Oct. 15/25 Articles Print Page

Women have always been an integral part of agriculture – working as equipment operators, gardeners, cooks, and bookkeepers. In recent years, their roles have evolved significantly with a growing number of women becoming farm operators, ag leaders and innovators.

According to the Canadian Census of Agriculture, there were 77,970 female farm operators in Canada in 2016. By 2021,Information from Statistics Canada about the increasing number of women in ag. In 2021, 16,590 female farm operators reported managing one-operator farms in Canada, an increase of 26.5% (+3,480) from 2016. The net increase between 2016 and 2021 in female farm operators managing one-operator farms was driven by Alberta (+1,065), followed by Saskatchewan (+855). Two farm types contributed the most to the net increase of female farm operators managing one-operator farms - beef farms (+1,495) and oilseed and grain farms (+1,035). that number had increased to 79,795. This growth was accompanied by a rise in the number of women holding technical and supervisory positions across the agriculture sector.

These women are bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the industry. They are strengthening rural communities, mentoring the next generation of ag operators and professionals, and driving innovation and growth.

Every woman in agriculture has a unique story to tell. And each year, Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) celebrates these stories through our Women in Ag Award. Nominations for the 2026 Women in Ag Award opened October 15 and close November 17.

These boots tell a story: The women of agriculture

In 2025, we recognized eight women who are breaking down barriers, setting new standards and introducing innovative ideas and practices to the industry. Together, they remind us of the power of mentorship, creativity, and community in shaping the future of agriculture.

Josie Pashulka, The Operator
“I think a misconception is that women aren’t tough enough. And I think it’s amazing how tough and resilient women can actually be.”

 

Janice Wirsta, The Ignitor
“You can raise your family on the farm. You can have an off-farm career. You can be a part of your farming operation. You can do it all.”

 

Sheri Strydhorst, Professional Leader
“It’s about helping others to understand the context. Being someone who you can come to, and you know, ask the embarrassing questions … And being a safe space for others to talk and mentor.”

 

Mariana Guerra-Maupome, The Promoter
“I dedicate a lot of my time to highlight the challenges and the opportunities that females face in agriculture. I have a lot of younger, female vets, ranchers that follow me, and through my social media, I am able to generate discussions and opportunities for others, that, you know, are either struggling with the same things or want to come on board.”

 

Nikki Peltzer, The Community Builder
“I believe that it is my role to help the younger generation find their passion and then take that passion and build it into something they can do for the rest of their life.”

 

Kendra Donnelly, The Maverick
“One area where I guess we’ve been really bold and different and disruptive is with our bio-digester project. We are trying to develop two right now … where we would take the beef manure, upgrade it through a bio-digestion process to produce renewable natural gas.”

 

Amanda Elzinga-Pugh, The Rising Star
“If I could change one thing it would be for women that want to be in agriculture to feel empowered to go ahead and do it and not feel like they need to go down a different path.”

 

Leona Staples, The Notable Lifetime Achiever
“Find the piece that really you love, and you will find a spot in agriculture that you can take what you really love and meld it into your career.”

Inspired? Nominate someone for the 2026 awards

Nominations for the 2026 Women in Ag Award open October 15 and close November 17.  A maximum of nine individuals will be recognized with the Women in Ag Award for their contributions to the advancement of women in agriculture.

The award categories are:

  • The Promoter: Advocates for a deeper understanding of agriculture through education and outreach.
  • The Innovator: Offers creative solutions to economic, environmental, or social challenges in agriculture.
  • The Community Builder: Unites and strengthens Alberta’s agricultural communities.
  • The Emergent/Rising Star: Recognizes leaders under 40 who are passionate and making waves.
  • The Professional Leader: Celebrates lifelong leadership in agriculture and advancing women in the field.
  • The Operator: Acknowledges those who form the backbone of primary agriculture and agribusiness.
  • The Maverick: Recognizes individuals who push boundaries and inspire change in the industry.
  • The Notable Lifetime Achiever: Honours a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and impact on the industry.
  • The Ignitor: Exclusively for AFSC employees, recognizing internal leaders who ignite progress.

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of two AFSC representatives and three representatives from AFSC’s strategic partners. Nominees are evaluated based on leadership and innovation, community and industry impact, and mentorship and support of the next generation.

Award recipients receive with an AFSC-branded trophy, full attendance at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference (AWC West), and hotel accommodations at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary. Winners will be announced in March at The Notables, a special reception, held in conjunction with the Advance Women in Agriculture West Conference.

More information, including the nomination form, can be found on AFSC’s Women in Ag Award page.