2026 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This declaration is meant to emphasize the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. Around the world, women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. The International Year of the Woman Farmer aims to raise awareness and promote actions to close gender gaps and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.
Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan is honoured to work with and celebrate women farmers across our province and country. One of our annual initiatives is to present the Farm & Food Care Champion Award in Saskatchewan, which commends those who strive to engage consumers about agriculture and help to build public trust in our province and beyond. We are beyond proud to acknowledge these women farmers who are past recipients of our Champion Award:
Women farmers also play an important role in shaping the direction of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan. Rancher Shelby Corey is chair of the FFC SK Board of Directors as well as a representative on the Saskatchewan Cattle Association Board. Another Board member, Nicole Lamers, represents the Ministry of Agriculture on the FFC SK Board and also farms with her family near Southey, SK. Angela Larson manages communications for Farm & Food Care SK and Canadian Food Focus and raises cattle and crops with her family near Marshall, SK.
Although every farm and family is unique, women farmers often take on added or different responsibilities than men on the farm. In addition to field work and livestock management, marketing, logistics and bookkeeping, many women also handle family responsibilities like childcare and meal preparation, all of which contribute to the farm’s success. There are some fascinating insights on the similarities and differences among farmers across Canada in the 2023 report, Understanding the Experience of Farm Women from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.
Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan salutes all women farmers who contribute so much to the agriculture sector in our province and beyond. If you know an exceptional farm woman who is engaging consumers about agriculture, let everyone know by sending in a nomination for the 2026 Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Champion Award before August 31, 2026.
Awards aside, we encourage everyone to celebrate the women farmers in your community by taking the time to let them know how much they are appreciated every day.