HOT SPRINGS — The Women’s Committee from Washington County has won its seventh consecutive Outstanding County Women’s Program award. The group was recognized Dec. 4, during Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 80^th Annual Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

County Women’s Committee Chairwoman Querita Faddis accepted the award for Washington County.

Each year, Arkansas Farm Bureau honors the county Women’s Committee that exhibits exemplary support of its county organization, activities and goals. Farm Bureau women help accomplish the organization’s mission by working with local schools, educating children about agriculture and where they get their food, fiber and fuel. From a variety of Ag in the Classroom activities to informing people how safe and affordable our food is, the women of Farm Bureau enthusiastically represent the organization by telling the farming and ranching story.

Farm Bureau also recognized its Sew With Cotton Contest winners at the Women’s Luncheon and Sew With Cotton Fashion Show. Brenda Sandage of Batesville earned the Adult Sweepstakes win with her entry in the Adult Suit category. And Ashley Eye, a senior at Lakeside High School in Hot Springs, won the Youth Sweepstakes with her entry in the Youth Dress category. She is the daughter of Anna and Brad Eye.

Both took home Husqvarna serger sewing machines, and each won $400.

Competition sponsors included Arkansas Farm Bureau and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in cooperation with Family & Consumer Science Teachers.

Laurie Richardson, 44, of Waldron, who is part of the Scott County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, received the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Diamond Award. The Women’s Diamond Award was created to honor a county Farm Bureau leader whose volunteer efforts were above and beyond the norm. “Wow! I’m very humbled and surprised,” Richardson said. “I didn’t expect it.” She and husband Mike run a beef cattle operation with his mother and father.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.

 Washington County is the Outstanding County Women's Program for the seventh year in a row. Querita Faddis, right, accepted the award on behalf of Washington County.