Betty Brown, long standing member of the National Farmers Union in New Brunswick, was recognized for her commitment and dedication to the NFU at the 2014 National Convention.

Brown was presented with the Region 1 Grassroots Award on Nov. 29 in Saskatoon.

The Board of Directors of the NFUNB extends their appreciation for her years of dedication and their congratulations for receiving the Grassroots Award.

“She is a woman who has worked very hard all her life. She is a woman who gained the respect of many male farmers and particularly female farmers for all of her work, determination and contributions to the field of agriculture,” said Jean-Eudes Chiasson, president of the NFU in New Brunswick.

Brown served as Region 1 director of the National Farmers Union for seven years with five of those years as an executive member. She also served on the Board of Directors of the NB Farm Women’s Organization and NB Partners in Agriculture, as Vice-President and then President of both organizations.

“I decided this past spring to step down from the role of District 1 director to devote more time to my business activities. I will always be an NFU member and am grateful for the wonderful opportunity of working with members of the national board,” Brown said.

Born and raised on a mixed farm, she married into another farm family and raised three children. She is still farming mixed vegetables and beef today.

Being a female farmer has had its challenges over the years including always being in the minority. When she first attended the NB Cattle meetings, she was the only woman and was for many years. “I was interested in what was going on and I thought I had every right to be there and to learn. It was my occupation; I’m a farmer and it’s what I had to do. I wanted to learn and be involved in agricultural policy. For that, you have to go to meetings, be present for votes, and be a part of a general farm organization,” Brown said.

Brown is also a writer and many may know her, at least by name, from her commentaries found in many New Brunswick papers including the Bugle Observer and the Telegraph Journal.

The Grassroots Award is given out annually at the NFU National Convention to acknowledge long-term contributions and dedication of members to the work of the NFU and their communities.