Oct. 15/26 News Print Page

Women have always held a key place in agriculture.

They’ve encouraged the next generation, they’ve pushed boundaries and created new opportunities, they’ve shared their knowledge and educated others, and they’ve united and strengthened the ag community.

None of that has changed. What’s changed is that these longstanding contributions are being brought into the spotlight.

Each year, Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) celebrates the women who are helping to shape the agriculture sector through our Women in Ag Award. Nominations for the 2027 Women in Ag Award open October 15 and close November 16 at 11:59 p.m. Alberta Time (ABT).

These boots tell a story: The women of Alberta ag

In 2026, we recognized nine women who are supporting one another, working to make the industry better, and helping chart the course for the future of agriculture. Together, they remind us of the power of mentorship, creativity, and community in shaping the future of agriculture.

Robyne Davidson, The Innovator

“As an innovator you are always looking (at) how can we do that? or how can we solve that problem? I focus on making changes, even small changes, that will overall make the agriculture industry better. And I’m excited to be a part of an industry that I absolutely love.”

 

Laura Brown, The Operator

“Women are the backbone of the industry. We run the farm. We run the families. We make the whole thing work. My passion has always been agriculture. I love looking out at the cows. I love looking out at the land and seeing good crops. And I think it’s important to pass on that passion for agriculture.”

 

Michelle Rigney, The Ignitor

“I think women in ag are able to support each other a little bit uniquely just because of the way we communicate, the way we are more willing to share concerns and we kind of have our circle of people that we’re comfortable saying like, ‘I don’t know what’s going on. I need your help.’ So I think that makes it easier to work with each other and help each other out.”

 

Dr. Brenda Ralston, The Professional Leader

“I think it’s important to have women in leadership positions in the industry to help  foster that confidence building in women coming into the industry, to let them have the knowledge that it’s a career that’s open to them.”

 

Beth Cash, The Promoter

“I’ve really found myself in a place where I can, you know, contribute to the industry and be proud of what I’ve contributed. And ultimately, the promotion of ag and the voice that we have as women in ag is what’s going to carry agriculture forward and it’s what’s going to change the industry.”

 

Alexandra Brochu, The Community Builder

“The community for women in ag is very important. If the community can see the value of the women in the agriculture sector, it makes a whole lot of difference. Not just for that woman but also for the betterment of the community.”

 

Lisa Kitt, The Maverick

“I’m so drawn to growing good, healthy food. Everyone comes around a table, around food, and when we get to sit down and look at that food, and know where it came from, that bring pride and joy, and I think this is why I farm.”

 

Jordyn Prior, The Emergent

“Both of my grandmas were teachers and so I love educating others about our ag industry and where their food comes from. I think a lot of people, they lack that knowledge or experience, so how can we share our values and what we do with them.”

 

Jackie Rae Greening, The Notable Lifetime Achiever

“I think it’s so important to support women in ag. The one thing we are always great about as women is collaboration. We get people together and as a result that is going to make it an even better industry than it already is.”

Inspired? Nominate someone for the 2027 awards

Nominations for the 2027 Women in Ag Award open October 15 and close November 16.  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.

Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee that includes AFSC representatives and industry 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 a link to the nomination form, can be found on AFSC’s Women in Ag Award page.