Celebrating International Year of the Woman Farmer with Sherry Saylor

Today, Nicole interviews Sherry Saylor on Arizona Agriculture Connection from Saylor’s office at Buckeye Elementary, where she is retiring after 40 years as a school counselor. Saylor recounts moving from South Carolina to Buckeye in 1974 after her father-in-law sold a Phoenix-area farm due to urban encroachment, and how Farm Bureau helped her learn agriculture and find her role as a spokesperson while her husband Rick, focused on farming. She describes her progression through Farm Bureau leadership to national chair, the importance of preparation and the DC communications “boot camp,” and encouraging women to find their voice. The conversation covers blending agriculture education into schools, building community through Farm Bureau membership and participation, advocating with elected officials, ongoing challenges like water and development, and agriculture’s technological advances and career opportunities.Learn more about opportunities of getting involved with Farm Bureau here: https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/00:48 Counselor Life And Retirement02:26 From South Carolina To Farming06:19 Finding A Place In Ag08:13 Farm Bureau Leadership Path12:37 Confidence Through Boot Camp18:28 Ag Education In Schools24:15 Building Community In Ag28:05 Why Farm Bureau Opportunities Matter28:59 Farm Bureau Roots30:39 Advocacy Makes Impact31:35 Get Off the Tractor33:38 Urban Encroachment Reality35:00 Arizona Ag Advantages37:57 Tech and Adaptability40:00 Careers Beyond Farming43:17 Community and Gratitude