RENFREW – The women of the Ottawa Valley are rocking the agriculture industry and shaping the landscape for generations to come.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation, with BMO, sponsored a Women in Agriculture breakfast for nearly 40 women at the Rocky Mountain House Friday morning (March 8).

Keanan Stone, chair of the hospital’s board and general manager of Valley Bio Limited, hosted a panel of ladies in the field as part of the event. Stone says historically, women were not recognized as driving forces in agriculture, but there’s a shift in how we view women in the industry.

“I think going back, women were always looked as supporting the farmer, making the meals, doing the books,” Stone said. “I think that’s really changing as a lot of women are taking the primary roles in the agriculture industry now.”   

Panel members Jen Doelman, Suzy Campbell and Laura Naismith shared challenges, accomplishments and milestones of their experiences as women in agriculture who juggle farming, family and off-farm careers.

• Courtesy Oldies 107.7 FM