Reading Time: 3 minutes If the participants are as enthusiastic as the presenters, a new event aimed at encouraging girls and young women to consider a career in ag will be a major hit. “The response from the presenters has been great — I have filled up my speaker spots faster than anything else I’ve done,” said Sarah Linde, […] Read more
Opening the eyes of young women to careers in agriculture
There’s no right way to be a woman on the farm
Reading Time: 3 minutes Billi J. Miller has never been a traditional ‘farmwife’ — whatever that means anyway. And that’s just fine by her. “The term ‘farmwife’ has changed so much,” said the Lloydminster-area author. “I don’t fit into that box. And there’s comfort in knowing that there are other women like you.” In 2016, Miller published her first […] Read more
Will boys always be boys? Not if we teach them proper boundaries
Around the world, boys are taught that aggression towards females is OK — it’s not, and must not be accepted
Reading Time: 3 minutes I was at the beach and there was a family on either side of me. On my left was a father and his four boys. On my right was a father and his four girls. The four girls played quietly doing make believe and building sand castles. Their father listened to music and watched for […] Read more
Jump in: Ag needs more women leaders
Attendees at Advancing Women Conference told their voices are needed — and they need to encourage each other to speak up
Reading Time: 4 minutes Women are still a minority in farming but they can — and should — play a leading role. That was a recurring theme at this year’s Advancing Women Conference, where attendees were told their leadership and communication skills are badly needed. “Women’s voices are needed, that’s my underlying message — your hard work, your commitment, […] Read more
Running from dawn to dusk: Women ag entrepreneurs face extra challenges
Operating a farm, raising kids, and building a business often mean there’s no time for conferences and other vital learning opportunities
Reading Time: 5 minutes At first, Kim Good didn’t really see the point of a program geared toward women agri-food entrepreneurs. “I sometimes get a little annoyed at the fact women need more programming than anybody else,” said Good, who co-owns Farm Fresh Pet Foods, which has a line of healthy dog food products made from Alberta-sourced ingredients. “I […] Read more
Empower your daughters to be great farmers
Understanding one’s abilities, becoming financially literate, and gaining experience outside the farm are all critical
Reading Time: 3 minutes More women own and operate farms and agribusinesses in Canada than ever before. What is it that women need to do to be great farmers and how can farms prepare daughters for the ownership of the family farm? Underlying any business transaction is value. And often, families focus on the value of the capital assets […] Read more
Project supports rural Alberta women entrepreneurs
Rural women asked to participate in an online survey
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Agriculture & Food Council (AFC) is conducting a research project called Success for Women in Agri-Food (#S4WAg) to identify and assess barriers rural Alberta women entrepreneurs face and to develop a pilot program that will support the engagement of women in the growing regional food economy and policy discussions. “Women play key roles in […] Read more
New project supports rural Alberta women entrepreneurs
Online survey open until Feb. 29
Reading Time: < 1 minute A new initiative aims to identify barriers faced by rural Alberta women entrepreneurs in the regional food economy and then develop a pilot project to help overcome them. “Participating in regional food systems not only creates economic growth for a region, but also provides entrepreneurs an opportunity to create value-added food adding to the long-term […] Read more
Talent, not gender, is what matters in today’s agriculture
Whether running farms or taking a leadership role in ag businesses, women are breaking down the gender barrier
Reading Time: 3 minutes Agriculture may be considered a male-dominated industry, but more women are not only recognizing the many opportunities in this sector, they are also taking on leadership roles. Gone are the days when farming meant back-breaking physical labour. As well, the trend towards larger farm operations has meant a need for different skills and capabilities, including […] Read more
In praise of those who make our lives and communities great
We are all makers of history and symbols of hope, and the contribution of women is invaluable and inspiring
Reading Time: 3 minutes I am writing this on the eve of International Women’s Day and as we near the celebration of the birth of my seventh granddaughter and remember the birth of her great-great-grandmother, Martha. I’m reflecting on women I know, and those whom I do not, who contribute to our societies and our future. I am overcome […] Read more