Feb. 10/26 News Print Page

Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) is recognizing women from across Alberta whose leadership, innovation and community contributions are shaping the province’s agriculture and agribusiness sector.

AFSC announced the nominees for the 2026 Women in Ag Awards on February 10, Canada’s Agriculture Day, a national celebration of the people who grow our food and strengthen our communities. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Canada’s Agriculture Day, making it a fitting moment to recognize women making an impact across the industry.

Now in its fifth year, the Women in Ag Awards highlights the many roles women play in agriculture, from primary production and research to finance, education, advocacy and community leadership. AFSC received 74 nominations for the 2026 awards, a sign of the continued growth of the award and increasing recognition of women’s leadership across the sector.

Nominees come from communities across Alberta and represent a wide range of roles, including producers, researchers, agri-business professionals, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Together, they reflect the depth and diversity of work women contribute to agriculture, often while balancing business leadership with family and community responsibilities.

Meet the 2026 nominees

  • Alexandra Brochu, Girouxville
  • Amanda Davidson and Keliesha Roth, Pincher Creek
  • Arvel Lawson, Mannville
  • Autumn Voegtlin, Vegreville
  • Bernadette Lawes, Provost
  • Beth Cash, Seven Persons – Cypress County
  • Brenda Ralston, Balzac
  • Britney Jacob, Saddle Hills County
  • Carol Homeniuk, Two Hills
  • Christina Kaye, Olds
  • Crystal Thompson, Stettler
  • Crystal-Gayle Judge, Irvine – Cypress County
  • Dayna Everson, Leduc
  • Diane Sawley, Nanton
  • Eileen Roth, Millet
  • Elaine Shuck, Sangudo
  • Hali Costain, Mayerthorpe
  • Heather Snethun, Killam
  • Hilary Blanchette, Cypress County
  • Holly Kowblick, Wainwright
  • Jackie Rae Greening, St. Albert
  • Jade Almberg, Czar
  • Jazdn Moore, Edmonton
  • Jenifer Campbell, Ardrossan
  • Jennifer Molnar, Barnwell
  • Jesse Williams, Hanna
  • Joelle Benoit, Girouxville
  • Jordyn Prior, Irma
  • Joy Cavin, Olds
  • Kassi Rinas, Westlock
  • Kendra Frank, Crestomere
  • Kimberly Good, Carstairs
  • Krissy Fiddler, Red Deer
  • Krista Hunter, Wainwright
  • Krystal Stoutenberg, Olds
  • Larin Guenther, Lethbridge
  • Laura Brown, Erskine
  • Linda Hunt, Ryley
  • Lisa Dunlop, St. Paul
  • Lisa Kitt, Goodfare
  • Lori Oatway, Clive
  • Lorraine Polukoshko, Hines Creek
  • Lydia Pawluk, Vegreville
  • Megan Van Schothorst, Iron Springs
  • Megan Wiebe, Rosemary
  • Melissa Downing, Metiskow
  • Michelle Rigney, Westlock
  • Mindy Osepchuk, Smoky Lake
  • Nichole Neubauer, Medicine Hat
  • Nola Wong, Clive
  • Patti Forbes, Cypress County
  • Penny Wizniuk, Athabasca
  • Rebecca McDonald, Kikino Metis Settlement
  • Rebekah Krause, Stettler
  • Riley Sharp, Lacombe
  • Robyne Davidson, Lacombe
  • Ruth Daniels, Tilley
  • Samantha Besler, Calmar
  • Saskia Haenni, Millet
  • Shaina Griffith, Delia
  • Susan Markus, Castor
  • Suzanne Bergeron, Rimbey
  • Sydelle Zukowski, Rocky View County
  • Tasha Alexander, Brownvale
  • Tiffany Rozumniak, Lamont
  • Tina Stewart, Ponoka

Note: The above list reflects nominees who have chosen to be publicly recognized at this stage of the program.

Inside the selection process

Each year, AFSC brings together a cross‑sector committee to help guide the Women in Ag Awards selection process. This committee includes representatives from AFSC, as well as leaders from across the agriculture sector – media, industry, and youth leadership. When possible, a past Women in Ag Award recipient also participates.

Together, the committee reviews all nominations using clear criteria that align with each award category, focusing on leadership, impact, and mentorship.

Count down to the awards

While the nominees are being recognized on Canada’s Agriculture Day, the recipients of the 2026 Women in Ag Awards will be announced on March 8, 2026, during The Notables: Celebrating and Cultivating Inspiring Women in Agriculture. The awards gala takes place in Calgary in alignment with International Women’s Day.

To learn more, including how to get your ticket to The Notables, please see The Notables: Celebrating & cultivating inspiring women in agriculture