Season 2 Episode 1

Did 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 Guests

Josie 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 Beef

Rachel 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.

Credits

Host: Dr. Don Shafer, PhD

Guests: Josie Pashulka, Rachel Herbert

Senior Writer: Eric La Febre

Showrunner: Jessica Grajczyk

Audio Producer: Scott Whittaker

Executive Producer: Jennifer Smith

Contributor: Trish Nixon