Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
News Release / January 12, 2010
New Inductees into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame
Five individuals will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame for 2010. They are Brian Rossnagel, Ed Siedle, Jim Halford, Bob Brack and the late Dexter Beach.
The announcement was made January 12 at the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association annual meeting, held as part of Crop Production Week in Saskatoon.
Brian Rossnagel has been a Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre since 1977. He is a pioneer in barley and oat breeding, developing many excellent varieties. Brian has been the breeder or co-breeder of over 60 varieties and has been recognized by honorary life memberships in both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Seed Growers Associations.
Ed Seidle has been growing pedigreed seed in the Medstead area since 1946. He has spent a great deal of time on research projects with Agriculture Canada studying canola diseases, canola seed vigor and barley germination and has impressed crop specialists with his knowledge and keen observations. Throughout his farming career, Ed has pushed for projects that would better the seed growing industry.
James (Jim) Halford of Indian Head has pioneered the development and adoption of zero-till farming. His patented Conserva Pak Seeding System showed that it was possible to seed while applying a crop’s total fertilizer requirements in a one-pass seeding system. Jim led the development of the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association and is one of the individuals responsible for the revolutionary change in Prairie seeding practices.
Robert (Bob) Brack worked in the University’s Extension Department for nearly four decades, making innovative and long-lasting contributions to the development of rural youth, producers and agricultural organizations. Bob worked to bring about positive and far-reaching changes in the 4-H program. Working collaboratively with other professionals, he played a major role in providing information to farmers.
Dexter Beach, an agricultural engineer, was considered a leading Canadian expert on oilseed crushing. He was one of the main people responsible for the development of a rapeseed (canola) crushing plant at Nipawin. The first production from the plant occurred in 1963. Dexter was involved in many improvements at plants across Western Canada. Facilities at Nipawin are currently operated by Bunge.
“Since the 2010 inductees all have ties to crop production and two have direct ties to the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association, we decided to make the announcement at the Seed Grower’s annual meeting,” says Jack Hay, Chair of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame.
The actual induction ceremony for the five new members will take place on the August long weekend. The Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame is housed at Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum. Information on the SAHF and all the past inductees can also be found at www.sahf.ca.
