Basics of Agricultural Advocacy

Kelly has worked for Virginia Farm Bureau for almost 14 years. In her current role as assistant director of member engagement, she handles issues related to grassroots advocacy, member engagement in policy development, and political communications, including social media. She also manages Farm Bureau’s political action committee, VFBF AgPAC.

Kelly has a background in journalism and has written for many different newspapers and publications, in addition to spending almost four years working in Farm Bureau’s Communications Department.

Kelly grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and holds a master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Amanda Radke is a fifth generation rancher from Mitchell, S.D., who has dedicated her career to serving as a voice for the nation’s farmers and ranchers. A 2009 graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural communications, Radke previously served internships in college with USDA, NCBA and BEEF Magazine before returning to her family’s cattle operation, where she raises her family

Since 2008, Radke has written every Monday through Thursday on the BEEF Daily blog, where she tackles hot industry issues and provides tools and strategies for producers to effectively engage with consumers and deflect negative media articles on social media. Most recently and notably, her open letter to Ellen DeGeneres went viral, leading to a media frenzy where she had the opportunity to dispel myths about beef nutrition, environmental impact and animal welfare.

She’s the 2006 National FFA Extemporaneous Speaking champion and the 2006 National Beef Ambassador, and she was recognized as a Top 10 Beef Industry Leader by the Cattle Business Weekly.

When she’s not writing, ranching or chasing after her kids, Radke is traveling the country speaking to agricultural groups, reading her ranch-inspired children’s books, “Levi’s Lost Calf” and “Can-Do Cowkids” at elementary schools or career coaching as a mentor for FFA and 4-H kids. Learn more about Radke at www.amandaradke.com.

Jaclyn Wilson returned home after attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2002 to become the fifth generation on Wilson Ranch, a commercial red angus/red composite operation at Lakeside, NE that was founded by her family in 1888.  In 2011 she started Flying Diamond Genetics a recipient (recip) business and in 2019 Flying Diamond Beef, a ranch to plate, direct market beef business.

Along with spending time between the two operations she has served or is serving on:

• Nebraska Cattlemen’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee
• Nebraska Agriculture Leadership Council (LEAD Program Board of Directors) culminating as Chair
• National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Beef Leader (steering committee and advisory group) and Resolution Committee member, Chair and Vice Chair. 
• NCBA’s Board of Directors Policy Division and is the current Vice Chair of International Trade
• Nebraska Brand Committee
• Senator Deb Fischer’s Ag Round Table
• Congressman Adrian Smith’s Ag Advisory Committee
• Governor Pete Ricketts’ Ag Advisory Committee
• Nebraska Humanities Council
• Security First Bank Board of Directors

Her International experiences include:

• Nebraska LEAD Program representative to Russia, Ukraine, and Poland
• Nebraska representative on Rotary International Group Study Exchange to Santa Catarina, Brasil
• US Beef Industry Representative for Cargill’s 150th Anniversary Learning Journey to China
• NCBA’s Young Leader representative to the Seven Nations Beef Alliance in Taupo, New Zealand

Her most notable speaking opportunities include:

• American Akaushi Annual Convention, Texas
• Range Beef Cow Symposium, Colorado and Nebraska
• Leader Bitterroot Ag Writer’s Workshop, California
• Sharing our Diversity and Unity, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
• Keynote Speaker- Nebraska Youth Beef Leaders-University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Sheridan College Ranch Sustainability Forum, Wyoming

Jaclyn was named a 2016 Farm Journal Media 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Award winner and was included in the book Generations on the Land.

In addition to her work in ranching and the beef industry, Jaclyn writes editorials for five different weekly and biweekly publications that circulate to over 80,000 producers throughout the Midwest.