raise up women leaders and equip them with the tools they need to be confident and courageous leaders.
“Women, in general, are good decision-makers, collaborators, and storytellers,” Chism said. “That is exactly what we need when we are advocating for agriculture.”
The Women’s Leadership Committee provides programs that allow women to have peer-to-peer training from communications to advocacy. Chism said these programs allow women to get to know their legislators, trade officials, USDA officials, and more.
Whether the main operator or supporting their spouse, Chism said women in agriculture have an important voice.
“Surveys continue to show that although farmers are a trusted voice, the women in farming, no matter what they do, are trusted even a notch above that,” Chism said.
Overall, Chism said it is important for these women in agriculture to continue to tell their stories.
“We are essential,” Chism said. “Farmers are essential, and I believe Covid was what brought that out, that we are essential workers,” Chism said. “If people don’t eat, people don’t have jobs, and people don’t have lives.”
Coming up on December 5th, Chism said, will be the next Ag ConnectHER online event.
“We will be interviewing Beth Bechdol and finding out what her journey was to be the Deputy Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations,” Chism said.
To see all events and learn more about AFBF Women’s Leadership, CLICK HERE.
