WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Jayde Van Cleave

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO?

As a part of the Leadership Development Team, I strive to strengthen farm bureau members and their county farm bureaus. I help implement and oversee our membership programs and activities, I also work with county leadership making sure important documents and procedures are implemented so that county farm bureaus are in good standing with state and federal requirements and that county boards can perform at their optimum capacities. Additionally, I oversee the Health and Safety Program which includes our two safety trailers that county farm bureaus utilize to provide education and outreach opportunities at public events. I also oversee the Ag-In-Motion trailer that incorporates Ag education and outreach to county programs and projects within their communities.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Working with individual farm bureau members and county farm bureau boards to help them be successful in their endeavors and reach their goals.

WHAT BENEFIT DOES YOUR JOB PROVIDE TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS?

Training opportunities, support and encouragement to aid you as a member and your local federation in being a leader in your community and industry.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVENT AT FARM BUREAU?

My favorite event is witnessing a county board meeting or activity when our volunteers are Crushing IT! They are engaged, well prepared, organized, inspired and most of all effective. It happens a lot and frankly there are so many examples that I could be writing all day. I believe Colorado Farm Bureau is the premier agricultural, grassroots organization simply because of the volunteers that dedicate their 3 T’s, Time, Talents and Treasure, to the federation.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT FARM BUREAU?

It’s Family! I don’t know how to explain it any better or simpler.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF BEING OUT ON A FARM OR RANCH?

The first time I was told to check and gather cows on horseback all by myself. It was like a right of passage for me, a gift of honor and trust that I always recall from time to time. I can still smell the cool wet air of that early dawn, the sense of pride warming my core as the rising sun piercing the side of my face and how loud the creaking leather of my saddle was when one rides off alone. And boy was that a long time ago!

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU CAME TO FARM BUREAU?

I worked for a landscaping company in Longmont. I managed crews and operated, transported and maintained large equipment.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO WORK AT FARM BUREAU?

I had left the sand hills of Nebraska after working with my great uncle who had suffered a fatal heart attack. With the ranch reeling from tragedy and families in confusion about what should happen with the ranch, I made the decision to return home, and thanks to a fellow AGR brother whose family owned and operated a landscaping company, I found employment. After working for them for 3 years, I was happy but my heart was still in agriculture, I started looking for something more focused in the industry and found Colorado Farm Bureau in need of a regional manager.

WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT NO ONE AT FARM BUREAU KNOWS ABOUT YOU?

For some reason in the last year and a half I’ve been slowly accumulating cats! I don’t know where they are coming from. They just all of a sudden show up and currently I’m at 7! You would think that I’m running a dairy! I guess at least the ranch is now officially mouse free, I have not seen one on the entire place in over a year, heck even the jackrabbits just pass by at a run and don’t stop or sit for any length of time.

WHAT IS ONE THING MEMBERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Sometimes I’ve been known to cook a steak or two with Richard Connell…just kidding!

One thing that I think members may forget is that we in training and development are willing and able to do individualized training. If there is something that we can help our members with on an individual basis like public speaking, or working with you personally to better understand your position or office, just let us know! We understand that sometimes it easier and more effective to do one on one training in a no-pressure environment.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE FOLKS TO KNOW?

Just that it has been an honor to work for each and every farm bureau member for the last 16+ years! Now celebrating the success of 100 years of Colorado Farm Bureau, lets help make the next Century even more successful than the last!