Lloyd Ellice Atchison of Pipestone, Manitoba, is inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in recognition of his exemplary contributions to agriculture, conservation, and community service spanning over five decades.
Born May 8, 1943, in Souris, Manitoba, Lloyd has dedicated his life to farming excellence and environmental stewardship. In 1970, he purchased Poplarview Stock Farm near Findlay, transforming it from a modest operation of six quarters and 90 black Angus cows into a thriving 35-quarter, 900-head cattle operation that became a model of sustainable agriculture.
Lloyd’s pioneering work with Limousin cattle began in the late 1960s when he enrolled in crossbreeding experiments with the Canadian Department of Agriculture. His commitment to breed improvement led to his recognition as a founding member of the Manitoba Limousin Association in 1971, where he served as president and on numerous committees. His cattle achieved national recognition, including the top indexing percentage bull at the National Bull Test in Irricana, Alberta, and he received the Manitoba Performance Testing Premiere Commercial Beef Producer award in 1986.
Beyond his farm gate, Lloyd demonstrated unwavering commitment to public service, serving 35 years as a councillor for the Rural Municipality of Sifton (1970-2006) and dedicating over 30 years to conservation boards. As a founding board member of the West Souris River Conservation District in 1995, and later chairman of the Souris River Watershed District, he championed sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation initiatives that benefited the entire region.
Lloyd’s philosophy of “leaving the land better than received” guided his implementation of innovative conservation practices including zero tillage, extensive shelterbelt plantings, rotational grazing systems, and buried waterline installations to protect waterways. These efforts earned Poplarview Stock Farm a nomination for Grazer of the Year (2004) and Conservation Family of the Year (2006) from the West Souris River Conservation District, and designation as a century farm in 2005.
Known throughout his community as “Mr. Fix It,” Lloyd exemplified the spirit of rural cooperation, always willing to help neighbors with machinery repairs and community projects. His involvement extended to the Pipestone United Church, Pool Elevators, Manitoba Cattle Producers (now Manitoba Beef Producers), and the Findlay Community Club.
Lloyd Atchison’s legacy represents the finest traditions of Manitoba agriculture: innovation in farming practices, dedication to conservation, and selfless service to community. His lifetime of contributions has not only advanced agricultural excellence but has also inspired future generations to embrace sustainable stewardship of our natural resources.
The Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame proudly honours Lloyd Atchison for his outstanding achievements in agriculture and his enduring commitment to the betterment of rural Manitoba.
Year Inducted: 2025