LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A West Texas woman started an organization in Lubbock to bring women in agriculture together. In just a few years, her foundation has expanded across 10 states and reached the White House.
Venessa Wood is the founder of Ag Women Connect and the Ag Women Connect Foundation.
“And I just knew that there was something more that I was supposed to be doing. That I had a higher calling and a purpose out there. And I literally heard God say that you’re going to create an organization for women in agriculture. To come to where they can share their thoughts and ideas,” Wood said.
Wood said women in agriculture are often too hard on themselves, so she wanted a space to invest in their well-being.
“That was the foundation of Ag Women Connect was just to bring these women together to hear what they’re doing. Because a lot of times they are on the front lines of agriculture. We know that. And they don’t get the recognition for it. So, that’s where it all started,” Wood said.
Zoom calls led to weekly podcast
Wood started Zoom meetings to connect with other women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those meetings turned into a weekly podcast called “Ag Talk: Your Story Matters.” The podcast covers topics ranging from faith to public policy.
“And it has been absolutely incredible to not only just showcase the different roles in agriculture that women carry, but we also talk a lot about our faith, too. And now we’re talking more on the business side. We’re talking a little bit more about the policy and current issues,” Wood said.
Invitation leads to campaign event in Dallas
Wood was invited by grassroots organization Bienvenido to attend a campaign event in Dallas. She said she wanted the chance to get President Trump’s attention, and she did, because of a cowgirl hat.
“And luckily, the day before, we learned that President Trump wanted all of us to dress accordingly to our industry. And I was like, let’s go, girls. Like you could hear the Shania Twain music coming in like it’s our time. We are walking in with our cowgirl hats. And I just had a feeling that day that just everything was going to align that we were going to not only be behind President Trump, but I just had a feeling we were going to be on that first line when they saw the cowgirl hats,” Wood said.
Wood said there were strict instructions not to ask questions or touch the president, but he reached out to her.
“And he…came out, Lee Greenwood sang, God bless America. People were crying…we were all tearing up. And he stuck out his hand to shake Sarah Phelan from Wyoming. She’s an agriculture lawyer, very good friend of mine. And then he, he shook my hand. And so, I was ready for it, girl,” Wood said.
Wood addresses online criticism
Wood said she’s no stranger to the opinions of those online. Her response is to keep moving forward and stay positive, a message she wants to send to young cowgirls.
“In a way, I was thankful for that, too, because it just shows that no matter what you do, there’s always going to be people out there who are going to misunderstand or not support you. And that’s okay. Like, don’t focus on that part. Focus on the people who are in your circle, who are in your corner. And we have gotten so much support from that. And that’s what we’ve continued to do is just focus on the positive, keep moving forward,” Wood said.
Foundation scholarships and gala
Wood is using her foundation to give away scholarships at its “Freedom 250 Gala” in November. Those interested can nominate a woman in agriculture or join the group online at agwomenconnect.com.
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