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It is with great pleasure that the Meighen Haddad LLP team congratulates our Partner and colleague, Laura McDougald-Williams, for winning the YWCA Westman 2024 Women of Distinction Award - Agriculture Category. Laura was recognized for her exemplary achievements in the agriculture industry both as a farmer and a lawyer – having contributed to sustainable farm practices and advocating for legal education within her community. She received the award at the Women of Distinction Awards Gala Night held on May 15 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.
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The YWCA Westman Women of Distinction Awards honour women who have made significant contributions to the Westman area through their leadership, innovation and social impact. The agriculture category highlights women visionaries who are championing ecological farming practices and setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship and food security. The gala event is YWCA’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting women and families in need by providing shelter, programs and services.
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Laura co-manages a 4,500-acre cereal and oilseed operation along the Souris River in Southwestern Manitoba with her husband, Dustin. Throughout their farming years, Laura and Dustin have been dedicated to improving their processes with a focus on innovative agricultural practices and environmental preservation. Because of her commitment and contribution to the local farming industry, Laura was named one of Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2012.
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Laura is at the forefront of the Firm’s agribusiness practice area. Her own experience as a farmer gives her a unique perspective on the risks involved in farming and helps her establish a long-term relationship with the Firm’s farm clients.
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With a wealth of knowledge in the agricultural sector, Laura values the opportunity to share this wisdom and experience to help other farmers (men and women alike) understand and manage the complex environment of farming and develop a fulfilling and lifelong passion for agriculture. She has been an active presenter on farm succession planning and other legal considerations of agribusiness at farm conferences such as the Crop Connect Conference and Ag Days, and has been featured in the Country Guide and Grain News on these topics.
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Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Laura!