By Alice McFarlane

Outstanding Saskatchewan agrologists recognized

Mar 22, 2024 | 2:00 PM

The accomplishments of some of Saskatchewan’s best and brightest agrologists were recognized yesterday.

Five individuals and one organization were selected by the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (SIA) based on their contributions in agriculture, bioresources, and environmental sectors within Saskatchewan.

The Recognition Award is presented to Lyse Boisvert. Early in her career, Boisvert worked for Monsanto as a canola breeding assistant and for Cargill as an agronomist. In 2014 she joined Ducks Unlimited Canada as an Agrologist with the Winter Wheat Initiative program in Saskatoon. She later relocated to Yorkton and moved into an expanded agrologist role to look after upland restoration and deliver producer incentive forage programs for the Parkland area.

The Distinguished Agrologist Award was presented to Dr. Sabine Banniza and Dr. Pierre Hucl, faculty members from the University of Saskatchewan.

Banniza’s research explores host-pathogen interactions in greater detail which has resulted in the development of better tools to breed for superior disease resistance faster. Through her close ties with Saskatchewan producers, successful strategies for breeding and disease management have revolutionized the agricultural landscape. Banniza has been involved in the development of 85 pulse crop varieties including lentil, field pea, chickpea, and dry bean.

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Hucl is world renowned for research advancing plant breeding has earned him global recognition as a pioneer in the field. His work has resulted in significant improvements in wheat productivity in western Canada, contributing to sustainable food security. Hucl is a highly productive plant breeder of bread wheat, specialty wheat, and canary seed. His work to develop canary seed as a viable cereal crop has established Saskatchewan as the leading producer and exporter of canary seed.

The Outstanding Young Agrologist Award is presented to a young member of SIA under the age of 40 who has provided outstanding service and made worthy contributions to agriculture. Blake Weiseth holds a master’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Soil Science and is passionate about advancing the understanding of soil and its impact on the environment. Weiseth is the Applied Research lead at Glacier FarmMedia Discovery Farm and as Research Chair at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The Honorary Life Membership was presented Lee Laughren. He held a variety of roles with a local grain elevator company ranging from buying grain to serving as a crop advisor. He then moved to RBC with his current role as the Senior Relationship Account Manager. In this position, he manages relationships with mid to large size farms, producers, and agribusiness clients.

The Agrology Excellence (AGEX) Award was presented to Matrix Solutions Inc., an environmental and engineering consulting firm.

There are more than 1,800 registered agrologists in Saskatchewan.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW

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