CO Woman Honored with LEAVEN Award by American Agri-Women

Last month at the American Agri-Women's Convention, La Junta rancher and member of the Colorado Agri-Women Kimmi Lewis was recognized with the LEAVEN award.

This award is the American Agri-Women's highest award for its members. This award's acronym stands for Loyalty, Enthusiasm, Anticipatory, Valiant, Effectiveness and Nurturing. Colorado Agri-Women's Immediate Past President Janell Reid shares more about why the state affiliate nominated Lewis.

Reid: "We nominated Kimmi because she fits all of those categories. She has been an outstanding of several organizations: Independent Cattle Growers Associations, American Agri-Women, Women Involved in Farm Economics. She is a fierce protector of private property rights. As you know, in the West many of us feel like our rights are being trampled on by the federal government.

Lewis was instrumental in organizing the CAW affiliate, helped find speakers for the AAW Mid-Year held in Colorado in 2011 and helped with much of the planning for the AAW Convention held in 2012.

Reid continues with more detail about a new role Lewis will begin in January.

Reid: "She was elected in the November election to represent the House 64th District which includes: Las Animas, Crowley, Baca,Bent, Prowers, Kiowa, Lincoln, Washington and Elbert counties. So it is a big area a huge area mile-wise but not so many people. She will do a great job, a great job for us."