From rural roots to modern design: How Dianna Hooge balances dual passions

This is part of a series of profiles highlighting participants in our women in the egg industry program, a unique mutual mentorship program that brings together women egg farmers from across Canada to build leadership skills and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Dianna Hooge

Abbotsford, British Columbia

From hand-collecting eggs to selling corn out of a flatbed truck, farm life has been Dianna Hooge’s reality since childhood. Her grandparents started Siemens Farms Ltd. in the 1960s, and over decades, their operation expanded into multiple family-run farms.

Today, Dianna and her husband manage Wal-Net Enterprises, a free range egg farm in Abbotsford, British Columbia, continuing the family tradition while adding their own modern touches.

“I’ve never known life off the farm,” says Dianna, “even as a kid, I was always involved, whether tending to the birds or helping with crops.” Her husband handles the hands-on farm chores, while Dianna looks after the administration and planning aspects. Together, they manage flocks and oversee the daily operations that keep their farm running smoothly.

Alongside farming, Dianna pursues her creative side through interior design. She works part-time designing and installing cabinetry, including cabinetry for farm buildings and offices, which allows her to blend creativity with practicality and put her diploma in interior design from the British Columbia Institute of Technology to good use. “Farming is hands-on too she explains “but design lets me use my hands in a different way, measure, plan and see a project come together.”

Being a woman in egg farming also comes with a unique perspective, she says. “Growing up on a farm has given me a strong work ethic, but I also understand the business and planning side,” she says. “Women bring attention to detail, empathy and collaboration, which are critical qualities whether you’re managing flocks, staff or schedules.”

Dianna recently joined the women in egg industry program, eager to connect with peers, expand her knowledge and gain leadership skills. “I’m excited to meet other women, hear their experiences and share what I know,” she says. “This program helps women step into leadership roles and strengthens the community across farms.”

She also looks forward to making meaningful contributions to industry conversations. “It’s about being able to keep up and add your input, whether it’s about admin, strategy or hands-on care,” she explains.

Her approach to family and farming reflects her commitment to continuity. Her three children—ages five, three and one—are already learning responsibility and care for animals. “Growing up on a farm is something I am very excited to provide for my children,” she says. “I want them to see where their food comes from and understand hard work.”

Even with her busy schedule of farm life and creative work, she relishes the variety of combining the practical legacy of her grandparents with her own creative and strategic contributions to the family’s thriving farm.

From the rhythm of the seasons and the challenge of problem-solving, to the satisfaction of contributing to Canada’s food system, Dianna says farming offers it all. “You feel connected to something bigger,” she says. “Eggs are healthy, affordable and a staple for so many families. Knowing we play a role in that is really meaningful.”

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