Women in Agriculture - Time to put Yourself First!

Mar 12, 2025
By Denise Faguy
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Over the years, 8,000 conference alumni have been inspired by AWC.

What do 31 + students studying agriculture and food at Canadian universities and colleges across the country, 41 speakers, 32 exhibitors, and 300+ delegates have in common? They will all be attending the 22nd Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference next week in Calgary, Alberta.

AWC West will be held March 16 to 18 at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary.

There is still time to register if you would like to attend. Why attend? Spark new thoughts! Get motivated to look to tomorrow! Be inspired to reach your goals! If you need CEU credits you can earn 25 credits in the professional development category.

There is a great line-up of speakers, including:

Angela Santiago, CEO, Co-Founder, The Little Potato Company with her presentation “Rooted in Values: Growing The Little Potato Company.”
Dr. Brynn Winegard, Workplace Applied Neuroscience & Positive Psychology Expert, DrBrynn.com with her presentation “Boost My Brain!” • Cami Ryan, Industry Affairs and Sustainability, Bayer with “The Heat is On! Resiliency and Leadership in Ag!”
Bobbie-Jo Curle, Vice President Insurance, AgriStability, & LPI, AFSC with “Big Dreams, Small Towns: Taking Risks and Growing Your Career.”

And don’t miss the Business Panel Discussion “Growing your business or transferring your business?” Panelists will include Hollie Kereszti, Women in Enterprise, TD, Calgary; Julie Dimitri, National Manager, Women in Enterprise, TD Business Banking, Toronto; Lynda Campbell, District Manager TD Agriculture Services, TD Bank, Calgary, and Sean Hiebert, Vice President, Business Succession Advisor, TD Wealth, Calgary.

Looking for a career change, don’t miss the breakfast session “Beyond the Basics: Advanced Resume and Interview Techniques for Career Growth”, with Erin Stuart, Recruitment Consultant, De Lacy Executive Recruitment.

AFSC will be holding the exclusive gala “The Notables” dedicated to celebrating the leadership, resilience, and dedication of women shaping Alberta’s agriculture industry. With the keynote speaker Sarah Calhoun, Red Ants Pants.

Don’t forget to register to attend the FEAD Table Talk Semi-Annual Conference which brings together food founders and leaders for the afternoon.

For more information about the Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference, visit https://www.advancingwomenconference.ca/2025west/

Video: Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Less than 1% of Americans are farmers. The majority of those farmers are men. Many people have minimal experience with farms and agriculture. High schools are getting rid of their FFA programs and many colleges, including BGSU, do not have agricultural programs or classes. There is a new social media phenomenon where women are making content based on their farming endeavors and gaining lots of traction. Education is the one of the most important parts of agriculture, because the more people know the more they will emphasize with farmers and create policy that benefits everybody. Female farmers have taken to social media sharing their experience in the agricultural world. These women are breaking stereotypes and educating everyday citizens about farming which is extremely important for the future of agriculture. Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.