AGPROfessionals is proud to support Ag Women Connect (AWC) and its mission to empower, educate, and unite women across the agricultural industry. This October, that mission came to life at the 2025 Red, White & Blue Gala & Conference in Lubbock, Texas, a celebration of faith, fellowship, and forward-thinking leadership among women in agriculture. The Red, White & Blue Gala & Conference, held October 17–19 at the Overton Hotel, offered a full schedule of activities. The conference brought together women from all areas of agriculture, including farmers and ranchers, educators, college students and new graduates, communicators, business owners, lawmakers, and advocates, for three days of networking and inspiration.
The Conversation on Ag Policy
Representing AGPROfessionals, Karen Gerfen Glueck, Vice President of Communications and Strategic Planning, participated as an Ag Women Connect Advisory Committee member and panelist. She joined fellow industry leaders Kara Bishop, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., and Carolann Romo, Executive Director of the New Mexico Beef Council, for a policy roundtable discussion, sharing insights on agricultural advocacy and policy that impacts agriculture and rural communities. The trio explored how collaboration, communication, and leadership help ensure the agricultural community’s voice is heard at every level of decision-making.
Carolann Romo reflected on the panel, saying:
“What fun to get to present as a panel with these two women in ag! Great to meet you and learn from you both, and all the attendees today! Kara Bishop and Karen Gerfen Glueck – thank you! Thank you, Mandi Tapp, for the invite to speak at the Ag Women Connect Conference!”
A Gathering
One attendee, Judy Wagner, brand builder, mentor, and former Chief Marketing Officer for Montana Silversmiths, summed up the experience beautifully:
“From the moment I arrived, I felt welcome and a part of something extraordinary. That sense of belonging is at the heart of Ag Women Connect, a community built on shared stories, faith, and the belief that “we can do hard things” when we stand side by side."
Notable Speakers
The 2025 AWC Conference featured a remarkable lineup of speakers, including:
- Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner, who addressed import issues, agricultural policy, and the importance of rural leadership.
- Clare Dunn, country music powerhouse and proud Colorado farm girl, who performed, and spoke about her deep agricultural roots.
- Molly Ball, President of the National FFA Foundation and Chief Marketing Officer of the National FFA Organization, who discussed the power of ag education and FFA’s record-breaking growth.
The event truly embodied AWC’s mission, empowering women to make an impact through connection, education, and faith.
AGPROfessionals: Investing in the Future of Agriculture
Ag Women Connect, founded by Venessa Wood, has grown into a nationwide movement that fosters connection among women in all facets of agriculture, from producers, professionals, educators, and advocates alike. The organization’s mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for women to share knowledge, build leadership skills, and inspire one another to lead with integrity and faith.
AGPROfessionals’ sponsorship of Ag Women Connect underscores our commitment to advancing leadership and opportunities in agriculture. We believe the industry thrives when all voices are part of the conversation.
As Karen shared,
“When women in agriculture come together to share their stories, ideas, and solutions, the whole industry moves forward.”
AGPROfessionals is honored to stand alongside Ag Women Connect and the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture.
Links
Information about Ag Women Connect HERE
