Two AAFC scientists top Canada’s 2023 list of influential women in agriculture

As a curious child growing up in a small mountainous town, with her hands in the soil and feet in the grass, Dr. Ana Badea wondered why and how the leaves changed colours with the seasons. It was this curiosity and satisfaction that Ana got from being connected to the land that led her to pursue an education in agricultural science and become the scientist she is today.

Dr. Badea is a research scientist at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Brandon Research and Development Centre (RDC) where she specializes in barley breeding and genetics. She leads the AAFC Western Canadian barley breeding program which focuses on the development of improved barley cultivars. This enables producers to be more efficient, and the end users to be more competitive internationally.

Her work has not gone unnoticed by her peers in the agricultural industry. She admits that she was shocked when she got the email to inform her that she had been named as one of six 2023 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture by Annex Business Media.

"It was such an honour to get the acknowledgment from the industry and it's still very hard to believe. We don't do our work to be seen, but someone is taking the time to see what we're doing. It was unexpected and so positive — it only motivates me to keep working even harder and continue being fully engaged."

- Dr. Ana Badea, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Dr. Badea credits a few individuals who helped her along her career path and mentioned one special woman in particular. The late Dr. Claudia Sheedy, a research scientist at the Lethbridge RDC, had been a positive influence when Dr. Badea's career as a scientist with AAFC was just about to start. She felt as though Claudia seemed to know what to say and when to say it — they were in tune with each other. Looking back, Dr. Badea says she's been fortunate to have professional relationships with inspiring women and men who always seem to have the right advice at the right time and the patience to mentor and guide her.

Dr. Badea's advice for other women pursing careers in agriculture: make sure you surround yourself with people who are challenging you on an intellectual level. Dr. Badea says "don't become flat, you have to stay challenged. It's also important to take time to know yourself and your limits, that helps you build confidence and stops you from doubting yourself — don't question why you're at the table."

Once Dr. Judith Nyiraneza got bit by the "science bug" in high school — unlike many kids at that age, she knew exactly what she wanted to do for her career. Dr. Nyiraneza was certain that agriculture would be the best fit for her and would scratch that "science bug" itch. She obtained a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences and pursued post-graduate studies to specialize in soil science and crop nutrient management.

Fast forward to 2023, where Dr. Nyiraneza is now a brilliant and well-respected woman in science at the AAFC Charlottetown Research and Development Centre. She recently co-led the Living Lab — Atlantic project from 2019 to March 2023 where she collaborated directly with PEI farmers, researchers and industry to co-develop environmentally friendly farming practices to improve soil health. Dr. Nyiraneza is leading a new and important Agricultural Climate Solutions project that aims to sequester carbon in soils and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. She was also named as an outstanding reviewer by the Canadian Journal of Soil Science in 2015.

A resume as decorated as hers is bound to get noticed, which led Dr. Nyiraneza to recently be named among her peers as one of the 2023 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture.

"I am so extremely happy and proud to be honoured as part of this year's crop of women in agriculture and to be nominated by my AAFC colleague in Saskatchewan, Dr. Mervin St. Luce. Being recognized by the industry is important because it means that the work we are doing matters and has practical applications for Canadian farmers."

- Dr. Judith Nyiraneza, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Dr. Nyiraneza credits a combination of factors which have led to her passion for, and success, in her career in agricultural science. These factors include AAFC's support for innovation in agriculture that provides everything that is needed to perform ground-breaking research, her dedicated team of research assistants and farm crew, her supporting family, as well as past supervisors and mentors who not only inspired her, but also provided her with great training.

For other women wanting to get involved in science, Dr. Nyiraneza's advice is simple: just go for it.

"In science and in agriculture there are many opportunities, so pick an area of interest, and just go for it. It is important to do something we like because all difficulties along the way can be perceived as opportunities, instead of obstacles. People working in agriculture contribute to producing food or to sustain natural resources, and that is a fulfilling mission."