‘A Force for Truth’ is the American Agri-Women’s motto. “Uniting Women across the Ag and Natural Resource Industries” in Washington DC is precisely what has been accomplished June 2-4, 2024. I was deeply honored to be associated with these strong women leading and shaping our industry’s future while representing Illinois Agri-Women. Not only was I representing IAW, but I was joined by Heather Hampton + Knodle, Heather’s son, Bond Knodle and Gorette “GoGo” Kupsa of Galesburg IL. “Knock your socks off” is an understatement describing my first year attending the AAW Fly-in; it will not be the last time I hope to represent IAW either at the AAW Fly-In. As a “middle-aged” woman in agriculture, it was a privilege seeing women agvocating in their 20s and women close to their 80s talking policy with those who make the decisions for the nation. Regardless of age or experience, each woman demonstrated a strong backbone when leading the future, fighting for our rights, making a difference, and filling me with a sense of unity, friendship, and bond, which is truly inspiring.
