Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce and Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs, with the ten women recognized with congratulatory scrolls at the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo on Wednesday, September 23, just west of Walkerton. From left to right: Carol Leeming; Margaret Vincent; Emily Morrison; Ontario Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams; Miranda Klaver, Becky Maus; author of Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes, Bonnie Sitter; Barb Zettler; Christine MacIntyre; Kristie Gilchrist; and Amanda Hammell. Missing: Tara Terpstra.Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce and Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs, with the ten women recognized with congratulatory scrolls at the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo on Wednesday, September 23, just west of Walkerton. From left to right: Carol Leeming; Margaret Vincent; Emily Morrison; Ontario Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams; Miranda Klaver, Becky Maus; author of Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes, Bonnie Sitter; Barb Zettler; Christine MacIntyre; Kristie Gilchrist; and Amanda Hammell. Missing: Tara Terpstra.
Midwestern

Huron Bruce women farmers honoured

Ten prominent women from Huron-Bruce have been honoured for their vital contributions to agriculture and rural life.

Huron-Bruce MPP and Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson recognized the group on Wednesday during Rural Ontario Week, coinciding with the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

The honourees are Tara Terpstra, Emily Morrison, Carol Leeming, Miranda Klaver, Margaret Vincent, Becky Maus, Kristie Gilchrist, Barb Zettler, Amanda Hammell, and Christine MacIntyre.

“Women have always been an integral part of agriculture and rural life here in Huron-Bruce, and this year provides a special opportunity to recognize the women who continue to strengthen our farms, businesses and communities,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce and Minister of Rural Affairs. “I am proud to recognize these ten women for the leadership, dedication and hard work they bring to our rural communities. Their contributions are helping build a strong future for agriculture and rural Ontario.”

Following the ceremony, local author Bonnie Sitter shared insights from her book, Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz, which documents Ontario’s Second World War "Farmerettes."

Thompson noted that while the roles of women on the farm continue to evolve, their resilience, leadership, and commitment to rural communities remain a constant foundation for Ontario's agricultural success.

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