MEET THE FAMER
The International Year of the Woman Farmer – 2026
The International Year of the Woman Farmer – 2026
The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) with a goal to build awareness around the vital roles of women farmers in shaping and sustaining agrifood systems – efforts that often go unrecognized.
Canada Beef is honoured to showcase women owner/operators in the Canadian beef cattle industry. Follow along on our social pages and on this web page as we feature monthly profiles of women beef producers and acknowledge their leadership and contributions towards creating a sustainable Canadian beef industry.
Born and raised on a cow-calf operation in Mates Corner, New Brunswick, cattle have always been part of Ellen’s story. Today, she runs a small purebred Simmental herd alongside her family’s commercial operation, raising cattle with care, precision, and a deep respect for the land.
From analyzing genetics and planning breeding decisions years in advance, to the excitement of calving season each spring, her passion is rooted in seeing those decisions come full circle. Using tools like AI and a strong herd health program, she’s focused on raising high-quality cattle while continually improving her herd.
Beyond the farm, she’s proud to support the future of agriculture in the Maritimes, helping farmers access resources, grow their herds, and strengthen the industry for generations to come. She’s also passionate about being a role model for women in agriculture, proving that there’s a place for everyone in this industry. Like most Canadian beef farmers, her operation is family-run built on hard work, consistency, and a commitment to producing an amazing product.
Calving, when new life hits the pasture and the next generation begins.
Most beef farms are family operated and we typically have an off-farm job to be able to farm. We are creating a high-quality product.
A perfectly cooked rare steak on the BBQ… or a comforting bowl of goulash.
Laura wishes more consumers knew that cattle are an important part of a healthy grassland ecosystem. “This ecosystem was built and sustained by large grazers; this is the way it’s always been.”
For the Plett family, raising cattle means there is no time in the day or time in the season to get bored. Each season is spent preparing for the next, and there is something in every season to look forward to. Winter allows them to focus on cattle nutrition, management decisions, and planning for the future. Spring brings the excitement of calving season. “Seeing the new calves and seeing my son see the new calves is so much fun,” she said.
Summer is very productive executing on the plans they have been making all year. “Seeing the feed yard fill up and cattle putting on pounds grazing the grass they’ve waited for all year is the best sight,” she offers.
Fall is about satisfaction, of bringing all the herds together again and seeing a hard years’ work come home safe and sound, she said.