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Josie Pashulka in a Class of her Own!
Josie Pashulka in a Class of her Own!
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Josie Pashulka’s tireless dedication and outstanding contributions to the field of agriculture were recently recognized through Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s (AFSC) Women in Ag Awards. The Derwent area producer was one of seven recipients of who were honoured during a special reception in Calgary on March 16.
The AFSC Women in Ag Award honours the contributions of women in agriculture and agribusiness in Alberta. The award celebrates the increasing presence of women in the sector and showcases those who are making a tangible impact in preserving, nurturing, and transforming the ever evolving industry.
The News Advertiser caught up with Josie last week at Rusylvia Farm to hear more about the award as well as learn a little bit about her personal journey and how agriculture shaped her path from an early age.
When asked: What does it mean to you to receive the award? Josie replied, “I think it’s just the recognition that you have made an impact.” She added that it was nice to be celebrated. “Normally, I’m in chore clothes. So, it was nice to get a meal cooked for me.” Josie said they were “treated like Royalty” and was very appreciative of the efforts made by staff with AFSC.
The AFSC first presented the Women in Ag Award in 2022. Since then 30 awards have been presented. Carmen Pezderic, AFSC Sponsorship and Event Marketing Coordinator, said the award was created to “not only recognize the contributions of women, but also to inspire and empower them to take on leadership roles in the agriculture sector.”
Josie was nominated for the award by friend and neighbor Charlotte Wasylik from Chatsworth Farm. Charlotte stated in her nomination that “Josie’s ability to lead by example sets her apart. She proves, every day, that women belong at the forefront of agriculture as leaders, teachers and innovators. I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up watching Josie’s leadership in action. She has been a role model to me and countless hours, demonstrating that women can excel in agriculture and inspire change in their communities.
For her tireless work, I can think of no one more deserving of recognition than Josie. She has earned the respect and admiration of her peers, her community and the next generation of agricultural leaders….Josie’s work proves that women belong in every corner of agriculture, and her dedication has opened doors for others to follow.”
November of 2021 marked 40 years that Josie has been registering Maine-Anjou cattle. At nine years of age, Josie purchased Miss CMS 7N at the Ag-Ex Sale in Brandon, Manitoba. Josie explained that she and her brothers had to watch all of the shows, and then they could pick whatever breed they wanted to start in. Mom and dad would buy us our first heifer calf.
She came to Alberta to attend Lakeland College in Vermilion where she graduated from the Herd Health Technology Program. Josie met and married Ken Pashulka who grew up in the Rusylvia area after graduating college. Josie made sure to bring her herd of 40 cows from Manitoba to Alberta to start their purebred Maine-Anjou herd at Rusylvia Cattle Co. Over the years they added purebred Black Angus and purebred Simmentals to their operations. Altogether they have 400 head of purebred and commercial cattle. They own 12 quarter sections and rent out another 2,000 acres.
The couple have been married 31 years and have three sons: Tyson, 26, who is a welder; Riley, 24, who is a farmer; and Taylor, 23, who is a carpenter. Josie said the boys love to show cattle, and go to all the big shows like Canadian Western Agribition in Regina and Farmfair International in Edmonton. As well, they have also attended the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Every year they also host their own bull sale at the farm.
Josie is a former leader of the Myrnam 4-H Beef Club, and Past President of the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association. She is also in charge of the beef show at the Vermilion Fair which is Western Canada’s Largest and Oldest Traditional Agricultural Fair. She also teaches all the artificial insemination classes at Lakeland College in addition to serving as an auditor with the Verified Beef Program. She is also a delegate with the Alberta Beef Producers.
While Josie said she’s learning to say “no” to some of her volunteer commitments, there’s no doubt that she’s made a huge impact on the people in the agriculture industry, friends and neighbours close to home and different places throughout Alberta and beyond.
Being a person in the ag industry, Josie said she’s the person ideas gets bounced off of and is a soft place to land during those hard days on the farm. “You’ve got to be there for everybody.” Being surrounded by men at home, Josie said women “always have heart in everything we do” and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
