Advancing Women in Agriculture founder recognized alongside more than 30 Alberta women making an impact in farming, leadership, and rural communities.
A national advocate for women in agriculture is received recognition on one of Canada's biggest stages.
Farms.com's Iris Meck, founder of the Advancing Women in Agriculture and Food Conference (AWC), was featured in the Calgary Stampede's International Year of the Woman Farmer Showcase, a special exhibit recognizing women who are making significant contributions to Alberta's farming communities and the broader agriculture industry.
The International Year of the Woman Farmer Showcase was on display at the Nutrien Western Event Centre from July 3 to July 12 during the 2026 Calgary Stampede. The showcase featured more than 30 women involved in agriculture and rural leadership. The exhibit was part of celebrations tied to the United Nations-designated International Year of the Woman Farmer, an initiative intended to raise awareness of the vital role women play throughout global agrifood systems.
For Meck, the recognition reflects more than a decade of work dedicated to elevating women's voices and leadership opportunities throughout Canadian agriculture.
Since launching the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conferences (West and East), Meck has helped create one of the country's most influential networks for women working across the food and agriculture value chain. What began as a conference has evolved into a national movement focused on professional development, mentorship, leadership growth, and industry collaboration.
More than 9,000 women have participated in over 20 AWC events, representing a wide range of agricultural backgrounds, including producers, processors, students, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and agribusiness professionals.
The conference has become known for fostering meaningful connections while providing practical tools that help women advance their careers and strengthen their businesses.
"We are so proud that Iris joined the Farms.com Group, and that the Calgary Stampede has honoured her in this way," said Farms.com President Graham Dyer. "Women have been the backbone of the agriculture industry, and more importantly, they are key to shaping the future of the industry."
Meck said the recognition also reflects the importance of creating opportunities to celebrate the achievements of women across the sector.
"It was great to see the Calgary Stampede and Stampede Ag & Western Events creating a space for women in agriculture, and celebrating their accomplishments," she said.
Organizers of the Calgary Stampede showcase used the exhibit to highlight women whose leadership, innovation, volunteerism, advocacy, and agricultural expertise are helping shape the future of farming in Alberta and beyond.
The recognition of Meck is especially significant given the growing influence of women throughout Canadian agriculture.
Through AWC, Meck has consistently championed the idea that investing in people is essential to the future success of agriculture. The conference's continued growth over the past decade demonstrates the increasing demand for professional development opportunities tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in the industry.
The Calgary Stampede showcase offered a highly visible platform for those contributions, exposing more than one million annual Stampede visitors to the stories of women who are helping drive innovation, resilience, and progress throughout agriculture.
Photo Credit: Iris-Meck-Award