Season 2 Episode 1Did you know women could own cattle before they could vote? In this episode of Digging In with UFA, we learn about the realities, misconceptions and histories of women in agriculture. Joined by beef producer and educator, Josie Pashulka, and rancher and author, Rachel Herbert, we take a look at the reality of women’s roles in Canadian agriculture from generations past to present day. What unique perspectives do they bring to the industry? What does innovation and leadership look like for women in Ag? What role does gender play in the history of legacy ranches and homesteads? Grab your shovels and join us as we dig into another fascinating topic on Digging In with UFA. Our GuestsJosie Pashulka - Rusylvia Cattle Co. Josie Pashulka and her husband Ken co-founded the Rusylvia Cattle Co. 31 years ago. With the help of their three sons, they operate the 400-cow operation in Derwent, Alberta. Josie advocates for producers and helps strengthen the industry as an Alberta Beef Producers Delegate. She also leads the industry as an educator and a preeminent voice in artificial insemination at Lakeland College, where she helps train the next generation of livestock professionals. She has been recognized for her work with a 2025 Women in Ag Award by Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) highlighting her impact, resilience and dedication to agriculture. Rachel Herbert - Trail’s End BeefRachel Herbert co-owns and operates Trail’s End Beef near Nanton, Alberta, where she and her husband Tyler raise grass-fed, grass-finished, red and black Angus cattle using regenerative practices. As advocates for sustainability, their ranching model emphasizes rotational grazing, watershed protection and ecological stewardship of native grasslands in Porcupine Hills. Holding an MA from the University of Calgary, Rachel is the author of Ranching Women in Southern Alberta, a groundbreaking book that challenges myths and highlights the vital roles women have played in ranching history. As a fourth-generation rancher raising the fifth, Rachel draws on her family’s deep roots in Alberta ranching, including stories of her great-grandmother’s resilience during the Great Depression.About UFA UFA Co-operative was founded in 1909. The co-operative was formed by farmers, for farmers, with the belief that we can accomplish more when we work together. 116 years later, UFA has grown into one of Canada's largest and most progressive agricultural co-operatives, offering the products, services and support for the farmers and ranchers who feed the world. As a co-operative, UFA is member-owned and today, its membership has grown to over 180,000. UFA continues the movement started over a century ago by serving and advocating for members of the agricultural community and beyond. At the heart of this commitment is ensuring the voice of the farmer is brought to the decision-making table. UFA is proud to give back to rural communities, ensuring they thrive for generations to come. Learn more at UFA.com.CreditsHost: Dr. Don Shafer, PhDGuests: Josie Pashulka, Rachel HerbertSenior Writer: Eric La FebreShowrunner: Jessica GrajczykAudio Producer: Scott WhittakerExecutive Producer: Jennifer SmithContributor: Trish Nixon
Welcome to Diggin In With UFA: Season 2It takes a certain kind of ambition to do what farmers do. Between the hours and the hard labor, to the public scrutiny and bureaucratic maze running, it's not an easy task. While the agriculture industry feeds millions quietly tilling and producing behind the scenes, many forget that our food comes from the hands of real people with real stories.Join us as we share stories from those with boots on the ground and unearth unique perspectives onagriculture's biggest conversations. It's time to grab your shovel and get to work.#podcast #farming
Digging in with UFA - Weather and Agriculture Farmers rely on some level of predictability. Season over season, being able to forecast a certain amount of rainfall is a more difficult task. Is this something new or, like the farmers and ranchers of generations past, is Mother Nature just keeping us on our toes? This week we are digging in on Weather and Agriculture. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with the CEO of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, both nationally and provincially, Janice Tranberg and Rancher, Comedian and Youtube Personality known commonly as Quick Dick McDick, Dickson Delorme, while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing topics. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you? #podcast #farming
With technology rapidly transforming nearly every sector of production and business worldwide, how is agriculture adapting and integrating these advancements into daily operations? And for those newly entering the sector who have grown up in this technological era, what role will they play in shaping the future of tech in agriculture? This week we are digging in on technology in agriculture. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from President of Red Deer Polytechnic Stuart Cullum and Alberta Farmer and Agricultural Social Media Advocate Charlotte Wasylik while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you?https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/faculty/stuart-cullum https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cullumstuart@stuartfcullum @RedDeerPolytech @chatsworthfarm @prariebirderhttps://albertaopenfarmdays.ca/farm/chatsworth-farmhttps://www.facebook.com/chatsworthfarm/ https://www.youtube.com/@chatsworthfarm579Instagram.com/chatsworthfarm #ruraltechnology #agtechhttps://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sciencehttps://agriculture.canada.ca/en/science/scientific-research-and-collaboration-agriculture/agriculture-and-agri-food-canadas-strategic-plan-science
