Rural Women's Month Feature: Meet Gabrielle in the Handhills

Posted By: Jesse Williams

This fierce rancher is the boss lady! I am so honoured to call her one of my good friends and love bouncing ranching ideas off her. She is marrying into a wonderful family of long time ranchers that are a huge asset to our community. While not raised with cattle all her life, you'd never know it- she can sit a horse and manage a herd like nobody's business! Read on to find out a bit more about Gabrielle...

Ranching Lady: Gabrielle Lavoie           Handhills, AB

Her Operation:
I run a black angus cow/calf pair operation with my fiancé Tommy and his family out in the Hand Hills of the Special Areas.

How long has she been at it?
I have only been working with cattle for four years now and I love it. I grew up on a hobby farm outside of Cochrane where we had buffalo, horses, chicken and meat rabbits.

Gabrielle and her fiancé Tommy are set to wed this summer

Any off farm careers?
I work part-time in Hanna at the Hospital and volunteer with DEMSA and Search and Rescue but the ranch keeps me busy.
 

What is your favorite thing about living in a rural community?
I love that there is always someones door open that you can go for coffee and have a good BS. Also that help is always there if you need it- that's the best by far. 

This photo was captioned: "Having too much fun. They know that if you find a job you love you never have to work a day in your life. Ranching is that job!"

 If you could change one thing about your rural community what would it be?
Nothing! Everything and everyone is amazing.  

What's one piece of advice you would give other ranching women?
I know everyone says this but it is so true- HOUSE WORK CAN WAIT!! And that your crock pot is your best appliance in the kitchen for our busy lifestyle. 
 

Any activities you enjoy off farm?
The best way to relax for myself is to go for a run right outside my front door and listen to all the wildlife around me and take in the beauty. I also love going to the city to catch up with my girlfriends and have a good time.  

Why ranching?
How could you do anything else? Plus, I drove into the city just the other day and I couldn't get out of their fast enough!

Gabrielle checking on her herd.