pilipiliÂþ»­

We chatted with several women, working in a variety of roles in agriculture. We asked these women the same questions, learning about their experiences and opinions as they contribute to the industry.

Carol Bubar Class of ‘77
Instructor at Olds College in Olds, Alberta from 1990-2010.  (retired)

My primary focus was weed identification and management but I taught a range of plant-based courses to both full and part time learners.

The Importance:  It is important for women to be involved because safe and sustainable food production is everybody’s business!

Inspiration: When I was teaching I was often inspired by my students.  I had many that came to Olds College later in life to train for a second career in agriculture or the environment.  Those students were so motivated to succeed and make a difference.  They were a joy to teach.

Misconception: Almost 40 years after I began my career in agriculture, I hope that there are no longer any misconceptions!  Women can and do contribute to agriculture in so many ways and I hope that continues.  My sense is that there is no longer a glass ceiling for women in agriculturally based business.  I know that when I first started going to weed meetings in the early 1980s there were almost no women working for herbicide companies.  The last meeting I attended in the late 2000s, there were more women present than men.  I hope that trend continues.

Advice:  I would echo what I was told when I was in high school trying to decide on a career path.  I thought I wanted to be an Environmental Biologist.  It was a romantic notion and there were very few jobs at that time for women or men.  A good friend said to consider agriculture as a form of applied environmental biology, one that is focused on food production.  When you get right down to it, is there anything more important than food?  I can say now that I am very happy I took his advice as it led to a long and satisfying career.