A proud resident of Eastern Iowa and a real-life "Farmer Brown," Jolene charmed attendees with her signature blend of wisdom, humor, and heart. Drawing from her experiences on the farm, she shared relatable tales of plugging augers, denting grain bins, and navigating life as a farm wife—adventures that, as she humorously noted, have made her “still married” status her greatest accomplishment. Known for her authenticity and sharp wit, Jolene left the audience laughing, nodding in agreement, and reflecting on the joys and challenges of farm life.

In her keynote, Jolene offered a profound takeaway: “You don’t have to make it to 100 to live 100% of your life.” Her words resonated deeply, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and resilience of farmers and ranchers.

As an inductee of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Jolene has inspired audiences across North America and beyond. Her bestselling books, Sometimes You Need More Than a 2x4! and Holy Crap! I Married a Farmer!, are fan favorites, offering further insights into her life and lessons from the farm. In addition to her keynote, Jolene led a workshop titled “Stop Fighting on the Way to the Funeral Home.” Drawing on her extensive experience consulting with hundreds of families, she shared invaluable advice on creating, protecting, and transitioning family businesses.

Washington Farm Bureau is grateful for Jolene’s contribution to this year’s Annual Meeting. Her humor, practical wisdom, and heartfelt insights left attendees inspired and equipped with tools to enrich their families and farms.