BARRHEAD - The County of Barrhead recognized a Neerlandia farmer, Dr. Sheri Strydhorst, for her contributions to the industry, presenting her with the 2025 Agriculture Financial Services Corporation's (AFSC) Women in Agriculture Professional Leadership Award during its first-ever Rural Lifestyle Expo awards dinner on May 5 at the Agricultural Society's Bablitz Exhibition Hall.
AFSC, a provincial Crown corporation, helps farmers and other agriculture-related businesses with loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance.
Their Women in Ag Awards series celebrates the women who shape the future of agriculture in Alberta.
AFSC announced the award winners in March and presented her with the award at a ceremony in Calgary. However, county manager Debbie Oyarzun noted the municipality wanted to honour and celebrate Strydorst's achievement at the Expo's award dinner.
"Their leadership, [including Strydhorst] is driving change, their resilience is building stronger communities, and their dedication is inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture," she said.
Oyarzun said the AFSC specifically recognized Strydhorst with the award for her work in agronomic research.
Strydhorst has had a distinguished career in the agricultural research field, starting with the Agriculture and Food Council after graduating from the University of Alberta graduate program and then moving on to the Alberta Pulse Growers Association, the University of Alberta, Alberta Agriculture, Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, and more recently with Results Driven Agricultural Research (ARDAR) as well as her own agricultural consulting firm.
"Her work in agronomic research has improved crop production, benefiting farmers across Alberta and Canada ... helping producers to adopt new management practices to increase yields and sustainability," she said.
Oyarzun added that Strydhorst has also shared her knowledge and expertise at national and international scientific conferences, reaching thousands of farmers, agronomists, and industry professionals.
"Her ability to bridge cutting-edge research with practical on-farm applications has made her a valuable asset to the industry," she said.
Oyarzun said Strydhorst's contributions to agriculture go beyond research, adding that she is a tireless advocate for increasing funding for agricultural research to help ensure that farmers and producers have access to the latest innovations and technologies.
Strydhorst said she was honoured to be recognized by the AFSC, thanking the organization for its efforts in recognizing women for their vital role in agriculture.
She also credited living in the county for much of her success.
"I'm honoured to live, work and farm in the County of Barrhead."
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
