By Alice McFarlane

Alberta Ag Hall of Fame inducts visionaries

Jan 29, 2025 | 4:01 PM

Alberta has honoured three visionary leaders by inducting them into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame for their contributions to the province’s agriculture and food industry.

The honourees are Dr. Kee Jim, from Okotoks and Blair Roth, of Lethbridge, and Manfred Kanehl (posthumous induction) from Parkland County.

Dr. Jim was recognized for his innovative, data-driven approach to feedlot cattle health, effective disease protocols and strengthening Alberta’s cattle industry. Roth was a visionary in developing pulse crops as a dryland farming option, shaping early agronomics, variety selection and marketing strategies. Kanehl was known 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 41st induction ceremony took place at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin where a permanent exhibit was opened, which will showcase both new and former inductees, as well as the rich history of agriculture in Alberta.

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation was on hand for both events.

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“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,” he said. “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 exhibit will showcase the province’s proud ag history and honour the men and women who made agriculture innovation and growth possible. The permanent features include 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.

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 Hall for their dedication to the ag industry.

Up to three Albertans are inducted every two years.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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