Digging in with UFA - Family Farm Dynamics and Succession Planning Planning for the future is tricky. From unexpected life events and the sudden loss of loved ones to maintaining the legacy of a family business, preparing for succession and adapting to life's hurdles is no easy task. This week we are digging into family farm dynamics and succession planning in agriculture. Join us for insightful discussions with Maggie Van Camp, Founder and Director for Strategic Change at Loft32 and CEO of Recrest Farms, and Trevor McClean, National Leader for Transition Smart Services. Together, we'll explore the most pressing issues in Canadian agriculture. Guided by our host Don Shafer, in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we're ready to dig in. Are you?#podcast #farming
Digging in with UFA - Rural Mental HealthOn the farm, preparing and protecting yourself from the hazards and dangers associated with the labour of production can be a taxing endeavor. So much so that we tend to forget about the mental stressors that can creep in. When it comes to mental health, what do advocacy and outreach look like? How deep does the stigma associated with mental health struggles run within agricultural communities? What do we do to change things? This week we are digging in on rural mental health. Join us for an honest and real conversation with Leslie Kelly, Social Media Mental Health Advocate, Do More Ag Founder, and Saskatchewan Farmer, along with Shaun Haney, Host of Realag Radio on SiriusXM and Founder of realagriculture.com. Together, we'll explore mental health in Canadian agriculture. Guided by our host Don Shafer, in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we're ready to dig in. Are you? #DoMoreAg #highheelsandcanolafields #RealAg #ShaunHaney #LesleyKelly #LetsTalk #MentalHealthMatters @realagriculturehttps:/ /www.linkedin.com/company/realagriculture @realagmedia shaney@realagriculture.com#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #podcast
Digging in with UFA - Tariffs and AgricultureIt’s no surprise that many people feel anxious about the future of trade, especially with the recent implementation of new tariffs. As we examine their real-world impact, a key question emerges: how can agriculture—both large-scale and small-scale—protect itself from the rising costs and prepare for future, unpredictable shifts in global trade? This week, we’re digging into the topic of tariffs and their effects on agriculture. Join us for an insightful conversation featuring Scott Crockatt, Vice President of Communications and External Relations at the Business Council of Alberta (BCA), and Margaret Rigetti, farmer and Board Director at Sask OilSeeds. Guided by host Don Shafer and presented in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’ll explore the root of some of Canadian agriculture’s most pressing issues. We’re ready to dig in—are you?Further Discussion and Mentioned InformationAgriculture and agri-food trade between Canada and the United States - agriculture.canada.cahttps://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/international-trade-finance-policy/canadas-response-us-tariffs/complete-list-us-products-subject-to-counter-tariffs.htmlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2025/03/li
Digging in with UFA - GMO’s In the realm of consumer produce and agricultural products, many discussions have been brought to the table about altering the chemical nature of foods. But what exactly is a GMO, and why is there so much concern about its consumption? This week, we delve into genetically modified organisms in agriculture. Join us for insightful discussions with Stuart Smythe, Agri-Food and Innovation Sustainability Enhancement Chair and Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, and Sylvain Charlebois, Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Together, we'll dive deep into this highly debated topic, uncovering truths and dispelling myths. Guided by our host Don Shafer, in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we're ready to dig in. Are you?Acronyms Present in Episode: GM: Genetically Modified BT: Bacillus Thuringiensis; A group of soil microbes used to control specific types of insect pestsCFIA: Canadian Food Inspection AgencyPMRA: Pest Management Regulatory AgencyFAO: Food and Agricultural Association.#podcast #farms
Digging in with UFA - Carbon Tax 2With many of these topics, it is difficult to navigate or pin down the crux of the conversation in a single podcast episode. For something as impactful and imperative as the carbon tax, we must dig deeper. This week we are digging back in on the carbon tax. Join as we dig to the root of the Carbon Tax with our expert guests: Agricultural Economist, former CO-Op Chair in Agricultural Business at the UofA and Distinguished Fellow at the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, Dr. Ellen Goddard, as well as President of S&T Squared Consultants and Former Vice President of Production at Mohawk Oil, Don O’Connor. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you?
