AFBF’s Women’s Leadership Committee Chairperson Terry Gilbert of Kentucky said the group would concentrate on leadership development in 2008, with special emphasis on greater involvement in the political process. Mrs. Gilbert addressed her fellow state Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee leaders and members at a business session during the annual meeting.
   In addition to developing their leadership skills, Mrs. Gilbert encouraged members to become more involved in the legislative arena by lobbying elected officials at all levels of government on issues that are important to farmers and ranchers.
   “Speaking out honestly and personally about the challenges you face makes all the difference when meeting legislators and other influences, many of whom do not have firsthand knowledge of farming and ranching,” she said.
   In 2007, program activities for the committee included awarding five scholarships for teachers to attend the National Ag in the Classroom Conference through the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education. The committee also awarded 28 grants to county and state Farm Bureaus to create or extend agricultural literacy.