Alberta Ag Hall of Fame welcomes three new members

On Jan. 29, the 41st induction ceremony for the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame took place at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin.

In addition to the induction, a permanent exhibit at the museum was 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,” said RJ Sigurdson, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame inducts up to three Albertans every two years. 

The 2024 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.

The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was created in 1951, with 144 men and women being named to the Hall since its inception.

Alberta’s government also 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.