Kay Riggan The International Flying Farmers (IFF) recently held its 66th annual convention at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where Kay Riggan was selected the IFF Woman of the Year. IFF is an organization of families with a mutual interest in the promotion and use of airplanes and in agriculture as a vocation.

The IFF organization consists of 25 state and provincial chapters throughout North America. Founded in 1944, the IFF has had as many as 11,000 members. While originally founded by farmers and ranchers who owned aircraft, the membership now consists of individuals from all walks of life. Direct involvement in agriculture or aviation is not a requirement for membership.

Riggan and her husband Jim ranch in Willacy and Starr Counties after being retired from education and government positions. Jim as well as their two sons graduated from Raymondville High School; Riggan graduated from Beeville High School and married James Calvin Riggan while they were students at Texas College of Arts & Industries in Kingsville. Their present interests in cattle and in equine events prevent their presumed “retirement.” Riggan’s primary contribution to the cattle operation is the recordkeeping aspect.

The honor of IFF Woman of the Year is bestowed each year on the woman who most epitomizes the spirit of International Flying Farmers and serves the overall organization to the best of her ability. Riggan has served the Texas Flying Farmers in all offices and was Texas FF newsletter editor for several years, earning numerous awards in that endeavor. She has chaired numerous IFF committees, served as IFF Duchess in 1987-88, planned several chapter and regional conventions, and assisted in planning IFF workshops.

Riggan’s involvement in home and local activities has contributed to her eligibility for this prestigious award. She is currently president of Chapter AQ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, facilitates several Bible study groups, served as church organist at First Christian Church for 25 years, and is always willing to “teach” any women with similar interests in crocheting, team penning/sorting, piano, or simple computer skills. Both she and her husband joined the IFF shortly after earning their pilot licenses in 1982.