From working on the family farm in Earl Grey to mentoring youth across the country, Belinda Wagner has seen all sides of agriculture — and now she has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the industry.
Wagner is the recipient of the first ever Celebrating Women in Agriculture Award presented by the Canadian Western Agribition and BMO.
“It’s not something I feel I need to have this public recognition for because it’s just what I am and what I do,” said Wagner at Agribition on Thursday. “But it’s wonderful to have the congratulations from industry peers.”
Wagner has worked in the industry in various administration roles for 30 years. Twenty of those years have included work with youth mentorship programs at provincial and national levels through the Saskatchewan and Canadian Angus Associations.
She has also worked with the Saskatchewan Livestock Association, the Saskatchewan Junior Angus Association and the Canadian Junior Angus Association. She is credited as a builder and mentor in the agriculture sector.
“You’re leading by example and encouraging youth to stay involved in the industry and rewarding them for being involved,” said Wagner, who also helps administer youth scholarships and bursaries.
“We need to replace the farmers that are retiring, just like any industry, and to have young people see the opportunities and be involved when they’re learning about what careers they could get into — this is a really great place to be,” she said.
She said recognizing contributions to the industry in general is important, but women play a special role in the sector.
“I just think that women bring a different skill set and mindset to the board table, and I think that diversity in anything is a good thing,” she said.
She currently is the manager for the Saskatchewan Angus Association and the Saskatchewan Livestock Association and is mentoring someone from B.C. who is just getting into the industry.
Source : Leaderpost