Three visionary leaders inducted into Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame

On January 29, 2025, the 41st induction ceremony of the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was held at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was created in 1951 to recognize outstanding contributions in shaping the progress and prosperity of Alberta agriculture. Since 1951, 144 men and women have been named to the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame for their innovation and unwavering dedication to the ag industry.

Three Albertans have been selected for the 2024 induction year, marking their significant contributions to the advancement and prosperity of Alberta’s agriculture industry.

The inductees are:

• Dr. Kee Jim, of Okotoks, Alberta. Jim is honoured for his innovative, data-driven approach to feedlot cattle health, effective disease protocols, and strengthening Alberta’s cattle industry.
• Blair Roth, of Lethbridge, Alberta. Roth is recognized for his visionary role in developing pulse crops as a dryland farming option, shaping early agronomics, variety selection, and marketing selections.
• Manfred Kanehl (posthumous induction) of Parkland County, Alberta. Kanehl is celebrated for his outstanding contributions to animal welfare and food safety within the Canadian egg industry and for pioneering the Start Clean – Stay Clean on-farm food safety program, which is still in use today.

Alberta’s government has proudly opened an exhibit to showcase the province’s proud ag history and honour the men and women who made agriculture innovation and growth possible. The permanent feature includes the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame and Century Farm and Ranch Award exhibit.

The exhibit will be permanently housed in the grain elevator at the Reynolds Museum and will preserve and celebrate the stories, milestones and legacy of Alberta’s agricultural history. The exhibit includes:

• Two interactive displays that provide access to biographies, photos and videos of Hall of Fame inductees.
• A large-scale display that includes banners and wall mounts combining text, imagery and design elements that showcase the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame and Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award programs.

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, has expressed his pride in welcoming the new inductees.

“[The inductees] have played a crucial role in raising awareness of agriculture’s importance, and were instrumental in the early development of our province. This year, I am thrilled to open the Ag Hall of Fame exhibit, a permanent space to celebrate the legacy and innovations that shape Alberta’s agricultural industry.”