The inductees for the 2023 Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame class have been announced. (File photo: farmnewsNOW / Pattison Media Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Inductees named for 2023 class of Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame

Jul 10, 2023 | 10:23 AM

CLARESHOLM, AB – Seven of Canada’s most accomplished agricultural champions will be recognized this fall.

The 2023 inductees into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame include Garnet Altwasser, John Bragg, Rory Francis, Marcel Groleau, Ron Helwer, Robert Irving, and Ray Robertson.

Hall of Fame President Ted Menzies said this year’s inductees come from across the country and from a wide array of sectors.

“These Canadian agricultural ambassadors have made lifelong contributions at the farm, regional, national and international level that support the long-term sustainability and success of our industry,” Menzies said.

THE INDUCTEES

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Garnet Altwasser is an agribusiness entrepreneur whose vision for Alberta as a hub of Canada’s beef industry saw him establish Lakeside Farm Industries Ltd., a multi-faceted business that includes Lakeside Feeders. It is the largest single-site feeding operation in Canada. Beef products from the Brooks, Alta. operation are marketed across Canada, North America and 20 other countries around the world.

John Bragg is the dominant force in the evolution of the wild blueberry industry in the Maritimes. At Bragg Foods Group, he built the sector from a cottage industry to the high-tech, export-driven sector it is today. His visionary leadership saw expanded production, a focus on research and development, new export markets and innovation in processing.

Rory Francis has dedicated his career to the agriculture and life science sector in Canada with a particular passion for island agriculture. His work and vision as a politician and business founder have changed the commercial landscape of PEI, where he is the Executive Director of BioAlliance and founder of the annual VetHealth Global conference.

Marcel Groleau is a dairy farmer and pioneer in Canadian agricultural leadership. An accomplished farm leader including his work with the Union des producteurs agricoles, Groleau is guided by collaboration and cooperation. He’s an advocate for sustainable development with a drive to improve the social-economic situation of farmers. Marcel

Ron Helwer is a visionary agribusiness leader and owner/founder of Shur Gro Farm Services which is considered one of the most effective independent fertilizer operations in Canada. A tireless entrepreneur with a generous spirit, Helwer founded what is today the Canadian Association of Agricultural Retailers and believes strongly in the value of giving back to support agricultural education.

Robert Irving’s agricultural legacy began when he established Cavendish Farms in 1980, a frozen food plant in PEI that created a local opportunity for processing and value-added agriculture. Cavendish is now the fourth-largest producer of frozen French fry products in North America. Irving also heads Cavendish Ag Services, an agricultural inputs and services company.

Ray Robertson is a recognized and highly regarded champion of forage production in Canada. A former dairy farmer and extension specialist, Robertson developed Grey Agricultural Services Centre to provide fee-for-service extension programs. His leadership saw the development of the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association, building a national vision, international markets, and research and development for Canadian hay.

The 2023 induction ceremony will be held on November 4 in Charlottetown, PEI.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.