Womens Leadership Committee

Women in Farm Bureau play a vital role in the development of policies and programs and are encouraged to be active in all areas of Farm Bureau.

The purpose of the Farm Bureau Women's Program is to assist in carrying forward the programs of the Montana Farm Bureau to promote, protect, and represent the business, economic, social, educational and spiritual interests of Farm Bureau families in Montana.

Staff Contact is Diana Alkire, dianaa@mfbf.org

District Contacts

Lillian Ostendorf Chair
Beth Blevins
District 1
Mona Welborn
District 2
Deb Bricker
District 3
Jeri Banning District 4
Catherine McDowell
District 5
Gail Staffanson District 6
Dorothy Hlad District 7
Joy Suek District 8
Gwen Larson District 9
Bettty Biggs District 10


Food Check-Out Day - To recognize the outstanding efficiency and productivity of America's farmers and ranchers, the Montana Farm Bureau Federation Women's Committee officially commemorates Food Check-Out each year. Food Check-Out Day recognizes the farmer's contribution to the affordability of food in the United States. The event is held annually on the day of the year, when, on average, Americans have earned enough income to pay for their yearly food supply. Montana Farm Bureau celebrates Food Checkout Day by gathering food and food certificates for the Ronald McDonald House in Billings.

Photo Contest - This event is held annually in conjunction with the MFBF Convention. Participants compete for prestige and prize money. The theme for the contest changes each year.

National Agriculture Month Table Tents - MFBF Women’s Leadership Committee has combined the efforts of safety precautions and agriculture facts on table tents and distributed them to restaurants and businesses in all areas of Montana. This effort has become a team effort with the Montana FFA students, who assist us in distributing the table tents. Students are providing a great help and enthusiasm for educating others about agriculture and safety issues, and at the same time it sharpens their awareness of the importance of public perception of agriculture and safety issues.

MFBF Woman of the Year - Each year the Women’s Leadership Committee provides recognition to the woman volunteer who has been the most instrumental in promoting Farm Bureau policy, continued growth in leadership skills, promoting community involvement, being a spokesperson for Farm Bureau and agriculture, assisting their county Farm Bureau carry out programs and being active in membership recruitment. Contact Diana Alkire, dianaa@mfbf.org, to nominate a Woman of the Year.

Favorite Recipes of Montana Cook Book - This cookbook has been compiled by the Montana Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee. In it we have gathered 775 recipes from Farm Bureau members across the entire state. It is our sincere wish that you find many tempting dishes to serve to your family and friends for many years to come. It is also a great gift idea or Montana keepsake.

Favorite Recipes of Montana sell for $15 each, plus $4.00 shipping and handling per book ordered.