April 7, 2022

Rocklake farmer graduates from AFBF Boot Camp

Topic: Leadership

When someone mentions “Boot Camp,” you probably think of early mornings, lots of sweat, and the occasional crying muffled by yelling drill sergeants. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Women’s Leadership Program graduated 16 U.S. farm and ranch women from their spring session of “Women’s Communications Boot Camp” on March 25th in Washington, D.C. There were definitely early mornings, sweaty palms, and some tears shed. In place of commanding officials were highly trained AFBF staff who guided the recruits through advocacy, public speaking, communicating with elected officials, social media strategy, targeted messaging, and working with the media on local, state, and national levels.

AFBF put the boot camp on hold due to COVID-19, but this year, NDFB had its first volunteer member selected to attend the resumed program. Carie Marshall-Moore, VP of Towner County Farm Bureau and past VP of the NDFB Promotion & Education Committee, thought now was a good time to take the chance and submitted her application.

“We aren’t into spring’s work yet and I needed a challenge,” Moore expressed. “It’s been so long since I’ve attended face-to-face trainings and met with others who have the same drive for agriculture.”

AFBF offers the 4-day intensive training to women interested in amplifying their opportunities to spotlight today’s agriculture issues and support AFBF policy work. The attendees arrived and had a quick intro and overview. The next morning participants had to give a short presentation on one of four policy topics: infrastructure, taxes, sustainability, or WOTUS.

“I don’t get nervous public speaking, but that first day, I was nervous!” Moore laughed, “That’s how I knew I needed this to get myself to the next level.”

Delivery, content, and messaging were judged and worked on with each participant and speeches were re-delivered as a final exam presentation the last day.

Staff went through the women’s various social media farm or business accounts and made suggested changes. Radio, television, and media interviews were given and critiqued another day, then each participant met virtually with their elected state officials.

“Senate was in session, but I did meet with staff members for Cramer, Hoeven, and Armstong. A growing concern facing N.D. that we discussed was ag labor; from private crop farmers to large scale livestock facilities.” Moore expressed.

Fifteen states were represented from industries and backgrounds including produce, forages, teachers, as well as traditional crop and livestock agriculture. Moore proudly stated, “The women I met in D.C. all had a unique background and story relating to their Farm Bureau path, their families, and careers. The AFBF staff went above and beyond to give us a top-notch experience. The work they are doing, in so many various capacities, to bring agriculture to our nation’s capital makes me proud to be a Farm Bureau member.”

If you would like to connect with Carie: “Tractors + Coffee” (FaceBook) https://tractorroundsandcoffeegrounds.wordpress.com (website)

To apply for the AFBF fall boot-camp session or more information: https://www.fb.org/programs/womens-leadership-program/communications-boot-camp/