Five individuals and one organization were honored by the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists on Thursday.
Two faculty members from the University of Saskatchewan received the Distinguished Agrologist Award.
Dr. Sabine Banniza is a well known plant pathologist specializing in pulse crop diseases such as aphanomyces. Together with the Pulse Crop breeders at the Crop Development Centre, Dr Banniza has been involved with the development of 85 pulse crop varieties over the years—peas, lentil chickpea and dry bean.
Dr. Pierre Hucl is a plant breeder at the Crop Development Centre. His work has resulted in significant improvements in wheat productivity. In addition to wheat, Dr. Hucl was also behind efforts to develop the first canary seed approved for human consumption in Canada.
Blake Weiseth received the Outstanding Young Agrologist Award. He is the Applied Research Lead at the Glacier Farm Media Discovery Farm near Langham and a research chair at Sask Polytechnic. Weiseth is also currently pursuing a PHd in soil science.
Lyse Boisvert was presented the Recognition Award—given to the agrologist who has bettered the profession. Boisvert joined Ducks Unlimited in 2014 and relocated to Yorkton where she is involved in delivering producer incentive forage programs. Boisvert is involved in many volunteer efforts such as serving as the Community Garden Manager for St. Matthew’s Anglican Church.
Lee Laughren was the recipient of the Honorary Life Membership. Lee is currently the Senior Relationship manger with RBC. He is a creative grain marketing expert with a deep understanding of the different ways farmers can contract and sell their grain.
Matrix Solutions was presented the Agrology Excellence Award. The company focuses on environmental stewardship and works to ensure every project it is involved with is executed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Full biographies of each recipient are below: