Empowering Women in the Canadian Beef Industry

She Grows Beef®

Women are major stakeholders in their farm operations, and their voice is growing in the Canadian beef industry. SHE Grows Beef®, an educational initiative of Merck Animal Health in Canada, brings women in the beef industry together to inspire each other and strengthen their skills. When women work together, they don’t just grow beef, they grow communities.

Our Pillars

Industry Advocacy

The agricultural landscape is changing and women’s work is not just being recognized, women are assuming leadership roles in the Canadian beef industry. SHE Grows Beef® gives women a voice for their unique concerns about farm life, such as isolation, consumer perception, and lack of resources. Together, women can grow the future of the industry.

Business Development

Amazing things happen when Merck Animal Health’s resources meet women’s natural resourcefulness. As more women move into management and leadership positions in the beef industry, so grows the need for women-focused business development and educational opportunities. SHE Grows Beef® invites women to learn about topics including technology, capital investment, and succession planning.

Animal Care

Our annual in-person conference features topics such as herd management, low-stress animal handling, and deworming protocols. Our in-person workshops are an intimate environment for participants to gain confidence and hands-on experience, but attendance is limited. SHE Grows Beef® is moving towards a hybrid of live and virtual events so women can attend even if they can’t leave their farm.

Farm women are strong.
Together we are powerful.

SHE Grows Beef® brings women together to improve their farm operations and advocate for their role in the beef industry. Watch what happens when we get together at our conferences. Because great things happen when we empower each other.

Our Founders

Amanda Elzinga-Pugh
Account Manager,
Farm Animal – Alberta

Bachelor of Science, Agriculture

Amanda is a cattle owner who understands the unique challenges of women in the beef industry. She and her husband own and operate Pugh Farms, a purebred Angus and Hereford cattle operation in Edgerton, Alberta.

In her work, Amanda visits many farm operations and talks to many dynamic women. She’s clearly listening because her passion for the industry and her desire to connect made SHE Grows Beef® happen.

Heather Davis
Account Manager,
Farm Animal – Manitoba

Diploma of Agriculture Technology – Livestock

Heather grew up in a small agricultural town in Manitoba and currently resides on a farm North of Brandon, Manitoba.

Her entrepreneurial family showed her that women can do anything they choose to do. Seeing a need for women-focused business development and educational opportunities, inspired Heather to partner with Amanda and Colleen to create SHE Grows Beef®.

Dr. Collen Pollock

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Growing up on a commercial cow-calf operation and her natural desire to teach and improve animal care inspired Colleen to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Colleen believes in the value of small group, health & welfare workshops delivered in the rural communities where participants live and work.

Together the founders agreed; education, hands-on experience and networking to build knowledge and confidence will always be a core focus of SHE Grows Beef®.