WIFE History

  • 1976
    Founded in Nebraska
    On December 6, 1976, a group of women in Sidney, Nebraska, frustrated with farm prices, organized what would become one of the most respected agricultural associations in the nation. They chose red as their official color — the color of ink in their account books. Built entirely on volunteers, WIFE has always believed that farm and ranch families deserve the right to improve their financial situation through their own investment and determination.
  • 1970s
    Finding Our Voice
    In just three years, we organized chapters across more than a dozen states, traveled to Washington D.C., launched WIFEline, and held our first National Convention — laying the foundation for everything that followed.
  • 1980s
    Taking on Washington
    We testified before Congress, engaged in national media, and took on federal regulations that were hurting farm families — because someone had to.
  • 1990s
    Fighting for Farm Families
    We worked hard to ensure farm spouses were recognized as equal partners under federal farm program law, and we kept showing up for every Farm Bill debate along the way.
  • 2000s
    Food, Fuel & Security
    We trademarked our name, championed renewable energy and food security, and maintained our annual presence in Washington because American agriculture deserves a seat at the table.
  • 2010s
    Forty Years Strong
    We celebrated 40 years, embraced new tools for communicating with members and legislators, and kept our focus on the issues that matter most to farm and ranch families.
  • 2020s
    Adapting and Persisting
    A pandemic changed how we gathered, but not why we gather. We adapted and kept advocating for the farmers and ranchers who feed this nation.
Woman in red sweatshirt climbing a red tractor

  • 1990

    Mary Ann Sheppard, Pam Potthoff, Cindy Cruea, Barb Bonhorst, Norma  Hall, and unknown

  • Washington DC June 1991

    front row--Marjorie Carter (with white
    buttons), Mary Ann  Sheppard, Elaine Stuhr, Joyce Spicher, Norma Hall   Description goes here

  • Head table during pledge

    Head table during pledge

    Mary Schuler, Sheila Massey,
    Jenifer Felzien, Hazel Crawley, Marlene Kouba

  • National chairmen

    National chairmen

    Back row. Alice Parker,  Nancy Spiegel, Marlene Kouba, Donna Phipps, Elaine Stuhr,
    Front row: Mary Ann Sheppard, Joyce Spicher, Jenifer Felzien

  • Nov. 1996

    HOWs at the 1996 convention

    (Husbands of WIFE)

  • . Nancy Koehler holding a tray of tobacco seedlings with Barb Riege watching

    February 1997, South Carolina

    Nancy Koehler holding a tray of tobacco seedlings with Barb Riege
    watching

  • 1997 National WIFE chairmen in Syracuse, NY

    1997 National WIFE chairmen in Syracuse, NY

    Back row: Linda Williams, Cindy Cruea, Linda Bannworth,
    Front row: Berniece Tollefson, Marlene Kouba, Judy King, Phyllis Howatt

  • WIFE trip to Washington DC June 1998

  • President Mary Schule 1999

    Presenting a wheat picture to outgoing President Sheila Massey

  • 2002 National convention in Columbia, SC.

    Installation of officers for 2003
    President Ina Selfridge
    First VP Marlene Kouba
    2nd VP Pam Potthoff
    Secretary Norma Hall
    Treasurer Barb Bonhorst
    Area Director 1 Vernice Balsdon
    Area Director 2 Jacquie Cunningham
    Area Director 3 Mary Ann Sheppard

  • 2003 National Convention in Fargo, ND

    Installation of 2004 officers:
    1st VP Marlene Kouba, 2nd VP, Pam Potthoff, Secretary Ginger DeCock,
    Treasurer Barb Bonhorst, Directors Phyllis Howatt, Norma Hall, Louise
    Huskey.

  • WIFE in Washington DC

  • Board of Directors meeting

    Board of Directors meeting

  • Kerry Froese from Colorado,

    2017 National President

    Kerry Froese from Colorado

  • 2017 Convention Chair

    Korry Lewis, Cheyenne, Wyoming

  • Jacob Froese provided a tour of a farm near Cheraw, Colorado

    Tour of Froese Farms

    Jacob Froese provided a tour of a farm near Cheraw, Colorado during the 49th National Convention

  • Kerry Froese & family provided Thursday night dinner during the 49th National Convention

    Family Night 2025

    Kerry Froese & family provided Thursday night dinner during the 49th National Convention

  • Members attending Convention in La Junta

    2026 National Convention

    Members attending Convention in La Junta

  • 2026 WIFE Officers

    2026 WIFE Officers

    l to r, President Chris Anken, VP Julie Sumpter, Secretary Marlene Kouba, Treasurer Jenifer Felzein, Director Jennifer Jones Steen

  • Sarah Bledsoe, Santa Fe, New Mexico

    2018 Convention Chair

    Sarah Bledsoe, Santa Fe, New Mexico