The Recognition Award is presented to a Saskatchewan agrologist or technical agrologist who has rendered special service or made a significant contribution to the betterment of the Institute and the profession of agrology.

Dr. Bruce Coulman PhD, PAg: Dr. Coulman is a retired agrologist. As a leading research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Saskatoon Research Center, he was responsible for the programs in the breeding and genetics of alfalfa and perennial grasses. He was acting science director of the national program in crop variety development and genetic enhancement. After joining the University of Saskatchewan, he was head of the Department of Plant Sciences, and also filled the role of Interim Director for the Livestock and Forage Center of Excellence. Over his career, he supervised the research of 40 graduate students and released 22 new varieties of forage crops. He participated in research and development projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, Zambia, Ghana and China, and is the past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Coulman has been an active member of the SIA Admissions and Registration Committee which is responsible for reviewing and approving membership applications of individuals who meet the requirements for membership in the SIA.

Lorence Peterson PAg (Ret), presented posthumously: Throughout Lorence Peterson’s career as an agrologist, he worked as and Agricultural Representative in Estevan, Shellbrook and Swift Current. From 1974 to 1995 he worked at the Royal Bank. He filled the role of Executive Director of the Western Grains Research Foundation from 1996 – 2003 prior to retiring for the second time. Lorence was a dedicated and active volunteer with several organizations including Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation, Grace Lutheran Church, the Agricultural Institute of Canada, and the Saskatchewan Agriculture Graduates Association (SAGA). Lorence also gave back to the profession. He served two terms on the SIA Provincial Council, was part of the branch executives in Regina, Swift Current, and Saskatoon, and was active on the Admissions and Registration Committee. His legacy is impressive, and he is greatly missed by the Institute and his fellow agrologists.

The Distinguished Agrologist Award is presented to a Saskatchewan agrologist or technical agrologist for professional distinction associated with outstanding service and making worthy contributions to agriculture, bioresources, food and the environment. This year, there are three recipients.

Dr. Andrew Van Kessel PAg. Dr. Van Kessel is an internationally-recognized expert in animal health and nutrition. His contributions to the agriculture and food-sector have been ground-breaking and have resulted in more effective feeding strategies, management practices and improvements to livestock production, housing and the health of our farm animals. Throughout his career, he has held a number of senior leadership positions at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture and Bioresources. He has been a board member to the Prairie Swine Centre (2015-2021) and since 2018, he has been a board member and science advisor to Swine Innovation Pork, a national body responsible for funding and providing leadership in swine-related research. He is currently serving as Director of Research with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).

Glen Helgason PAg, presented posthumously: Early in his career, Glen took over his family farm, expanded the operation, started a fertilizer-spreading business, and took on the role of owner and CEO of Milligan Bio-Agriculture Services. He was a leader in learning and applying new technology and products to his business operations. He enjoyed experimenting with new ideas that were brought to the marketplace and he supported smaller local companies. He was instrumental in testing elemental sulfur and shared his knowledge and success with area farmers. Glenn was committed to supporting his community of Foam Lake. He was an active member of the Foam Lake Elks, Powerfarm Group and the Foam Lake Marketing Club. He was an inspiring farmer, businessman and agrologist, and will forever be remembered.

Michael Hoffort PAg: Michael graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Economics. His career began at Farm Credit Canada (FCC) in Prince Albert in 1988 where he filled the role of credit advisor. From 1988 to 2022, he has held various roles of increasing responsibility at FCC in the areas of land management, portfolio and risk management, customer service, alliances, and operations. He was the first chief risk officer for the company and for the past eight years was the president & chief executive officer. Michael strongly believes that the ag and food business matters to Canadians now more than ever before. Throughout his career, Mike has established and grown strong relationships within the agriculture industry, particularly during his role as CEO.

The Outstanding Young Agrologist Award is presented to a member of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists under the age of 40 who has provided outstanding service and made worthy contributions in agriculture, bioresources, food and the environment.

Scott Dudiak PAg: Scott graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc in environmental biology. Prior to moving to the Yukon, he was responsible for waste management, which included hazardous mine materials and camp waste in Northern Saskatchewan. He researched and implemented a novel solution for reducing the camp’s greenhouse gas emissions. Not only is Scott committed to making the world a better place, he is also committed to the profession of agrology. Following a move to the Yukon, he actively sought to maintain his license as the Yukon does not have a licensing body of agrologists and the Yukon is part of SIA’s jurisdiction. Building his business has enabled him to be in Saskatchewan frequently he continues to maintain his professional relationships.

The Honorary Life Membership is presented out of respect and in recognition of Saskatchewan achievements in and service to agriculture, bioresources, food or the environment, but without the usual prerequisites, duties or obligations of membership contained in The Agrologists Act and the Institute’s Bylaws.

Dieter Martin: Dieter Martin is well-known on the horticultural scene in and around Saskatoon. He was instrumental in looking after all the green space at the University of Saskatchewan as head gardener from 1957 to 1976. In addition to having to maintain the existing grounds, he was also in charge of creating new green spaces to replace the construction zones surrounding the new buildings. Dieter moved to Langham, SK in 1970, where he and his late wife Ilse began a small greenhouse business. In 1976, he retired from the university to devote his time to the Langham greenhouse operation. Through many years of hard work, Dieter has made the University of Saskatchewan one of the most beautiful campuses in Canada. His dedication to the art and science of horticulture inspired others to learn, experiment, and grow.

The Agrology Excellence (AGEX) Award is presented to an organization, agency or agri-business in recognition of outstanding contribution to agriculture, bioresources, food and the environment in Saskatchewan by providing professional services of agrologists and agricultural technologists.

At SWT (also known as the Southwest Terminal), their mission is to help their customers succeed by being the leader in grain and crop inputs solutions. Located in Gull Lake, SK, SWT opened their doors to the public in 1997 when they became the first producer-owned terminal in southwest Saskatchewan. Over the past 25 years, they expanded their operations to Hazenmore, Cabri, Shaunavon, Wymark, and Kyle.  SWT supports the communities they serve. SWT’s slogan is Investing in your farm and community. One of their many community sponsorship initiatives includes the matching donation program where producers have the option to donate up to 50 cents per metric tonne of grain delivered to their terminals to a charity of their choice and SWT will match their donation.