One of the highlights from the Women in Ag Conference last week in Saskatoon was the presentation of the Extra Mile Award to Alanna Koch.

She served as Deputy Minister to former Premier Brad Wall, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Saskatchewan, and was recently named the board chair of the Global Institute for Food Security.

The "Extra Mile Award" is sponsored by Agribiz Communications in Saskatoon, President Adele Buettner says Koch is a worthy recipient for the inaugural award.

“She’s mentored women from farmers to agri-business professionals, youth from post-secondary to early career stages; and of course she’s been a leader and a mentor to many women in different areas.”

Koch says she was honored to receive the award.

“I was honored and humbled as well as shocked and surprised when I got the call. I know there are so many remarkable women in the industry that, there’s many that are worthy of this recognition. I can tell you that every extra mile that I’ve ever gone has been supported by mentors and lots of family and friends. So, I didn’t do it on my own, it’s a remarkable industry. It’s really thrilling to be recognized with this award.”

Koch also served as President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and was Executive Director of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association.