Celebrating rural ranching women in Maple Creek

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Wendy Thienes

Shaunavon Standard Local Journalism Initiative

The Ministry of Agriculture is hosting a Celebrating Rural Ranching Women event in Maple Creek on February 5 & 6 at the Maple Creek Royal Canadian Legion. The event kicks off on February 5 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm followed by supper and an optional evening activity, and then resumes on February 6 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The event will feature a wide variety of topics relevant to ranching including targeted grazing, genetic testing, cost of production, calving prep and more, while providing an opportunity for attendees to build relationships with other ranch women in the area. Attendees will hear about specialist services, forage management and rejuvenation strategies and have the opportunity to test and expand their plant ID skills, hear from experienced veterinarians and listen to the latest marketing advice.

The annual event rotates throughout the province each year and it is open to women from anywhere in the province. The deadline to register is January 28. The cost to attend is $75 for both days or $105 which includes an evening activity on February 5 where Crafty Creations by Tara will lead a decorated doormat activity.

Highlights will include a ‘Speed Dating with the Specialists’ segment with the opportunity to hear from a variety of internal specialists from the Ministry along with partnering organizations, and a ‘Peaks and Pits’

session where a panel of guests will highlight successes and learnings that they have encountered in their operations. Corissa Wilcox, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Regional Services Branch, Ministry of Agriculture is one of the organizers of the event and says, “The “Peaks and Pits” panel is intended to drive discussion through a show-and-tell style presentation by panelists who are ranch women from the region.”

Wilcox says, “There will also be a range of veterinary and nutrition topics covered throughout the event that we feel attendees will really appreciate given weather patterns in recent years with drought and other challenges. There will be presentations on genetics that will focus on up-and-coming technology that is becoming more available for ranchers.”

Genetic testing, targeted grazing, bottle feeding livestock and Cost of Production Network are just a few of the topics that fill a busy agenda for the 1.5 day event.

The annual event usually attracts approximately 40 attendees. Wilcox describes the overall goals of the event, saying, “This event provides ranching women with the opportunity to increase knowledge of ranch management, beef production and related topics, with a focus on current issues in the beef industry.” She adds, “Attendees will gain increased technical knowledge and make connections with other ranching women, building their networks for future support and success.”

Registration is through eventbrite.com (search Celebrating Rural Ranching Women) or contact Corissa Wilcox at 306-741-6800 for further details.