BURST
One of three sisters growing up on her family farm near Moosomin, Kirsten Oram was definitely the most interested in the world of producing grain and raising cattle.
That interest has helped guide her through many seeding and harvest seasons, not to mention a degree from the University of Saskatchewan that led to a career as an independent consulting agronomist.
“I’ve kind of always been involved with agriculture,” she says. “When you grow up on a farm like that, you’re always involved.”
Oram’s foundation continues to serve her well as she and husband Dane run a cattle farm of their own near Tugaske — about 150 kilometres northwest of Regina. The couple splits the chores in addition to parental duties, deciding each morning who will watch their two-year-old daughter Lachlyn.
“We do what fits for us,” she says. “It’s a great lifestyle to get to be together and do something you love.”
In the spirit of International Women’s Day this Sunday — and with the United Nations declaring 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer — Oram welcomes the opportunity to highlight how women contribute to agrifood production across the world.
Organizers of Canada’s Farm Show — set for March 17-19 at REAL District in Regina — are also adopting the UN’s theme at this year’s event. The show is part of a national tour sponsored by consulting firm Deloitte to explore the barriers women face in agriculture.
Oram says there are still gender-related challenges, such as lingering pockets of sexism and a lack of women in leadership roles. However, she finds that attitudes in Saskatchewan have certainly shifted from even a generation ago.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve had to work hard to prove myself,” she says, “but I think that’s more of how I was raised, not because I am a woman.”
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Oram isn’t surprised that the number of Canadian women in agriculture has grown, though they still remain a minority.
According to 2021 census data, women represented about 25 per cent of farmers in Saskatchewan, an increase of 6.5 per cent from 2016. That was below the national average of 30 per cent, but it represented the first increase since 1991.
Oram guesses some of that upward shift can be attributed to women embracing a different role — not just as a “farm wife” or a bookkeeper, but as an equal partner in business. She also points to a diminishing stigma about daughters taking over family businesses.
Plus, more women are getting into the agribusiness side of the sector, she says. When standing in a room full of fellow agronomists, Oram sees far more female faces in the mix than there may have been a few years ago.
“I think within the past 10 years, that divide has definitely lessened,” she says.
Oram agrees there is value in encouraging and connecting women within the industry, like through non-profit member groups like Women in Agriculture Saskatchewan.
“There is still a need to be aware, keep it in people’s mind,” she says. “It’s always important to support other women (and) it is nice to have an event you can go to and talk to other women about your challenges, because men don’t always understand.”
Oram’s advice to young women eyeing a career in agriculture is pretty straightforward: go for it.
“You’ve just got to be confident and work hard, establish your network,” she adds. “And don’t be too hesitant to join the industry because you’re afraid you’ll be alone.”
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