American Agri-Women (AAW) kicked off its year-long celebration of its 40th anniversary at its annual convention held recently in College Corner, Ohio. The organization also elected its national officers and recognized outstanding advocates for agriculture.

Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s managing editor Lynn Woolf was elected vice president of communications and received the 2014 President’s award.

AAW is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women representing more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliates. The 39th annual convention’s theme was “Bridging the Path From Farm to Fork” and was hosted by Ohio Agri-Women.

National officers for 2015 are:

  • President Sue McCrum, Mars Hill, Maine
  • First Vice President of Resolutions & Vital Issues Doris Mold, St. Paul, Minn., and Cumberland, Wis.
  • Vice President of Communications Lynn Woolf, Milton, Kan.
  • Vice President of Education Donnell Scott, Manhattan, Kan.
  • Secretary Arlene Kovash, Monmouth, Ore.
  • Treasurer Peggy Clark, Dayton, Ohio
  • Past-President Karen Yost, Billings, Montana

Outgoing officers were Vice President of Education Kris Zilliox of Omaha, Neb., and Secretary Lisa Condon of Horicon, Wis.

Outstanding Contributors Recognized

At the convention, AAW presented its 2014 VERITAS award to award-winning agriculture broadcaster Orion Samuelson. Samuelson’s career spans more than 60 years and he is the most honored agriculture journalist in the country. The VERITAS award is given annually to a person who has given public witness to “the pursuit of truth.” It is the highest honor given to a non-member.

Five women were honored with LEAVEN awards, the organization’s highest honor for members:

  • Rosemary Eckardt, Merrill, Wis.
  • Ruth Hambleton, Woodlawn, Ill.
  • Jane Marshall, Eaton, Ohio
  • Kimberly Schmuhl, Coloma, Mich.
  • Melody Speer, Uvalde, Texas

Lisa Condon, Horicon, Wis., was also recognized for her years of service.