Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame Exhibit at the Reynolds Museum
Minister RJ Sigurdson opens a permanent exhibit to honour the individuals and innovations that have shaped Alberta’s agricultural industry. The exhibit provides a lasting platform to educate the public about the rich history and ongoing contributions of agriculture, fostering a deeper appreciation for the work, challenges, and achievements of farmers, researchers, educators and industry leaders.
Next Agriculture Hall of Fame nominations open: Early 2026
Overview
The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was created in 1951 to recognize individuals on a biennial cycle who have made significant contributions to the agriculture and food industry and to the development and sustainability of rural life in Alberta.
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation ceremonially inducts up to 3 individuals every 2 years. The Selection Panel is appointed by the Deputy Minister and is comprised of a cross-section of panelists representing Alberta's agriculture industry.
Eligibility
Individuals, who have demonstrated leadership in farm, rural or commodity organizations, or in the food industry, are eligible for the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame. Leadership must have been demonstrated over many years at the provincial level, and the candidate must have made a significant province-wide impact on the industry as a whole.
Nominations
A candidate must be nominated by 3 individuals other than members of the candidate's immediate family. Nominators may submit a nomination on behalf of an organization or independently as individuals.
Evaluation
Information provided in the nomination form must stand on its own, and is the primary document used for evaluating candidates.
In addition to the completed nomination form, 3 letters of recommendation should be provided with letters not exceeding 2 pages each.
Additional information is not required.
2024 Hall inductees
Dr. Kee Jim – Okotoks
Dr. Kee Jim grew up on a ranch in the North Thompson Valley, B.C., and graduated with distinction as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. After moving to Alberta, he founded Feedlot Health Management Services (FHMS) in Okotoks, pioneering a data-driven approach to feedlot cattle health. His work established effective disease protocols, particularly for fall-placed weaned calves, improving animal health, efficiency and profitability in Alberta’s cattle industry. FHMS grew rapidly across Canada and expanded internationally, now employing over 60 PhDs and veterinarians serving North America, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia.
Kee began cattle feeding in 1983 with 18 head of feeders, growing the G.K. Jim Group of Companies into one of North America’s largest cattle feeders, with operations in Canada and the U.S. He is currently leading the construction of a state-of-the-art feedlot in southwestern Nebraska, incorporating technologies like Roller Compacted Concrete and a methane digester.
A dedicated industry leader, Kee has served on numerous boards and associations, providing critical expertise during challenges such as the BSE crisis, trade disputes and drought recovery. Known for fostering camaraderie within the agricultural community, Kee inspires others to work together to make a difference for every person, industry or community that relies on agriculture.
Manfred Kanehl – Parkland County (Posthumous Inductee)
In the early 1990s, Manfred championed advancements in food safety within the Canadian egg industry. His efforts led to the development of the Start Clean – Stay Clean on-farm food safety program, launched nationally by Egg Farmers of Canada and is still in use today. In 1997, Manfred and his son founded Specht-Canada Inc., distributing high-quality poultry caging from Germany and Italy. Known for their animal welfare standards and advanced manure management, these systems quickly gained recognition across Canada. That same year, Manfred donated equipment to the University of Alberta’s Poultry Unit expansion.
Manfred’s passion and commitment to animal care and welfare extended beyond his farm and the egg industry, he was a founding member of Alberta Farm Animal Care, advocating for collaborative approaches to address livestock welfare. His dedication extended to local organizations like the Stony Plain Chamber of Commerce, where he supported fundraisers and community events. For years, he hosted a fundraiser for Memorial Composite High School’s graduating class and mentored University of Alberta agriculture students.
Passionate about public education, Manfred participated in industry events like the Calgary Stampede, Heifer in Your Tank and Rural Café, promoting awareness of the egg industry and agriculture as a whole. His family and farm were his greatest priorities, with his values continuing through his children. His daughter Susan took over the family farm after his passing in 2021, becoming a leader in the industry and chair of Alberta Egg Producers.
Manfred’s legacy lives on through his contributions to food safety, animal welfare, agricultural education and through his family’s continued dedication to the industry.
Blair Roth – Lethbridge
Blair Roth has been a tireless advocate for special crops, significantly advancing opportunities for Alberta and Canadian farmers. Born in Medicine Hat and raised on a farm near Bow Island, Blair began his career as an Assistant District Agriculturalist in 1976. By 1979, he became Southern Alberta’s Special Crops Specialist, leading trials, and market assessments for various crops, including mint, safflower, dry beans, peas, lentils and mustard. He played a pioneering role in developing pulse crops as a dryland farming option, shaping early agronomics, variety selection and marketing strategies.
Blair was instrumental in establishing the Alberta Pulse Growers Association and Alberta Safflower Growers Association. In 1990, he joined Alberta Wheat Pool (later Viterra), where, as Director of Special Crops, he oversaw procurement, processing and marketing of pulses and other crops. His initiatives included acquiring Demeter Agro, developing specialty oat and pea processing plants, and advancing Alberta’s dry bean industry through collaborative research.
Recognizing the need for pest management solutions for minor crops, Blair co-founded the Prairie Pesticide Minor Use Consortium (PPMUC) in 2000, serving as Chair for 15 years. PPMUC facilitated critical pesticide registrations for pulses, forages, vegetables and spices, ensuring Canadian farmers had access to these essential tools.
Though he retired in 2022, Blair continues to contribute as a consultant and mentor, sharing his expertise with the next generation. His lifelong dedication to innovation, marketing and collaboration in agriculture has had a lasting influence, making him a driving force in Canada’s Special Crops and Pulse industries.
Past inductees
A list of Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees since 1951 is also available.
Contact
Connect with the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-554-3780
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: susan.lacombe@gov.ab.ca
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