Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame Exhibit at 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.
On Jan. 29, the 41st induction ceremony took place at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin, honouring three outstanding Albertans. In addition to the induction, a permanent exhibit at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin has been opened, which will showcase both new and former inductees, as well as the rich history of agriculture in Alberta.
“I am honoured to welcome three new inductees to the Agriculture Hall of Fame. They have helped to raise awareness of the vital role of agriculture and were essential to 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.”
The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame inducts up to three Albertans every two years. The 2024 inductees are being honoured for their advocacy, leadership and pioneering spirit in advancing the province’s agriculture and food industry. The inductees are:
- Dr. Kee Jim, from Okotoks, for his innovative, data-driven approach to feedlot cattle health, effective disease protocols and strengthening Alberta’s cattle industry.
- Blair Roth, from Lethbridge, for his visionary role in developing pulse crops as a dryland farming option, shaping early agronomics, variety selection and marketing strategies.
- Manfred Kanehl (posthumous induction), from Parkland County, for his outstanding contributions and advancements to animal welfare and food safety within the Canadian egg industry and for pioneering the Start Clean – Stay Clean on-farm food safety program launched nationally and still in use today.
Permanent exhibit: Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame and Century Farm and Ranch Award
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.
“I’m excited that the Reynolds Museum is celebrating Alberta’s agricultural history by showcasing the Albertans who shaped it and spurred the sector’s innovation and growth. I hope all Albertans have the chance to visit this exhibit and learn the inspiring stories of these outstanding individuals.”
Quick facts: Ag Hall of Fame
- The Agriculture Hall of Fame is the Department of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation’s oldest and most prestigious award.
- The inductees were nominated by their peers through an open process and reviewed by a panel of judges from a cross-section of members from Alberta’s agriculture industry.
Quick facts: Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame and Century Farm and Ranch Award exhibit
- The Ministries of Agriculture and Irrigation and Arts, Culture and Status of Women collaborated on the design and decision to install the Ag Hall of Fame at the Reynolds Museum.
- The Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award, established in 1993, recognizes families who have continuously owned and operated the same land for at least 100 years.
- Alberta’s oldest farms and ranches trace back to 1884.
Related information
- Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame
- 2024 Hall Inductees
Multimedia
- Dr. Kee Jim video
- Blair Roth video
- Manfred Kanehl video