Ashley Wagenaar

Ashley Wagenaar didn't grow up on a farm, but agriculture ran in her family, and it wasn't long before she found her way into the industry. She began her career as an insect scout at a vegetable processing company, work that gave her a close, hands-on view of crop production from the ground up. That experience sparked a lasting passion for specialty crops, and Ashley has since built her career around carrots, green beans, sweet corn, peas, and now potatoes. She currently works with the Potato Growers of Alberta, a role that lets her bridge two of her favourite things, research and agronomy, while working alongside Alberta research institutions to bring valuable knowledge back to growers.

Ashley lives in southern Alberta with her fiancé and their two dogs. Outside of work, she spends much of her time in the Canadian Rockies, hiking, camping, and skiing throughout the year. She is also an active volunteer in her community, serving with the Coaldale Agriculture Society and the Canadian Ski Patrol, where she enjoys sharing her passion for agriculture and the outdoors with others.