Digging in with UFA - Water and AgricultureWater. Without it, we cannot survive. Within agriculture, it is a marvel how we irrigate, process, collect and distribute, this, the most paramount component of the world's ecosystem. This week we are digging in on water and agriculture. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from Owner and Operator of Chinook Ranch Limited, Stephen Hughes and General Manager of the Bow River Irrigation District, Richard Phillips while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you? #certifiedbeef #chinookranches #BRID #mcdonaldsflagshipfarmer #watermanagementalberta #irrigationalberta #albertabeef#canadianbeefproducers #CDNbeefhttps://www.alberta.ca/water-availability-engagementhttps://www.alberta.ca/water-legislation-and-guidelineshttps://www.alberta.ca/water-codes-of-practicehttps://www.brid.ca/https://www.crsbcertified.ca/consumers/meet-the-players/chinook-ranch/https://crsb.ca/
Digging in with UFA - Animal Health and Welfare From the outside looking in, there are often some big misconceptions about the treatment of animals in agriculture and the implications for the consumer. This week we are digging in on animal health and welfare in agriculture. Join us for insightful conversations featuring Joyce Van Donkersgoed, a dedicated feedlot veterinarian, lead consultant for the Beef Cattle Research Council, and Western Canadian Animal Health Chair, alongside Dickson Delorme, a rancher turned comedian and YouTube personality, known to his 150K+ subscribers as Quick Dick McDick. Together, we address some of the most pressing issues facing Canadian agriculture today. Guided by our host Don Shafer, in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you? www.quickdickmcdick.ca #QDM #QuickDickMcDick #SmallTownComedyTour https://animalhealthcanada.ca https://stories.ulethbridge.ca/healthy-hooves https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joyce-Van-Donkersgoed #joycevandonkersgoed @joycevandonkersgoedMission Statement:Unite our customers, member/owners, staff, and elected officials toward balancing our common purpose of improving economic and social well-being of agriculture owners and their communities with sound business decisions that drive profit growth!Promote and support the establishment of strong, professional business relationships by understanding the needs of our loyal customers/members and providing relevant, worthwhile solutions.Develop and execute a strategic plan that strives for best-in-class customer experiences, recognizes and quickly adapts to relevant technology and promotes sustainable practices on behalf of and for our member/owners in all markets.Remain connected to our roots and grounded in communities, Alberta's natural resources, rural involvement and awareness, and the ideal that cooperation, neighbour to neighbour, town to town, and member to member is a heritage to be proud of and protected.VisionTo be recognized as the most trusted and reliable supplier of petroleum, crop, livestock, building products and services in the markets we serve.Core ValuesA company is defined by its values. These are the principles by which we go about the day-to-day business of serving our owners and customers, and how we treat each other as employees.PerformanceIntegrityCollaborationProgressive thinkingAccountabilityAgilityRespect #podcast #education
Digging in with UFA - The Changing Nature Of FarmingWhen it comes to cost, there are so many variables farmers and ranchers face that, as a consumer, are completely unseen in the process of farm to plate. This week we are digging in on the changing nature and cost of farming. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from Co-Owner and Operations Manager for Grace Feedyards Dorothy Thengs and Managing Director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute Tyler McCann while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with United Farmers of Alberta, we’re ready to dig in. Are you? #podcast #farming
Digging in with UFA - Carbon Tax When we talk about public policy in agriculture, how do we maintain realistic expectations for ranchers and farmers in both the short term and the long term? This week we are digging in on the carbon tax and the conversation between systemic ambition and the realities of agricultural legislature. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from UFA Board of Directors Member Trish Henderson and the Alberta Grains Director of Government Relations Policy Shannon Sereda while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with United Farmers of Alberta, we’re ready to dig in. Are you?
Digging in with UFA - Antibiotics and Antimicrobials For ranchers and farmers, how do you safely mitigate disease among cattle while also maintaining safety for the consumer? This week we are digging in on antibiotic and antimicrobial use in cattle production. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from Ranching Entrepreneur Ryan Kasko and Cattle Veterinary Expert Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you?
Digging in with UFA - Antibiotics and Antimicrobials For ranchers and farmers, how do you safely mitigate disease among cattle while also maintaining safety for the consumer? This week we are digging in on antibiotic and antimicrobial use in cattle production. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from Ranching Entrepreneur Ryan Kasko and Cattle Veterinary Expert Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you?
Digging in with UFA - Fertilizer Emission Reduction TargetsAs we try our best to do better by the planet, how do we make sure to also do right by those most affected in climate policy? This week we are digging in on Fertilizer Emission Reduction Targets and what it means for the farmers who are most affected. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from Agricultural Advocate Tara Sawyer and Agri-food Industry Expert Sylvain Charlebois while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you?
Digging in with UFA - Fertilizer Emission Reduction TargetsAs we try our best to do better by the planet, how do we make sure to also do right by those most affected in climate policy? This week we are digging in on Fertilizer Emission Reduction Targets and what it means for the farmers who are most affected. Join as we listen to true blue discussions from Agricultural Advocate Tara Sawyer and Agri-food Industry Expert Sylvain Charlebois while we dig to the root of Canadian Agriculture's most pressing conversations. Guided by our host Don Shafer in partnership with UFA Co-operative, we’re ready to dig in. Are you?