News
FCC names five outstanding Canadian female leaders in agriculture

Mar. 27. 2012 - Guelph, ON – Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 FCC Rosemary Davis Award, which recognizes five outstanding Canadian women for their leadership and commitment to the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry.

The 2012 winners are:

Betty Lou Scott – a cattle producer, 4-H leader and volunteer from Mount Thom, Nova Scotia
Bonnie Spragg – a hog producer, food processor and rural developer from Rosemary, Alberta
Judy Shaw – an agriculture industry leader, communicator and visionary from Guelph, Ontario
Katherine Elaine Buckley – a research scientist, green champion and educator from Brandon, Manitoba
Martine Bourgeois – an agrologist, egg producer and poultry industry leader from Saint-Ours, Quebec

“It is truly an honour to win the Rosemary Davis award particularly as it recognizes efforts in, agriculture, an area which is so important to me personally but also for this great country of ours,” says the Ontario recipient Judy Shaw. “Thank you FCC for recognizing the work of women in agriculture.”

“Each of our winners is a great role model in the agriculture industry. The variety of their work demonstrates the diverse and important roles women hold in this important industry,” says Kellie Garrett, FCC Senior Vice- President, Strategy, Knowledge and Reputation. “These women are making a difference to Canadian agriculture and agri-food – a system that employs one in eight Canadians.”

The Rosemary Davis Award was created in 2005 to honour the first female FCC board chair. Rosemary was a successful agribusiness owner and operator for many years. Thirty Rosemary Davis Awards have been presented to outstanding women and leaders in the agricultural industry since 2005. Judging criteria include demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and making a difference in agriculture by displaying passion for the industry and a clear vision for its future. Each winner has recorded impressive achievements and taken the time to share her knowledge with others. Full biographies are available at www.fccrosemarydavisaward.ca.

“Betty Lou, Bonnie, Judy, Katherine Elaine and Martine are Canadian success stories with local, provincial and national influence in agriculture,” said Garrett. “They share courage, determination and passion for what they do as they work to advance the business of agriculture, each in their own unique way. I know that the dedication of these five award recipients and their impact inspire other women to use their skills, innovation and passion to grow the industry.”